Need a Quick Getaway? Here Are 10 Beaches near Metro Manila with Day Tours
By: Melecio Martin G. Arranz IV
Summer in the Philippines from December to May is synonymous with sun-soaked days and a craving for a refreshing dip in cool waters. While pools in homes and condos can offer some relief, there’s something irreplaceable about the white sandy beaches that dot the Philippine coastlines.
Fortunately, you don’t have to venture far from Metro Manila to experience this paradise. Transportation options for getting around Metro Manila often connect to hubs, which lead to stunning beaches perfect for that instant vacation. Plus, there’s no shortage of day tour options for your getaway.
10 Beaches near Metro Manila
One of the best parts of living in the Philippines is that you’re never far from a scenic coastline, each more beautiful than the last. If you crave a beach escape but don’t want to stray too far from the city, you’re in luck. Here are 10 stunning beaches near Metro Manila that you can reach in just a few hours.
1. Laiya, Batangas
Laiya in San Juan, Batangas, is a favorite among beachgoers for its long stretch of white sand and crystal-clear waters—perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities.
The area’s accommodations range from glamorous resorts to affordable guest rooms, so the beach is accessible to any traveler.
To get to Laiya, you can take a bus from the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) or at Araneta Center, Cubao, going to the municipal hall of San Juan, Batangas. From there, you can take a jeepney bound for Laiya.
2. Nasugbu, Batangas
Nasugbu is home to several beautiful coastlines, including the well-known Calayo Beach and Fortune Island. The former is perfect for a relaxed day of swimming and sunbathing, while the latter offers a unique vista with its Greek-inspired ruins. There’s a PITX bus line servicing the route to Nasugbu, so after the trip, you can take a tricycle to your chosen beach.
3. Lian, Batangas
A short trip away from Nasugbu is Lian, the perfect spot for escaping the metr. Matabungkay Beach, with its shallow waters and floating cottages, is a popular choice. You can enjoy activities like bamboo rafting, snorkeling, and beach volleyball.
From PITX, take a bus with a Nasugbu signboard. This bus briefly stops at Lian before proceeding to Nasugbu. Upon alighting at Lian, you can ask tricycles to take you to your beach of choice.
4. Ternate Beach, Cavite
Ternate Beach is a closer destination that has yet to catch the attention of tourists. It’s an excellent spot for a quiet day by the sea, with fewer visitors and serene surroundings. That also means you can avoid tourist pricing, making it one of the rare, budget-friendly beaches.
If you plan to commute, take a bus from PITX directly to Ternate. From there, the beach is only a trike ride away!
5. Subic Bay, Zambales
If you just can’t give up urban conveniences, there’s still plenty of beach options. Most notable among them is Subic Bay, featuring beautiful beaches and all the amenities you expect from the city. All Hands Beach is noteworthy for its gentle decline, allowing for more varied water sports and activities for all ages.
From PITX or Cubao, you can take a bus directly to Olongapo City, which is a jeepney or taxi ride away from Subic Bay.
6. Anawangin Cove, Zambales
If Subic Bay is too close to the city for your tastes, you have several options around Zambales. Anawangin Cove is a crescent-shaped beach famous for its mix of lush pine trees dotting the gorgeous Mt. Pundaquit, which stands visibly near the shore. Besides the usual beach activities, you can also enjoy hiking and camping.
The route from PITX involves taking the bus line to Olongapo and another bus headed to Iba, Zambales, until it stops at San Antonio. From there, you can take a trike to Pundaquit, where you can take a boat ride to the gorgeous cove.
7. Nagsasa Cove, Zambales
Is one picturesque cove with pines and an adjacent mountain not enough? Lucky for you, Nagsasa Cove is right in the same municipality, San Antonio. Anawangin may be the more popular of the two, but Nagsasa sees fewer tourists and is, therefore, more likely to be less crowded.
You can enjoy activities similar to Anawangin Cove, from classic snorkeling and swimming to hiking and camping. The route is the same as Anawangin Cove. Just ask for Nagsasa at the boat rental in Pundaquit.
8. Pundaquit, Zambales
Pundaquit Beach in San Antonio, Zambales, is a gateway to the famous Anawangin and Nagsasa Coves. It offers stunning views, a surfing spree with strong waves, and dramatic rock formations perfect for photo opportunities.
There are accommodations ranging from basic beachside huts to more comfortable resorts. To get to Pundaquit, take a bus from PITX to Olongapo, then take another bus to Iba, Zambales, and stop at San Antonio. From San Antonio, take a trike directly to Pundaquit Beach.
9. Laki Beach, Bataan
Laki Beach is famous for its pristine white sand and clear waters, inviting you to swim, snorkel, or beach camp. Its secluded nature offers a peaceful escape from the city bustle.
Accommodations are primarily camping options with some basic amenities available. To reach Laki Beach, take a bus from PITX to Mariveles, Bataan. From Mariveles, you can arrange a boat ride to Laki Beach.
10. Morong, Bataan
Morong Beach is ideal for family outings with its gentle waves and clean shoreline. It’s also home to the Pawikan Conservation Center, where you and other visitors can learn about sea turtles while seeing them up close.
The area features a variety of resorts and guesthouses catering to different budgets. From PITX, take a bus to Balanga, Bataan. From Balanga, ride another bus or van heading to Morong.
Paradise is Never Far Away
Living in or near Metro Manila means you’re never too far from some of the Philippines’ most beautiful beaches. With a major transportation hub like PITX, you can easily access these stunning destinations and surround yourself with sunshine, sand, and sea without the hassle of sun-up-to-sun-down travels.
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Explore our website to find your future home in Metro Manila and elsewhere.
Melecio Martin G. Arranz IV
Digital Marketing Head
Martin is an experienced marketer with over 16 years of experience across various industries including real estate, banking and finance, technology, and advertising.
Martin has a broad range of expertise in having handled campaigns, brand launches, activations both in the traditional and digital space. Currently serving as the Digital Marketing Head at Federal Land, Martin leads a team focused on managing digital sales and platforms for the residential, estates and commercial business units.