10 Road Trip Destinations near Metro Manila + Road Trip Tips for 2023

Looking for places to go on a road trip near Manila this 2023?

For me, going on a road trip is one of the safest thing to do to relieve that "travel itch" this pandemic. But while on a road trip, make sure to practice safety health protocols by always wearing your face mask and face shield, practicing social and physical distancing and avoid places with too many people.

Because of the growing popularity of travel in the Philippines, we Filipinos have been traveling a lot more than we used to. May it be local or international destination, we never fail to save our vacation leaves and long weekends for us to see and experience the beauty of our country and the rest of the world. In a tropical country like the Philippines, the favorite activities among Filipinos remain to be enjoying the beaches, going on a road trip, or heading out to breathe some fresh mountain air like in Tagaytay.

10 Road Trip Destinations near Metro Manila 2023

With this, let me share to you 10 Roads Trip Destinations near Metro Manila and some safety travel tips that you should consider if you want to explore nearby provinces with your car.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS ROAD TRIP FROM MANILA BLOG? Tagaytay Laguna La Union Bataan Pampanga Batangas Quezon Bulacan Zambales Baler, Aurora Planning a road trip? Here are some road trip tips!

Are you ready for your next road trip adventure? Let's get started!

1. Chill Tagaytay Road Trip

When we think of a quick weekend getaway, Tagaytay City in Cavite is always on top of the list. Because of its proximity from Metro Manila, its cool weather, and the wide array of activities it offers, it has become one of the top road trips destinations near Metro Manila for local and foreign tourists. In Tagaytay, you can enjoy many things such as the view of Taal Volcano, Tagaytay Sky Ranch, Picnic Grove, Sonya’s Garden, Palace in the Sky, and many other activities ideal for all kinds of travelers. You can also drive to the Town of Talisay where you could take a boat and hike up to the crater lake of Taal Volcano.

Want more? For more things to do in Tagaytay, tourist spots and attractions to visit - PLEASE CLICK HERE.

ALSO READ: Buhay Forest, "Cavite's Newest Tourist Spot in Magallanes, Cavite!"

2. Laguna Historical and Adventure Road Trip

The Province of Laguna is filled with many tourist spots, historical churches and sites ideal for the adventure and history buffs. It is also a good place to visit if you want to chase some waterfalls such as the famed Pagsanjan Falls, Hulugan Falls, Majayjay Falls and the many waterfalls of Mt. Romelo such as Buruwisan Falls, Lanzones Falls, Sampaloc Falls, Diwata Falls, and Batya-Batya Falls, among many others. When in Laguna, also not to be missed are the river rafting in Magdalena, Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery, Jose Rizal's Birthplace in Calamba, Mount Makiling, UPLB, the hot spring pools of Los Baños, the historic town of Pila, and the 7 lakes of San Pablo. For families with kids or group of friends who love theme parks, Enchanted Kingdom and Splash Island are also in Laguna! What to take home as pasalubong? Of course, don't forget the ever famous Buko Pie!

ALSO READ: Laguna Tourist Spots and Things to Do

3. La Union Surfing and Foodie Road Trip

The town of San Juan in La Union is famous for surfing, that is why it was tagged as the “Surfing Capital of the North.” But more to surfing it has now become “foodies' haven” with its many concept restaurants lining up the main hi-way and side alleys. Also not to be missed when traveling to La Union are tourist spots like Macho Temple, Lomboy Grape Farm, Thunderbird Resorts, Tangadan Falls, the pebble beach of Luna, and many others.

Looking for Sample La Union Itineraries? Check our my post SAMPLE LA UNION ITINERARIES for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Days Tour or More!

4. Bataan Historical and Beach Road Trip

As one of the provinces that revolted against the Spanish occupation in the Philippines, Bataan is home to many historical sites that will surely be a learning experience for the kids and the whole family. You can visit Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) on Mt. Samat, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar (See day tour rates here!), Plaza Mayor de Ciudad de Balanga, the Death March Marker, Mt. Tarak Ridge, Francisco Balagtas' Monument, and many of its old churches. If you want to stay overnight in Bataan, I recommend The Plaza Hotel, a stylish and classy hotel in Balanga where you could feel you're traveling abroad with it's European-style architecture. Or you may also check out Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar (See DISCOUNTED Room Rates Here!) in Bagac for your accommodation in Bataan.

If you want to enjoy the beaches in Bataan, check out Camaya Coast Beach Resort in Mariveles Bataan. You may go on a day tour at Camaya Coast and enjoy the beach and other resort facilities or you may stay overnight at Camaya Coast's Aqua Fun Hotel. I've been here and stayed overnight and we really enjoyed our time at Camaya Coast! You may also enjoy a day under the sun in Looc Beach in Bataan for a quick and fun beach getaway!

If you want to go island hopping in Bataan, you may check out Laki Five Fingers in Mariveles.

Indeed, Bataan is a must-visit ecotourism and historic destination that you should visit in the Philippines. There are many natural attractions, lovely and budget-frienyl resorts and beach resorts, historical sites and tourist spots in Bataan that you will surely enjoy. Plan your road trip to Bataan soon!

5. Pampanga Adventure, Historical, and Gastronomical Road Trip

Pampanga certainly makes an awesome road trip destination for a quick weekend getaway or even day tours. It almost has everything any traveler or foodie will surely love and enjoy. From delicious mouthwatering food offerings to old churches and heritage houses to adventure sports and colorful festivals, Pampanga offers a wide range of things to do and activities that every traveler will surely enjoy. If you're staying overnight, the City of Angeles, Mabalacat and Clark are the best places to stay in Pampanga.

ALSO READ: Things to do in Pampanga, Tourist Spots and Sample Itinerary

Some of the must-do activities in Pampanga for kids!

• Enjoy a day at Dinosaurs Island in Clark
• Visit Zoocobia Fun Zoo in Clark
• Fun day at Sky Ranch Pampanga

For top things to do and activities to enjoy in Clark and Angeles; and for tourist spots and attractions to visit in Pampanga - PLEASE CLICK HERE.

ALSO READ: Best Hotels & Resorts in Clark, Pampanga near Clark International Airport

6. Batangas Beaches and Adventure Road Trip

“All here, so near!” If you’re looking for a quick day trip or weekend getaway just 2 hours away from Manila, the Province of Batangas has almost everything for you. You can go to its many nice beaches, climb mountains, go on a food trip, visit its old churches and lighthouses, or have a relaxing stay at many of its hotels and resorts. Truly, Batangas makes an awesome road trip destination near Manila that will be surely enjoyed by everyone.

Want more? For more things to do in Batangas, tourist spots and attractions to visit - PLEASE CLICK HERE.

RECOMMENDED ISLAND HOPPING TOURS IN BATANGAS:

Please click on the links for more details.

• Kay Ukno Beach in Batangas
• Island Hopping in Masasa Beach in Tingloy Island
• Bituin Cove Island Day Tour in Nasugbu
• Sepoc Beach with Sombrero Island Tour in Anilao
• Island Hopping at Secret Beach in Batangas

RECOMMENDED HOTELS & RESORTS IN BATANGAS:

Please click on the links for more details.

• Pico Sands Hotel in Nasugbu
• Crusoe Cabins in Calatagan
• Palm Beach Resort in Laiya San Juan
• Matabungkay Beach Hotel in Lian
• Aquaria Water Park in Calatagan
• The Farm at San Benito in Lipa City
• Cintai Corito's Garden in Balete
• Buceo Anilao Beach Resort in Mabini
• The Stilts Resort in Calatagan

7. Quezon Beaches Road Trip

If you're looking for nice beaches near Manila, the Province Quezon is also a good choice. Facing the Pacific Ocean and Tayabas Bay, the Province of Quezon offers a lot of nice, white, sandy beaches that are mostly untouched and undeveloped. You can go to Kwebang Lampas Beach, Borawan Beach, Dampalitan Beach, or to Cagbalete Island. As a side trip on your way back to Manila, you can also drop by Kamay ni Hesus, Lucban Church, or buy some yummy Lucban Longanissa.

8. Bulacan Food and Adventure Road Trips

In Bulacan, you can go on a hiking adventure at Mt. Manalmon where you can enjoy the stunning views of Mt. Gola, swim in the river, and explore a cave. You can also drive to Malolos and see the historic Barasoain Church. It is also an awesome food destination near Metro Manila as it is also home to delicious and mouth-watering dishes. One of the must-visit restaurants in Malolos is Bistro Maloleño - dubbed as the "Home of Authentic Bulacan Heritage Cuisines" that offers old-age Malolos recipes and heritage cuisines. Also, when visiting Malolos, don't forget to try their Old-fashioned Ensaymada and Inipit, which makes a delicious pasalubong to your family and friends back home.

RECOMMENDED THINGS TO DO IN BULACAN:

Please click on the links for more details.

• Mt. Manalmon Day Hike - an ideal getaway to any outdoor enthusiasts looking for an easy day-trip!
• Tila Pilon Hills and Falls Day Trek - go trekking on this fun day tour coming from Manila, bringing you to Tila Pilon Hills, the "Chocolate Hills" of Bulacan!

9. Zambales Adventure Road Trip

Subic and the City of Olongapo are good choices to explore. But driving up north, you can reach the towns of San Antonio where Pundaquit Beach is – the jump off point to Anawangin and Nagsasa Coves. You can also drive further to the towns of San Felipe where you could find the surfing area of Liw Liwa Beach, as well as to San Narciso where you could also surf and stay for a night at Crystal Beach Resort. On your way home, you could visit the town of Castillejos where you could find former President Ramon Magsaysay's ancestral house. There are so many things to do and tourist spots to visit in Subic, Olongapo and Zambales. A road trip to Zambales will surely be a memorable adventure!

ALSO READ: Best Hotels and Beach Resorts in Subic and Olongapo, Zambales

RECOMMENDED THINGS TO DO IN SUBIC & ZAMBALES:

Please click on the links for more details.

• Inflatable Island in Subic
• Glamping Experience by Zoobic Glampz
• Yangil Tribe Experience and Hike in Zambales
• Zambales Beach Trip
• Kwentong Dagat Stay with Full-Board Meal & Vegan Cooking Class

Want more? For more things to do in Subic and Zambales, tourist spots and attractions to visit - PLEASE CLICK HERE.

10. Baler, Aurora Road Trip

Facing the Pacific Ocean, Baler is dubbed as the “birthplace of Surfing in the Philippines.” Aside from surfing, there are many things to do in Baler that you can enjoy such as Diguisit Falls, Dicasalarin Cove, Museo de Baler, and Ermita Hill. Driving to nearby towns of Baler such as Dipaculao, San Luis, and Maria, it will bring you to Ampere Beach, Ditumabo Mother Falls, and to the huge centuries-old balete tree.

Please watch my latest Baler video:

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Planning a road trip? Here are some tips!

Plot your route

It’s important to study your travel route carefully, so you will not get lost and save on time. Also consider the best stops to rest, to grab a snack, or for bathroom breaks. It’s also a good way to know any side attractions that you could visit along your route before heading to your final destination or before driving back home.

Use navigation apps

This will help you a lot in finding your destination, as well as the best route to reach it. We usually use the built-in navigational app in the car. If not, you can use Google Maps or Waze.

Check your car

Be sure that your vehicle is in good working condition. No matter the distance of your travel is, your vehicle should be in tip-top condition. If you’re using an old car, be sure that it is well maintained to avoid any inconvenience on the road. Apply a can of Pertua Oil & Metal Treatment which I guarantee you could save on fuel costs and engine emergencies. When I tried it with our old car, it helped gain more speed, minimize smoke, increase engine power and helped it glide smoothly. Pertua certainly makes wonders in an old car and generally increase its performance. And there's no better way to go on a road trip knowing that your car is in good running condition. For more information visit their website at www.pertua.com, Facebook page www.facebook.com/pertuatech, or call them at 930-7330 / 0906-348-6708 / 0923-738-1187.

Rest well before the trip

Not just only the car should be in good condition, the driver as well. Have ample rest prior to your scheduled drive, so you'll have enough energy for the long drive. Also, it's good if someone could substitute you in driving when you get tired and sleepy.

Prepare for the worst

You'll never know when any untoward incident will happen. It's best to always be ready. Check your tools and have your spare tire ready. Also, keep a list of emergency numbers to contact the police, towing service, and others in case you'll be needing some help.

The great outdoors is waiting for you! Whether you’re planning a solo road trip or a long weekend getaway with your family and friends, a good vehicle is needed for that much-awaited road trip adventure. What are you waiting for? Plan now and go on an amazing and memorable road trip to one of these awesome road trip destinations near Metro Manila!

This article is in partnership with Pertua Oil & Metal Treatment.

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