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The Philippine capital of Manila is a vast
and bustling metropolis that is often misunderstood by would-be visitors. But
even as the city is slowly coming to her own—a paradigm shift anchored on the
blisteringly fast speed by which the city is developing, as well as the
blossoming of creativity in many of its previously hidden corners—Manila, to some
visitors remains only as a jumping-off point for the numerous places to see
and things to do nearby.
We couldn’t blame these people, of course,
considering the plethora of activities that one can do and the many locations
that one can visit just a few hours away from the big city. In this short
article, we’ll introduce you to some of these.
The Pinto
Art Museum in Antipolo, Rizal
The
beaches and diving spots of Anilao, Batangas
It’s hard to imagine such sublime natural
beauty just 130 km away from Manila, but it’s all there in Anilao, Batangas
Province. Anilao and its surrounding barangays are home to world-class beaches,
so don’t be surprised to see a beautiful Batangas beach resort every few
hundred meters along the coastline. However, Anilao is most famous for its
diving scene, as it is home to over 40 different well-known scuba diving spots.
There are few better ways to introduce yourself to the marine denizens of the
Philippines than by going underwater in what is considered the birthplace of
diving in the country.
The
forest and safari adventure parks of Subic, Zambales
If inland adventures are more your style,
then the coastal municipality of Subic—168 km away from Manila—is right up your
alley. Here, you can find adventure parks like the arboreal-themed Subic Tree
Top Adventure, where you can walk on dizzyingly high platforms and bridges built
near the top of towering trees, as well as the Zoobic Safari, the only zoo in
the country to offer a safari-style experience. Make sure to visit the nearby
beaches as well.
Las
Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan
Yes, the cobblestone streets that are built
to look like those of old world Manila are Disney-esque reproductions. In fact,
this resort complex is actually located 149 km away from actual Manila.
However, the grand mansions that line up the streets of Las Casas Filipinas de
Acuzar is not mere simulacra of old Filipino residences—they’re the real deal,
transported here from different parts of the Philippines, then rebuilt and
restored to their former glory. Here in Las Casas, you can join historical
walking tours, ride a balsa for a
fluvial stroll of along the river, or even stay in one of the luxuriously
appointed mansions.
Corregidor
Island
This tadpole-shaped island, located at the
entrance of Manila Bay, is one of the most important locations during the
Second World War, playing a major role in the defense and liberation of the
Philippines from the Empire of Japan. Here, haunting ruins of old barracks and
other military infrastructure serve as monuments to the courage of Filipino and
American soldiers, who fought valiantly during the war. The island can be
reached by ferry from Manila Bay and is a must-visit for all history and World
War II enthusiasts.
Masungi
Georeserve in Baras, Rizal
Have you ever wondered what it feels like
to be Spiderman, hanging from a giant web hundreds of feet above the ground? That’s
exactly what you’re going to experience when you visit the Masungi Georeserve,
where the giant Sapot or spider web
view platform can be found. From here, you get spectacular views of the forests
and stone formations below, as well as of Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in
the Philippines. Located just 48 km away from Manila, the Masungi Georeserve is
also a major nature conservation area.
If you haven’t already made plans during
your next trip to Manila, make sure to take the above-mentioned destinations
into consideration. Just a stone’s throw away from the big city, these places
will allow you to get some much needed rest from the hustle and bustle of the
urban jungle.
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