12 Travel Destinations In Luzon That Won't Hurt Your Wallet

Need time away but don't have much time? Ito na ang sagot, mumsh!

1. Luljetta's Hanging Gardens Spa — Antipolo, Rizal

Instagram: @kha.leisi

Break ba ang kailangan mo? You don't need to go so far south or trek up north to find serenity! Luljetta's Hanging Gardens Spa is just a short trip away from the hustle and bustle of the metro, hidden in Loreland Farms Resort in Antipolo. This treasure has pools, massages, body scrubs, and good food: pretty much everything you need for a quick R&R, but without traveling too far. Kahit minsan, saktuhan mo lang. 'Wag yung sobra.

How to get there:

* UV Express to Antipolo (from Ayala, SM Megamall, Robinson's Galleria, or Araneta Center) - 50 PHP

* Upon arriving at Antipolo City proper, ask any tricycle to take you to Loreland Resort - 70 PHP

* Walk inside and ask the guard to point you to Luljetta's Hanging Gardens Spa

Rates: Packages begin at 1,150 PHP. For more information, visit their site, or contact them directly through ([phone], ([phone], or

[e-mail].

2. Art Excursion — Angono, Rizal

Instagram: @traveleatpinas

Angono is a mere hour and a half away from the concrete jungle of Manila. Bakit ka pa maghahanap ng maganda sa malayo kung meron naman diyan lang sa harapan mo? The Art Capital of the Philippines sits unassuming on the shores of Laguna de Bay and is the home of two national artists, life and creativity and be found hidden away in its streets and museums.

How to get there:

* UV Express to Angono (from LRT Santolan, SM Megamall or Robinson's Galleria) - 50 to 55 pesos

* Alight at Iglesia ni Cristo, hail special trip tricycles (15-20 pesos per person per trip) or rent one for the day (500 pesos)

Rates:

Angono Petroglyphs - 20 pesos per person, free on national holidays

Botong Francisco Gallery - donation-based only

Nemiranda Art House - 20 pesos per person

Blanco Family Museum - 100 pesos for adults, 70 pesos for students

3. Mount Tagapo — Binangonan, Rizal

Instagram: @theboywhowantedtofly

For those who want to get in touch with nature, but aren't familiar with hiking yet, the beginner-friendly Mount Tagapo is less than two hours from Manila. The climb will take no longer than two hours (mas maikli pa sa hinihintay mo) and, at its summit, will give you a sprawling view of Laguna de Bay and the province of Rizal.

How to get there:

* UV Express to Binangonan (from LRT Santolan, SM Megamall, or Robinson's Galleria) - 55 to 60 pesos

* Alight at Binangonan Port; ferry to Talim Island - 30 pesos per person

Rates:

* 20 pesos climb registration fee

* 400 pesos for a tour guide (up to 7 pax; required by the barangay)

4. Los Arcos de Hermano Paradise Farm — San Jose del Monte, Bulacan

Instagram: @losarcosdehermano

A petting zoo, lake, campsite, and pools on a five-hectare manmade paradise, just within reach of Manila! A favorite spot for team buildings, pre-nup photo shoots, and weddings, Los Arcos de Hermanos has been in operation since 2012. With ample space to unwind, there's no doubt that you'll be able to bond with your loved ones, or by yourself... kung wala kang kasama o gustong isama.

How to get there:

* From SM Fairview, ride a bus going to Tungko - 18 pesos

* Alight at Jollibee Tungko; ride a tricycle to Los Arcos - 30 pesos

Rates:
Day Swimming (8AM to 5PM):

150 pesos for kids aged 3-10

200 pesos for adults aged 11-59

180 pesos for senior citizens aged 60+

Night Swimming (6PM to 12MN):

180 pesos for kids aged 3-10

250 pesos for adults aged 11-59

200 pesos for senior citizens aged 60+

Cottages: 800 pesos to 1000 pesos, depending on cottage capacity

Rooms: 2000 pesos to 7000 pesos depending on which room

For more information, get in touch with Los Arcos de Hermanos through their page, or through 0917 857 7446.

5. The Twin Lakes — San Pablo City, Laguna

Instagram: @neezethnuque

Dito lang pwedeng sabihin na maganda kapag dalawang sabay!!! Of the Seven Lakes of San Pablo, Lake Yambo and Lake Pandin are known to be the cleanest and most tourist-friendly. Fresh mountain air and still lake water await! Resting between the dormant Mt. Makiling and Mt. Banahaw, you'd get a perfect, unobstructed view of the sky and lush greenery as you're set adrift on a bamboo raft.

How to get there:

* From Cubao or Pasay, ride a bus bound for Lucena. Ask the conductor first if you will be passing through San Pablo City - around 130 pesos

* Alight at the 7/11 near San Pablo Church; take a trike to the jump-off of Lake Pandin or Lake Yambo - 40 to 50 pesos

Rates:

* Small bamboo raft - 180 pesos

* Big bamboo raft with food (grilled tilapia, ginataang hipon, ensaladang pako, banana, and two cups of rice) - 1,000 pesos for 2 people; 1,200 pesos for 3 people. Add 20 pesos for grilled pork

* Wash-up - 20 pesos

* Overnight camping - about 100 pesos

6. Mount Marami — Magallanes, Cavite

Instagram: @rhyjoe

Sanay ka na bang mapagod?! Well worry not: although still relatively less difficult when it comes to mountain climbing, Mount Marami is for those who find comfort in thrill-seeking! Standing tall in the municipalities of Magallanes, Maragondon, and Nasugbu, the summit offers a panoramic view of Cavite, as well as the neighboring peaks of Mt. Pico de Loro and Mt. Dos Picos.

How to get there:

* Ride a bus from Coastal Mall headed to Naic - 66 pesos

* Alight at McDonald’s Naic; ride a tricycle to Naic Grand Terminal - 10 pesos

* Ride a jeep bound for Magallanes - 35 pesos

* Alight at Magallanes, ride a tricycle to Barangay Ramirez - 30 pesos per person

Rates:

* 20 pesos climb registration fee

* 500 pesos for a daytrip tour guide (up to 5 people; required by the barangay)

* 1000 pesos for an overnight tour guide (up to 5 people; required by the barangay)

7. Fortune Island — Nasugbu, Batangas

Instagram: @discovermnl

Somewhat a broken Parthenon of our own stranded on the shores of Batangas, Fortune Island is home to many relaxing activities: camping, scuba diving, and tons of photo ops! Pang-Instagram ni Ate, pang-feed goals ni kuya, at pang-profile picture nila Mama!

How to get there:

* Ride a bus from Pasay or Cubao headed to Nasugbu - around 168 pesos

* Alight at Jollibee Nasugbu; ride a tricycle to Fortune Island Resort in Brgy. Wawa - 10 to 15 pesos per person

* Rent a boat at Fortune Island Resort - 3000 pesos for 5 to 10 pax, 4500 pesos for 10+ pax, or look for a cheaper boat outside (as low as 2500 for 5 to 10 pax)

Rates:

* Entrance fee - 300 pesos day trip, 400 pesos overnight

* Mainland bathroom - 15 pesos

8. Aqua Planet — Clark, Pampanga

Instagram: @derickalmazan

If you're looking to satisfy your kids (or your kid-at-heart), this new water park is at full swing in the bustle of Clark Freeport Zone. With 25 attractions (parang ikaw na maraming crush!!!) and places to dine and shop inside the park itself, barkadas and families alike will be able to find something to enjoy!

How to get there:

* P2P bus from NAIA 3, Robinson's Galleria, or Trinoma to Clark - 200 to 350 pesos

or

* Ride a bus headed for Dau - around 140 pesos

* Alight at Dau-Mabalacat Terminal; ride a jeep to Bayanihan Terminal (Main Gate) - 8 pesos

* Alight at Bayanihan Terminal (Main Gate); ride a blue jeep to Aqua Planet - 13 pesos

Rates:

* 750 pesos for kids

* 950 pesos for adults

* Cabana rental - ranges from 3,000 (15 pax pesos) to 5,000 pesos (25 pax)

* Locker rental - 200 pesos

* Tables with umbrellas - free of charge

9. Sisiman Bay — Mariveles, Bataan

Instagram: @trylocalph

While Sisiman Bay is often considered a side trip destination (same, tbh), there's still beauty to be found in its exploration. With two lighthouses, pebbles strewn across the beach, and hospitable locals, this place is every bit as worthy as the bigger names in Bataan.

How to get there:

* From Cubao or Pasay, ride a bus from Genesis Terminal bound for Mariveles, Bataan - around 280 to 300 pesos

* Alight at BASECO, ride a tricycle going to Sisiman - 15 pesos per person or 60 pesos for solo

Rates:

* Cottages are available at 200 pesos to 350 pesos

* Water in the bathroom - 20 per pail

10. Anawangin Cove — San Antonio, Zambales

Instagram: @niquearc

With crystal clear waters (na daig pa kayo sa kalinawan), Zambales is a favorite for those who want less crowded hideaways. After the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991, the ash still mixes with the sand that meets the beautiful blue water.

How to get there:

* Board a bus headed to Iba or Sta. Cruz, Zambales. Alight at the San Antonio bus stop - 270 pesos

* Ride a tricycle headed to Pundaquit - 60 pesos for one person, 30 pesos each for 2 or more people

* Hire a boat from Pundaquit to take you to Anawangin Island - 250 pesos

Rates:

* Capones Island - 200 pesos (small boat, 6 or more pax)

* Anawangin Cove - 250 pesos (small boat, 6 or more pax)

* Nagsasa Cove - 300 pesos (small boat, 6 or more pax)

* Silaguin Cove - 450 pesos (small boat, 6 or more pax)

* Anawangin + Capones - 1,000 pesos (medium boat, 1-4 pax) 1,500 pesos (large boat, 5-6 pax)

* Capones + Anawangin + Nagsasa - 2,500 pesos (medium boat, 1-4 pax)

11. Sunflower Maze — Tayug, Pangasinan

Instagram: @jmarkfeliciano

A crowd favorite, thousands have flocked to the Sunflower Maze since its grand opening in 2017. Aside from the Instagram-worthy scenery, there's a lot to be learned about botany, as it's situated on the grounds of an organic farm.

How to get there:

* Ride a bus bound for Dagupan and alight at Carmen (SM Rosales) - 289 pesos

* Ride a jeep to Tayug - 100 pesos

or

* Ride a bus bound for Tayug - 323 pesos

* Ride a tricycle to the maze - 50 pesos per person

Rates:

* Maze entrance fee - 100 pesos

12. Tangadan Falls — San Gabriel, La Union

Instagram: @alfilorenz

Nakakita ka lang ng Falls, relate agad? This hidden gem is located a bit farther away from the populated surf scene of San Juan and San Fernando, but is still every bit as worth it. A relatively short trek will bring you to an unexpected sanctuary, one waiting for your body to laze around in its calming waters.

How to get there:

* Ride a bus bound for La Union, like Genesis, Partas, Farinas. Alight at San Juan - roughly 400 pesos

* Ride a jeep to San Gabriel - 19 pesos

* Take a tricycle to Tangadan Falls jump-off - 50 pesos solo; if more than two people, 25 pesos per person

Rates:

* Tangadan Falls entrance fee - 30 pesos

* Guide fee - 500 pesos (1 to 6 pax)

* Life jackets for rent when cliff jumping or swimming - 50 pesos

Take a break, mumsh!

Kris Aquino / Via Facebook

Bigay mo na 'to sa sarili mo.

Friendly reminder: Note that these are just basic expenses! Don't forget to factor in any gear you might need and, of course, your food. Travel is supposed to be about indulging yourself, marse! Pwede namang bonggahan ang pagbubudget!