Trips from Manila, Philippines – Episode 920

Hear about trips from Manila as the Amateur Traveler talks to Justin from justin-travel.com about where to go after visiting the Philippine capital.

Justin’s recommended itinerary for day trips from Manila includes a variety of locations within a one to three-hour drive, each offering a different experience. Here’s the suggested route:

Day 1: Exploring Manila

• Intramuros: Begin with a visit to the historic walled city. Explore landmarks like Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, and Casa Manila to get a sense of the city’s Spanish colonial history.
• Rizal Park: Walk through this significant historical park named after José Rizal, the national hero, to learn about the Philippines’ struggle for independence.
• Binondo (Chinatown): Enjoy a food crawl in the world’s oldest Chinatown. Discover local delicacies from street food stalls and eateries. Consider a Binondo food crawl guided tour to maximize your experience.
• Corregidor Island (Optional): If time allows, take a full-day tour to this historic island in Manila Bay, known for its World War II history. Tours usually depart from the SM Mall of Asia area.

Day 2: Antipolo (30 minutes to 1 hour from Manila)

• Cafes and Scenic Views: Start your day with breakfast or brunch at one of Antipolo’s famous cafes, such as Café Lupe, Burrow Café, or Yellow Lantern Café, which offer views over Metro Manila.
• Pinto Art Museum: Explore contemporary Filipino art in this unique museum.
• Cloud Nine: Walk the hanging bridge and enjoy the multi-story viewing deck for panoramic views of the city.
• Hinulugang Taktak Falls: Relax at this nearby waterfall with picnic spots and local activities.

Day 3: Tanay, Rizal (about 2 hours from Manila)

• Treasure Mountain: For an early start, consider overnight camping to catch the “Sea of Clouds” at sunrise.
• Outdoor Adventures: Try hiking, explore obstacle courses, and visit viewpoints like the Regina RICA Shrine.

Day 4: Tagaytay (1.5 to 2 hours from Manila)

• Taal Volcano and Lake: Enjoy scenic views from vantage points around the lake.
• Activities: Engage in ziplining, abseiling, or visit places like Tagaytay Picnic Grove, People’s Park in the Sky, and Sky Ranch.
• Bulalo Tasting: Try the local specialty beef soup at Mahogany Market or other eateries.
• Kawa Bath: Start the day with a relaxing hot bath in a large metal wok, overlooking scenic views.
• Strawberry Farms: Pick fresh strawberries and sample strawberry-based dishes.

Day 5-6: Batangas (3 hours from Manila)

• Beaches and Water Activities: Visit “Little Boracay” for white sand beaches, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or renting floating cottages for a day on the water.
• Stay in a Kubo: Experience staying in a traditional country house made of wood and bamboo for a more authentic visit.
• Island Hopping: Explore nearby islands, sandbars, and enjoy fresh seafood cooked on the spot.

Optional Add-On: La Union and Banaue Rice Terraces

• La Union: For a more extended trip, head north to La Union (6-8 hours from Manila) for surfing and beach resorts.
• Banaue Rice Terraces: From La Union, consider a side trip to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Banaue Rice Terraces for a unique hiking experience.

This itinerary provides a mix of cultural, natural, and local experiences, blending the best of Manila’s history and nearby destinations for a diverse travel experience.

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Show Notes

Just In Travel
Manila
Antipolo
Cafe Lupe Bed and Breakfast, Antipolo City
Burrow’s Cafe and Beehouse, Antipolo City
Yellow Leantern Cafe, Antipolo City
Pintô Contemporary Art Museum, Antipolo City
Cloud 9, Antipolo City
Antipolo Cathedral
Hinulugang Taktak
Mystical Cave
EBK Travel & Tours
Treasure Mountain, Sea of Clouds
Kamina Wallace Hill Garden
Tagaytay
Tagaytay Picnic Grove
People’s Park in the Sky
Skyranch Tagaytay
Tagaytay Mahogany Market Tour
La Veryol’s Kawa Bath
Queens Strawberry Farm
Burot Beach
Calatagan’s Bahay Kubo
Little Boracay Calataga
GCash – Finance App
Binondo
Rizal Park
Binondo food crawl
Intramuros
The Old Walled City in Manila, Philippines – Exploring Intramuros
La Union
Luzon
Batad Rice Terraces – The Philippines
Corregidor
Where to Party in Manila, Nightlife in Manila

Community

Hi Chris,

Just wanted to give you a quick follow up.  I’m the person who briefly attended last month’s zoom call (for the first time) and solicited suggestions on where to spend a week, leaving from Madrid. (I had abruptly retired from my job in Michigan to start a new job as an English teacher in Spain).  One person on the zoom call suggested the Canaries, and that is where I decided to go.  I spent the time in Tenerife, which turned out great for me as I largely followed the advice of your guest, basing myself in Puerto de la Cruz and traveling around the island by bus (I did not want to rent a car).  Also, I followed many of his suggestions for day trips, like taking a whale-watching excursion, hiking on Mt. Teide and Anaga, doing a lava tube tour, and spending time in Santa Cruz.

This is long overdue, but I offer you great thanks for your show, which is my favorite podcast and have used as a resource for several vacations (and to dream about for many more!).  Muchisimas gracias for creating and producing Amateur Traveler.  I love the destination-based format, but also really appreciate the topical ones.  Congratulations on “retirement” from your day job, and I’m so glad that you are continuing to produce shows.  BTW, after your many years of hard work, you deserve those press and tourist-sponsored trips.

Again, tremendous thanks from a long-time, loyal but previously silent fan.

Lynn

on Travel to Door County, Wisconsin – Episode 917

As a Cheesehead from Wisconsin whose visited more than 100 countries, I still find my state’s sights, festivals and people among my favorites. My compliments on your Door County episode. Your highlights were spot on. As an avid hiker, I’d also throw in Potawatami State Park which has the eastern terminus of the National Scenic Trail know as the Ice Age Trail within.
I often tap into your archives for episodes pertinent to places I’m pondering visiting and am usually grateful I invested the time.
Cheers!

David

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