With the recent academic calendar shift in different universities, it's really hard to find common time with your friends and family to go on out of town and out of the country trips. Having this #clutch and #hassle schedule should not stop you from spending quality time with the people who mean a lot to you. Here 15 day trip ideas you could do over the weekend!
- Sandbox, Porac Pampanga
Take a trip to the playground for the fearless, and visit Sandbox. There are several activities to do in Sandbox, such as their Roller Coaster Zipline, Giant Swing, Aerial Walk, and ATV. Come in your most comfortable work-out clothes because most of the activities will get you moving. Bring a trusty and handy camera so you can document your Instagram worthy adventure.
Must-try: Parkour Obstacle and the Giant Swing
Insider tip: Make sure you arrive early so you don't have to wait in line. On average, all the attractions will take 3 hours to finish.
- Pampanga Food Trip
Take a break from the food parks situated in the Metro, and drive to Pampanga for authentic Kapampangan food. Pampanga is known to be the Culinary Capital of the Philippines where the iconic Pampanga's Best Tocino, and Razon's Halo-Halo made its humble beginnings. If you want to make the most of your drive to the Pampanga, just take a side trip after Sandbox, and explore the Kapampangan restaurants nearby like Aling Lucing's, The Sisig Queen.
Must-try: Susie's Cuisine Tibok-Tibok
Insider tip: Razon's Halo-Halo in Pampanga comes in bigger servings in Pampanga than in Metro Manila. Eat up!
- Brunch date in Tagaytay & Sky Ranch
Seeking a chill day and a good view? You can never go wrong with Tagaytay. Have brunch at Bag of Beans or Breakfast at Antonio's. Afterwards, you can check out Sky Ranch, with the ferris wheel overlooking the view of the Taal Volcano.
Must-see: Interiors and garden view at Bag of Beans
Insider tip: It's best to try the ride at night so you can see the pretty lights of the rides and feel the cool breeze.
- Taal Volcano Crater Trek
We always see the Taal Volcano from the view in Tagaytay City. What we don't see is the whole other side which can be viewed from Batangas. Why not try trekking to its crater to enjoy the even more fantastic view!
Must-see: The view, of course!
Insider info: It is the smallest active volcano in the world.
- Masungi Georeserve
Reconnect with nature. An hour drive away from the Metro is the Masungi Georeserve that showcases how biodiverse our country is. There's a lot of hiking and trekking, and it would be best to wear lightweight clothes and closed shoes. Two highlights of the location is the Duyan or the Giant Hammock, and the Sapot or Spiderweb. The Sapot will offer a 360-degree view of the scenery, overlooking the Sierra Madre mountain range and Laguna de Bay.
Must-try: The Giant Hammock
Insider tip: Food is not allowed in the location. This is to ensure the cleanliness of the georeserve. Make sure to load up on carbs since there's a lot of physical activities.
- Climb a mountain.
Besides the thirst and perspiration you'll be feeling, fulfilled is another feeling you'll feel after a nice long hike. A hike to try is Mt. Pico de Loro, which is the highest point in Cavite. Another one to try would be Mt. Pinatubo, where the Kathniel love team shot Crazy, Beautiful, You.
Insider tip: Mt. Pinatubo hike is estimated 3 hours up, 3 hours down with 4x4.
- Go chasing waterfalls (and rivers).
Finding a way to beat the summer heat? Go chasing waterfalls (and rivers)! I suggest Tinipak River which is found at the boundary of Barangay Daraitan, Rizal and General Nakar, Quezon Province. In Tinipak, you'll see marble rock formations, and an in-cave natural swimming pool.
Must-see: Limestone and marble formations
Insider info: Tinipak River was awarded the cleanest inland body of water in Region IV.
- Camayan Beach Resort and Ocean Adventure
IMAGE Kat Estrella
Weekend away with the whole family? Swim with the Dolphins at Ocean Adventure, and enjoy the ocean's waves at the beach. The two locations are just at walking distances from each other making both accessible to you and your family.
Must-see: Ocean Adventure's Dolphin show
Insider info: There are a lot of monkeys at the resort. Beware!
- Corregidor
Just a ferry away from Manila Bay is the island fortress which is the memorial of the people who fought for the Philippines during World War II. Besides WWII, Corregidor is also known for being an island formed from the remnants of a volcanic crater, the Corregidor Caldera, which was last active about a million years ago.
Must-see: Ruins and Malinta tunnel
Insider info: There are several locations, so choose the tour packages with the sites you really want to see.
- Museum Hopping
IMAGE Kat Estrella
If you're not looking for the outdoor kind of girl adventure, why not go on an ART-venture? Create a map of the different museums you can visit around the city, and go museum hopping! There's Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo, Rizal, just a few miles away is JE Camp in Tanay, Rizal, Yexel Toy Museum in Manila Ocean Park, and National Museum in Manila. If you're feeling kiddy, you can visit Museo Pambata, and the Mind Museum in Taguig. If you want something closer to home, there's Yuchengco Museum and Ayala Museum in Makati, Art in Island and UP Vargas Museum in Quezon City. With all the art you'll be laying eyes on, it would seem as if you've travelled around the world with the different stories each masterpiece will tell.
Insider tip: Check out the entrance fee of the different museums online. Sometimes, there are discounts or free entrance promos so it would be great to take advantage of that.
- Snorkeling in Anilao
Let's go find Nemo! Take a break from the stressful and busy world above water, and go swimming with fishes. Play Ariel for awhile. Anilao is filled with snorkeling and diving spots and is easily accessible. It's a 2-3 hour drive from the Metro.
- Go on a Manila Adventure
Manila is known as the University Belt, where most of the universities are located, but there's more to Manila than this. It's rich in history and culture that's often taken for granted because of the commercialization of the location. Visit the historical sites like Intramuros, Fort Santiago, and Luneta Park. Ride a kalesa (even on Taft if you wish!). Go church hopping. Try authentic Chinese food in Binondo. Afterwards, you can even go shopping in Divisoria! The list goes on and on. Try to see Manila from a different perspective. Immerse in its history and culture.
Insider tip: Bring water to beat the Manila heat.
- Nuvali, Laguna
Can't decide if you want to spend the weekend shopping, biking, trekking or wakeboarding? No need to choose, Nuvali's got that all for you. If you want something more calming, you can even visit the Bird Sanctuary that serves as a dwelling place for 60 species of birds.
Insider tip: Occasionally, there's an outdoor movie showing at Nuvali. Check out their site to keep updated of their schedule.
- Spa Day
Spell relaxation? S-P-A. Invite your friends for a catch up and unwinding session, and head over to the spa. If you want a change of scenery, you can try out Luljetta's Hanging Gardens and Spa in Antipolo, Rizal. Upgrade your relaxation level by surrounding yourself with mother nature.
- Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, Bagac, Bataan
IMAGE Kat Estrella
This resort in Bagac, Bataan consists of different restored houses from all over the Philippines The owner, Mr. Jerry Acuzar bought old houses from different cities, like Manila and Pampanga and brought them to Bagac. He had each one broken down strip by strip and put back together in Las Casas. According to the tour guides, Las Casas was built for 10 years before being open to the public 6 years ago. Las Casas is a one of a kind trip, for it will take you back to the 18th-century Philippines.
Insider tip: Rent a bike or a golf cart to make exploring the area is easier especially if you're with your older family members.
From The Candy Bulletin Community
