The Best Places to Go Near Metro Manila If You Plan For a Weekend Getaway on a Bleak Weather

Distance: 1 hr and 11 mins (from Shaw Blvd, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila)

Recommended Spots to Visit: Mahogany Market, Bag of Beans

The first stop on our list of places to go near Metro Manila is just a quick drive to Tagaytay and warm up with some bulalo (soup with beef shanks and marrows) to fight the cold weather. Although plenty of restaurants serve it, the best way to experience your weekend getaway near Metro Manila is at Mahogany Market. You’ll see lines of karinderya or eateries serving this dish with ingredients straight from the meat market. It’s a filling meal without the hefty price tag but with the same rich taste. Not into bulalo? Stop by Bag of Beans, one of the places to go near Metro Manila, where you can drink unlimited coffee with their desserts. These famous Tagaytay fares are good reasons to visit the area, but the beautiful view of Taal Lake alone is an excellent excuse to escape the metro.

How to get there: From EDSA, you can go to Starmall EDSA Shaw and ride the van to Tagaytay. You can also head straight to South West Integrated Provincial Transport Terminal (SWIPTS) at HK Sun Plaza in Pasay City and ride the bus to Nasugbu, Batangas. Just ask the conductor to drop you off at Tagaytay.

Distance: 1 hr and 35 mins (from Cubao, QC, Metro Manila)

Recommended Spots to Visit: Eagle Point Beach and Dive Resort, Lomi King

Another perfect place to go near Metro Manila for a quick escape is Batangas. For your weekend getaway near Metro Manila, this destination is known for its long lines of beaches and many beachfront resorts. Eagle Point Beach and Dive Resort in Anilao is an excellent choice to be on your list of getaway places near Metro Manila if you’re itching to dive with your beach buddies and explore the thriving marine environment of the province. After diving, refuel with lomi, a dish Batangas is known for. With one bowl of thick, hot soup with egg noodles and vegetables, this place to go near Metro Manila will be the perfect ending to your quick getaway. Drop by Lomi King to get some.

How to get there: There are many points of interest in Batangas, and your route depends on where you visit. For starters, you can go to the terminals of ALPS Bus or JAM Transit in Cubao, EDSA. These terminals have plenty of trips going to different parts of BatangasAs most Batangas-bound buses pass, you can also go to the Southwest Interim Provincial Terminal (SWIPT) at HK Sun Plaza in Pasay City. Plan your weekend getaway near Metro Manila now!

Distance: 2 hrs and 21 mins (from Cubao, QC, Metro Manila)

Recommended Spot to Visit: Hidden Valley Springs Resort

Our next stop of places to go near Metro Manila is famous for its hot springs; Laguna is the best place to warm up your body in this freezing weather. Aside from the relaxing benefits of soaking in a hot spring, it also has health benefits like boosting blood circulation, relieving body pain, and more. Hidden Valley Springs Resort is a well-known hot spring resort in Laguna. This place to go near Metro Manila, you can dip your body in their natural spring pools while enjoying the surrounding beauty of nature. Enjoy your weekend getaway near Metro Manila at this place!

How to get there: Since you choose this destination for your getaway places near Metro Manila, from EDSA, you can select among the bus terminals in Cubao. Some bus carriers traveling to Laguna include BLTB Co., HM Transport, Jac Liner, and JAM Transit. You can also head to Taft Avenue near Gil Puyat Avenue, where many bus carriers travel to Laguna. Some of them include Kapalaran Bus Co. and Green Star Transit.

Distance: 2 hrs and 44 mins (from Pasay, Metro Manila)

Recommended Spots to Visit: Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, Plaza Mayor de Ciudad de Balanga, Galleria de Victoria

Bataan is a place to go near Metro Manila and a good choice if you want to veer away from the touristy route. Although it’s been gaining popularity recently, most people still skip this province because it has few usual sightseeing spots. However, visitors would see that Bataan has more to offer besides the beautiful Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. One of the best places to go near Metro Manila is the Plaza Mayor de Ciudad de Balanga in Bataan. For reference, on your weekend getaway near Metro Manila, this destination is located in the center of Balanga; it comprises Balanga City Hall, Galleria de Victoria Mall, and The Plaza Hotel. The result is an architectural beauty that will leave you amazed.

How to get there: Two main routes are going to Bataan: Balanga and Mariveles. Genesis Bus in Pasay and Avenida has buses that travel to Balanga and Mariveles. You can also go to Cubao and drop off at Bataan Transit Co., Inc from EDSA. They also have buses that travel to Balanga and Mariveles.

Distance: 3 hrs and 35 mins (from Cubao, QC, Metro Manila)

Recommended Spots to Visit: Baguio Night Market, Arca’s Yard

One of the best ways to combat the cold is with a cup of coffee, and Baguio’s beautiful panorama makes it one of the best places to go near Metro Manila, and you can enjoy one. Since you're going to the City of Pines for your next weekend getaway near Metro Manila, the cold temperature here is the perfect excuse to wear those thick jackets and scarves you’ve been keeping in your closet. While waiting for Baguio’s famous night market to start, stay in one of the cafés taking the spotlight in the city, and warm up with your buddies. Arca’s Yard, one of the must places to go near Metro Manila, is a museum, library, and café all rolled into one is an up-and-coming establishment that offers breathtaking views while you sip a cup of joe.

How to get there: From EDSA, head to Cubao and drop off at Victory Liner Terminal. They have buses going to Baguio that leave every hour. Genesis Bus Terminal in Cubao also has Joy Bus, which travels to Baguio every hour. Both Victory and Joy buses offer regular and deluxe bus trips.

Distance: 3 hrs and 58 mins (from Cubao, QC, Metro Manila)

Recommended Spots to Visit: Tangadan Falls, The Coffee Library

Last but not least of places to go near Metro Manila, surfers or even newbies who want to hit the waves will find that now is the best time to visit La Union. Since it’s just a quick weekend getaway near Metro Manila, you must know the surfing season in the province; it is from October to March, so the waves are higher than ever during these months. If you aren’t a fan of surfing, you can make a quick trek to Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel for a different escapade. In addition to this place to go near Metro Manila, a dining adventure for foodies is also in store at La Union. Tourists can go to The Coffee Library, a café that offers different kinds of coffee worldwide, to stay warm. For accommodations at this getaway place near Metro Manila, check out Vessel Hostel, an accommodation in La Union that became famous for repurposing shipping containers. You can now plan a weekend escapade and add this to one of the places to go near Metro Manila. You deserve a quick weekend getaway near Metro Manila.

How to get there: Go to Cubao from EDSA and choose Partas Transportation or Dominion Bus Line. Ride the buses to Vigan or Laoag and ask to be dropped off at Urbiztondo.

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