The island of Luzon is a prime place for you and your friends to have a road trip in the Philippines. It is one of the biggest in the country and has a well-developed road network that will take you from Metro Manila to its farthest reaches. If you want a nice little road trip with your pals, then here are some of the prime destinations available:
Preparations First
Before your trip, you’ll need to prepare. For one, you’re going to need a car. Fortunately, it is simple to rent a car in Manila, either to self-drive or have someone else drive. This has the advantage of letting you rent a high-quality vehicle without worries. Have everyone chip in if they don’t want to contribute their car for the trip.
The next step is finding supplies. Road trips are long, and you are going to need many things. This means money, food, and even an emergency kit. You should also plan what roads to use during your great adventure. Now, let’s move on to the destinations.
Tagaytay
For those who want their road trip to be quick and simple, Tagaytay is the place to go. Just two hours from Metro Manila, you can have a day trip. This has made the area a favorite weekend destination for many of Metro Manila’s residents even if they don’t own a car.
You’ll be mainly here for some R&R thanks to the cool breeze and the many excellent restaurants in the area. If you want to get some pampering, there are some wellness retreats and spas in the area that can accommodate you.
Baguio
The mountain city is another favorite location, mainly because of the cold temperature and beautiful sites. For this one, the trip will be much longer. You’ll have less competition from the typical tourist here since it takes half a day for the usual commute. With a car, you can shave that down to six hours.
As for the sights, there’s Burnham Park, Camp John Hay, and other great locations. You can also enjoy some cultural enrichment by visiting the museums in the area. You’ll have plenty to do on a weekend trip here.
Ilocos
The Ilocos region is further north than Baguio and is quite the trek. It will take ten hours to reach the province and all that it has to offer. The main one that many people notice is Vigan. A perfectly preserved Spanish colonial town, it is like stepping back in history. Other places in Ilocos include a few natural wonders, and you can even go to the northernmost part of Luzon at Pagudpud.
Bicol
Going in the other direction, the Bicol region is also ten hours away from Manila. The main attractions here are the great surf and beach locations like Daet and Bagasbas Beach. You can also go swimming with whale sharks in Donsol, Sorsogon. The beaches and the waters of the Pacific are not the only attraction. Mount Mayon is also located here, so you can see one of the world’s most famous volcanoes.
A road trip is an excellent time to connect with your friends. Combine it with a unique destination, and you’ve got a recipe for a fun time. With the varied choices above, you can pick a location that will make the trip even more memorable.