The Ultimate Guide For Planning Your Next Weekend Trip!

Sometimes all we need to relax from the hustle and bustle of the metro is a quick getaway to reset. Lucky for you, there’s a lot to do and a lot of places to go for a weekend trip, and we’ve listed all these places for you here!

So whether you’re thinking of surfing on the best waves, or basking in the cool weather up on the mountains, these weekend activities and destinations will surely make you feel like you’re a world away from the city and all its distractions.

When it comes to weekend activities, you really won’t have to look too far beyond the province of Rizal. As one of the closest destinations to Metro Manila, it’s a convenient way to spend some time away from the busyness of the city.

There’s a number of activities you can try out, like taking a hike to Mount Purro. Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Madre mountain range, this forest trail really immerses you to the surrounding wilderness. Explore the peak of the trail or relax by the pool, and contribute to the rehabilitation of the Marikina Watershed and the empowerment of the indigenous Dumagat tribe.

The Rizal area also has a multitude of other weekend activities to try such as exploring the well-maintained Masungi Georeserve, for an immersive nature experience, or visiting the Pinto Art Museum, an exhibition space and museum filled with beautiful artistry and architecture to enjoy and immerse in. Address: Mount Purro Nature Reserve, Rizal

2. Sky Ranch - Tagaytay

A quick drive south of the metro brings you to the city of Tagaytay. Known for its cooler weather, beautiful scenery, and various family-friendly spots, it’s a great option for a weekend trip to indulge in a colder atmosphere.

Here, you can try visiting Sky Ranch, an amusement park with 14 different rides for you and your family to try out. There are rides like the Drop Tower or the Super Viking for all the thrill-seekers out there. And of course the Sky Eye is a must-try for those unmatched views of the Tagaytay and Taal Lake.

Other than having fun at the Sky Ranch, Tagaytay is well known for its restaurants and dining spots that provide a great view of Taal volcano. One such chain of restaurants local to the area is Bag of Beans. Bag of Beans is a cozy little restaurant that provides delicious meals, great coffee, and delicious pastries like their famous raisin bread. 

There’s many weekend activities to explore in Tagaytay, and we invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the cooler air that surrounds the area.

Address: Sky Ranch Tagaytay, Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway, Tagaytay, Cavite

From the cooler atmosphere of Rizal and Tagaytay, a trip further down south will bring you to the city of Batangas. Making a weekend trip down here will definitely have you further removed from the metro, but the result is a chance to be exposed to the beautiful shores and waters of the area.

Here there are multiple resorts you can visit like the Aquaria Water Park, a family-friendly resort located in Calatagan, Batangas. Not only are there pools and slides to play in, but there is also access to a beach front to enjoy the ocean waters. Immersing yourself in the beauty of the blue waters is the perfect thing to add to your weekend activities! 

Another thing Batangas is well-known for is its diving sites and resorts. Get the chance to explore coral reefs and see the rich sea life that inhabits our very waters,  with the help of highly-trained diving instructors!

Address: Aquaria Water Park, Calatagan, Batangas

4. Camping at Lake Mapanuepe - Zambales

A trip up north of the metro also opens up multiple possibilities and places to see, and one of them is the province of Zambales.

Located more on the western shores north of Metro Manila, this beach haven is a great weekend trip to have with you friends.

One of the sights to see is Mapanuepe Lake, located in San Marcelino, Zambales. Clear blue waters and an open expanse of land perfect for camping, this small paradies has been regarded as the “New Zealand” of Zambales, and is a popular destination for those looking to take a trip to this region.

You can also visit the area of Liwa, where there are multiple resorts and establishments filling up a quaint and quiet area. Here you can try your hand at surfing, as well as enjoy the rich sunsets that light up the western skies. Address: Lake Mapanuepe, San Marcellino, Zambales

Fondly referred to as “Elyu” by both locals and visitors, the province of La Union is a beloved destination that’s usually a weekend trip for young travelers who just want to unwind and make a quick trip to the beach to get away for a few days.

A series of surf towns, La Union is popular for its surf-ready waters, with tons of establishments offering lessons and equipment for those who want to try their hand at these fun weekend activities.

One must-try destination is Immuki island. A 30-minute drive away from San Juan, this small island houses three lagoons perfect for swimming and cliff jumping. The island is full of mangrove trees and provides a great view of the sunset at the end of the day.

La Union is also full of local restaurants and dining establishments like El Union, a local coffee shop that travelers love to flock to every time they visit the area, or Masa, a restaurant known for their delicious breads and savory dishes.

Whether it’s for the local delicacies, the beautiful waves, or just the calm air that La Union brings, it’s definitely a weekend trip you and your friends will want to take.

Address: Immuki Island, Luna - Baloan Road, Bacnota, La Union

Known as the “City of Pines” because of the massive pine trees that fill the area, Baguio is a mountain town popular for being a common weekend trip destination for many travelers who wish to have a few days away from the metro.

Located in La Trinidad (only a few mins away from Baguio city), is the Strawberry Farm, where you can get strawberries straight from the source! We recommend going between February to April which is the season for strawberry picking.

Baguio also has a lot of iconic spots that can easily fill up your weekend activities. You can visit places like Burnham Park, Mines View, and Baguio Botanical Garden to immerse yourself in Baguio’s nature sceneries. You can also visit the famous Bencab Museum, home of artworks by the famous National Artists. 

Besides these famous tourist destinations, a visit to Session Road will also lead you to most of the vendors in the city, selling different types of souvenirs you can take back with you.  Address: Strawberry Farm, La Trinidad, Benguet

Much like Zambales and La Union, Baler also has beautiful blue waters, and waves perfect for surfing all day long. This makes this travel destination full of fun weekend activities.

One great spot to go to is Discalarin Cove, located on the easternmost point of Baler. Here you can find two private beaches. These beaches are privately owned and have an entrance fee for when you want to visit. But this does ensure that the beaches are well maintained, and its far off location provides the best sceneries you’ll find in Baler.

You can also visit Sabang beach, which is the main beach area that tourists visit whenever they’re in Baler. Baler is also home to the famous Balete Tree, a massive historic tree that’s believed to be tied to Philippine mythology.

Address: Discalarin Cove, Baler, Aurora

Being on the coastline, Quezon has beautiful destinations like Alibijaban Island, Jomalig Island, and Borawan Island, which boasts blue waters and beautiful beaches.

But a great place to visit is Balabang Falls. Located in Real, Quezon, this 50 meter high waterfall is one of the most famous waterfalls in the area. It’s particularly known to be seen in major films and multiple vlogs. 

With its rich history, beautiful sceneries, and vibrant destinations, Quezon province is definitely a must-add to your list of potential weekend activities.

Address: Balabag Falls, Real, Quezon Province