Places To Visit Near Manila: Your Ultimate Guide To Memorable Day Trips

Image of a province building in Batangas, a lovely city and one of the best place to visit near Manila.
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Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a gateway to several iconic destinations around it. This place is surrounded by multiple spots which are ideal for both day trips and weekend getaways. Whether individuals are looking for a soothing place, a natural retreat or some historic sites, these places to visit near Manila have everything for everyone. From the stunning views witnessed from the city of Tagaytay to exploring the waters of Corregidor Island, travellers get ample options to explore the region around Manila for a quick escape.

Best 14 Places To Visit Near Manila

Below is a list of the top 14 places to visit near Manila, offering a unique and memorable experience:

1. Tagaytay

An image of the People’s Park In The Sky in Tagaytay, a place to visit near Manila.

Photo: Ray in Manila / Wikimedia Commons

Tagaytay is a major holiday destination near Manila in the Philippines. This place is known for its cool weather and scenic spots, which make it one of the most visited places near Manila. This place is located on the ridge exactly above the Taal Volcano Island, which is currently an active volcano and is surrounded by the Taal Lake. A highlight of Tagaytay is Tagaytay Picnic Grove, a leisure park and garden with designated recreation areas, trails, picnic spots and a zipline.

Distance From Manila: 66.6 km

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Philippines

2. Corregidor Island

View of the famous lighthouse on the Corregidor Islands, with the blue sky in backdrop

Photo: Lawrence Ruiz (Epi Fabonan III) / Wikimedia Commons

Corregidor Island is a historic island and can be reached with a one-hour ferry ride from Manila. This island served as a military stronghold during World War II. One of the major highlights of Corregidor Island is the Corregidor Island Lighthouse. Other important attractions on the island include Mile Long Barracks, the Japanese Garden of Peace, Battery Way, a historic site, the Pacific Museum of War, the Filipino Heroes Memorial, and the Malinta Tunnel.

Distance From Manila: 50 km

3. Batangas

A lovely white sand ‘Laiya Beach' in San Juan in Batangas, a place to visit near Manila.

Photo: Marvinsinag / Wikimedia Commons

Batangas, also known as the City of Batangas, is a province in the Philippines near Manila. This is a popular tourist destination and is visited by many tourists. This huge province is chosen by tourists for numerous beaches, ancestral houses and popular diving spots. A few of the major places to visit here are Don Bosco Chapel on the Hill, Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Ilijan Falls, Matabungkay Beach, J Castles, Tinga Falls and Mount Manabu. A major highlight of this place is the Miracle Walk, which is also known as the Glass Walk among tourists and Layag Layag Beach, a peaceful retreat. Visitors can also go island hopping too.

Distance From Manila: 108 km

Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In San Juan, Manila

4. Pagsanjan Falls

Water falling fast into the pool at the Pagsanjan Falls, an ideal spot for nature lovers

Photo: Andrew Martin / Wikimedia Commons

Pagsanjan Falls is also known as Cavinti Falls locally and is among the popular tourist attractions and natural spots in the Philippines. This place is known for its top-rated activity, the canoe ride. This waterfall is located inside the Pagsanjan Gorge National Park. Visitors also get an option for bamboo river rafting under the waterfall, leading straight into the Devil’s Cave. There are skilled boatmen letting individuals raft on their boats.

Distance From Manila: 107 km

5. Subic Bay

An image of the water landscape of Subic Bay, an adventurous place to visit near Manila.

Photo: Vernongstamm / Wikimedia Commons

Subic Bay, a bay in the Philippines, promises an array of experiences and a natural retreat away from the city’s shore. Apart from pristine beaches, this place is home to several water parks, theme parks and zoos. The major highlight of this place is the Ocean Adventure Subic Bay, a wonderful theme park. Other places of interest here are Inflatable Island, Adventure Beach Waterpark, Zoobic Safari, Dungaree Beach, All Hands Beach, Funtastic Park Subic Bay, Jungle Environment Training Camp, Spanish Gate and Ayala Malls Harbour Point.

Distance From Manila: 160 km

Suggested Read: Popular Things To Do In Cebu

6. Antipolo

Tourists at the entrance of a famed cathedral in Antipolo, a place to visit near Manila.

Photo: Patrickroque01 / Wikimedia Commons

Antipolo is one of the closest places to Manila, located east of the city. Besides being a top tourist destination, this place is also known as a Catholic Pilgrimage Site. One of the main highlights of this city is the Antipolo Cathedral, a church with a 17th-century wooden statue of the Virgin Mary attracting pilgrims from all over the world. Visitors also flock to the Pinto Art Museum, which displays proper contemporary art, Filipino Paintings and sculptures. Other places to visit in Antipolo are Hinulugang TakTak Protected Landscape, Mystical Cave, Mount Purro Nature Reserve and Casa Santa Museum.

Distance From Manila: 19 km

7. Olongapo

A renowned landmark situated in the city centre of Olongapo during broad daylight

Cover Photo: Ramon FVelasquez / Wikimedia Commons

Olongapo is also known as the City of Olongapo and is one of the most praised sites near Manila. This place has gained fame because of numerous sandy beaches, which are a go-to point for all visitors as they face the Subic Bay, a popular site for diving and other watersports catering to the preferences of all. This place is a highly urbanised city with some places of interest such as Marikit Park, Hellships Memorial, Olongapo Beach, Baloy Beach and Ulo ng Apo Monument.

Distance From Manila: 155 km

Suggested Read: Manila City Guide

8. Bulakan

Boats parked at an old harbour on River Matungao in Bulakan, one of the places to visit near Manila

Photo: Zarate123 / Wikimedia Commons

Bulakan, also known as Bulacan, is a huge province in the Philippines and is a part of the Greater Manila Area. This place is one of the oldest towns in the region and has gained fame for its top attraction, The Bulakan Church, a lovely 19th-century Neo-Byzantine-Romanesque Church. Other places to visit include Biak Na Bato National Park, Mount Balagbag, Angat Dam, Pinagrealan Cave and Mariano Ponce Museum.

Distance From Manila: 42 km

9. Angeles

Image of the Pamintuan Mansion in Angeles, a city in the Philippines

Photo: xiquinhosilva / Wikimedia Commons

Angeles is a picturesque city in the Philippines and one of the top-rated tourist destinations near Manila. This city’s top landmarks include the Pamintuan Mansion and the stone Founders’ Residence, both built in the 1800s. Angeles is named the ‘culinary capital’ of the Philippines and is also a hub for Kapampangan cuisine as well as for its pork sisig, enjoyed by all. Other places to visit here are SM City Clark, Holy Rosary Parish Church, Nepo Mall, Deca Wake Park Clark, Dinosaur’s Island and Field’s Avenue.

Distance From Manila: 87 km

Suggested Read: The Ultimate Guide To Angeles City Nightlife

10. Masungi Georeserve, Rizal

Sapot viewing platform at Masungi Georeserve offering panoramic views of Laguna de Bay

Photo: Jtepace / Wikimedia Commons

Masungi Georeserve, located in Baras, Rizal, is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts seeking attractions near Manila. Just a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from the city, this 1,500-hectare conservation area boasts over 400 species of plants and animals. Visitors can explore two main trails: the Discovery Trail, featuring rope courses and panoramic views, and the Legacy Trail, which includes tree planting and a stay in a treehouse. Both trails require advance booking and a minimum of seven participants. Masungi offers a unique blend of adventure and environmental education, making it a top choice among places to see near Manila.

Distance From Manila: 47 km

11. Cagbalete Island, Quezon

Image of Villa Cleofas Beach Resort on Cagbalete Island, with sandbar and clear waters.

Photo: Lawrence Ruiz (Epi Fabonan III) / Wikimedia Commons

Cagbalete Island, situated off Mauban in Quezon Province, is a peaceful tropical escape about 142 km southeast of Manila. The 1,640-hectare island features stunning white sandbars that appear during low tide, perfect for strolling or photography. Accessible by a short boat ride, it offers calm beaches, lush mangroves, and vibrant coral reefs ideal for snorkeling. Visitors can explore Nilandingan Cove or simply relax in the serene surroundings, making it one of the top tourist attractions near Manila for a quiet, nature-filled getaway.

Distance From Manila: 141.5 km

Suggested Read: Philippines Islands

12. Five Fingers, Mariveles, Bataan

Nagbayog Cove in Mariveles, Bataan, showcasing turquoise waters and rocky formations.

Photo: Patrickroque01 / Wikimedia Commons

Five Fingers in Mariveles, Bataan, is a coastal gem about four hours from Manila, featuring five unique coves shaped like an open hand. Visitors can enjoy boat tours to explore clear turquoise waters, natural rock formations, and hidden beaches near manila, beginning at Hawla Beach. Nearby Laki Beach offers white sands perfect for swimming or camping overnight. Accessible by ferry or bus from Manila, this spot is among the top places to visit near Manila Philippines, combining adventure, relaxation, and scenic beauty in one trip.

Distance From Manila: 163 km

13. Botolan, Zambales

An image of the Municipal Agora of Botolan, Zambales, featuring a spacious open-air market

Photo: Ramon FVelasquez / Wikimedia Commons

Botolan in Zambales, Philippines, is a charming spot for families seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation. Its pristine beaches, especially in Barangay Binoclutan, are famous as nesting grounds for sea turtles between September and January. Nature lovers can explore the four-tiered Tukal-Tukal Falls or experience thrilling ATV rides across the lahar fields from Mount Pinatubo’s eruption. Cultural festivities like Fiesta Poon Bato and the Domorokdok Festival bring local traditions to life. Botolan is among the top places to visit near Manila for family, offering resorts, campsites, and memorable experiences for all ages.

Distance From Manila: 185.6 km

Suggested Read: Beaches Near Makati

14. Real, Quezon

Panoramic view of Real, Quezon's coastline with fishing boats and clear waters.

Photo: Ramon FVelasquez / Wikimedia Commons

Real, Quezon, a coastal retreat on Luzon’s eastern shore, is perfect for couples seeking a peaceful getaway. Just three to four hours from Manila, it boasts calm beaches, verdant forests, and hidden waterfalls. Adventurous pairs can surf at Real Coast and Surf, hike to Balagbag Falls, or camp under the stars at The PaRK. With its quiet charm, rich history, and affordable options, this town stands out among the best places to visit near Manila for couples, offering both relaxation and memorable experiences.

Distance From Manila: 95 km

All these destinations around Manila offer a set of experiences and memories to be taken back home. Whether travellers want a cool weekend in Tagaytay or a peaceful escape at Corregidor Island, all the places to visit near Manila are simply perfect. Book a trip with TripXL, which offers tailored trips to these destinations and helps plan a perfect weekend getaway.

Cover Photo: 8Kampfgruppe / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the must-try water sports at Corregidor Island are sailing, kayaking, boat tours and swimming on a few of the beaches on the island.
The closest waterfall to Manila is Pagsanjan Waterfall. This waterfall lies at a distance of 100 kilometres from Manila and can be reached within two hours.
Batangas are famous for multiple beaches and lakes. This place has a rich culinary scene and cultural heritage. It is also home to Taal Volcano and Taal Lake.
Yes, tourists can opt for a boat ride or an optional raft ride at the falls. The trip itself is an adventure here and promises ample fun.
Yes, Laiya (Batangas), Subic (Zambales), and Puerto Galera (via Batangas port) are some of the top beach spots close to Manila.
Bring sturdy hiking shoes or non-slip trainers, a lightweight backpack, at least 1 litre of water, energy snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. A light towel and extra shirt are also handy, as the trails can be sweaty work.
The ideal time is during the dry season, from March to May. This period offers sunny weather and calm seas, perfect for beach walks and exploring the sandbars.
You can take a ferry from Mall of Asia to Orion, Bataan (about 1 hour), then hop on a free shuttle to Mariveles. From there, a short tricycle ride gets you to Hawla Beach, the starting point for the cove tours.
Pranjal Sheokand

Pranjal Sheokand

A writer from a young age, Pranjal has always been passionate about storytelling, eventually transforming that love into a career in travel writing. She believes in the power of words to bring clarity to complexity, and her work reflects this. Her writing focuses on delivering practical insights, immersive narratives, and detailed guides that help readers plan memorable journeys. When not immersed in these tales, she enjoys studying psychology, charting constellations, playing chess, and watching the rain.

Pranjal’s Top Travel Highlights:

Pranjal focuses on the authentic, often overlooked side of travel, highlighting moments of genuine connection, solitude, and simplicity.

1. Offbeat Travel at 21:
Celebrated her 21st birthday in Chopta, an offbeat Himalayan village, with no network, minimal crowds, and amidst the raw, quiet charm of local life.

2. Firsthand Trekking Experience to Tungnath:
Completed the Tungnath trek through unexpected snow, challenges, and gained a deeper appreciation for the physical and emotional rewards of mountain travel.

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