Popular Getaways

Last-Minute Summer Destinations Near Manila for Unplanned Trips

Here's a guide to things to do near Manila for spontaneous travels!

By: Denisse Shawntel Tan | April 01, 2022
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Create more summer memories in these destinations.


As much as we enjoy summer, it’s a fact that the season will end eventually. The rainy season will ultimately arrive in the Philippines, and by then, going to the beach and other summer destinations won’t be the same.

You might think that there’s nowhere to go since most resorts and beaches near Metro Manila are already fully booked, but you have to know where to go this summer without having to make reservations.

But before you hang your bikinis and swimwear at the back of your closet, why not have a last hurrah? There’s still plenty of time to go on a weekend getaway and catch some sun.

With the last-minute destinations below, you can be as spontaneous as you can and make the most of your summer before it ends. Check out this list, and then when you’ve worked out where to go this summer, grab your bags and go!


1. Bosay Resort

Where: Marigman Road, Antipolo, Rizal
Travel time from Manila: 1 to 2 hours
Rates:
Day Swimming (7:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
PhP150 for children below 4ft
PhP180 for adults
Night Swimming (7:00 PM to 5:00 AM)
PhP150 for children below 4ft
PhP200 for adults


Where To Go This Summer: 5 Spots for Last-Minute Tourists, where to go this summer

Bosay Resort’s infinity pool is spacious and features two slides for extra fun.

Image: Bosay Resort PH Facebook page

One of the most popular summer attractions in Antipolo is Bosay Resort, a quick weekend getaway for those who want to cool down without traveling far from Manila. In Bosay, you can choose from 10 different swimming pools. Kids can enjoy the turtle pool, kiddie pool, kiddie pool with bubbles, and disco pool. Meanwhile, adults can take a dip in the private pool with a jacuzzi, therapy pool, infinity pool, Olympic pool, and storm wave pool. Other features of the resort are a restaurant that serves exotic foods and the Bosay Hotel, where guests can stay for the night.


2. Treasure Mountain

Where: Tanay, Rizal
Travel time from Manila: 1 to 2 hours
Rates:
Day Tour (5:00 AM to 3:00 PM)
PhP150 Entrance fee
PhP300 Cottage rental
Overnight (4:00 PM to 1:00 PM)
PhP200 Entrance fee
PhP300 Tent pitching fee
PhP500 Tent rental (good for two pax)
PhP800 Tent rental (good for four pax)
PhP200 Sleeping mat
PhP500 Overnight lodging (minimum of two and maximum of five pax)
PhP3,500 Kubo rental (maximum of six pax)


Where To Go This Summer: 5 Spots for Last-Minute Tourists, beaches near Metro Manila

Several tourists marveled at Tanay’s mountain range and the sea of clouds shrouding it.

Image: SaLvin Dela Cruz

Rizal might not have beaches, but what they lack in bodies of water makes up in terms of impressive landforms. Located within Tanay Rizal is Treasure Mountain, where you can find a different kind of sea—a sea of clouds. Since it is situated within the expansive mountain range of Tanay, it offers a spectacular view.

If you happen to look for unique things to do near Manila for summer like sea of clouds sightseeing, you can wait for the sunset instead. If you want to stay overnight, you can choose from tents, lodges, and hut rentals. While visiting, you can rent cottages or tents so you can breathe in the atmosphere. Other activities you can do within the broad vicinity include a rope course to test your endurance. The best part? You won’t have to travel far, as Treasure Mountain is just one to two hours away from Manila.


3. Cagbalete Island

Where: Mauban, Quezon Province
Travel time from Manila: 3-4 hours
Rates:
PhP150 Boat ride to Cagbalete Island (including the environmental fee)
PhP250 Tent pitching (includes entrance fee of PhP50)


Where To Go This Summer: 5 Spots for Last-Minute Tourists, weekend getaway

Cagbalete Island’s beauty stems from the greeneries and the sea surrounding it.

Image: Dona Choleng

Did you know that there’s a beach near Metro Manila that can compete with Boracay’s beauty? Cagbalete Island’s in Quezon fine white sand beach is often compared to Boracay’s, but its calmer atmosphere makes it different. Just three hours away from Manila, the island spans over 1,640 hectares. Nature lovers would enjoy the wonderful and diverse ecosystem within the area, including different kinds of plants, birds, and marine life.

You also won’t be bored at Cagbalete Island. You can do various activities to your heart’s content: swimming, snorkeling, diving, fishing, bird watching, horseback riding, surfing, and island hopping. You can choose from various hotels and lodges that can cater to your needs and budget when it comes to accommodations.


4. Palo Alto Falls

Where: Baras, Rizal
Travel time from Manila: 1 to 2 hours
Rates:
PhP100 access to the falls
PhP700 hut rental


Where To Go This Summer: 5 Spots for Last-Minute Tourists, things to do near Manila

Palo Alto Falls is one of the falls you can find in Baras, Rizal.

Image: @cirstenreign

Also within Rizal is the majestic Palo Alto Falls. The refreshing and natural waterfall captures the essence of a chill summer destination while the surrounding sprawl of trees and plants showcases the beauty of nature. The falls is located within the Palo Alto Leisure and Residential Estates at Barangay Pinugay, but it is open to outsiders. City folks won’t have to go far, too, since it would only take at least two hours from Manila to get there.

After following a trail will lead you to the 60-foot falls that end in a body of clean turquoise water. Take a dip in the water to cool down from the summer heat. You may also go to the end of the falls for a quick photo-op. When you’re done, you can explore the nearby nature trail and check out rock formations and exotic plants.



5. Isla Verde

Where: Batangas
Travel time from Manila: 1.5 to 2 hours
Rates:
* Fees vary on where you want to go, stay, and the capacity.
** Some parts of the area have no entrance fee.
PhP25 to PhP100 range of resort entrance fees
PhP100 to PhP200 range of camping fees
PhP200 to 600 range of tent rental fee
PhP300 per head usual cottage rental fee
PhP1,500 island hopping rate
PhP1,500 to PhP2,000 range of cottage rental fee for four people
PhP2,000 to PhP2,500 private boat
PhP50 habal-habal inland transportation


Where To Go This Summer: 5 Spots for Last-Minute Tourists, weekend getaway near manila

You can marvel at Isla Verde’s preserved natural beauty.

Image: @ihackim

There are many things about Isla Verde that can immediately get your attention. But beyond its clear waters, what makes Isla Verde fascinating is that it is located within the Verde Island Passage—the “Center of the Center of the Marine Biodiversity of the World.” This title means that the marine life’s rich biodeversity on the island, making it an ideal tourist spots near Manila.

For tourists, the main attraction is the island hopping experience. In total, there are six islands you can visit: Liponpon, San Agapito, San Agustin East, San Agustin West, San Andres, and San Antonio. Each of these islands has exciting features, such as beaches and mountains. In addition, you can have a stopover at side attractions like the Mahabang Buhangin Beach, San Antonio Beach, Sawang Dive, and Kuweba (cave and lighthouse). Depending on your budget and preferences, there are different accommodations on the island where you can stay.


Now you can have a summer weekend getaway even without making reservations. So pick a place, then go! After all, great adventures happen when you throw plans out the window and go!


To discover more summer destinations and weekend getaway spots in or near Metro Manila, check out Yoorekka Magazine.


Stay safe as you travel! Make sure to follow social distancing protocols and observe health precautions wherever you go. For now, keep safe!


This article was originally published in Yoorekka on May 16, 2019.


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About Denisse Shawntel Tan
Denisse Tan is currently a work in progress: she’s an aspiring writer, artist, and fashion designer! She’s trying to figure out how to manage her time in achieving all of her goals while also taking in life as humanly possible. Aside from art, she’s a big fan of the color pink, disco music, Bratz dolls, and Genshin Impact. By age 35, she plans to travel to New York City 🗽.
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Disclaimer: All articles in the Consumers Magazine of Yoorekka are for general information and entertainment purposes only. Although careful research has been made in writing them, Yoorekka does not make any warranty about the completeness and accuracy of all information presented in our articles. Our content is not intended to be used in place of legal, medical, or any professional advice.
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