Exploring the Hidden Gems of Travel Destinations Near Manila

The Philippines is a beautiful country with a lot of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a great place to start your exploration. It’s a vibrant, energetic city full of life and culture. But, if you’re looking to explore more of the country, there are plenty of travel destinations near Manila that will take your breath away. Here are some of the best hidden gems that you should explore while you’re in the Philippines.

Taytay Falls

Taytay Falls is one of the most stunning waterfalls in the Philippines. Located in the town of Taytay in Rizal Province, the falls is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. The best part about visiting Taytay Falls is that it’s close to Manila and easy to get to.

The falls is made up of several tiers of cascading waterfalls. The tiers range in height from five to twelve meters. And, the water is relatively shallow, making it perfect for swimming. The best time to visit Taytay Falls is during the rainy season when the water is at its fullest.

The area around the falls is also teeming with wildlife and plants. There are plenty of birds and animals to spot and the thick foliage provides a great backdrop for photographs.

Mt. Gulugod Baboy

Mt. Gulugod Baboy is a mountain located in Mabini, Batangas. The mountain is relatively easy to climb and offers stunning views of the Batangas coastline. The mountain is a great place to enjoy some outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and bird watching.

The mountain is only an hour’s drive from Manila and is quickly becoming a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. The trail to the summit is relatively easy, although it can be quite steep in some parts. But, the views along the way more than make up for the effort.

At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding countryside and coastline. The mountain is also home to a variety of wildlife and plants, making it a great place to spot some rare birds and plants.

Corregidor Island

Corregidor Island is a small island located off the coast of Manila Bay. The island is steeped in history and was once a major military base during World War II. Today, the island is a popular tourist destination and a great place to explore the rich history of the Philippines.

The island is easily accessible from Manila by ferry. The trip to the island takes about an hour and is well worth it. Once on the island, visitors can explore the ruins of the old military base and learn about its history. There are also plenty of activities to enjoy, such as kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking.

The island is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including monkeys, lizards, and birds. There are plenty of spots to explore and take in the stunning views of the surrounding islands.

Pagsanjan Falls

Pagsanjan Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the Philippines. Located in the town of Pagsanjan in Laguna Province, the falls is a stunning destination that’s well worth the visit. The falls is made up of several tiers of cascading waterfalls and is surrounded by lush vegetation and wildlife.

The best way to experience the falls is to take a boat ride from the town of Pagsanjan. The boat ride is a thrilling experience and takes you directly to the base of the falls. The water is relatively shallow and the falls are great for swimming and enjoying the beauty of nature.

The area around the falls is also teeming with wildlife and plants. There are plenty of birds and animals to spot and the thick foliage provides a great backdrop for photographs.

Mount Pinatubo

Mount Pinatubo is an active volcano located in the province of Zambales. The volcano is known for its spectacular eruptions, which are said to be some of the most powerful in history.

The volcano is also a great place to explore. The area around the volcano is teeming with wildlife and plants and there are plenty of hiking trails to explore. The best time to visit Mount Pinatubo is during the dry season when the weather is relatively mild.

At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding countryside and coastline. The volcano is also home to a variety of wildlife, making it a great place to spot some rare birds and plants.

Apo Reef Natural Park

Apo Reef Natural Park is a marine reserve located off the coast of Occidental Mindoro. The park is home to a stunning array of marine life and is a great place to explore the underwater world.

The park is accessible by boat from the nearby town of Sablayan. The boat ride takes about an hour and is well worth it. Once in the park, you can explore the stunning coral reefs and spot a variety of fish and other marine creatures.

The park is also a great place to go diving. The waters are relatively shallow and the visibility is excellent. There are plenty of dive sites to explore and you can even spot some rare species of fish and coral.

Dipaculao Beach

Dipaculao Beach is a stunning beach located in the province of Aurora. The beach is relatively untouched and provides a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The beach is easily accessible from Manila by car. The drive takes about four hours and is well worth it. Once at the beach, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.

The beach is also a great place to spot some of the wildlife that calls the area home. There are plenty of birds and animals to spot and the thick foliage provides a great backdrop for photographs.

Caliraya Lake

Caliraya Lake is a stunning lake located in the province of Laguna. The lake is a great spot for a variety of activities, such as swimming, fishing, and kayaking.

The lake is easily accessible from Manila by car. The drive takes about two hours and is well worth it. Once at the lake, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, fishing, and kayaking.

The lake is also a great place to spot some of the wildlife that calls the area home. There are plenty of birds and animals to spot and the thick foliage provides a great backdrop for photographs.

Anilao Beach

Anilao Beach is a stunning beach located in the province of Batangas. The beach is relatively untouched and provides a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The beach is easily accessible from Manila by car. The drive takes about three hours and is well worth it. Once at the beach, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.

The beach is also a great place to spot some of the wildlife that calls the area home. There are plenty of birds and animals to spot and the thick foliage provides a great backdrop for photographs.

Mount Daraitan

Mount Daraitan is a mountain located in the province of Rizal. The mountain is relatively easy to climb and offers stunning views of the Sierra Madre mountain range. The mountain is a great place to enjoy some outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and bird watching.

The mountain is only an hour’s drive from Manila and is quickly becoming a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. The trail to the summit is relatively easy, although it can be quite steep in some parts. But, the views along the way more than make up for the effort.

At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding countryside and coastline. The mountain is also home to a variety of wildlife and plants, making it a great place to spot some rare birds and plants.

Minalungao National Park

Minalungao National Park is a stunning park located in the province of Nueva Ecija. The park is a great place to explore the natural beauty of the Philippines. The park is teeming with wildlife and plants and there are plenty of hiking trails to explore.

The park is easily accessible from Manila by car. The drive takes about three hours and is well worth it. Once at the park, you can explore the stunning scenery and spot a variety of wildlife and plants.

The park is also a great place to go swimming. The water is relatively shallow and the visibility is excellent. There are plenty of spots to explore and take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Summary

The Philippines has a lot of great travel destinations near Manila that are worth exploring. From stunning waterfalls, to mountains, to beaches, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So, if you’re looking to explore the best of the Philippines, these hidden gems are a great place to start.