Reese Barcelon
Summer is one of the most seasons looked forward by a lot of people as it is a time to unwind and relax after all the stressful past events.
Unfortunately, few weeks more and summer will be officially over, only to be replaced by the rainy season. Some might probably have enjoyed the season to their heart’s content, but there are also some who feels like they aren’t still contented with the places they went to.
That’s not a problem! To help your barkada pick the best destination for your last summer trip, here is the list of ten budget-friendly places everyone will surely enjoy!
- Masasa Beach
Shared by: Gild Barcelona
Budget: P300
If you are looking for a cheap but value-for-money destination, you might want to consider Batangas. The province itself is known for the beautiful beaches which are loved by a lot of tourists locally and internationally.
How to get there? Take a bus from Buendia to Batangas terminal for P160, ride a jeep from the terminal to Anilao port which costs P35, before finally riding a boat from Anilao to Masasa beach for only P85.
- Garin Farm in San Joaquin, Iloilo
Shared by: Wander Twins
Budget: P240
The farm offers various activities such as swimming, horseback riding, zipline, kayak, waterbike, pedal boat. Note that such activities have different prices as well.
To reach the pilgrims which look like heaven, it would take a total of 480 steps.
How to get there? From Molo Ceres Bus station near the Molo church take a bus all the way to San Joaquin Php50, which might take 2 hours of travel. Ride a tricycle to Garin Farm Php10/pax; if solo Php30, and lastly, pay for the entrance fee which costs only Php150.
- Villa Filomena Resort
Shared by: Wander Twins
Budget: P500
Villa Filomena Resort is located in Indang, Cavite. The swimming pool has no chlorine, and the water is flowing directly from the river. Moreover, there is a mini waterfall for a more close-to-nature feels.
How to get there? Take a bus in Pasay (near MRT Taft) bound for Trece Martires, Cavite. Ask the driver to drop you off in the terminal for jeepneys bound for Indang. Next is to take a jeep going to Indang proper (Landmarks include Church and Jollibee).
Lastly, take a tricycle going to Brgy. Kaytambog and tell the driver to drop you off in Villa Filomena resort.
- Crystal Beach Resort
Shared by: Elizabeth Bernaga
Budget: P1,365
The resort is situated in San Narciso, Zambales. It is a bit far, but definitely worth travelling for. Crystal Beach Resort offers a feel of the movie Camp Sawi wherein guests can go emotional as a part of their moving on process. Moreover, there are tents offered to guests with an Acoustic Night to serenade your barkada. Also, the surfing shouldn’t be missed out!
How to get there? From victory liner, take a bus to Iba Zambales but tell the conductor to take you at San Narciso. The bus will drop you off at the church of San Narciso, where you will take a tricycle heading to the resort.
- Fantasy World
Shared by: Jookstogo (Roan Tolentino)
Ticket Price: P1,000 (Good for 10 persons/Fixed price)
Fantasy World is an amusement park which went bankrupt back in the day. The place is a little bit spooky given the fact that nobody visits the place anymore, but is also fascinating due to its major attraction: the castle.
The only downsides are: huge sized cameras aren’t allowed inside, and rides aren’t functioning anymore.
Address: Diokno Highway, Lemery, Batangas, Philippines
- The Greenery, Bulacan
Shared by: Jookstogo (Roan Tolentino)
Budget: P1,200/pax for Day tour and P4,400/2 pax for Overnight stay.
If your barkada is looking for the ultimate destination wherein they can dress up like cowboys/girls, The Greenery is a must visit. Guests can do their own photoshoots and take selfies in the attractions. Also, there is a huge infinity pool for the swimmers.
How to get there? Take a bus lang from Cubao in Baliwag Transit Station then drop off to the bus’ last destination. Next is to ride a tricycle to Rio Vista Subdivision in Sabang.
- RAVE (Rainforest Adventure Park)
Shared by: Jomar Nagamos Alameda
Fare: P70
If your barkada doesn’t like to go anywhere far, this is the best option for you. Rave is located only in Pasig, therefore it is pretty accessible for everyone. Rave is a 3-in-1 tourist attraction in one place. There is a hint of Pangasinan (Sunflower), Baguio (Burnham Park & Botanical Garden) and Tagaytay (Picnic Grove) because of its facilities inside.
Here are the activities you can enjoy inside: Adventure Park (Zipline, Wallclimb, Obstacle, Bmx, Skateboard), MAZE Garden, Boating Lagoon, Botanical Garden, Camping Area, Fitness center, Flower Park, Kiddie Playland, Mini zoo, Mini train, Picnic Grove, Seniors Park, and the Basketball and tennis court.
How to get there? From Mrt Shaw, ride a VAN/UV heading to Angono or Binangonan, and ask the driver to drop you off at the Rave Park.
- Tinipak River
Shared by: Wanderlust.Ph
Budget: P320
Tinipak River, located in Tanay, Rizal, is by far one of the best summer destinations that your barkada shouldn’t miss. There is an underground swimming pool which can be enjoyed by those who doesn’t want to get darker because of the sun but wants to swim.
- Mini Korea and Paris
Shared by: Wanderlust.Ph/Rachel Ann Elano
Budget: P152
Everyone knows how expensive it is to go to Korea, and most especially to Paris. But worry no more! Your barkada won’t need to fly abroad to get the perfect selfies for your profile picture this summer! A place here in the Philippines offers a feel of these countries for those who wants to see a glimpse of the countries’ architecture.
First stop: South Korea (Shrine of St. Andrew Kim Tae-gon) for only 50pesos
Located at Brgy. Lolomboy, Bocaue, Bulacan
How to get there?
From Munoz, ride a bus going to Bocaue Exit for only 40php. Drop off at the Bocaue exit, then ride a jeepney bound to SM Marilao which costs only 10php. Ask the driver to stop at Lolomboy, near McDonalds, heading to St. Andrew Church. Upon arrival, walk to the Parish itself, and voila! Annyeong haseyo!
However, don’t forget to pray and please observe silence.
Second Stop: Paris/Eiffel Tower (Adventure Resort) for only 52pesos
Located at Sitio Gulod, Barrio Tigbe Norzagaray Bulacan
How to get there?
From St. Andrew Church, take the jeepney going to SM Marilao and go to the terminal beside the mall which departs to Muzon/San Jose. Drop off at Muzon and ride a jeepney going to Sampol dropping off at Tigbe/FVR before riding a tricycle going to Adventure Resort itself.
- Virgin Island
Shared by: Wanderlust.Ph
Budget: P648
Virgin Island, also known as Layag Layag is an island with no electricity or any other facilities; therefore your barkada will be able to enjoy a peaceful and quiet place where you can rest without feeling the need to check your gadgets. Also, there are a lot of activities that can be done such swimming, camping, fishing, beach/island hopping, cliff diving, snorkeling, stargazing, rock climbing, plus more sidetrips!
A local resident named Kuya Omar offers help regarding transportation via tricycle and boat, lending food storage, food preparation, renting tent and more. Also remember to at least acquire a bit of survival skills to enjoy your barkada’s stay.
How to get there?
Option 1: From Buendia, take a bus bound to Nasugbu, Batangas. Then ride a tricycle going to Barangay Papaya.
Option 2: For private vehicles, you can try a faster route via Ternate – Kaybiang Tunnel – Barangay Papaya.
It isn’t too late to “add color” to your barkada’s drawings! Which of the destinations would you want to visit? Tag your friends in the comment box!
