Escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while and find solace in nature. If you’ve got a hectic schedule and a tight budget this summer, you don’t have to worry about skipping that vacation we all know you badly need! We’ve listed down 8 of the most affordable weekend beach trips you could take with your friends and family. Go get that break you deserve!
Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon
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It might take some time to reach but Alibijaban Island at the southern tip of Quezon is definitely worth it. Once there, you can stroll through the shorelines, walk to the sandbar, visit the mangrove forests, and swim or snorkel. The peaceful sunsets and sunrises are must-see views when visiting Alibijaban. You can also opt for island hopping on the nearby Burias Island, Sombrero Island, and Talisayan Island.
How to get there: Take the direct ordinary Barney Bus to San, Andres Quezon from Alabang, Starmall. Travel time is at least 8 hours with schedules from 4AM to 10PM. Fare is below P500 one-way. Ride a tricycle to the port for about P30 per person and take a boat to Alibijaban. The boat price depends on whether you’ve pre-booked a tour. If not, it’s usually P600 for two, P1500 for 10-12 persons and P2000 for 15 persons.
Where to stay: Bring a tent to minimize your expenses so you’ll only have to pay the environmental fee of P100. But if you don’t have a tent, there are nipa hut-like accommodations available for P700 good for 3-5 people.
Bolinao Beach, Pangasinan
Bolinao Beach in Pangasinan isn’t called “Boracay of the North” for nothing. Its mocha-colored sand invites visitors to go beach bumming and its crystal clear waters call for an enticing swim. The best things to do at Bolinao aside from beach bumming is to go spelunking, visit the lighthouse, go to Patar White Beach, the most popular one in Pangasinan, and cruise the Balignasay river among others.
How to get there: Buses from Pasay and Cubao travel to Pangasinan night and day daily and are priced less than P500 for one way. Travel time is from 5 to 6 hours. Getting to your accommodation from the bus stop entails a tricycle ride that costs about P250 for 4 people.
Where to stay: Birdland Beach Club, Puerto Del Sol Beach Resort, Casa Almarenzo Bed and Breakfast
Read more: You Should Go Here: Tondol Beach, Anda, Pangasinan
Liwliwa, San Felipe, Zambales
Think of Liwliwa as the surfing paradise minus the crowds. Although it’s waves cannot contend with that of La Union’s or Baler nor its beach to that of Palawan or Cebu, Liwliwa has a charm all on its own that surfers and non-surfers alike won’t be able to resist. Its long stretch of grayish sand is perfect for lounging with your barkada. Most hostels and accommodations also offer surfing lessons you might want to try for something new.
How to get there: Liwliwa is a 4 to 6 hour travel from metro Manila. There are buses from Pasay, Cubao, and Caloocan headed for Iba, Zambales; buses from Caloocan have the most trips. Tell the driver to drop you off at San Felipe town proper. From there, ride a tricycle to Sitio Liwliwa.
Where to stay: The Circle Hostel, Hideout, Kapitan’s Liwa Surf Resort, La Zerena Beach Resort
Read more:
A Weekend Away: Liwliwa, Zambales
8 Ways to Make the Most Out of a Weekend Trip to Zambales
Urbiztondo Beach, La Union
We all have that friend who’s either always in La Union on weekends or always inviting the barkada to come with. La Union is fast earning its reputation as a weekend destination for millennials what with its surf-friendly waves, idyllic beaches, and hip accommodations. A trip also won’t cost you an arm and a leg and you can opt for visiting other northern destinations like Baguio.
How to get there: Cubao and Pasay bus stations in Manila have buses traveling to San Fernando for less than P500 one way. Once at San Fernando, you can take a jeepney to Urbiztondo Beach or San Juan for P11. You can also ride jeepneys to get around the place.
Where to stay: The Little Surfmaid Resort, Flotsam and Jetsam Beach Resort, Vessel Hostel, Circle Hostel
Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
If you’ve never been to the beautiful paradise that is Oriental Mindoro, you’re missing out on a lot of picturesque beaches near Manila. Puerto Galera boasts of mountains, coconut trees, white sand beaches, and welcoming people. You can either lounge on the beach or shell out a bit of cash for that island hopping experience. Puerto Galera’s inviting blue waters are also ideal for water sports and other water activities.
The best way to island hop to the various beautiful beaches at Puerto Galera is to go with a large group ideally up to 8 people so you can split the boat rental cost which is less than P2000.
How to get there: From Pasay or Cubao bus terminal, take the bus bound for Batangas Pier which costs less than P200 one way. At the pier, you need to pay P30 terminal fee and board a boat for Puerto Galera for P500 two way. At Puerto Galera port, there’s a terminal fee of P10.
Where to stay: Sea Jewel Beach Resort, Bamboo House Beach Lodge and Restaurant, Felina Guest House, Fridays Puerto Galera
The Glamp, Zambales
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Although The Glamp, Zambales is also situated in Liwliwa, it’s a different kind of experience. If you want the beach peace and quiet with the comforts of city life, glamping might just be perfect for you. This newly opened camp site lets you live a glamorous beach life without shelling out much cash.
The Glamp has three tents: small (Php 5000) for 2-3 persons, medium (Php 7,500) for 4-5 persons, and large (Php 10,000) for 6 to 8 persons. The tents are inclusive of complimentary breakfast, air conditioning, s’mores kit, massage, parking space, and shared bathroom facilities.
How to get there: Liwliwa is a 4 to 6-hour travel from Metro Manila and costs about less than P500 one way. There are buses from Pasay, Cubao, and Caloocan headed for Iba, Zambales but buses from Caloocan has the most trips. Tell the driver to drop you off at San Felipe town proper. From there, ride a tricycle to Sitio Liwliwa.
Laiya Beach, San Juan Batangas
Metro people frequent Batangas and label it as one of their favorite weekend destinations because aside from the fact that it’s easy to get to, it has a beautiful beach where you could properly relax in. Laiya Beach is famous for having it all: food, accommodation, activities and fine-sand beaches to top it all off. Whether you’re a diver, a person craving for a beach trip, or someone looking for a weekend destination without sacrificing comforts such as a room with air conditioning to sleep at, Laiya is the beach for you.
How to get there: Take a bus from Pasay or Cubao headed for Lipa, this usually costs less than P200. From Lipa, take a jeepney to San Juan for less than P100, and take a tricycle to Laiya for P50 per person.
Where to stay: Acuatico Beach Resort & Hotel, Acuaverde Beach Resort and Hotel, La Luz Beach Resort and Spa, Laiya White Cove Beach Resort
Bagac Beach, Bataan
Aside from waterfall trekking, visiting the turtle sanctuary, mountain climbing, and visiting historic sites, Bataan also boasts of beaches where one can opt to relax for the weekend. Bagac Beach has plenty of beach resorts where your friends or family can stay. Located in the biggest town in Bataan, Bagac Beach has a long and wide coastline ideal for beach bumming or even playing sports.
You can opt to stay in the beach for the entire day or go around the historic sites nearby such as Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar and WWII sites in Bagac. You can also try other beaches in Bataan: Mariveles and Morong beach.
How to get there: Take a bus bound for Bataan from Pasay and Cubao bus terminals. The 3-hour travel time should cost you about P200. From there, ride a jeep to Bagac.
Where to stay: Fajardo’s Beach Resort, Bagac Bay Beach Resort, BlackSand Beach Resort, Stella Maris Beach Resort
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