5 of the Best Summer Getaway Destinations in Nearby Provinces

It’s been a sizzling summer so far, and we mean it both literally and figuratively. As such, we find ourselves constantly finding ways to cool off—whether through ice cream, halo-halo, with some air conditioning or a quick shower. 

(Related story: Top 10 Ice Cream Parlors in the Metro)

Another way is to head out to locales near Metro Manila for some much-deserved R & R. With arresting vistas, family-friendly accommodation and refreshing dips in the pool or by the beach, you not only bond with the kids but you also get to appreciate the sun even more. 

In this feature, we share with you five places that you can get away to, located just a few hours away from Manila. Real moms tell us about their experience:

 

Destination # 1: Bataan

Family: Mark Andrew and Sharine Lim, together with children Magnus Yuri, 6 and Titus Leon, 4

When we first visited Bataan: February 2013 

How we got there: We drove our own car. It takes about three to four hours.  

What spots we checked out: 

• The Shine of Valor, which was built to honor the fallen soldiers of World War II. 
• The Pawikan Sanctuary in Morong, Bataan, near Mt. Samat. 
• Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, about 30 minutes away from the sanctuary in Bagac, Bataan. 

What we loved about Mt. Samat and the Shrine of Valor:

• The climb up to Mt. Samat (entrance fee at P20 per person) was very exhilarating. We drove up to the steep top of Mt. Samat and the view was wide, clear and beautiful. The air was strong and cool even during mid-day. 
• The shrine was built of shiny, tall and imposing marble and the landscape was impeccable. There was a tower with an elevator that goes all the up to the 36th floor and there you can get an even better view of Bataan. 
• There was also a WWII museum at the Shrine of Valor which was new and educational. We read some of the memoirs/plaques that serve as reminders of the acts of heroism that took place there. 
• In the museum, the kids showed huge curiosity over the different ammunitions and war pictures. Their father had a chance to tell them the story behind the struggle which they will hopefully remember and cherish.

What we loved about the Pawikan Sanctuary:

• What really impressed me was the knowledge of the people who managed the Pawikan Sanctuary. These volunteers have day jobs but when you listen to them, you can feel their passion and dedication to conservation. 
• Entrance fee is P15 per person, but if you want to “adopt” a newly-hatched turtle for release to the sea, it would cost around P200 per turtle. We learned that the female turtles lay their eggs from November to December and the hatching happens between January and February.  
• You can release baby turtles and the entire process is guided and monitored to ensure the safety of the turtles. It was interesting to learn that the turtles hatch on their own at those shores. They roam around oceans for about 50 years then they mate and hatch their eggs at the same shore. They have their own “GPS” to find the same spot! TIP: It’s best to visit during the hatching period, but of course, any other time is as good to learn about the turtles since there is a “mini-museum” there. Also, if you are planning to stay long, bring food that can be cooked by the staff.
• It was fun to see the different reactions of the kids – they were at first afraid of handling the turtles then they got very excited as the turtles made their way into the sea. Everyone was cheering for their own turtles to catch a wave. Now whenever we read a story about turtles, they remember that moment and they know it by experience. 

What we loved about Las Casas Filipinas de Azucar:

Our family has always been fascinated with visiting old Filipino museums and houses so Las Casas Filipinas de Azucar was most ideal since it was rows after rows of old historical buildings. 

• We stayed overnight at their biggest room for P4,500 for eight people. The rate does not include meals. Day trip rates at Las Casas Filipinas would cost P650 per person.
• We enjoyed the guided tour where we learned about the history of the place and some interesting side stories to it. 
• The children enjoyed looking and touching vintage pieces and they ran around the cobblestone streets. They also immensely enjoyed the pool which resembled a batis (natural spring) as well as the freshwater river that opened to the sea. The beach is beautiful and there were a lot of skim boarders just having fun on the shore. 
• The pool near the river which opens to the sea is quite a sight to behold.
• Las Casas is perfect for kids because there are so many things to do and see – from the houses and vintage pieces to being serenaded with Kundiman over dinner. If you get tired of running after the kids, let them stay at the pool or by the shore, then you can lie down and relax!
• Overall, the place was clean and the beach was conducive for swimming. I have been to a lot of beaches but I would say Bataan has the best sunset and night skyline. No wonder the turtles have chosen that specific shore to mate and hatch. There is wisdom in their lineage. TIP: Eat mostly at roadside restaurants before going to Las Casas and maybe have one meal inside for the experience. Also, bring lots of snacks. 

Why we’d recommend Bataan to other families and for kids: 

I believe that you cannot teach children good values just by telling them; they learn, appreciate and eventually imbibe a sense of history and national pride when you make the stories real–when you show them the places and the faces, it becomes one long continuing story. You cannot emphasize caring for the environment until they truly enjoy being outdoors, when they see nature as their playground, when they relish being in the water and feeling the sand. 

The wall of the shrine bears this inscription: “May this make you feel proud of being Filipino.” That’s what I felt when I saw the magnificence of the mountains, beaches and people of Bataan at one glance and that’s what I want my kids to feel as well.  I’m sure they will not remember all of the details but do bring them out and about. Take them away from screens and malls and I guarantee you they will one day thank you for it.

A trip to Bataan would be ideal if you can spare three to four days and if you can really go around the place. My expectations of the place were really low since there is not much publicity about Bataan but in hindsight, it was actually a complete vacation for the family.

To see all photos from the Lim family's Bataan trip, view the gallery.

Photos courtesy of Sharine Lim

 

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Destination #2: Lighthouse Marina in Subic

Family: Efren and Maritess Reyes with their daughter, Akisha Sabine, 4

When we first visited Lighthouse Marina: November 2011

How we heard about it: Through magazines and Trip Advisor.

How we got there: We boarded a bus to Olongapo. There, a hotel representative brought us to the hotel. From the bus station, the hotel is about five minutes away.

What to check out and what we loved about the place: 

• The water-themed spa suites have a spectacular view of Subic Bay and the nearby islands and coves. It also has its own jacuzzi where you can indulge in the privacy of your own room.
• Delectable gastronomic delights at the Sands restaurant. There is also an option to dine al fresco.
• There is also a view deck that resembles a lighthouse which gives a breathtaking panoramic view of the bay.
• Aside from the beautiful rooms and suites, and delightful restaurants, the hotel also offers camping and sailing tours to the nearby unadulterated Sampaloc cove.

Room rates start at P6,000 (net of taxes; inclusive of breakfast, welcome drinks and fresh fruits and nightcap drinks).

Why we’d recommend it to other families and for kids:

The rooms are spacious and created in such a way that a family of three to four would fit comfortably. Plus, the service is impeccable. The hotel also offers seasonal kiddie art classes.

To see all photos from the Reyes family's Subic trip, view the gallery.

Photos courtesy of Matet Reyes, available on matetreyes.blogspot.com 

 

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Destination #3: Nurture Spa

Family: Efren and Maritess Reyes with their daughter, Akisha Sabine, 4

When we first visited Nurture Spa: September 2011

How we heard about it: Through travel magazines and social media. Its picturesque gardens and Filipiniana-themed rooms enticed us to visit this sanctuary in Tagaytay.

How we got there: We traveled by car for two hours from Makati.

What to check out and what we loved about the place: 

• It is engulfed in lush greenery and blossoming buds, a perfect venue to relax and breathe some fresh air. Nurture Spa Village has a hectare of zen-inspired garden situated on a cliff. 
• They have a small pool for your dipping indulgence. You can read a book or simply bask in the sun by the poolside while sipping some fresh mango shake. 
• They also have air conditioned accommodations like the Pag-Ibig Room. The Filipiniana-inspired room reminds me of an ancestral house, only more modern. It has a tub and flat screen TV. 
• They also have an open al-fresco gazebo. TIP: Make sure you bring insect repellant especially when lounging by the poolside at night.

Packages start at P8,500 for an overnight accommodation, plated breakfast, lunch or dinner, and a 30-minute massage, good for two.

Why we’d recommend it to other families and for kids:

• Nurture Spa not only offers rejuvenating pampering packages for mom and dad, but it also offers fun family bonding activities like glamping (glamorous camping), BBQ dinners and bonfire, as well as guided farm tours.
• The place has a stunning landscape perfect for families who love to take photos.

To see all photos from the Reyes family's Nurture Spa vacation, view the gallery.

Photos courtesy of Matet Reyes, available on matetreyes.blogspot.com 

 

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Destination #4: Regina Rica in Tanay, Rizal

Family: Paolo and Cristine Santos De Guzman with their kids Kyle, 8 and Kiera, 4

When we first visited Regina Rica: March 21, 2010, with my parents and the kids 
My family was invited to join Sunday mass and lunch by a close friend of theirs. Regina Rica or Regina Rosarii was still under construction then. 

The moment my father entered, he fell in love with the place. We heard mass outdoors under tents on the exact site where the church (now constructed) was planned to be put up.  It was a very solemn experience and since then, we would go there every last Sunday of the month.

How we got there: By car. It takes around two hours from Marcos Highway to get to Tanay, Rizal. A family with children won’t have problems because of the nature sights and greens you can see outside. They won’t be bored. My kids call it “nature TV”. 

Little kids won’t have a difficult time napping during the trip, because the roads are good with a lot of zigzags that lull them to slumber.

What we loved about the place:

• The feeling of tranquility and serenity you get every time you are there. It’s not only a place of prayer, but a place for you to just find your inner peace.
• Anybody can visit Regina Rica, there are no entrance fees.
• The “big Mama Mary” as my daughter would call it, Regina Rosarii, situated on top of the hill is actually an adoration chapel. A church has been put up there recently, called Regina Rica, where everyone is welcome to hear mass.
• They have an expansive garden that includes a section of organic vegetables. They also have pets like rabbits, ducks, chickens and chicks, ponies, and monkeys which the kids enjoyed playing with.
• Check out also the Way of the Cross, Mary’s Sacred Trail and the Hanging Bridge. The “kakahuyan” is made up of planted trees sponsored by different guests. Our family sponsored a few. They maintain the beauty and bounty of nature in their grounds. 

Why we’d recommend it to other families and for kids:

• It is kid-friendly because of the big grounds the children can play in and wander around in, discovering nature’s splendor while at the same time getting to know the one who created that beauty. 
• I recommend it to other families who want to do something different with their children, who want to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city and simply spend quality quiet time with their children.

To see all photos from the De Guzman family's trip to Regina Rica, view the gallery.

Photos courtesy of Cristine Santos De Guzman

 

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Destination #5: San Pablo, Laguna

Family: Mark Andrew and Sharine Lim, together with children Magnus Yuri, 6 and Titus Leon, 4

When we first visited San Pablo, Laguna: December 2012.

How we heard about it: We thought of doing the “Viaje del Sol”, an initiative which was formed by the different residents, artists and owners of places you can visit while in San Pablo.

How we got there: We brought our own car which took us about four hours to get to Laguna. This was with reasonable traffic.

What spots we checked out: 

• Casa San Pablo – The owners opened an intimate bed and breakfast within what used to be a coconut plantation farm. 
• Patis Tito Garden Café – About 30 minutes from Casa San Pablo, this is the rest house of fashion designer Patis Tesoro which has a café/restaurant, boutique/souvenir shop and an extensive garden with a mini-zoo. Her actual house is cordoned off but you can also see it from the garden. 
• Sampaloc Lake – San Pablo is home to seven different lakes and the biggest one is the Sampaloc Lake. 
• Villa Escudero – Must-tries are the lunch at the man-made waterfalls, the water of which falls from a lake which feeds to a creek from Mount Banahaw and cultural show.

What we loved about Casa San Pablo: 

• There are hammocks around the quaint rooms where you can relax and the kids can run around. There’s also a pool area should the kids want to swim. 
• You eat in this glass-walled room full of vintage art and antiques and we were so busy looking at the knick-knacks we almost missed our food every time! 
• The stay felt personal and we loved it.

What we loved about the Patis Tito Garden Café: 

If you are familiar with the Filipino souvenir shop Tesoro’s, then expect impeccable Filipino furniture and design from the tiles to the over-sized bangas, indoor plants and Filipiniana.

What we loved about the Sampaloc Lake:

• We trooped the kids to view the lake and we let them run around the viewing area which was reasonable clean and wide. 
• After this, we got to hang out at this café in front of the lake where the kids rested on a hammock and then we ate more.

What we loved about Villa Escudero:

• First, of course, would be lunch at the foot of the man-made waterfalls. The water upstream from the creek was very cold and there were fishes at our feet nibbling at pieces of food that would fall from the table. 
• The sight is even more breathtaking on top of the waterfalls – the lake is unexpectedly very wide, clean and calm. 
• My husband was able to take the kids out fishing on this lake. The guides told us there were many tilapia in the area. 
• Kids can swim in the numerous pools beside the lake after fishing. I remember this lake the most. We had drinks in one of the old-house style restaurants fronting the lake and it was very relaxing.
• We also watched a cultural show which was choreographed by a national artist for dance. The staff of the resort was trained performed traditional dances while the others played the rondalla and sang. There were dances from different regions and religions. This was very captivating for the foreigners but since my children were seeing it up close, they were highly engrossed as well.
• Our accommodation was memorable. It was a bit pricey but it was a bahay kubo-style of lodging and there was no air condition but the ceiling was so high and it was extremely breezy and cool. There was also a loft that can sleep four additional people aside from the queen size at the first floor and my kids had fun sleeping all by themselves in the loft. 
• We also visited a church in the hacienda which was converted into a museum. There was an extensive display of religious relics that are owned by the family.

 

Why we’d recommend it to other families and for kids:

• Aside from all the activities for kids and adults, the staff of all the places we went to were really friendly and accommodating. We easily got directions and the kids enjoyed jumping from one place to the next. 
• It’s a good way of exploring San Pablo, especially if you haven’t before. It’s all about nature – farms, lakes, creeks and gardens. You also get to appreciate the life that the owners and artists have carved for themselves in their land and they openly share this with everyone so it’s such a blessing. My husband and I were so inspired to spend more time in the farms and hopefully build similarly beautiful and artistic homes outside of the city that everyone can enjoy.

To see all photos from the Lim family's San Pablo, Laguna trip, view the gallery.

Photos courtesy of Sharine Lim