Anyone who has experienced working and living in Manila knows that the big city can be too exhausting especially. While there is a long list of hangout hubs in this large metropolis for couples and families like shopping malls, food parks or museums, there are just weekends when you just want to feel the fun and freedom of travel and adventure.
However, since work schedules often limit your free time, is there a way to have such an unforgettable getaway with the little time that you have? Well, the answer is YES.
Here are the most unique and one-of-a-kind overnight destinations near Manila that you should check out soon:
1. Puning Hot Springs
Location: Sapang Bato, Porac, Pampanga
The natural beauty of Puning’s Hot Springs is actually an aftermath of a destructive natural calamity, the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo. The site is just located at the foothills of the volcano and is now a well-established hot spring and spa destination.
Where to stay
There are several affordable accommodations that cater to overnight travelers and guests near Puning Hot Springs and Spa. For top-rated hotels and inns, you may click this link here.
How to get there
Take the bus from Metro Manila to Pampanga, and get off at the Mabalacat Bus Terminal. From Mabalacat, take a jeepney or a tricycle to Clark (main gate) and another jeepney ride to the resort’s transport pick up location near Mini-Stop, Sutherland. From there, 4×4 vehicles will finally take resort guests to the Puning Hot Spring’s main entrance.
For more details and contact information, refer to this link.
Things to remember
- The entire resort is composed of 3 stations: the main entrance with a reception area, the spa and relaxation area, and finally, the hot springs.
- The management offers a full package that includes a 4×4 ride to the hotel, meals, tour guide, spa services (massage, mud pack and sand spa), and access to the hot and cold spring.
- According to the latest information, the whole experience can cost 3,000 PHP – 3,500 PHP per person.
2. Pinto Art Museum
Location: Grand Heights Subdivision, Antipolo Rizal
One of the unique art museums in the country is located in Antipolo, Rizal, where native and contemporary artworks reside. The entire museum compound is set on the side of a hill and all its artworks are housed in galleries inspired by Greek architecture.
Anyone who loves art and nature will surely appreciate the lovely uniqueness of this must-visit destination which is just 21 kilometers away from Metro Manila. Here, you have a variety that rangers from paintings to sculptures. Also, the work presented here are those done by local artists.
Where to stay
If you want to fully relax and temporarily get away from the hassles of the big city, staying overnight in Antipolo after visiting Pinto is a smart decision.
There are several accommodations in Antipolo city where you can just relax and have a quiet time with your loved ones. Restaurants with observatories overlooking Metro Manila’s skyline can be found along Antipolo’s main highway.
How to get there
From Manila, there are several transportation options that you can choose from. The most convenient is from Ayala, Makati where you can board a van or FX vehicle that will take you directly to Antipolo’s town church, locally known as “Simbahan”.
From Simbahan there’s a line of tricycles (fare is 40 PHP – 50 PHP) that will take you to Grand Heights Subdivision where the museum compound is located.
Things to remember
- The museum is closed on Monday and is only open from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- There is a restaurant located within the museum compound where guests can order delicious and relatively affordable meals.
- Entrance fee is 200 Philippine Peso for regular/adults while senior citizens and PWDs can enjoy a 10% discount as long as they have their ID cards with them.
- Student IDs are honored and holders will enjoy a 50% discount.
- Food and drinks from outside are not allowed; they have a “baggage counter” where you can leave your things if you don’t want to carry them around the museum.
- Just like any museum, camera flashes are NOT allowed when taking photos.
For more details, you may contact them here.
3. Cavinti Underground River and Caves Complex
Location: Paowin, Cavinti, Laguna
Cavinti is a home to one of the country’s ecotourism destinations. The site offers an adventure like no other, with its underground river and caves complex that helps travelers and adventurers appreciate the beauty of what nature has to offer.
The experience includes an orientation and exploration where guests can learn more about these mesmerizing cave formations as well as preservation efforts by the site’s management team.
According to locals, the cave complex was accidentally discovered by a farmer one day when he was on his daily hike to look for firewood. This happened just a few years ago and in fact, the whole area was opened to the public just in 2013.
Where to stay
Cavinti’s cave adventure is not for the faint of heart and you’ll need to fully prepare yourself for your trip head. Accommodations around the town are available for solo or group or weekend stays. Here’s a helpful list of hotels near Cavinti, Laguna that you can check out.
How to get there
From Manila, take a bus bound to Sta. Cruz Terminal in Laguna. From the terminal, board a jeepney going to Cavinti’s Poblacion. The whole jeepney ride will take almost an hour. Then, take a tricycle to the Bumbungan Eco Park where you can finally ride a 4×4 car to the cave’s Guard Post.
For a detailed guide that can help you plan the trip, you may contact them here.
Things to remember
- Exploring the cave complex needs an upper beginner to intermediate spelunking experience, so this site is a perfect place for adventure seekers who want to add an item to their bucket list.
- It’s advisable to bring your own packed meals since the trip, including transport, can take to up to 6 hours and there are no commercial establishments near the site.
- Travel responsibly and respect the place – listen to your guide at all times.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, this list of overnight destinations near Manila will help you have the best weekend of travel, adventure, and relaxation that you truly deserve.
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