50+ AWESOME DAY TRIPS FROM METRO MANILA: Day Tours, Excursions & Weekend Getaways 2024

Looking for best day trips and tours from or near Manila this 2024? Check out this list!

There are so many great things to do in Metro Manila, but there are times that we want to escape the city life - even just for a while. We tend to search for top things to do near or day trips and tours from Metro Manila. Do you want to go to the beaches near Manila? Perhaps hike a mountain? Or maybe a quick food trip adventure? There are so many awesome day trips from Manila that you can do - that you, your friends and family will surely have fun and enjoy.

Below, I listed some of the best day trips or day tours from Manila that you can do or avail for an exciting adventure. No need to go far to relax and enjoy especially if you have limited time. You can always go on a day trips in many destinations near Metro Manila such as Batangas, Zambales, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, Subic, Pampanga, Bulacan, Pangasinan, and of course, Tagaytay.

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

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!

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.

3 "Not-so-popular-but-still-awesome" Food Destinations near Metro Manila

Be it dining in a fancy restaurant or trying out local cuisines and delicacies, food has always been part of my every travel. As they say, you'll know more about the place you're visiting by trying out their food. If you're looking for must-visit food destinations that are just 2-3 hours away from the big city, here are 3 of my favorite "not-so-popular-but-still-awesome" food destinations near Metro Manila.

TOP PICKS: 6 Hiking Spots Near Manila You'd Never Believe Were Ideal For Romantic Dates

Tired of the usual dinners and movie dates? Looking for fun new experiences to try with your significant other? For a truly adventurous date, why not make plans this weekend for a trip out of town? Try something healthy and "outdoorsy", not the usual summer places in Manila you've been visiting repeatedly. Here, we've got six spectacular day hike destinations that are just a few hours' drive away from the city.

The PHILIPPINE ARENA in Bulacan, dubbed as the "World's Largest Indoor Arena"

Today marks a monumental event not just for the Iglesia ni Cristo but for the whole Philippines as the "World's Largest Indoor Arena" is set to be inaugurated in Bulacan. Situated at the sprawling 75-hectare eco-tourism zone in Ciudad de Victoria, Bocaue Bulacan, the Philippine Arena was built on a 99,200-square meters of land, has a dome of 36,000 square meters which is said to be "the biggest roof space in the world" and has a capacity of 55,000 seats.

The Art of Bulacan Pastillas Wrapper Making (also known as "Pabalat" or "Borlas de Pastillas")

There are many versions of pastillas in the Philippines. But what sets apart the pastillas in Bulacan is how they wrap it in wonderfully made pastillas wrappers or locally called pabalat or borlas de pastillas. Through the years the "pabalat" making in Bulacan has transformed from a local, folk tradition into a popular art. I consider it a tedious art and perhaps a labor of love as it requires patience in making it.

Malolos Ensaymada and Inipit from Eurobake Bulacan

If there is one pasalubong that you shouldn't leave without when visiting Malolos, Bulacan, that would be their yummy ensaymada. I've been hearing about this famous old fashioned ensaymada from Eurobake - dubbed as the "Home of the Old-Fashioned Ensaymada Malolos and Original Inipit". That's why on our recently concluded Bulacan Food Tour last weekend, we made it a point to stop by Eurobake to buy some goodies.

WHERE TO EAT IN BULACAN: Bistro Maloleño Events Place and Restaurant in Malolos City

Malolos Bulacan takes pride in its rich historical and cultural heritage. It is popularly known for its historical sites, centuries-old churches, notable heroes, talented artists and influential people, but the province is also home to delicious and mouthwatering dishes. One of the must-visit restaurants in Malolos is Bistro Maloleño, dubbed as the "Home of Authentic Bulacan Heritage Cuisines". With the goal of preserving the traditional Bulacan dishes, Bistro Maloleño offers old-age Malolos recipes and heritage cuisines that will surely tickle every guests discriminate palate.

Bulacan - Spelunking at Bayukbok Cave in San Miguel Bulacan

Bayukbok Cave is located within the territory of the Biak na Bato National Park. It has an important role in our history as according to our guide, this is where the Katipuneros used to meet during the revolutionary times.

The exploration starts with a short, uphill trek to the cave. The rocks here are sharp, rough, and some are unstable. Utmost care is needed in hiking up the trail as laxity may lead to accidents.


The start of it all is a narrow passageway that leads to a cliff where you have go down through a rope. Wahhhhh! start pa lang, pahirapan na! Hahaha!!! It was kinda hard because you need to have a good grip at the rope so as not to fall off. Thank God, all of us made it through. Hehehe!

Bulacan - Traversing through the Monkey Bridge over Madlum River

The monkey bridge over the Madlum River was built not as an attraction for tourists, rather it is a bridge used by the locals to cross the river especially when they are chasing time. It is composed of two cable wires stretched out on both sides, one used as a handle and the other is where you walk to move yourself to the other end.


Traversing through the width of the river hanging several feet above it while carefully balancing yourself between the two unsteady wires is extremely difficult. Consider also other factors such as the gustiness of the wind and the wobbling wires, crossing the bridge is really frightening! Hahaha!

Bulacan - Madlum River Swimming, a Refreshing Break from Mt. Manalmon Climb

The scenic Madlum River

Swimming at the Madlum river is one activity you shouldn't miss before or after climbing Mt. Manalmon. This charming river offers clear cold water and stunning views of massive rock formations and beautiful landscapes.

view from afar

The river stream

We, the Sosyal Klaymers, couldn't resist the compelling view of this river. Its inviting water makes a refreshing break on our way back to the jump-off point - a perfect place to relax and kill some time before our trip back to the city.

Climbing Tip : Bulacan - Mt. Manalmon - How To Get There, Travel Expenses, Climbing Fees and Contact Details

As part of the Biak-na-Bato National Park, Mt. Manalmon is a great outdoor destination that is very near Metro Manila. Here, one can spend a day of hiking, swimming and spelunking and you'll definitely have an exceptional weekend adventure.

Getting there

1. Take any Cabanatuan-bound bus from Cubao or Pasay (Baliwag Transit, ES Transport, and Five Star Transport). SCTEX buses don't pass by San Miguel. Be sure to ask if it will pass by San Miguel, Bulacan.
2. Get off at Brgy. Kamias Junction in San Miguel Bulacan. Travel time from Manila is around 2.5 hours.
3. Go to the tricycle terminal and hire a tricycle going to the jumpoff point - Brgy. Madlum. Travel time is about 45 minutes.

Bulacan - Mt. Manalmon Climb - San Miguel Bulacan

Mt. Manalmon

Mt. Manalmon is located in the town of San Miguel, province of 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.

As part of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, this hidden paradise 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! This place is a haven for “Adventuristas” like us.