The daily grind of working and living in Metro Manila can get very tiring, and sometimes you just need a quick break from all the bustle and the stress in the concrete jungle. One misconception when it comes to weekend getaways from Manila require lots of planning ahead in terms of itinerary and costs. There are actually many places you can visit that will not demand a lot of your time and money and will still offer a relaxing experience. Going away for a weekend to destress and recenter yourself does not have to be expensive and far!
Here are some of our top picks for nature getaway spots that you can visit on a weekend, even on a tight budget!
Daranak Falls (Tanay, Rizal)
Nestled at the foot of the mountains of Tanay, Daranak Falls is a 14-meter high falls that is a popular destination for tourists and locals all year round. The lush green vegetation complemented by the clear blue rivers and ponds flowing freely makes it look like a scene straight out of a painting!
You can bring and cook your own food at the grilling area near the falls and you can also bring your own drinks (alcoholic beverages are not allowed). This is perfect for those looking to have a nice, peaceful lunch surrounded by nature on a weekend! The best part is that Daranak Falls is a mere two-hour road trip from Manila!
Daranak Falls has an entrance fee of Php 50.00.
Pinto Art Museum (Antipolo, Rizal)
For those looking to satisfy a craving for something artsy, Pinto Art Museum is the place to go. This museum is an art haven hidden deep in Antipolo. There are six extensive art galleries in this museum, all housing a variety of contemporary Filipino artists, both budding and senior. Apart from the artworks, Pinto Art Museum also has beautifully landscaped grounds that come with a beautiful rolling view of Metro Manila.
Pinto Art Museum is open from Tuesday – Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Tickets are Php 200.00
Villa Elma (Quezon)
Located at the foothills of Mt. Banahaw, Villa Elma Nature Park brings an outdoor experience that brings together spirituality and adventure at the same time. Villa Elma is a well-known pilgrimage site back in the day and it turned into a nature park back in 2016. Aside from the religious sites, this park also boasts of outdoor activities expansive in their lush green park and a stunning view of Mount Banahaw. This place is absolutely perfect for those looking for a spiritual getaway where you can reconnect with yourself and with nature.
Anawangin Cove (Zambales)
Photo from: https://www.travelbook.ph/
For those looking to completely disconnect from the stress of the city, Anawangin Cove in Zambales is the place to be! While San Antonio, Zambales boasts of the numerous coves and hidden nooks in their area, Anawangin is the one they are most proud of because of its accessibility and beauty. This hidden cove is tucked behind the beautiful mountains of Zambales, combining the beauty of land and sea in one place.
A unique thing about Anawangin Cove is that there is neither electricity nor mobile signal here, making it the perfect place to escape the city.
Entrance fee to Anawangin Cove is Php 100.00 for adults.
Mount Maculot (Batangas)
Photo from: https://www.adventurouslens.com/mt-maculot/
Offering a stunning view of the Taal Lake at its peak, Mount Maculot is one of the more famous hiking spots in Batangas. Its renown to hiking enthusiasts can often intimidate beginners, but this trail is very beginner friendly! The usual time to completely traverse the trail is five (5) to six (6) hours, just the right time for people looking for a quick nature activity! Going up the trail, you will also encounter a couple of vendors selling their fresh produce like fruits, vegetables, etc. so be sure to check out their products on your ascent!
Mount Maculot is two hours away from Manila.
If you don’t have time to leave the city to relax, you can always drop by any Acceler8 centers and chill while getting your work done! We have workspaces all over Makati: Salcedo Village, Legaspi Village, and Rockwell Makati. To learn more about our centers and our services, send us an email at connect@acceler8.ph and we’ll gladly help you.