The Best Day Trips From Manila

While Manila has heaps to offer travelers of every stripe, the temptation to explore further afield and escape the city – even just for a day – has always been strong. Thankfully, you don’t need to venture far for a change of scenery. Whether you’re interested in a historic excursion, a bit of nature therapy, or an artsy adventure, make the most of your time with these handpicked day trips from Manila.

Corregidor Island

Corregidor, a tadpole-shaped island only a short ferry ride from Manila Bay, is one of the best historical attractions in the whole of the Philippines. The island was the scene of bitter fighting between the Americans and Japanese during the Second World War. When Manila was attacked, American forces withdrew to Corregidor, and held the area for as long as they could. Today, it is peaceful and verdant. There’s an excellent tour of the museums, barracks, and fortifications by tram car and a stop for lunch at an atmospheric old hotel overlooking the green landscape.

Anilao, Batangas

Tagaytay and Taal

Probably one of the most pleasant cities in the Philippines, Tagaytay is a 60-minute drive from the busy capital – but feels a world away. Beautiful flower gardens, intimate B&Bs, and inviting coffee houses are the norm here. Filipinos love coming to Tagaytay for its cool weather and inspiring views of Taal Lake and the small, but active, Taal Volcano. If you’re the adventurous type, you can hike to the crater, do stand-up paddleboarding on the lake, or go horse riding. When you start to feel peckish, be sure to stop at Sonja’s Garden or Antonio’s, two of the town’s most buzzed-about restaurants.

Hidden Valley Springs, Laguna

A nature escape situated a few hours from Manila, Laguna is known for its lush vegetation and therapeutic hot springs. Hidden Valley Springs is one of the top resorts in the area, and home to six natural mineral pools that call for long, soothing dips. The ancient trees, exotic orchids, and unspoiled greenery in all directions make you feel as though you’re enveloped by nature. The valley, actually a 300-ft (90-metre) crater, is cradled between two mountains, and its mineral waters are said to have healing properties.

Pinto Art Museum, Antipolo

Art lovers can escape the grit of the city in the hills of Antipolo with a day trip to the Pinto Art Museum. Housed in Spanish-style buildings, the gallery is set in a vast garden, peppered with enchanting sculptures, and worth a wander. Inside, you’ll find light, airy spaces, brimming with modern artwork by up-and-coming Filipino talent.

Mount Pinatubo

Mount Pinatubo’s earth-shaking eruption in 1991 completely transformed the surrounding landscape. Today, trekkers come to enjoy the fairly leisurely, 90-minute hike to the Pinatubo Crater and its emerald lake. For those who prefer a little excitement, there are 4×4 off-road experiences to be had, and you can also go boating on the lake. Don’t leave Pampanga without sampling the province’s famous dishes – it’s one of the most highly regarded provinces for foodies in the Philippines.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.