Manila, Philippines–There are times that you just want to escape the city life and explore places where you can relax and have some peace of mind. Luckily, there are lots of nice places not far from Metro Manila, the National Capital Region (NCR) of the Philippines, for an exciting and satisfying day trip.

Here are some of the best day trips near Manila that you should definitely give a try:

Swimming – Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

Away from the innumerable skyscrapers and the boisterous crowd is a paradise. There are lovely beaches that are guaranteed safe, peaceful, and stunning located in Puerto Galera. Apparently, it’s a perfect place for swimming that’s why many tourists, particularly Metro Manila residents, love the province. To get there, ride a bus going to Batangas Port then ride a ferry going to Oriental Mindoro. From there, you can start your beach escapade and head to one of the myriad beach resorts in Puerto Galera.

Scuba Diving – Anilao, Batangas

If you can’t get enough of the beach and want to try something new, you should head to Anilao, Batangas and learn scuba diving whose diving teachers offer one-day courses for beginners. For sure, you’ll love this new experience as the clear water and astounding marine wildlife sweeps you away. Anilao, Batangas is just two-three hours away from Metro Manila. You can pack your things anytime and begin your scuba diving adventure.

Trekking – Taal, Batangas

Trekking is not an ordinary activity but it’s going to be one of your memorable trips. If you’ve been to Tagaytay and have witnessed the beauty of Taal Volcano, haven’t you ever wondered how it would feel to go hiking there? Though it’s not that steep, you will need a lot of energy to do this tiring yet fulfilling activity. To reach the volcano, you can go directly to Talisay, Batangas and take a boat from there.

Camping –Borawan Island, Quezon

If none of the above activities interests you, you can go camping with your friends or family. This activity may be simple but it’s very relaxing and intimate. Light up your night with a bonfire and go for an overnight camp on Borawan Island in Quezon Province. Since there are no beach resorts located for various swimming activities, overnight camping is a great alternative. Quezon Province is four-five hours away from the metro but your wonderful experience here is surely worth your time and effort.

Leisure Activities – Sky Ranch, Tagaytay City

Tagaytay City is one of the most popular tourist spots because of its relatively cold climate and amazing attractions. Today, many tourists visit the leisure park “Sky Ranch.” If you’re a kid at heart, you’ll surely enjoy this place as they have lots of amazing rides such as the Sky Eye and Super Viking. Sky Eye is the second tallest Ferris Wheel in the Philippines while Super Viking is a thrilling ride perfect for teens and adults. If you like something more challenging, you can ride its zip line and be astonished by the view of Tagaytay.