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Around Manila

If you've spent a bit of time in Manila, you're probably clawing to get out to the countryside for some fresh air and relaxation – as many locals and ex-pats do on weekends. Surprisingly, you don't need to go too far to leave the city and most of its traffic behind.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Clark Museum
Around Manila
On the edge of the former American parade grounds, this well-presented museum details the history of Clark from 1901 up to its development of the Freeport…
Marcela Mariño & Felipe Agoncillo House
Around Manila
One of Taal's most engaging house museums, this was the home of Dona Marcela Mariño, who married local lawyer and independence activist Felipe Agoncillo…
Basilica of St Martin de Tours
Around Manila
Originally built in 1759, before being destroyed and rebuilt between 1849 and 1865, this truly massive baroque-style basilica is one of the largest and…
People’s Park in the Sky
Around Manila
Improbably perched on a towering mound of earth at Tagaytay’s eastern end, this is Ferdinand Marcos’ unfinished summer home. It's a derelict yet…
Battle of Bataan Museum
Around Manila
In a bunker beneath the main Battle of Bataan shrine, this absorbing and blissfully air-conditioned museum has an impressive range of weaponry, battles…
GK Enchanted Farm
Around Manila
Hidden away a 1½-hour drive north of Quezon City, this small, volunteer-run farm is attempting to alleviate poverty by fostering young local entrepreneurs…
Mt Pinatubo
Around Manila
The jumping-off point for the climb up Mt Pinatubo is the village of Santa Juliana, from where you take a memorable 4WD journey across an eerie, lunar…
Capas National Shrine
Around Manila
This former Camp O'Donnell POW camp was where the American and Filipino soldiers who endured the notorious WWII Bataan Death March were transported: their…