So as you may already know, it’s summertime on my side of the world. I’m usually very enthusiastic about it, but this year, the heat is insane. Not only it’s making me cranky, but it’s also making me extremely lazy. I don’t want to leave the comfort of my home because being outside means sweating profusely. You probably feel the same way, but if you need to get out of that chill mellow groove with your AC on full blast, here’s a list of 15 ideas you can possibly do for a day trip outside Manila. So whether you’ve got only one day to spare or your budget will only allow you a nearby excursion, the possibility is endless.

Beat the heat and spend the day at the beach. You can never go wrong with some salty air and sandy hair.

1.) Burot Beach (Calatagan, Batangas)

Only 3-4 hours away from Manila, you can have some fun in the sun in this nearby getaway in Calatagan. You can spend the day under a tree while grilling bbq, or perhaps hire a boat to explore the nearby sandbar and say hello to plenty of starfish around. The best part? It’s a pretty cheap excursion! So hurry, people are already finding out about this gem!

2.) Fortune Island (Nasugbu, Batangas)

An abandoned island rumored to have ghosts? Don’t expect the fine service here because when I said abandoned, I meant it’s practically uninhabited (except for the caretaker). It’s a great place to camp at, but it makes a great day trip too if you’re craving to have sand between your toes. The water is nicer than most nearby beaches and the sand is quite fine too. The Greek pillars isn’t a bad spot for a little photo shoot sesh, FYI. (READ: Fortune Island Is A Real Gem)

3.) Laiya, Batangas

Laiya, known for its white coast line, is an afforadable day trip. With a variety of resorts catering to all kinds of budget, you won’t have to worry about bringing your own food at least. But if you’d prefer to bring your own, just rent a hut and you’ve got yourself set for the day.

Stay cool while breathing fresh unpolluted air and enjoy a picnic. Of course, this is something you need to get out of the city for.

4.) Tagaytay

Everyone’s favorite weekend destination, there’s always a reasonable excuse to go to Tagaytay, and avoiding the summer heat is definitely of those. Having lived here for two years, I obviously get a little bored. But you won’t, because there’s a lot to do to keep any tourist entertained for the day. There’s a bunch of restaurants to choose from, although it’s a little too hot to be eating their famous Bulalo, no? If you fancy a picnic, head on over to Picnic Grove for a view that’s above the average– the world’s smallest active volcano. You can also go a little higher up in the mountain to check out th abandoned Palace In The Sky for an even better panorama of Cavite. (READ: Tagaytay’s Forgotten Palace In The Sky)

5.) Baguio

 It used to take over 6 hours to reach the breezy city of pines. But today, if you have your own transportation, it can take you to as quickly as 3-4 hours. You really don’t need any more reason to go on a summer day, but to just go. A stroll along one of the parks while breathing fresh air sure sounds a lot better than being locked up in your cave (or breathing Manila pollution).

Chase waterfalls like an OG. There are so many waterfalls near the metro that makes a great substitute for the beach. Though many requires a short hike to reach, it lets you get a little work out before taking a great dip in the pool. After all, they didn’t call it chasing waterfalls for nothing.

6.) Hulugan Falls (Luisiana, Laguna)

The grand Hulugan Falls has earned its fame fast and hard. It’s not hard to see why. The grand cascade is almost unbelievable and it’s almost impossible to capture how majestic it is. There are also three other waterfalls around the area so ask your guide about that.

7.) Daranak Falls + Batlag Falls (Taytay, Rizal)

 

A popular spot for the locals on the weekends, Daranak Falls’s turquoise water might get a little murky if you go on the wrong day. But if you catch it empty on a weekday like I did, boy is it beautiful! But in a summertime, that’s almost impossible. It doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy it though. If it gets a little too crowded for your liking, you can take a short hike up to the lesser known Batlag Falls. It may be overshadowed by Daranak’s size, but Batlag is a magical site to see too!

8.) Balite Falls (Amadeo, Cavite)

Head down to Balite Falls if you’re also looking for a cooler weather. It’s near Tagaytay so expect a cooler breeze. You don’t need to break a sweat either because there are no hikes required. But you can challenge yourself by cliff jumping off the falls? Don’t worry, it’s not too high! (READ: Just A Waterfall Away)

9.) Ambon-Ambon Falls (Laurel, Cavite)

Ambon-Ambon is accessible, but it’s still elusive! It hides behind big boulders and canyons that even when you reach the bottom pool, it still feels mysterious. The hike through the canyons is dreamy enough, plus there’s another waterfall nearby which cascades and pool you can check out as well. (READ: Ambon-Ambon Falls: Just Another Offbeat Find)

Conquer mountains and face the sun. If you aren’t afraid of the heat, then challenge yourself with a hike. There are plenty of mountains near the city that offers a breathtaking panorama. Just remember to stay hydrated to avoid heat stroke!

10.) Mt. Batulao (Nasugbu, Batangas)

For a gorgeous terrain, you can’t go wrong with Mt. Batulao. For an average hiker, it can take between 1.5-2 hours to reach the top. It isn’t the easiest, but it also isn’t the hardest. Expect literal climbing with ropes and rappelling down on this mountain. (READ: Finding Mordor: Mt. Batulao Hike)

11.) Mt. Talamitam (Nasugbu, Batangas)

Don’t underestimate it’s size when you see it from afar. Talamitam can be quite the challenge, especially with this unmerciful heat. But once you conquer it, you’ll be rewarded with a great view of Cavite, including its neighbor mountain Batulao. It’s an easy mountain to hike, but there aren’t much shade on the second half of the hike so it becomes a struggle from there. The hills will remind you of the sound of music though. (READ: Mountain Climb Monday: Mt. Talamitam)

P.S. You might wanna check out Layon Bilog River after your hike for a quick swim. (READ: Layon Bilog River: A Mini Adventure After The Storm)

11.) Taal Volcano (Talisay, Batangas)

What do I need to explain it for? It’s the world’s smallest active volcano so viewing its crater will be worth every sweat. It’s a short 40 minute hike, but because you’re literally hiking a volcano, expect it to be a lot hotter than your usual hike. (READ: Hiking The World’s Smallest Active Volcano)

Resort chillin’ because you’re worth it. Fortunately for all of us who doesn’t have enough days in the week, many resorts offer day trips where you can access their pool and chill beach front for an entire day. Some of them includes lunch as well, so not too shabby for a hot summer day.

12.) Aquatico Resort (Laiya, Batangas)

The highlight here? An infinity pool overlooking the ocean. You don’t even need to jump in the ocean to make the most of the day. Just grab a lounge chair by the pool and keep the beer coming, and you’ll be good!

13.) Canyon Cove Resort (Nasugbu, Batangas)

 

Go for a swim, take a nap, and then kayak your way around the cove. You can find me chilling right on the sand under a tree, listening to music the entire day.

14.) Camayan Beach Resort (Subic, Olonggapo)

Can’t forget about Subic if we’re thinking about getaways within close proximity to Manila. Camayan Beach Resort is huge so there’s plenty of room for everyone. There are huts you can rent and if you go all the way at the end of the resort, you’ll have more privacy. The sunset here is gorgeous and you shouldn’t miss it. It’s also next to Ocean Adventure so if you’d like to be near some animals such as dolphins, it’s just a short walk always

Have a date with the city. What else is closer to the city than the city itself? There’s plenty to do! Start by playing tourist and it will lead you to the funnest things, just you wait and see!

15.) Explore the city itself.

Go on a bike ride around Rizal park. Explore within the walls of Intramuros. Go food hopping and try out new restaurants all over. Spend the hottest hours inside National Museum. Check out the casinos. The sky is the limit! There’s so much to do! Being stuck in the city doesn’t have to be all that bad if you just know where to go. (READ: 5 Beautiful Instagrammable Spots In Intramuros)

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