Last updated on October 25th, 2022 at 10:31 am
We will tell you 11 Awesome Family Vacation near Manila. Philippines is indeed one of the favorite places of travelers around the globe. Manila, its capital city, is something a traveler shouldn’t miss! Read here best Philippines eSim and best Philippines sim card for tourist
You will find from luxury resorts to adventure plans like Taal Volcano. We usually do affordable getaways near Manila especially on the weekends. Subic and Batangas are our most common places to visit.
Read here if you look for resorts near Manila, beaches near Manila, Manila airport to city, where to stay in Manila and best hostels in Manila!
Click here if you want to get your discount booking activities in Manila with Klook!
BEST TIME TO VISIT MANILA
Philippines has only 2 seasons- wet and dry season. You should be prepared with the weather in Manila because it is hot and humid during the months of March to May, and can extend up to June!
The wet season starts from June to November and rainy season can start as early as May.
We recommend that you visit Manila during the month of January, as the weather is expected to be the coldest of the year plus you won’t compete with the locals during December’s holiday rush.
Click here for updates on accurate weather in Manila.
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
You can read Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full Heymondo Travel Insurance Review
You can get Safetywing Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads valid for 28 days Safetywing for $50 USD per month with kids until 10 years old included
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR STAYING IN MANILA WITH BOOKING!
FAMILY VACATION NEAR MANILA
1. PUERTO GALERA
There are a lot of beaches near Puerto Galera but White Beach and Sabang Beach are the favorites of both foreign and local tourists. Interestingly, White Beach is called “little Boracay” because of its white sand while Sabang Beach is popular for its nightlife. Both beaches offer scuba diving, snorkeling and swimming. A perfect place for a family vacation near Manila where kids can swim and enjoy island hopping. Our little one enjoyed watching fishes and it was one of his first island hopping in the Philippines.
To get to Puerto Galera you must first go to Batangas pier by bus costs about $4 USD. And taking the ferry going to Puerto Galera costs $5 USD. The trip from Manila to Batangas by bus will take about 2 – 3 hours depending on traffic while the trip from the Batangas Pier to Puerto Galera by ferry only takes about an hour and half. Click here to book your ticket for going to Puerto Galera.
Rachel and I had a wonderful experience in Puerto Galera back in 2015. And here where to stay in Puerto Galera!
WHERE TO STAY IN PUERTO GALERA: LALAGUNA VILLAS
The room at Lalaguna Villas Luxury Dove Resort and Spa are all air-conditioned and equipped with a flat-screen cable TV, a safety deposit box, and a wardrobe. The shared and private bathrooms come with a shower facility and free toiletries, while some units include a hot tub, a kitchen or kitchenette, and a terrace and/or a balcony with sea views.
A continental breakfast is available daily at the villa. Guests can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, which serves a variety of Thai and American dishes and also offers Gluten-free and Dairy-free options.
Lalaguna Villas Luxury Dove Resort offers an outdoor swimming poo and fitness center, while diving, fishing, and other water sports facilities may be arranged at an additional cost. Rooms can costs about 4,200 PHP a night.
Click this link to check their rates and availability!
2. PICO DE LORO, NASUGBU
You have to ride a bus from Buendia (DLT Bus) or Pasay (BSC Bus). The trip takes about 3-4 hours depending on the traffic and it’ll cost about 160 PHP. The vibes are so serene and relaxing. It’s really fun to go swimming and snorkeling. Pico Sands Hotel made our stay much better.
Click here if you want to get your discount booking activities in Manila with Klook!
WHERE TO STAY IN NASUGBU: PICO DE LORO
With the many hotels and guests houses we’ve already stayed in, by far Pico Sands Hotel has the best eye for details. We were traveling with a child, and right in our room, they prepared small gifts (toys for the beach and stuffed animals). The are has many places to walk around. There is a big pool and it’s so close to the beach. There are games for kids. We got a massage while they were taking care of our little one. So hands up for the staff!
Click here to check prices and availability!
3. TAGAYTAY AND HIKING TAAL VOLCANO
One of the most famous tourist spots in Tagaytay is the Taal Volcano. Feed your eyes with the amazing views from the top! Trekking Taal Volcano will surely be worth it.
You can get to Tagaytay by bus from Manila from Buendia Bus Station around 2 hours depending on the traffic. You have to get to Precious Boat Station (around 10-15 minutes) to start hiking Taal Volcano. You have two choices try to hire a boat there or you can book in advance. Prices for the boat are starting PHP 1500-2000.
Click here to get a discount booking a guide tour to Taal Volcano with Klook!
At that time our little one Han was 3 years old and he made it so easy to the crater view of the volcano. It took us less than an hour to get there after the ride boat.
WHERE TO STAY IN TAGAYTAY: TAAL VISTA
Taal is the best adventure that you can do while in Tagaytay but there are definitely other things that you can do. There are many places to stay in Tagaytay. Either for shorter family vacation near Manila and celebrations, or for longer trips. Our choice was Taal Vista Hotel – definitely the perfect place to stay in Tagaytay. This was a special choice for us because from our room, we already have the view of Taal Lake.
We spent a couple of days enjoying the view of the volcano. The sunrises were totally amazing. You can feel the luxury of staying in one of the top hotels in Tagaytay. We enjoyed walking around the gardens, enjoying the facilities and the comfort of our room. It’s the perfect place for relaxing and it’s located in a very quiet area. Click here to check prices and availability!
Read here Where to stay in Tagaytay!
4. SUBIC
To get to Subic by bus you can ride a bus from Cubao and Pasay. It will take 3 hours and it costs 270 PHP with Victory Liner. For us coming from Angeles City it takes only one hour by van and it costs 130 PHP.
If you’re traveling with a kid, this is an a definitely an activity that you need to do. You can choose from puzzles, top-to-down rooms, 3D photo frames, places to play with other kids, educational materials, garden mazes, a trampoline, and our favorite, the VR shows. Our little one whom we took with us had a lot of fun in Funtastic park. Entrance ticket is 400 PHP.
Click here to get your discount for booking activities in Subic with Klook!
Subic is one of our favorite giveaways. There are beaches, luxury resorts and many activities perfect for a family vacation near Manila.
WHERE TO STAY IN SUBIC: THE LIGHTHOUSE MARINA RESORT
The Lighthouse Marina Resort features an outdoor pool and views of the sea. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and features a flat-screen TV with cable channels and DVD player. All rooms are equipped with a private bathroom fitted with a bath. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries. You will find a 24-hour front desk at the property. Rate starts at 7,700 PHP.
Click here to check their rates and availability.
5. ANILAO
Ah, one of our favorites! We loved our diving experience in this quiet barangay in Mabini, Batangas. If you want to get to Anilao from Manila. It is just a 3-hour drive from Manila and is a famous spot for diving enthusiasts. You can also do snorkeling here, as the water is clean and clear. It’s the perfect spot to relax after a long week. The picture above is from Sepoc Island!
It’s perfect for activities like swimming, diving and snorkeling. The area is quiet and you can do island hopping to Sepoc Island and Sombrero Island.
Check here to get a discount booking activities and resorts with Klook in the Philippines!
WHERE TO STAY IN ANILAO: VIVERE AZURE RESORT
Vivere Azure Resort is one of our favorite hotels in the Philippines. From our room with views that were dreamy to the clear water and the islands on the landscape, we loved everything! It was our first time to encounter this with hotels so hands up to Vivere Azure for that!
Yes, we were surprised of such good treatment from the staff so we can recommend 100% if you are looking for a place where to stay in Anilao. Why is also so special for us this resort? Our little one Han learnt how to swim finally in this place. Click here to check their prices and availability!
Read here where to stay in Anilao!
6. BORACAY ISLAND
Boracay Island is not just popular to the Philippines, but to the whole world. People love visiting Boracay Island because of its white sand beach and clear, blue waters. You can get to Boracay from Manila by night ferry from Batangas and by plane in only one hour.
It is also visited by tourists because of the activities you can do here- snorkeling, diving, island hopping, riding a banana boat, riding a jet ski, visiting the oceanarium, parasailing, and the list goes on! You will really enjoy your stay in Boracay, whether alone, with loved ones, or with friends. Even isn’t so close from Manila is easy to get there and perfect for a family vacation near Manila.
Read here which one is the best beach in Boracay and the best station in Boracay!
Read here Boracay food and where to stay in Boracay Island!
WHERE TO STAY IN BORACAY ISLAND: DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY
One of our choices in Station 1 were Discovery Shores Boracay with the best view of the White Beach. The hotel has various restaurants to choose from. Indigo Restaurant for foreign food and Fresco for Filipino choices all with a top of the line dining experience. If you choose to spend your time in the hotel, there are already various amenities and activities that you can enjoy. It’s perfect if you are traveling with kids. The staff will watch them anytime in the pool and they have a toy’s room for the kids.
At the end of Station 1, it is ideal for swimming in White Beach. Also accessible going to Puka Beach, Diniwid Beach and Ilig Illigan Beach which are super recommended apart from White Beach.
Click here to check availability and prices!
MORE FAMILY VACATION NEAR MANILA
7. THE FARM AT SAN BENITO
To get to The Farm at San Benito from Manila will take 2 hours by car in Lipa, Batangas. The resort is one of the most popular and it’s in our bucket list. The food is great with comfortable rooms and it’s perfect for a getaway from Manila.
If you want to enjoy vegan food, spa and relax yourself this is your perfect place. Click here to check prices and availability!
8. ANGELES CITY, PAMPANGA
Some of the tourist spots in the Philippines are cultural and historical. Holy Rosario Church in Angeles City where we are based. And we spend the most of the time when we aren’t traveling. It’s located in the Province of Pampanga, North Manila. With Clark International Airport the flights connection will not be a problem. You can also get to Angeles City from Manila by bus is only 2-3 hours depending if you leave from Cubao or Pasay.
There are a few things that people will enjoy in Pampanga. Obviously parents will enjoy the food. And for the whole family Fontana Water Park and the Hot Air Baloon in Clark. It´s celebrated in February around Clark area in Pampanga. It´s one of the biggest festivals celebrated in Angeles City for over 20 years already. If you are coming around this date, make sure you check this website to have full information about festival.
WHERE TO STAY IN ANGELES CITY: PRIME CITY RESORT HOTEL
Prime City Resort Hotel offers luxurious accommodations with free WiFi access and private parking facilities. All rooms are fitted with a flat-screen cable TV, wardrobe and a mini-bar. Each room also features a private bathroom with shower facilities, a bidet and free toiletries.
Guests can find a 24-hour front desk at Prime City Resort Hotel, where they can request for services such as luggage storage, car hires and airport shuttle services at a surcharge. Laundry and dry cleaning services are also offered at an extra charge. The hotel features an outdoor pool and views of the city. Guests may also dine at the restaurant or request for room service. Room for a night rates at $72! While their one bedroom apartment rates at $154 a night. Click here to check their rates and availability!
Read here where to stay in Angeles City
9. ANTIPOLO RIZAL
Antipolo is a city found in the province of Rizal, Philippines. Rizal is around 2-hour drive from Manila by jeepney, FX or car to Antipolo.
Fall in love with arts when you visit Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo, Rizal. You won’t probably notice that you have spent 5 hours already in this beautiful art museum that displays contemporary Filipino paintings and sculptures.
Another spot you can visit in Antipolo, Rizal is Hinulugang Taktak. It is one of the nearest waterfalls you can visit near Manila. It used to be allowed to swim in this waterfall but due to urbanization and pollution, people are now highly discouraged to swim here, However, there are villas, gazebos, and pools you can enjoy.
WHERE TO STAY IN RIZAL
THUNDERBIRD RIZAL
Thunderbird Resort is one of the most popular resorts in Antipolo Rizal. Located atop the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, Thunderbird Resort has views of Laguna Bay and the Manila Skyline.They also have an infinity pool, Karaoke, Pool Table, Playground, Badminton Equipment, Spa, free WiFi, and many more.
The rooms have a flat-screen cable TV, sofa seating area and a private bathroom. They return great value for what you’re paying for. A night in their superior twin room with breakfast costs about 5000 PHP.
Address: Thunderbird Resorts – Rizal is located at Eastridge Avenue, Rizal, 1940 Binangonan, Philippines
Click here to book with discounts!
10. HUNDRED ISLANDS, PANGASINAN
Alaminos is mostly known and recognized because of Hundred Islands. It is the first protected national park in the Philippines. The national park has 120-ish islands but only three of which have been developed for tourism, Governor Island, Quezon Island, and Children’s Island.
You must need to rent a boat to visit the Islands. The boat prices vary according to the number of passengers, ranging from $20-30 USD. Tell your boatmen that you’re planning to swim on these three Islands or if you like less populated island then ask your boatmen for their suggestions. They most likely know the fluctuations of visitors per island.
The things you could do here are swimming, island hopping, beach bumming, zip lining, snorkeling and kayaking.
To get to Hundred Islands from Manila. You must take a bus (5 to 6-hour trip) from Manila to Alaminos via Pasay Terminal or Cubao Terminal, costing you 400 PHP for an air-conditioned bus. After arriving to Alaminos, take a short tricycle ride to Lucap wharf, which only costs 50 PHP.
WHERE TO STAY IN HUNDRED ISLANDS
If you want to stay around the islands you can rent a room or even camping. Our choice was staying in an Airbnb close to Alaminos after enjoying the day around the islands.
There are also places to stay in Alaminos City. Click here to get the best deals with Booking and Agoda!
You can also try AirBnB in Pangasinan as we did, we were able to rent a place for 5 people for only $20 USD.
11. CAVITE, HOTEL KIMBERLY
We had a great welcome at Hotel Kimberly. The staff took our luggage and carried into the room while we were doing the check-in. Just opened the door and we were taking pictures of the great room set-up. When suddenly, the staff knocked the door. And big surprise!
They were welcoming us with mango juices and chocolate cakes for us!! Rachel and I were traveling with our little one and he fall in love with this place. It was the beginning of total spoiled treatment for us during the weekend.
Hotel Kimberly is located in Cavite close to Tagaytay. It’s only 2 hour bus ride from Manila. There are not many things to do around the hotel. But Hotel Kimberly is made for kids. Everything is for them and they have special plans everyday like marshmallow barbecue, pop corn and movies at night. We didn’t leave the hotel in the whole weekend. It’s awesome for a family vacation near Manila.
Click here to check prices and availability!
Hope it’s useful this guide for your next family vacation near Manila. Which one is your favorite place to visit? Are we missing more places for a family vacation? Let us know in the comments below.
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Happy Travels!