Weekend Getaway Trips near Manila for Budget Travelers

Trips near Manila under 1,000 pesos budget? Is it possible?

Looking for cheap weekend getaways from/near Metro Manila? Okay, let me help you with these affordable destinations near Manila perfect for an awesome weekend getaway!

Wondering where your 1,000 pesos could go? Hmmmm.... Is it really possible to travel with a very limited budget? My answer is YES! There are weekend destinations near Metro Manila that you can enjoy an amazing weekend getaway, explore beautiful sights, and try new activities without spending too much on budget. All you need to do is know where to go, plan ahead of time, create a budget itinerary, and bring your friends to share with the expenses! Hahaha!

Indeed, Metro Manila is surrounded by many budget-friendly weekend destinations! Here's my list cheap and budget-friendly destinations near Metro Manila ideal for your next weekend getaway for a budget of around 1,000 pesos! Tara na, byahe na!

Budget-Friendly Destinations Near Manila this 2023

Summer Destinations near Manila for less than 1,000 Pesos

1. Minalungao National Park, Nueva Ecija

Located in Gen. Tinio Nueva Ecija, Minalungao National Park is a protected area enacted on 1967 by virtue of Republic Act No. 5100. It is known for its clean flowing river, towering rock formations, and clean and peaceful environment. One of the most distinguishable features of the park are the high limestone walls on both sides leading to a cave. The best time to visit Minalungao National Park is during weekdays for you to fully enjoy it with lesser crowd.

AVAIL A MINALUNGAO DAY TOUR HERE!

Travel time from Manila: 3-4 hours

ESTIMATED BASIC EXPENSES

Bus Fare (Manila-Gapan) - PHP 160.00
Tricycle Rental (Gapan - Papaya) - PHP 150.00
Tricycle Rental (Papaya - Minalungao) - PHP 250.00
Food and other expenses - PHP 200.00
Jeepney (Papaya-Cabanatuan) - PHP 47.00
Bus (Cabanatuan-Manila) - PHP 185.00
TOTAL - PHP 992.00 (this will be even lower if you're a group of 2-3 persons or more!)

HOW TO GET THERE? How to get to Minalungao National Park

If you want to stay for a night or two in a nice hotel near Minalungao National Park, PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LIST OF HOTELS/RESORTS NEAR MINALUNGAO.

2. River Rafting and Water Tubing Adventure in Magdalena, Laguna

There's really a lot of hidden gems that the province of Laguna offer. Who would have thought that there is such a thing as river rafting and water tubing in the town of Magdalena? This is one awesome adventure that is worth trying. Though it is best to try on rainy season, a dip on cold water of the river and swimming at the dam is a refreshing treat to escape the very humid Manila!

Travel time from Manila: 2-2.5 hours

ESTIMATE BASIC EXPENSES

Bus Fare (Buendia - Sta. Cruz) - PHP 140.00
Jeepney to Magdalena - PHP 15.00
Rafting Package - PHP 550.00 (basic course)
Packed Lunch + drinks - PHP 60.00
Jeepney to Sta. Cruz - PHP 15.00
Bus Fare (Sta. Cruz - Buendia) - PHP 140.00
TOTAL - PHP 920.00 (This is best done for a group of 6 persons or more!)

HOW TO GET THERE? How to get to Magdalena, Laguna

[ CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LIST OF HOTELS/RESORTS IN LAGUNA ]

3. Mt. Manalmon and Madlum River in San Miguel Bulacan

Not only it is known for its historical background as part of the Biak-na-Bato National Park, it has always been a favorite destination of outdoor enthusiasts seeking for a thrilling experience close to nature. This hidden paradise in San Miguel, Bulacan offers a variety of outdoor activities such as swimming at the Madlum River, crossing the Monkey Bridge, river rafting, spelunking, diving, rappelling, rock climbing, and more!

Travel time from Manila: 3-4 hours

ESTIMATE OF BASIC EXPENSES

Bus fare from Pasay to San Miguel Bulacan - PHP 124.00
Tricyle rental to Sitio Madlum (good for 3 persons) - 150.00
Registration fee (per person) - 10.00
Food and other expenses - 400.00
Tricyle rental Madlum to Hi-way (good for 3 persons) - 150.00
Bus fare from San Miguel Bulacan to Pasay - 124.00
TOTAL - PHP 958.00 (this should be lower if you're a group of 2-3 persons)

HOW TO GET THERE? How to get to Mt. Manalmon in San Miguel, Bulacan

[ CLICK HERE TO SEARCH FOR HOTELS & RESORTS IN BULACAN ]

4. Tinipak River in Daraitan, Tanay Rizal

One of the top tourist destinations in Rizal Province, Daraitan is a trekking destination nestled within the Sierra Madre mountain range in Tanay Rizal. Getting there will take you a 2-hour trip from Shaw Boulevard to Tanay Rizal and another 1 hour jeepney ride going to Barangay Daraitan. Activities to enjoy in Daraitan includes camping, river trekking, rock climbing, swimming, spelunking, among many others. Daraitan is a fascinating place that offers many things: river, mountains, caves, rock formations, and a lot more. You should experience this as well.

Travel time from Manila: 3-3.5 hours

ESTIMATED BASIC EXPENSES

Jeepney Fare (Shaw blvd - Tanay, Rizal) -PHP 60.00
Jeepney Fare to Brgy. Daraitan - 60.00
Registration Fee - 20.00
Guide fee - 500.00
Food and other expenses - 200.00
Jeepney Fare (Daraitan - Tanay) - 60.00
Jeepney Fare (Tanay - Shaw Blvd.) - 60.00
TOTAL - PHP 960.00 (This should be lower for a group of 2-3 persons or more!)

[ CLICK HERE TO SEARCH FOR HOTELS & RESORTS IN TANAY ]

HOW TO GET THERE? How to get to Daraitan in Tanay Rizal

5. Beaches in Quezon

Facing the Pacific Ocean and Tayabas Bay, the Province of Quezon offers a lot nice white sandy beaches that are mostly untouched and undeveloped. Check out some of the popular and "off-the-beaten" beaches in Quezon that will surely be an awesome beach destination near Metro Manila whether it's summer or not.

SEE THE FULL LIST HERE: Must-Visit Beaches in Quezon Province

[ Click HERE to SEARCH for Hotels and Resorts in Quezon! ]

6. Tagaytay City, Cavite

Tagaytay is a perfect place to chill for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila. Just a 2-hour drive from Manila, Tagaytay offers cool and breezy climate due to its location with high elevation. It is famous for its stunning views of Taal Lake and volcano, a majestic natural wonder. Some of the must-do activities in Tagaytay include picnics at the park, trekking, horse-back riding, sightseeing, visiting religious places, indulging on wellness treatments at the various spas and of course, the food!

[ Click HERE to SEARCH for Hotels and Resorts in Tagaytay! ]

Travel time from Manila: 2 hours

ESTIMATE OF BASIC EXPENSES

Bus Fare (Manila - Tagaytay) - PHP 120.00
Food and other expenses - 500.00
Transportation around Tagaytay - 100.00
Bus Fare (Tagaytay - Manila) - PHP 120.00
TOTAL - PHP 840.00

HOW TO GET THERE? How to get to Tagaytay City, Cavite

Where to Stay in Tagaytay?

ALSO READ:

7. Beaches in Batangas

Looking for beaches in Batangas? There are also beaches in Batangas that you could visit for under 1,000 pesos budget!

There are many beautiful beaches in Batangas. Having one of the longest coastlines in Southern Luzon, the province offers many beaches, islands, and dive spots that are a favorite among city dwellers and weekend warriors. Here are some of the beaches in Batangas that are worth visiting.

SEE FULL LIST: 10 Must-Visit Beaches in Batangas

If you're looking for nice resorts or beach resorts in Batangas ideal for families, couples and group of friends, you may refer to my list of some of the best beach resorts in Batangas. You might want to check them out and consider if you plan to stay for a night or two in Batangas.

[ Click HERE to SEARCH for Hotels and Resorts in Batangas! ]

8. Climb Mountains near Metro Manila

If you're looking for adventure, why not try climbing or hiking mountains? There are so many mountains that can be hiked for a day or overnight that are near Metro Manila. And they are cheap too, especially when you're with a group of friends! Here are some of my suggestions:

ALSO READ: 6 Mountains to Climb near Metro Manila

9. Witness a Festival

There are also a number of festivals held in the provinces near Metro Manila during the summer months. You may check out the Pahiyas Festival every May 15th in Lucban Quezon, the Kneeling Carabao Festival of Pulilan Bulacan also held every May, Maleldo Festival (Cutud Lenten Rites) of San Fernando, Pampanga during Holy week, and many other fiestas and festival in many towns near Metro Manila. Although, not in the province, Metro Manila's Aliwan Fiesta is also an awesome festival to witness during summer.

10. Pagsanjan Falls (aka Cavinti Falls)

Pagsanjan Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls near Metro Manila. Locally known as Magdapio Falls, this waterfalls is one of the most-visited Philippine day trip destinations. Though it is more popularly known as Pagsanjan Falls, it is actually located in the town of Cavinti, an adjacent town to Pagsanjan.

[ Click HERE to SEARCH for Hotels and Resorts near Pagsanjan Falls! ]

There are two ways to get to Pagsanjan Falls. First is by riding a boat via the town of Pagsanjan which is also known as "shooting the rapids". Second is the cheapest way to get to the falls is via the town of Cavinti. From Pagsanjan, take a jeepney to Cavinti and get off at Cavinti crossing. From there, take a tricycle going to Pueblo El Salvador Nature Park and Picnic Grove located at Brgy. Tibatib, the alternative jump-off point to the falls. This route will require you rappelling and trekking. You may read the full details here.

ESTIMATED EXPENSES

Bus Fare (Pasay to Sta Cruz, Laguna) - PHP 140.00
Jeepney Fare (Sta. Cruz to Cavinti) - PHP 27.00
Tricycle to Pueblo El Salvador - PHP 60.00
Entrance Fee - PHP 270.00
Food Expenses - PHP 250.00
Tricycle to Cavinti Proper - PHP 60.00
Jeepney Fare (Cavinti to Sta. Cruz) - PHP 27.00
Bus Fare (Sta Cruz, Laguna to Pasay) - PHP 140.00
TOTAL - PHP 974.00

I hope these trips near Metro Manila for under 1,000 pesos will help you plan your next adventure! Let me know how you enjoyed these destinations!

For more travel ideas, you may also consider this list of 10 Quick Getaways Near Metro Manila You Shouldn’t Miss.

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Top 10 QUICK GETAWAYS near METRO MANILA (For as low as 1,000 Pesos Budget)