---
title: "Sweet Escape: Weekend Getaways Close to Manila | Maya.ph"
description: Christmas break is just around the corner! School is out, offices are on break, and it’s the perfect time to spend quality time with your loved ones.
---

[Maya Stories ](https://www.maya.ph/stories)

# [Sweet Escape: Weekend Getaways Close to Manila | Maya.ph](https://www.maya.ph/stories/weekend-getaways-metro-manila)

 Written by [Chesca](https://www.maya.ph/stories/author/chesca) | Jul 6, 2020 11:16:32 AM

Christmas break is just around the corner! School is out, offices are on break, and it’s the perfect time to spend quality time with your loved ones. Only a few hours away from Metro Manila, these destinations are ideal for those looking to sneak away from the big city.

# **Pampanga**

~80km (1.5 hours via SCTEX)

Home to some of Luzon’s best delicacies, this popular tourist destination is a foodie paradise! Visitors come just to get a taste of their famous tocino and sisig. Arguably the most popular sisig place is [Aling Lucing’s Sisig](https://www.facebook.com/lucingcunanan/) in Angeles City, where the dish is believed to have originated. Pampanga is also home to some of the best resorts in Luzon, such as the [Holiday Inn](http://www.asiatravel.com/en-us/hotels/philippines/pampanga/holiday_inn_clark_philippines/index.html) and the [Clearwater Resort and Country Club](http://www.clearwaterphilippines.com/resort/reservation-for-overnight-accommodation/).

<http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-POOrh3dbfqc/U3V38F8gxjI/AAAAAAAAU3s/ZDq6WWBXuxU/s1600/DSC_0224.JPG>

Photo by the food dude via Dude For Food

# **Batangas**

~82 km (1.5 hours via SLEX)

Batangas is a second home to adventure seekers. Its rows and rows of white sand beaches make the perfect backdrop for Insta-worthy pictures. Resorts in Laiya in the town of San Juan offer other water activities like kayaking and flyboarding. If you’re looking for a different kind of high, climb [Mount Maculot](http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/08/mt-maculot-685.html) in Cuenca, which has a trail that’s perfect for beginners. Trekking the mountain gives you a perfect view of the Taal Volcano and Taal Lake.

<http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDWGaNc07P0/UjojsK7VdQI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/-O0aHyM9xEg/s1600/geejay-travel-log-mt-maculot-cuenca-batangas-17.jpg>

Photo by Geejay Gelogo via Geejay Travel Log

# **Tagaytay**

~70KM (1 hour 45 minutes via SLEX)

Tagaytay is a good destination for romantics. It has become the perfect date destination and has a lot to offer: go horseback riding through the Highlands, [Balay Dako](http://antoniosrestaurant.ph/balay-dako/) while admiring the gorgeous sceneries, and enjoy candle-lit dinners at [Mon’s Restuarant.](http://monsrestaurant.com.ph/)

***Did you know? ***The Hollywood film *Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection*, starring actor and pop culture icon Chuck Norris, [was shot in Tagaytay](http://www.philstar.com/entertainment/783334/made-phl-hollywood-films)! 

Via Mrsmommyholic

Wherever your travel plans take you, we hope you enjoy your well-deserved break!

**Tip:*** Pre-book your accommodations, hotels, or restaurants online to make sure your mini getaway goes smoothly and stress-free!*

# **No Maya yet? ****Download the free app here:**

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