Enjoyable summer time vacation spot concepts for the lengthy weekend (that aren’t the standard La Union, Siargao, or Boracay).
When you’re acquainted with Laboracay, nicely fortunate you — it was the most important summer time get together on the town. However because it acquired cancelled again in 2018, discovering a equally enjoyable however low-cost vacation spot from Manila to go to with the barkada has been a battle.
That can assist you with the endless query of “the place ought to we go for Labor Day?” (or any lengthy weekend, actually!), here’s a record of seven group-friendly summer time locations that you would be able to fly to—all explorable on a 3D2N itinerary from Manila.
1) Dumaguete, Negros Occidental
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Epic waterfalls, enjoyable strolls, and a teeming underwater life for diving, it’s no surprise why Dumaguete is taken into account the most effective low-cost locations from Manila.
There are numerous facet journeys to discover in Dumaguete just like the Manjuyod Sandbar (nicknamed the Maldives of the Philippines due to its pristine waters and floating cottages), which is barely a one-hour drive away from town. You can too take a ferry to Siquijor Island to dive, or swim beneath the Cambugahay Falls.
Town is sufficiently small so that you can go to its many historic landmarks, such because the well-known Siliman College campus, Ninoy Aquino Memorial Freedom Park, and St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral, in a single afternoon.
Wherever you intend on going although, purchase a pack of silvanas, their specialty frozen cookies created from buttercream and cashew meringue.
Spherical-trip fare (for Labor Day Weekend 2023): From ₱6,986
Flight length: 1h 30m from Manila
Really helpful lodging: Gabby’s Mattress and Breakfast, Charo’s Dormitel, Kingswick Residences and Lodge
2) Puerto Princesa, Palawan
There’s a cause why Puerto Princesa is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot. Whereas Coron and El Nido (each additionally in Palawan) are undeniably stunning locations that everybody ought to go to as soon as of their lives, Puerto Princesa is only a lot lighter on the pocket.
However simply because it’s cheaper, doesn’t imply that it’s not as beautiful as the opposite two! In actual fact, we argue that it might be the higher selection for those who’re occurring a visit with mates due to the number of actions to be performed.
Naturally, seaside lovers will take pleasure in island-hopping throughout Puerto Princesa. However in your extra adventurous mates, go ziplining and mountain climbing at Ugong Rock. Those that take pleasure in cute creatures might take pleasure in occurring a firefly-watching tour, or being surrounded by butterflies within the Palawan Butterfly Ecological Backyard.
It doesn’t matter what although, for those who’re travelling with a first-timer, it’s crucial that you just go on a visit within the Underground River.
Spherical-trip fare (for Labor Day Weekend 2023): From ₱5,210
Flight length: 1h 30m from Manila
Really helpful lodging: Mayumi Lodge, Sheridan Boutique Resort, Edezer Pension
Learn additionally: 5-Day Puerto Princesa Itinerary for the Adventurous — Underground Rivers, Limestone Caves and Extra
3) Cebu Metropolis, Cebu
One of many surprisingly low-cost locations from Manila that we suggest you go to in your subsequent group journey is Cebu. Funnily sufficient, I’ve all the time considered this metropolis as “Metro Manila outdoors Manila”.
Cebu has one of the vital energetic nightlife scenes within the nation. Go dancing with mates at X Marks the Spot, which presents unli-margaritas for less than ₱499. Or drop by Imagene Bar for those who’re searching for a “craft cocktail and chill” form of evening. And ensure to seize some drinks over an incredible view of town at Verified Lounge!
There are additionally magnificent seashores so that you can discover in Cebu like those in Bantayan Island and Camotes Island, however you may as well take an pleasurable short-and-sweet journey throughout the metropolis. Non secular landmarks that could be supreme to go to embody Magellan’s Cross, and the Cebu Taoist Temple, which has an awesome view of the skyline.
Sirao Flower Backyard in Cebu
Town may function the right backdrop in your subsequent Instagram publish. Have your image taken in a mattress of flowers if you go to the Sirao Flower Backyard, or take a groufie within the Temple of Leah, which some dub because the Taj Mahal of Cebu.
Spherical-trip fare (for Labor Day Weekend 2023): From ₱4,068
Flight length: 1h 30m from Manila
Really helpful lodging: Mad Monkey Cebu, Mabolo Royal Resort, Skyblue Resort
Learn additionally: 10 Epic Experiences That Are Surprisingly Inexpensive in Cebu
4) Roxas Metropolis, Capiz
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Often known as the Seafood Capital of the Philippines, foodies will love Roxas as a protracted weekend getaway vacation spot.
Picture credit score: Balay ni Nanay Lording’s by way of Fb
Town and surrounding areas are filled with seafood buffets for insanely low-cost costs that you just don’t see wherever else in Manila, just like the unli oysters and crabs in Balay ni Nanay Lording’s.
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Or head out to Palina Greenbelt Ecopark to eat on the floating restaurant, and go on a river cruise. When you’re performed along with your day, spend some downtime and have even extra seafood alongside Baybay Seashore.
Spherical-trip fare (for Labor Day Weekend 2022): From ₱3,705
Flight length: 1h 20m from Manila
Really helpful lodging: Pete’s Inn, Sky Backyard Resort, City Manor Resort
5) Bacolod, Negros Occidental
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Spherical-trip tickets from Manila to Bacalod are far more reasonably priced in comparison with different locations. On the identical time, you’ll additionally be capable to discover many heritage and cultural websites.
The Ruins is probably essentially the most iconic landmark in Bacolod for a cause—the partially-destroyed mansion with a tragic backstory is harking back to the beautiful Taj Mahal. Talking of backstories, strive visiting Negros Museum to be taught extra in regards to the metropolis’s huge historical past. There’s an interesting exhibit showcasing the significance of the sugar cane business in Negros.
Different issues to do right here embody visiting the San Sebastian Church—the one steel-building church within the nation, and occurring a day journey in Mambukal Resort, the place you possibly can take a dip in pure scorching springs and waterfalls, go climbing, and different enjoyable out of doors actions.
Spherical-trip fare (for Labor Day Weekend 2023): From ₱3,510
Flight length: 1h 20m from Manila
Really helpful lodging: East Sq. Inn, Enterprise Inn, MO2 Westown Resort Mandalagan
6) Naga, Bicol
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Naga might not supply as a lot selection as different locations, nevertheless it’s nonetheless an awesome selection for teams who desire a quieter lengthy weekend getaway.
What makes Naga an awesome low-cost vacation spot from Manila is the variety of stunning parks you possibly can go to for a picnic with your folks, or a easy stroll within the contemporary air. Spend the afternoon in Naga Metropolis Ecology Park, see some deers at Ocampo Deer Breeding Farm, or take a hike at Mt. Israog Nationwide Park. Mt. Israog is a probably energetic volcano, with scorching springs to take pleasure in at Panicuason Sizzling Spring Resort.
Naga is often known as the Pilgrim Capital for a cause: there are a number of locations of worship to go to right here just like the Basilica of Our Woman of Penafrancia, and Naga Metropolitan Cathedral.
Take a facet journey to Caramoan Island for some island-hopping for those who even have a while!
Spherical-trip fare (for Labor Day Weekend 2023): From ₱7,898
Flight length: 1h 20m
Really helpful lodging: Rusville Resort & Residences, Nagaland Resort, Borj Place
7) Panglao Island, Bohol
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For a seaside getaway that’s a bit quieter, Panglao Island could also be your reply.
Bohol is a province that must be on everybody’s record of low-cost locations from Manila to go to. However there’s a lot to do in Panglao that we suggest spending your total 3D2N lengthy weekend right here.
When you land on the Bohol-Panglao Worldwide Airport, put in your greatest pair of sun shades and a few SPF-50! Seashore-hopping is a must-do exercise on the island, because the seashores in Panglao all have their very own distinctive charms: Virgin Island is a sandbar with the clearest waters, Dumaluan Seashore is right for scuba diving and snorkeling, and Doljo Seashore homes an awesome diving spot.
Aside from chilling on the sand and having fun with the beautiful sundown on the seaside — kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, and spelunking within the Hinagdanan Cave are additionally in style actions right here.
Spherical-trip fare (for Labor Day Weekend 2023): From ₱5,567
Flight length: 1h 25m from Manila
Really helpful lodging: La Villa del Pueblo Inn, Veraneante Resort, Glamping Alona
Discovering low-cost locations from Manila
When travelling with mates, it’s greatest to search for essentially the most reasonably priced choice in your excursions, lodging, and naturally, flights.
Flight can take up a bulk of your journey bills — for that, we use web sites like Skyscanner to match airfares throughout totally different airways. The location pulls up information from varied airline corporations so you possibly can evaluate flight costs (and lodging) with out visiting its particular person web sites.
Subsequent time you’re planning issues to do within the Philippines for that lengthy weekend journey, don’t depend out the concept of flying domestically! You’ll be shocked by the variety of wonderful locations you possibly can go to with out breaking the financial institution.
Know another low-cost locations from Manila that will make an epic summer time barkada journey? Tell us within the feedback under!
