Summer is the season that most of us look forward to but not all of us have the luxury of time and budget to file a week-long leave to have a vacation. Good thing, there are many summer destinations near Manila that can totally beat the heat as much as Boracay and Palawan do! You don’t even need to drive too far and stash a lot of money to embark on an epic vacation. 

Believe it or not, some of the country’s most stunning destinations are just a few hours drive from Metro Manila.

10 best summer destinations near Manila

Easy on pocket, these are the best summer destinations near Manila under P2000. Start ticking your bucket list now!

  1. Liwliwa Beach, Batangas
  2. San Juan, La Union
  3. Hundred Islands, Pangasinan
  4. Minalungao National Park, General Tinio, Nueva Ecija
  5. Daranak Falls, Tanay, Rizal
  6. Baler, Aurora
  7. Tagaytay, Cavite
  8. Laiya, Batangas
  9. Pansol, Laguna
  10. Borowan, Quezon

Let’s explore what’s special about teach of these destinations.

1. Liwliwa Beach in Zambales

sunset at liwliwa beach

For those who want all the fun of a good surf spot, without having to go through a long ride, go to Zambales. City dwellers tend to go to La Union by default when it comes to surfing, but if you’re after something more low-key, set your sights on the beaches of San Antonio, Zambales, such as Pundaquit Beach, Anawangin Cove, Nagsasa Cove, and the famous Liwliwa Beach. 

Liwliwa is every barkada’s favorite when it comes to a quick beach fix. You can surf, play volleyball, and even camp!

Travel time from Manila: Around 3-4 hours

Estimated budget: P1,500/person

2. San Juan in La Union

surfer braving the huge waves in la union

If you want to party, meet new friends, catch some waves, and watch an epic sunset, then San Juan in La Union is one of the most affordable summer destinations near Manila. Aside from its thrilling waves for surfers, it has now also become a really hip place where Manila’s cool kids can hang out. You’ll definitely have the best summer getaway near Manila if you choose La Union.

Travel time from Manila: Around 5-6 hours

Estimated budget: P2,000/person

3. Hundred Islands in Pangasinan

aerial view of the hundred islands in pangasinan

One of the best destinations for summer getaway near Manila 2020 is the Hundred Islands in Pangasinan. As the name suggests, it has more than 100 islands for you to enjoy! You can dip at the beautiful beaches and see amazing nature spots. It’s home to places that are perfect for recreational activities—from swimming and trekking to sightseeing.

Travel time from Manila: Around 5-6 hours

Estimated budget: P1,900/person

4. Minalungao National Park in Nueva Ecija

tourists on a bamboo raft

If you’re looking for a fun and nature-filled escape, visit Minalungao National Park in General Tinio, Nueva Ecija. You will find the mesmerizing emerald-colored Peñaranda River cutting its way through limestone cliffs, as well as picturesque hills and lush greenery. Try bamboo rafting down the river and have a picnic on the side. If you want more adventurous activity, kayak down, zip-line across the river, or cliff-dive from the rock formations.

Travel time from Manila: 4 hours

Estimated budget: P2,000/person

5. Daranak Falls in Rizal

tourists swimming in daranak falls

One of the cheapest summer destinations near Manila is Rizal. Because of its proximity to the metro, the province has become the go-to quick getaway spot for travelers. Daranak Falls in Tanay, Rizal is one of the most refreshing places to spend the hot summer days. The falls tend to get crowded on weekends though but it doesn’t have to stop you from visiting it. 

Travel time from Manila: 2 hours

Estimated budget: P500/person

6. Baler in Aurora

baler aurora

Baler is so easy to reach from Manila that’s why it’s a backpacker’s favorite. Although the area is known for its world-class surfing, there are also many unexplored places to see. From hiking, waterfalls, and even climbing inside a giant balete tree—you’ll definitely have a summer to remember.

Travel time from Manila: Around 4-5 hours

Estimated budget: P2,000/person

7. Tagaytay in Cavite

tourists enjoying the view at people's park in tagaytay

Tagaytay needs no introduction because it’s always on the list of the best summer getaway near Manila. It has been a favorite destination of the city dwellers because it’s just a 2-hour drive from the metro. Plus, it’s a perfect place to beat the summer heat because Tagaytay has cool weather like Baguio, only closer.

Travel time from Manila: 2 hours

Estimated budget: P1,000/person

8. Laiya in Batangas

white beach without people

If you’ve got little time for vacation, you can go to Laiya, Batangas instead of the long haul flights to other destinations. It’s one of our favorite summer destinations near Manila because it’s just 2 to 3-hours away. You can find many beaches there that you can enjoy with your family. For sure, you will all have a great time.

Travel time from Manila: Around 2-3 hours

Estimated budget: P2,000/person

9. Pansol in Laguna

clean hot spring in laguna

Tired of the beaches? Why not go for a dip in a hot and cold spring? The best place to experience that is Pansol, Laguna! It’s a great place for summer getaway near Manila 2020 because it’s not too far from the metro. Aside from the hot and cold springs, you can also visit the famous Pagsanjan Falls.

Travel time from Manila: Around 2-3 hours

Estimated budget: P1,000/person

10. Borawan in Quezon Province

Most people say that Borawan comes from the names of Boracay and Palawan combined. It is named such because of its relatively fine white sand like Boracay’s and its rock formations reminiscent of Palawan. There are no resorts here so camping is the way to go! This is definitely a good destination for your summer getaway near Manila 2020.

Travel time from Manila: Around 4-5 hours

Estimated budget: P2,000/person

To make your trip more budget-friendly, make sure to book the best budget hotels at www.zenrooms.com and enjoy quality accommodation at a very affordable price.

Q: What are best budget-friendly destinations in the Philippines?

A: Some of the best budget friendly destinations in the Philippines include:

  1. Liwliwa Beach, Batangas: Approx. 1500 per person
  2. San Juan, La Union: Approx. P2000 per person
  3. Hundred Islands, Pangasinan: Approx. 1900 per person
  4. Minalungao National Park, General Tinio, Nueva Ecija: 2000
  5. Daranak Falls, Tanay, Rizal: Approx. P500 per person
  6. Baler, Aurora: Approx. P2000 per person
  7. Tagaytay, Cavite: Approx. P1000 per person
  8. Laiya, Batangas: Approx. P2000 per person
  9. Pansol, Laguna: Approx. P1000 per person
  10. Borawan, Quezon: Approx. P2000 per person

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Please Note: Some destinations might be closed or there might be travel restrictions placed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please keep the government mandate in mind.