Where to Go for a Weekend Escape from Metro Manila’s Bleak Weather After enduring long months of excruciating heat, our country is finally experiencing colder weather thanks to the winter monsoons. This continuous drop of temperature is more than welcome for almost everyone in the Metro. But if you’re not one to sit still when it’s cuddle weather or you just want to go on a road trip before the year ends, there are many places near Metro Manila where you can escape to even just for a weekend. So check out this list, call up your buddies, and plan your itinerary!
TAGAYTAY
Witness the beauty of Taal volcano or sip some hot bulalo soup when you visit Tagaytay. (Image: Rome Espinosa Diwa)
Take a quick drive to Tagaytay and warm up with some bulalo (soup with beef shanks and marrows) to fight the cold weather. Although there are plenty of restaurants that serve it, the best way to experience it is at Mahogany Market . You’ll see lines of karinderya or eateries serving this dish with ingredients straight from the meat market. It’s a filling meal without the hefty price tag but with the same rich taste. Not into bulalo? Stop by Bag of Beans and drink unlimited coffee with their desserts. These famous Tagaytay fares are definitely good reasons to visit the area, but the beautiful view of Taal Lake alone is already a good excuse to escape the Metro. How to get there: From EDSA, you can go to Starmall EDSA Shaw and ride the van going to Tagaytay. You can also head straight to South West Integrated Provincial Transport Terminal (SWIPTS) at HK Sun Plaza in Pasay City and ride the bus going to Nasugbu, Batangas. Just ask the conductor to drop you off at Tagaytay. Mahogany Market: Mahogany Ave., Brgy. Kaybagal South, Tagaytay Bag of Beans: 115 Aguinaldo Highway, Mendez Crossing West, Tagaytay City Read: Tagaytay’s Famous Markets and Best Buys
BATANGAS
Hit the beach one last time in Batangas! (Image: Joy Quisel Abarquez) Another perfect destination for a quick escape is Batangas. It is known for its long lines of beaches, and, of course, its many beachfront resorts. Eagle Point Beach and Dive Resort in Anilao is a great choice if you’re itching to dive with your beach buddies and explore the thriving marine environment of the province. After diving, refuel with lomi, a dish Batangas is known for. One bowl of thick, hot soup with egg noodles and vegetables will be the perfect ending to your quick getaway. Drop by Lomi King to get some. How to get there: There are many points of interest in Batangas and your route depends on which place you’re going to visit. For starters, you can go to the terminals of ALPS Bus or JAM Transit in Cubao, EDSA. These terminals have plenty of trips going to different parts of Batangas. You can also go to the Southwest Interim Provincial Terminal (SWIPT) at HK Sun Plaza in Pasay City as most of Batangas-bound buses pass by it. Eagle Point Beach and Dive Resort: Barangay Bagalangit, Anilao, Mabini, Batangas Lomi King: Ayala Highway, Barangay Sico, Lipa, Batangas
LAGUNA
Warm up your body with the natural springs of Laguna. (Image: @boofybloke) Famous for their hot springs, Laguna is the best place to literally warm up your body in this freezing weather. Aside from the relaxing benefits of soaking in a hot spring, it’s also known to have health benefits like boosting blood circulation, relieving body pain, and more. One of the well-known hot spring resorts in Laguna is Hidden Valley Springs Resort. Here, you can dip your body in their natural spring pools while enjoying the surrounding beauty of nature. How to get there: From EDSA, you can choose among the bus terminals in Cubao. Some of the bus carriers that travel to Laguna include BLTB Co., HM Transport, Jac Liner, and JAM Transit. You can also head to Taft Avenue near Gil Puyat Avenue where there are plenty of bus carriers that travel to Laguna. Some of them include Kapalaran Bus Co. and Green Star Transit. Hidden Valley Springs Resort: Barangay Perez, Calauan, Laguna
BAGUIO
Drink your coffee while witnessing this majestic view in Baguio. (Image: Charisma Vianca) One of the best ways to combat the cold is with a cup of coffee, and Baguio’s beautiful panorama makes it one of the best places to enjoy one. Although the City of Pines is known for its cold weather, the cold temperature here is the perfect excuse to wear those thick jackets and scarves that you’ve been keeping in your closet. While waiting for Baguio’s famous night market to start, stay in one of the cafés taking the spotlight in the city, and warm up with your buddies. Arca’s Yard, a museum, library, and café all rolled into one is an up-and-coming establishment that offers breathtaking views while you sip a cup of joe. How to get there: From EDSA, head to Cubao and drop off at Victory Liner Terminal. They have buses going to Baguio that leave every hour. Genesis Bus Terminal in Cubao also has Joy Bus, which also travels to Baguio every hour. Both Victory and Joy buses offer regular and deluxe bus trips. Arca’s Yard: #777 Tip-Top City Limit, Ambuklao Road, Baguio City Check out our list of cafés in Baguio City or browse the Dining & Leisure category of the ShoppersGuide Directory.
Read: Adventure Doesn’t Stop When It’s Pouring in Baguio
LA UNION
Hit the waves of La Union before the year ends. (Image: Ely Jane Privado) Surfers or even newbies who want to hit the waves will find that now is the best time to visit La Union. Surfing season in the province is from October to March, which means that the waves are higher than ever during these months. If you aren’t a fan of surfing, you can make a quick trek to Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel for a different kind of escapade. In addition to this, a dining adventure for foodies is also in store at La Union. Tourists can go to The Coffee Library, a café that offers different kinds of coffee all over the world, to stay warm. For accommodations, check out Vessel Hostel, a new accommodation in La Union that became famous for its repurposing of shipping containers.
How to get there: From EDSA, go to Cubao and choose either Partas Transportation or Dominion Bus Line. Ride the buses going to Vigan or Laoag and ask to be dropped off at Urbiztondo. Vessel Hostel: Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union The Coffee Library: National Highway, Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union
BATAAN
Witness Plaza Mayor de Ciudad de Balanga light up at night in Bataan (Image: The Plaza Hotel Balanga’s Facebook Page) Bataan is a good choice if you want to veer away from the touristy route. Although it’s been gaining popularity recently, most people still skip this province because it does not have a lot of the usual sightseeing spots. However, visitors would see that Bataan has more to offer aside from the beautiful Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. One is Plaza Mayor de Ciudad de Balanga.
Located in the center of Balanga, it comprises of Balanga City Hall, Galleria de Victoria Mall, and The Plaza Hotel. The result is an architectural beauty that will leave you amazed. How to get there: There are two main routes going to Bataan: Balanga and Mariveles. Genesis Bus in Pasay and Avenida has buses that travel to Balanga and Mariveles. From EDSA you can also go to Cubao and drop off at Bataan Transit Co., Inc. They also have buses that travel to Balanga and Mariveles. Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar: Brgy. Ibaba, Bagac, Bataan Plaza Mayor de Ciudad de Balanga: Balanga, Bataan Whether you’re into the beach, into food trips, or just plain sightseeing, you now have plenty of choices when you wish to leave Manila. Tell us on the comments below which of these places will you hit first.