9 Places To Visit Near Manila: Explore History And Culture

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.

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Best 9 Places To Visit Near Manila

Below is a list of the top 9 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
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 Days Minimum

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
Ideal Trip Duration: A day

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
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 Days

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
Ideal Trip Duration: A day

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
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days

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
Ideal Trip Duration: A day

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
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 Days

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
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 Days

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
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 Days

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

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