Pack Your Bags! Here Are Underrated Destinations a Ride Away from Manila

Ah, summer. What a perfect time to beat the blazing heat with a refreshing vacation, away from the chaos of the city. Sure, going to Boracay, Baguio, or Tagaytay may be at the top of your list to get your chill vacation, but just going to these destinations may be a bit too exhausting and expensive (not to mention the crowds).

If you’re on a budget and looking for a getaway that’s not too far from the capital city, we’ve got you! In this article, we’re giving you a list of underrated vacation destinations in the Philippines that are just a ride away from the Metro. So, file a leave, pack your bags, ready your wallets (and the oh-so-important sunscreen), and check out our list!

Ternate, Cavite

While Tagaytay is Cavite’s cool destination for staycations and bustling landmarks, Ternate is the under-the-radar place to visit in the province, especially for beach lovers! The town has an abundance of beach resorts with vibes that stack up against popular destinations like Boracay and Palawan.

The best thing about it? Most resorts here are budget-friendly! To get here, simply hop on a Ternate-bound bus from Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) or drive through CAVITEX and navigate along the Naic-Maragondon-Ternate route.

Real, Quezon

Another summer season destination to visit is Real, Quezon. The coastal town, albeit small, boasts an impressive collection of lush greeneries, pristine waterfalls, and many more natural wonders—perfect for those looking for a tranquil getaway.

Some of the best places to visit here are the majestic Balagbag Falls and the breathtaking Baluti Island. You can also book a stay in one of their luxurious accommodations, which offer various experiences to help you explore the town’s beauty. For an easy commute to Real, you can ride a Real-Infanta-bound van from Legarda, Manila. You can also hop on a Real-bound bus in Sampaloc, Manila, via Raymond Bus Terminal.

Tanay, Rizal

Hiking enthusiasts will love this destination down south! Aside from the wide selection of relaxing resorts and food spots, Tanay is also home to sky-high mountains that offer scenic views. This includes the wonderful Masungi Georeserve, featuring rustic rock formations and tall trees. There’s also Mount Daraitan, a well-loved destination for hikers.

There are numerous transportation options to get to Tanay, including a UV Express or a jeepney ride from Starmall EDSA. You can also ride a UV Express from the terminal near the LRT Station in Santolan, Marikina. To check out more alternatives, click here.

San Felipe, Zambales

Soul-searching? If you are, an underrated destination to visit is the quaint and quiet village of San Felipe in Zambales! The best thing to do here is to go camping and bask in the beautiful view of their serene beaches or ride the waves and go for a surfing session. Their most popular attraction is Sitio Liwliwa, where a number of beach resorts are located.

If you’re from around the Metro, you only need to ride a bus going to Iba, Zambales, via Victory Liner’s terminal in Cubao to visit this small yet attractive town.

San Pablo, Laguna

If you love taking pictures while you’re on a trip, San Pablo is a great place to visit! Dubbed “The City of Seven Lakes,” San Pablo houses seven crater lakes that offer picturesque views: the Sampaloc, Bunot, Palakpakin, Mohicap, Pandin, Calibato, and Yambo Lakes. These lakes are also great spots to have a picnic and go for a swim.

San Pablo’s charms do not stop there! Being one of the oldest cities in the Philippines, San Pablo is also a destination where you can find historical edifices. Some of the best spots to take snaps at are the San Pablo City Cathedral, the Apolinario Mabini Shrine, Casa Real, and Hagdang Bato. To get here from Manila, just ride a San Pablo-bound bus from the terminals in Buendia along Taft Avenue.

Bolinao, Pangasinan

Another underrated destination rich in natural marvels is Bolinao, located in the coastal province of Pangasinan in the northwestern region. With its sunny, powdery-white beaches, enchanting caves, and jaw-dropping waterfalls, this place truly lets you immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

While there’s an option to travel to Bolinao from Manila through a cutting trip via Dau or Alaminos, you can sit back and relax by taking a direct travel bus to Bolinao via Five Star Bus, Victory Liner, or Dagupan Bus terminals in Cubao and Pasay. It will take about five hours to get there, but we assure you, it’s worth it!