Manila Metro Manila, Philippines Travel Guide
Manila offers a range of accessible locations for day trips, each with unique appeal. Tagaytay City has a a more temperate climate plus picturesque scenery of Taal Lake. Corregidor Island is a historic site, reached by ferry. Pagsanjan Falls is known for its exhilarating "shooting the rapids" boat ride. Batangas beaches, like Anilao and Laiya, invite swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort provides a cultural experience with its museum, shows, and distinctive waterfall restaurant.
Transportation varies: buses or private cars to Tagaytay and Batangas. A ferry to Corregidor, booking ahead is common. Pagsanjan Falls is reachable by bus to Santa Cruz, then local transport, or private car/tour for ease. Day trips typically span 8-12 hours; early starts avoid traffic.
Discover natural beauty and serene landscapes just a short distance from Manila.
Hiking destinations like Mount Pico de Loro and Mount Batulao in Batangas await those with moderate fitness. Masungi Georeserve in Rizal, an award-winning conservation area, features guided trail walks with rope courses and distinctive rock formations. Advance booking is usual for Masungi.
Taal Lake and Volcano in Tagaytay present an iconic landscape, a caldera lake with an island volcano. The gentle hills and mountains of Rizal Province, east of Metro Manila, present lush green landscapes and pleasant drives. Batangas offers the nearest accessible beaches for swimming, snorkeling, and diving, with Anilao known for diving. The Sierra Madre mountains east of Metro Manila offer rugged scenery and cooler temperatures at higher elevations.
Manila, like many megacities, faces environmental challenges. Traveler choices create a positive change.
No major protected areas exist directly within the City of Manila. Conservation efforts concentrate on urban greening projects, coastal cleanups (around Manila Bay), and addressing waterway pollution. Support organizations involved in these ventures if you wish to contribute towards these causes.
Waste management has challenges in Manila. Recycling infrastructure is limited. Travelers reduce plastic use by carrying reusable water bottles and shopping bags, disposing of waste in designated bins, and segregating when facilities allow.
Water scarcity can be an issue in Metro Manila, especially during dry seasons. Shorter showers and towel reuse are mindful actions.
The number of eco-friendly accommodations in Manila is growing but still limited. Look for properties or tours that state environmental policies or hold certifications. Ask about their waste management and energy consumption.
Some airlines feature carbon offset programs when booking flights. Local choices involve selecting eco-certified accommodations or tour operators. Public transportation or walking reduce carbon emissions.
Consider extending your trip beyond Manila to explore more of the Philippines' diverse regions.
Visit Baguio City (Summer Capital), Banaue Rice Terraces (UNESCO World Heritage), or Vigan (Spanish colonial architecture).
Explore the Bicol Region for views of the perfectly conical Mayon Volcano or the unspoiled Caramoan Islands.
Head to El Nido or Coron in Palawan for stunning beaches, lagoons, and exceptional diving. Explore Cebu/Bohol for historic places, diving, or the unique Chocolate Hills.
Domestic flights are readily available from NAIA to most major islands (e.g., Cebu, Palawan, Aklan for Boracay, Davao). Long-distance buses connect Manila to various parts of Luzon. Inter-island ferries from Manila ports connect to other isles for those preferring sea travel.
Combining different destinations creates a comprehensive Philippine experience.
Manila, Baguio, Sagada, Banaue, Vigan, Laoag, then back to Manila.
Manila, Palawan (El Nido/Coron), Boracay, Cebu/Bohol, then back to Manila.
This route has world-renowned beaches and marine life.
