Have you been working too much you feel you need a break away from all the stress? Are you tired of watching cars in traffic everyday? Do you feel like you need a quick break? Worry no more! Here are 15 budget friendly destinations for the weekend.
1. Pinto Art Museum – Antipolo, Rizal
Immerse yourself in art and nature and feel all those stress draining out of your body. This place is perfect for those art lovers, and even those who are looking to appreciate art.
Seated in the heart of a garden and far from the busy streets of the metro, Pinto Art Museum has a minimalist, Mediterranean-inspired architecture. For just an entrance fee of P200, be transported to a different place when you enter the museum. Every corner of the place is Instagram worthy you will be able to fill yours for days.
2. Angono Petroglyphs – Angono, Rizal
Founded by National Artist Carlos “Botong” Francisco in 1965, Angono Petroglyphs are primitive rock carvings inside a cave. Only a handful of this can be found in the whole world, and luckily there is one located just within our reach. This rare archaeological treasure must be on your next budget-friendly weekend getaway list with just an entrance fee of P20!
3. Mystical Cave – Antipolo, Rizal
Wanting to see some natural rock formations in a cave but don’t have the budget to go to the Underground River of Puerto Princesa, Palawan? Why not have a within-the-budget trip to Antipolo, Rizal and see the Mystical Caves? Enjoy some mesmerizing stalactites and stalagmites adorned all through out the cave. Catholic Devotees see this place as special because of it’s natural rock formations. It even has one that resembles a Cathedral.
The cave is as deep as eight storey, but only the top floor is open for general viewing. Only advanced cavers and mountainers are allowed on the rest of the cave.
For only P40, you can enjoy this mesmerizing beauty that has been part of some local films – Encantadia, Dyesebel and Marina.
4. Daranak Falls – Tanay, Rizal
Capturing the attention of some local and foreign thrill seekers and even the movie producers is Daranak Falls located in Tanay, Rizal. This humble gift of nature is nestled at the foot of Tanay mountains. It is considered as Rizal’s top tourist destinations.
Rent one of their native picnic sheds and tables and relax for the day. You don’t need to worry about some fresh food also. Just bring fresh meat or fish and grill them on the grilling areas provided. If you also do not want the hassle of preparing the food yourself, you can have your meat cooked in a nearby canteen.
For as low as P50, enjoy a relaxing day at Daranak Falls, or try your hands at balancing rocks near the river banks.
5. Corregidor Island, Cavite
Care for some visit to historical sites? Visit the tadpole-shaped island of Corregidor, a historic location during World War II. This is where we gained freedom that we are now enjoying.
You can only reach the island through a guided tour. With just less than P3,000 you can experience this awe-inspiring attractions like the Mile-Long Barracks, the Spanish Lighthouse, and the Eternal Flame of Freedom. The relaxed ambiance will guarantee to melt all your stress away.
6. Sky Ranch Pampanga – San Fernando, Pampanga
If you want to get rid of all your stress while pumping yourself with adrenaline, visit the Sky Ranch Theme Park in Pampanga. Home to 22 different but equally exciting rides, Sky Ranch is a perfect place for a family getaway.
One of its popular ride is ‘The Eye’. It is the tallest Ferris wheel in the country offering a spectacular view of Mount Arayat, all in the comforts of an air-conditioned gondola.
Enjoy this fun filled theme park for only P80 and drive all your stress away.
7. Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort – Tiaong, Quezon
Looking to relax while immersing in culture? Visit Villa Escudero Plantation and Resort. Learn Filipino culture from the past while touring the whole property. Ride a bamboo raft through the river and when you’re done, dine in their Waterfalls Restaurant. It is the heart of the villa with a fantastic experience. Feast on sumptuous meals in a bamboo tables while your feet are being submerged and relaxed in a shallow water. You can fully relax in this paradise for as low as P950.
8. Taal Volcano – Talisay, Batangas
Rest your weary soul while you immerse in the grandeur of Taal Volcano. Although Taal Volcano is considered as one of the most active volcano in the Pacific Ring of Fire, there are still a lot of activities you can enjoy when you visit. Aside from trekking while enjoying the magnificent view, you can go boat riding, horseback riding and camping. All of this for as low as P2,000.
9. Lucban Church – Lucban, Quezon
Some people are fascinated by history and religion. If you are one of them, then this is the perfect place for you to relax. Lucban Church was originally built in the year 1595. Apart from being a place of worship, the church is also a great place to learn great historical values, including it’s significance as a starting point for the San Isidro Pahiyas Festival, an important celebration for those in the Catholic faith.
10. Museo sa Ilalim ng Lupa ng Nagcarlan
Most cemetery are spine tingling and scary for people to visit, but Museo sa Ilalim ng Lupa ng Nagcarlan is different. When you visit here, you won’t feel scared or sad. This underground cemetery has now been turned into a museum and is a sight to behold.
Together with the wall frescoes, the patterned azulejos floor tiles, and its ideal location, this cemetery exudes peace and serenity, not just for the souls buried under its crypts but also for the living who visit here to find peace themselves. The museum has an octagonal shape design with a lot of intricate details to feast your eyes on.
11. Mount Maculot – Cuenca, Batangas
Offering a great view of both the Taal Lake and Taal Volcano, this destination is truly a favorite for those who seek an adventure. The mountain is famous for three things: The Rockies, the grotto and the summit. The summit is on the top but it has the perfect spot for your instagram photos.
12. Puning Hot Springs – Porac, Pampanga
Nestled on a cliff at Sapang Bato, Porac, Pampanga is a fortress-like resort called Puning Hot Spring. This once was a verdant location but was destroyed by the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption. This also gave birth to 11 hot springs in the resort.
Visit Puning Hot Springs and enjoy some dipping in the streaming waters coupled with marvelous spa treatments that includes hot sand and mudpack.
13. Minalungao National Park – Nueva Ecija
If you are dying for some genuine relaxation and fresh air? Then this is the place for you. Enjoy a ride through the green Peñaranda River. If you want more, you can swim and dive in the clean river water.
If that is not enough for you, pump some adrenaline and go for some climbing and cliff diving. You can also do explore the magnificent Minalungao Cave located just right at the foot of Minalungao Hill.
14. Capones Island – San Antonio, Zambales
Enjoy some self-reflection and total relaxation in this two-kilometre bone-shaped island called Capones. This island has no inhabitants except for the birds. Everywhere you set your eyes on you will see pure natural beauty perfect for relaxing yourself.
Enjoy walks along the shoreline or go snorkeling underneath the turquoise water with rich marine life. Wander in the only finished structure in the island, the Spanish lighthouse built in 1890 and was used to warn ships of the rocky outcrops below the seemingly safe waters around the island.
If you want to stay for the night, camping is allowed as long as you brought your own camping equipment. Ready your camera for some instagram worthy shots and enjoy the island for yourself. Just don’t forget to schedule a return trip from your boatman. Or else, you will be staying there for good.
15. Masinloc Eco-Tour – Masinloc, Zambales
Dying for some vitamin sea? Head out to Masinloc, Zambales and join their Masinloc Eco-Tour Program. In this tour you will visit the San Salvador Island’s giant clam farm and Marine Protected Area. Have the thrill of your life while you dive and snorkel with the giant clams. You will then have lunch in the famous Bacala House standing in the middle of the clear waters of Masinloc Oyon Bay. Your day will end at the nine-hectare Yaha Mangrove Forest Adventure. Aside from being able to enjoy, you will be able to participate in a chance to help the ecotourism project by planting a mangrove seedling before you leave the place. The tour package including lunch only cost P2,500.
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