Trifter

1. The Farm in San Benito

(Day Trip)

For a pampering and relaxing day trip or refreshing weekend, The Farm San Benito is the Place to go. They have a team of experts in various healing modest doctors, massage and bodywork, therapists, chefs, fitness consultants, meditation teachers another specialized practitioners to make you feel revitalized. You can take the day trip for as low as P1500.00($33) that includes a healthy five-course meal and the use of their swimming pool and other facilities. If you’re taking an overnight package, you must try the massage under the stars, which is a unique experience; and the stone massage, which uses stones formed by volcanic action gently soothing aches and pains all over your body. Definitely, you can’t get this in Manila.

2. Sagada

(Long Weekend)

Go on a unique adventure and experience trekking amongst the tribes of this Northern Province. Definitely, the weather in Sagada is much cooler than Baguio and it’s not commercialized or crowded. bring your friends for a fun caving experience in Sumaging, or trek down to Bomod-ok, a huge waterfall to enjoy sight-seeing or swimming. You can also visit the renowned ancient burial caves that exhibit historical hanging coffins. You should never leave town without trying their home-made fresh yogurt and tea. For commuters, take an air con bus from Manila to Baguio and arrive before 6 AM to get on board the non-air con bus to Sagada. It’s a long journey of 12 hours, but there are great sights to see and more time for bonding. Sagada offers thrilling adventure and the ultimate nature-tripping experience!

3. Taal Volcano

(Day Trip)

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No, this is not your usual Tagaytay trip that’s just about stuffing yourselves silly in the cool weather and horse back riding (though that still sounds appealing ), instead this is for adventure seeker’s who’ll enjoy hiking the crater of Taal Volcano. To get there,  leave Manila for the lake shore town, Talisay. The short drive from Tagaytay down to the lake is breathtaking experience in a descending narrow road that winds to a jump off point to the island volcano.  Before the hike, you’ll enjoy a short boat transfer. The crater is phenomenon, where an interior lake and island were formed due to the 1911 eruption. You must try having lunch in Talisay, where locals will tell you more about Taal’s great history. This trip is a great bonding session for your friends.

4. Puerto Galera

(Day Trip)

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Calling all scuba divers, this is a dream come true! If you’ve saved enough of your allowances, for P1600.00($35), you can enjoy the reefs of Puerto Galera and Verde Island in just one day. Inclusive of the use of a speed boat, whish will take you to Galera (from Anilao, Batangas) in only an hour and a half, three dives in popular dive spots such as the Coral Garden, Escarceo Point, Canyons and Washing Machines, plus a sumptuous lunc. What more can you ask for? Aside from an exciting current in some spots, fish to look out for our huge schools of jacks, sweet lips, big-mouthed mackerels, snappers and so much more! To get to Anilao, take the Batangas exit and get to the long stretch of Anilao’s resorts, which is not hard to find with the many road signs.

5. Corregidor

(Day Trip/Long Weekend)

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Only an hour by boat from Manila Bay, Corregidor is one great place to visit, especially for history buffs. Also known as “The Rock,” the tiny tadpole-shape island lies across the entrance of the bay; it was the focus of an extended battle between Filipino-American and Japanese forces during World War II. A must-see are the shell of the Mile Long Barracks that still stands today and the Malinta Tunnel’s light-and-sound show about WWII, which is staged for day tourists. Whether you opt for a day tour or a two-night stay, a trip to the small island will definitely give you a feeling of pride of our history plus a great adventure

6. Subic

(Day Trip/Long Weekend)

If you want a shore road trip, Subic is the cool place to go to. Only three hours away from Manila, you can go Trekking in a Virgin Forest, visit a tribal village, and even take a jungle survival course! You can also enjoy the beach–sunbathing or engaging in water sports. Plus, they also offers horseback riding and go-karting for adventure seeking people. There is also an ultralight flying club about an hour from Subic (closer to Manila), if you want to try flying in a small plane it’s only about P900.00 ($20) for a half hour flight in a two-seater. To get there, take the North Luzon Expressway then the San Fernando exit and there are signs that are easy to follow.

7. Bohol
(Long Weekend)

Tarzier’s River

Chocolate Hills

If you want a place less the hordes of people, Bohol is definitely it. Other than the usual Chocolate Hills and tarsiers, there is more to see. There’s the Loboc River which is the cleanest in the country; the Baclayan church, which is one of our oldest churches; and the historical Spanish watch tower in Maribojoc. You cannot miss scuba diving in Balicasag’s Black Forest–huge fish in huge numbers and what great visibility! Don’t forget to drop by Honeybee farm and taste their salad of flowers mixed veggies–something new! To get there, take a plane or get on ferry which goes straight to the island. Clear waters, fine white sand, fabulous food and lots of places to go…Bohol is paradise found.