5 Fun Travel Destinations Near Manila Where You Can Try Zipline, ATV Rides, Glamping, and More!

Distance from Manila: 49.6 km; 58 mins

Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

There are many places to travel in Manila, but sometimes, it can be nice to reconnect with nature in this fast-paced world. Spending a day in nature with animals and exciting challenges can be a fresh change of pace. You can check out The Fun Farm at Sta. Elena, for a fun day away from technology.

The spacious outdoor playground of The Fun Farm at Sta. Elena has picnic areas surrounded by a small lagoon, different animals, feeding stations, a sandbox, and horse stables. Kids and kids-at-heart can unwind and enjoy activities such as horseback riding, mini zipline, rope course, mini row boating, and carabao cart riding. Book your visit before heading to The Fun Farm for a smooth trip.

The entrance fee is free for children below two years old, PhP320 for senior citizens and PWDs, and PhP400 per head (child, adult, and companion).

Distance from Manila: 27.8 km; 1 hr 7 mins

Operating Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Got an adventurous soul? You can enjoy it to your heart’s content at UCM Adventure Park. The Antipolo-based nature and adventure park offer ATV rides starting at PhP1,500. The AV rides vary from the trails. If you want a relaxing view of pine trees and the Metro Manila skyline, the Fun Trail (PhP1,500) is the one for you. But if you wish to a track where you can see the Sierra Madre mountain and Mt. Sinai’s Ten Commandments, you can choose the Experience Trail (PhP3,000). Other fun outdoor activities to try to include Horseback Riding (PhP1,000 to PhP5,000) and Regular Camping (PhP1,000).

Distance from Manila: 56.3 km; 1 hr 28 mins

Operating Hours: Always open

Suppose you're looking for a different experience for your next travel destination near Manila. In that case, you might like San Rafael River Adventure’s one-of-a-kind stilt glass cabins and glamping tents beside the river. The resort has cozy and luxurious accommodations and offers recreational activities such as paddle boarding, banana boating, wakeboarding, fishing, kayaking, jet-skiing, and boating. Currently, they only accept visitors on private vehicles for the glamping, kubo, and glass accommodations. Guests are also advised to bring their food since the restaurant is closed until further notice.

The water and land activities rates range from PhP200 to PhP2,500 while PhP1,000 to PhP24,000 for accommodations.

Distance from Manila: 56.4 km; 1 hr 50 mins

Operating Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Just two hours away from Metro Manila, Martessem Resort offers a quick nature retreat and fun activities for families. Beyond their famous “sea of clouds,” Martessem also provides a terrific view of the surrounding Sierra Madre mountain range. When you’re not marveling at the sight, there are other areas of the resort that you can explore, such as the koi pond, lagoon, and spa. Martessem’s specialty restaurant, The Whitehouse Restaurant, and Frozen Lab Bar (previously Chemistry Bar) offer a wide variety of delectable meals for those who want to fill their stomachs with delicious meals.

Their room rate ranges from PhP5,000 to PhP9,400, depending on guest capacity. The entrance fee is PhP50 per head. You can go fishing, horseback riding, and camping for PhP50, PhP100, and PhP800 (for a tent) per head, respectively.

Distance from Manila: 137.1 km; 2 hr 51 mins

Operating Hours: Always open

One of the latest glamping spots that celebrities and influencers have been visiting is Ponce Farm in Sariaya, Quezon. And it’s no wonder why celebrities are flocking to this stunning destination: it is the perfect place to travel near Metro Manila and a chill spot for those who want to enjoy a tropical paradise.

In the middle of the spacious grassland is a small pool surrounded by towering palm trees. There are also glamping tents suitable for families of various sizes. You can rent the Villa for two at PhP5,000 per night, the Casitas Fan Room for four at PhP3,700 to 4,700 per night, the La Coba for two at PhP3,700 a night, and the glamping tent for ten at PhP12,000 per night. If you want to enjoy the entire vicinity without other guests, you can rent the whole place for PhP28,000.

Visit Yoorekka Magazine for more road trip destinations and outdoor travel spots in near the metro!*