If you find yourself in Manila for work, consider adding on a day or two to experience one of these great day trips from Manila! These options allow you to experience some great nature, get a view of that beautiful turquoise water you see in pictures, and learn more about the history of the Philippines.
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Tagaytay & Taal Volcano
Tagaytay is a popular option on this list of day trips from Manila. The main attraction is Taal Volcano which is perched in the middle of a lake. Visitors to Tagaytay usually spend the day lounging at the one of many local restaurants and cafés with panoramic views of the volcano. The weather is always cooler than in Manila, so it’s a nice break. If you are more adventurous, you can continue onto the town of Talisay and take a boat across the lake to the volcano.
Logistics
It takes 2 to 3 hours to get to Tagaytay from Manila, depending on traffic. It is easiest to hire a private car and driver or use Grab rideshare to get there and back. If you want to add on Talisay and take a boat ride across the lake to the volcano, it’s best to book a group tour.
Corregidor Island
If you are interested in World War II history, look no further than Corregidor Island. This island served as a military stronghold during the war, earning the nickname “The Rock.” There are extensive ruins, tunnels, bunkers, defense batteries, and other relics from the war. The island also features great scenery, with lush forests, cliffs, and nice beaches.
Logistics
Most visits to Corregidor Island are by guided tour at this time. They include a ferry ride from Manila, bus transportation on the island, a guided tour, and buffet lunch. The ferry ride is 1.5 hours each way, and the guided tour is typically 3 hours. The entire experience is about 8 hours.
Pagsanjan Falls
Next on our list of great day trips from Manila is Pagsanjan Falls. This three-tiered, 300 foot waterfall drops into an emerald green pool. At the base of the waterfall, you can take a bamboo raft into Devil’s Cave. But the canoe journey to get to the waterfall is probably the best thing about this day trip. You’ll board the boat at Pagsanjan Town for a two hour journey to the waterfall. As you float along and periodically shoot through the rapids, you will enjoy tremendous views of the spectacular scenery of the area. You may recognize it from the movie Apocalypse Now‘s river journey sequences.
Logistics
Pagsanjan Falls is only 60 miles from Manila. However, traffic can make that journey take 2-3.5 hours. You can hire a private car and driver and make arrangements for the canoe trip when you get there. But I think this group tour is the best choice.
Taal Heritage Village
One of the best places on this list of day trips from Manila for history buffs is Taal Heritage Village. Here you will see remarkably preserved 17th century Spanish colonial architecture. Wander the cobblestone streets to admire churches, ancestral homes, shops, boutiques, and cafes. Visit the Basilica of St. Martin de Tours, the largest Catholic church in Asia. There are also several historic homes open to the public, such as the Agoncillo house, Villavicencio house, and Goco house. Other not-to-be-missed sites include the Ruiz Steps, the Our Lady of Caysasay Shrine, and the Sta. Lucia Well.
Taal Heritage Village is also a great place to shop and try local food. Some great souvenirs from this area include items featuring barong embroidery and balisong (butterfly) knives. Dishes to try include adobo sa dilaw (tumeric chicken) and maliputo (a local freshwater fish). And make sure to stop by the Taal Public Market for barako coffee and traditional snacks like panutsa (peanut brittle), tamales, and buchi-buchi (sesame balls made from rice flour and filled with a sweet paste).
Logistics
It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours by car from Manila. It is best reached by private car and driver. You can take this group tour that includes Taal Volcano as well. But this tour is pretty expensive and only gives you 2 hours in the village. So I think hiring a car and driver is the best way to go. Remember, most hotels can also arrange for a car and driver for you, so that doesn’t have to be difficult.
Villa Escudero
If spending the day at a heritage resort on a working coconut plantation sounds interesting, Villa Escudero Plantation and Resort is for you! You can spend your day enjoying a variety of activities, while learning more about the local culture. The resort has a museum historical artifacts dating back centuries. There’s also a Philippine Experience Show featuring traditional music, dancing, and costumes. You can take a bamboo raft on the river, lounge by the pool, and explore the plantation on a carabao cart ride. There’s also a delightful restaurant on site surrounded by waterfalls. Obviously, this resort is designed for tourists, but that’s exactly what you are!
Logistics
You can get to the resort via public transportation. But I think most travelers will be happier hiring a private car and driver. It will take about 1.5-2.5 hours to get there from Manila.
Hidden Valley Springs
Another resort option is Hidden Valley Springs. This resort is surrounded by tropical forest and natural hot spring pools. It’s a great place to go and relax after spending time in a busy city. Start your visit with a hike through the forest to hidden waterfalls. You can also take a nature walk on a bamboo boardwalk. Then take a dip in six different natural pools of various temperatures. A buffet lunch is included in your day pass. There is also plenty of lounge space for relaxation.
Logistics
It usually takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours to get there. You can always book a private car and driver to get there. But I think it is best to book a group tour that includes a day pass to the resort.
Anilao
The Philippines is famous for beaches. If you want to experience a coast during a day trip from Manila, Anilao is the easiest option. This area is great for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are more than 50 dive sites filled with shallow coral reefs and incredible marine diversity. Some great diving sites include Secret Garden and Twin Rocks. If you prefer snorkeling, go to Coral Garden.
Even if you don’t dive or snorkel, visiting Anilao is a great way to spend the day. The calm clear waters are perfect for watersports. And you can take a boat to Sombrero Island to relax on a beautiful white sand beach surrounded by gorgeous turquoise water.
Logistics
From Manila, you will reach Anilao in 1.5-2.5 hours. If you want to scuba dive, it’s best to hire a private car and drive. If you are just interested in snorkeling, this group tour is a good option.
Which of these day trips from Manila are on your itinerary?
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