The first time I visited the Philippines was after finals week when I studied abroad in Hong Kong. A group of us flew into Manila and headed to Boracay for a week, which was such a fun experience!
I honestly wasn’t even thinking about what beaches were around Manila or what there was to do around there, and I definitely was not a blogger back then.
But thankfully, my amazing virtual assistant was born and raised in Metro Manila, and she agreed to help me put together a list of beaches close to Manila Philippines!
So whether you have a layover for a day or two, or if you just want to stay around Manila for your trip while also catching some sun, this guide is for you!
To get to the beaches near Manila, you have two options: head north or go south!
The closest beaches are just a short 2 to 4-hour drive away, depending on where you’re coming from in the metro.
How To Get Around
You can travel to the following places via the following options:
- Private Car – You can hire your own private driver from the metro
- Rent A Van – If you’re a big group with your family or friends, you can search for van rentals in your area or check Facebook for rent a van services
- Public Bus – The third option is to check for bus terminals and routes nearby where you’re staying
Let’s start with all the beaches north of Metro Manila!
Camaya Coast Beach, Mariveles, Bataan
Camaya Coast Beach in Mariveles, Bataan is a quick three-hour drive from Manila, making it a super easy getaway for an overnight or weekend trip.
It is a large, sandy beach surrounded by palm trees in a scenic cove with turquoise water.
How To Get Here By Bus
- Manila to San Fernando Pampanga via Victory Liner Bus (1 hour and 33 minutes)
- San Fernando Pampanga to Mariveles, Bataan (1 hour and 42 minutes)
- Taxi from Mariveles, Bataan to Camaya Coast Beach (22 minutes)
How To Get Here By Ferry
- Book a ferry from Manila on the Camaya Coast website
- Go to the SM Mall of Asia Seaside Esplanade Terminal in Pasay City at least an hour before your departure time
- Ride the ferry straight to Camaya Coast Beach (just under 2 hours)
Accommodations
Once you arrive, you’ll find a range of accommodations, with prices starting around ₱3,000 per night for cozy rooms up to ₱8,000 for spacious beachfront villas.
Airbnbs are available but there are only a few hosts in the area. Prices range from ₱1200 to ₱8500 per night.
Things To Do
If relaxing in the sun or taking a dip in the crystal clear waters won’t cut it for you, there are a ton of other things to do in the area.
There are water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding for rent, beach volleyball, biking, and enjoying bonfires or fireworks by the shore.
Some places will also have live bands playing outside.
There’s also the Aqua Fun Waterpark, where you can take the family down giant slides and splash around in the water playground.
You can also explore the nearby hiking trails for stunning views of the coast.
Nagbalayong Beach, Morong, Bataan
Nagbalayong Beach in Morong, Bataan is another option north around a two to three-hour drive from Manila.
It has a long stretch of golden sandy beach, and is actually the nesting grounds for sea turtles in the Philippines!
The area itself is beautiful and has various nature trails to explore, including rivers and waterfalls.
How To Get Here By Bus
- Bus from Manila to Olongapo via Victory Liner Bus (3 hours)
- Taxi from Olongapo to Nagbalayong Beach
Accommodations
When you arrive, you’ll find a range of accommodations from budget-friendly lodges starting around ₱800 per night to comfortable beachfront resorts that can go up to ₱4,000 per night.
Airbnbs are available in the area ranging from ₱1200 to ₱15,500 per night.
Things To Do
The beach here is a fine charcoal gray, and you’ll find many fisherman docking their boats with catches of the day.
Nearby attractions include Mauban Batis Falls, Kairukan Falls, Pawikan Conservation Center for endangered sea turtles, and WestNuk Beach Cove.
💡 Local Tip: There are Facebook groups that offer affordable accommodations, for example, Morong Bataan Affordable Beach Resort
Subic Bay, Olongapo, Zambales
Subic Bay in Zambales has tons of beaches and is also about a two to three-hour drive from Manila.
There are many things to do here as it’s essentially a small city.
All Hands Beach, SBMA Beach, and Camayan Beach are the most popular here!
How To Get Here By Bus
- Bus from Manila to Olongapo via Victory Liner Bus
- Jeepney or taxi from Olongapo to Subic
Accommodations
Accommodations here vary from affordable hotels starting at around ₱1,500 per night to more luxurious resorts that can go up to ₱6,000 or more.
Many Airbnbs are available in the area ranging from ₱1100 to ₱3500 per night. If you have your own kitchen, you can shop at the local markets and stores and cook at home.
Things To Do
You can spend the day lounging on the beach, exploring the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, check out the Subic Bay Yacht Club, or trying water sports like jet skiing and parasailing.
This place is famous for its awesome wreck diving where you can explore a variety of shipwrecks, some of which date back to the Spanish-American War.
You can also visit attractions like Ocean Adventure and Zoobic Safari for a fun day out if traveling with family or friends.
Pundaquit Beach, San Antonio, Zambales
Pundaquit Beach in San Antonio is a long stretch of lively beach in Zambalas that’s a three to four hour drive from Manila.
How To Get Here By Bus
- Bus from Manila to San Antonio, Zambales via Victory Liner Bus
- Tricycle to Pundaquit from San Antonio town
Accommodations
Once you arrive, you’ll find a variety of accommodations with options ranging from cozy guesthouses starting around ₱800 to beachfront resorts that can go up to ₱5,000 per night.
Airbnbs are available in the area ranging from ₱1200 to ₱7400 per night.
Things To Do
In Pundaquit, there are trails, hikes, and water sports like snorkeling, freediving, and kayaking available.
💡 Local Tip: Island hop to 3 must-visit spots: Anawangin Cove, Nagsasa Cove, and Capones Island and Lighthouse.
Next, we have all the beaches south of Metro Manila:
Nasugbu Beach, Batangas
There are plenty of beaches south of Metro Manila as well. The first is Nasugbu in Batangas, which should be at the top of your list.
It’s only 2 hours away and is perfect for a day trip to soak up some sun!
How To Get Here By Bus
There are 2 buses from Manila to Nasugbu
- DLTBCo Bus Terminal in LRT-Buendia. The terminal is near Gil Puyat LRT Station on the corner of Taft Avenue and Buendia (Gil Puyat Avenue).
- BSC Bus Terminal in EDSA-Taft Pasay. It is located next to the MRT Taft Station (along EDSA) just behind McDonalds.
Accommodations
There are accommodations varying from cozy homestays starting around ₱1,000 per night to luxurious resorts that can go up to ₱10,000+.
Airbnbs are available in the area ranging from ₱2400 to ₱11,000 per night.
Things To Do
Other than just chilling on the beach, you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, cliff jumping, and island hopping.
💡 Local Tip: Check out Calayo Beach, Tali Beach, and visit Fortune Island.
Calatagan, Batangas
Calatangan is a popular tourist destination and is located two to three hours away by car. The most popular beaches here are Matabungkay Beach and Burot Beach, with white sandy beaches and small waves.
How To Get Here By Bus
- Bus from DLTB Buendia Terminal (located near the LRT Gil Puyat Station) to Calatagan and get off near Calatagan Public Market or anywhere in town.
- Ride a tricycle to your resort.
Accommodations
Places to stay here range from budget-friendly inns starting around ₱800 per night to more upscale resorts that can range from ₱3,000 to ₱8,000.
Airbnbs are available in the area ranging from ₱2200 to ₱11,000 per night.
Things To Do
There are tons of snorkel rentals on the beach as the waters are crystal clear. You can explore the nearby sandbars, kayak, or paddleboard as well.
💡 Local Tip: Check out Little Boracay and Starfish Island.
Anilao Beach, Mabini, Batangas
Anilao Beach is another stunning stretch of beach in Mabini, Batangas. Similar to above, it is reachable by car within around two hours from Manila.
How To Get Here By Bus
- There are two bus options from Manila to Anilao
- Cubao, LRT Buendia to Batangas Grand Terminal
- Alabang to Batangas Grand Terminal
- Ride a jeepney to Anilao
Accommodations
Options in Anilao range from affordable guesthouses starting at around ₱1,000 a night to more luxurious resorts that can go up to ₱6,000 or more.
Airbnbs are available in the area ranging from ₱1200 to ₱11,000 per night.
Things To Do
Waters here are super clear and you can go diving to see stunning coral reefs. There are also kayaks and paddleboards available for rent.
💡 Local Tip: Visit Sombrero Island and Masasa Beach at Marikaban Island.
Laiya Beach, San Juan, Batangas
Laiya in San Juan is a little farther, but still just under a three hour drive from Manila.
How To Get Here By Bus
- Bus from Cubao or Alabang to San Juan, Batangas. Get off right in front of the Municipal Hall.
- Board a Laiya or Hugom bound Jeepney. Some tricycles can take you to Laiya as well.
Accommodations
Homestays start at around ₱800 per night and beachfront resorts range from ₱3,000 to ₱10,000.
Airbnbs are available in the area ranging from ₱2100 to ₱30,000 per night.
Things To Do
There are lots of activities on the beaches here! You can rent a jet ski, go banana boating, or explore nearby coves.
Real, Quezon
Real in Quezon Province is a hidden gem away from the usual tourist spots. It’s around a three to four hour drive from Manila.
There is a local surf camp called H-World Surf Camp and Resort that is highly rated, affordable, and right on the beach!
How To Get Here By Bus
- Head to either Cubao or Pasay, where you’ll find bus terminals that serve routes to Quezon Province. Look for bus companies like JAC, Jam Liner, or BLTB. They have regular trips to various destinations in Quezon, including Real.
- Tricycle or walk to your final destination within Real.
Accommodations
Budget-friendly spots start as low as ₱700 per night and go up to ₱3,500 for charming beachfront resorts.
Airbnbs are available in the area ranging from ₱1500 to ₱11,800 per night.
Things To Do
In Real, you can spend your days lounging on the beach, exploring nearby waterfalls, or rent a kayak.
There are numerous scenic hikes to enjoy stunning views of the coast as well.
Mauban, Quezon
The last area with tons of beaches on this list today is Mauban in Quezon! Check out Butas Butas Beach with clear water or Sampitan Beach with black sand.
They are around a three to four hour drive from Manila.
How To Get Here By Bus
- Take a JAC liner bus from Cubao or Buendia going to Mauban, Quezon.
- Take a tricycle going to your resort.
Accommodations
Budget-friendly inns start at around ₱800 per night to beachfront resorts that range from ₱2,000 to ₱5,000.
Airbnbs are available, but only a few host in the area. They range from ₱1400 to ₱4500 per night.
Things To Do
Mauban has tons of beaches to go swimming, snorkeling, or diving in crystal-clear waters. You can also go island hopping to explore nearby islets.
💡 Local Tip: Cagbalete Island is one of Quezon’s hidden gems and is a must-visit! It has quickly become a favorite spot for tourists visiting the province. You can stay overnight in amazing properties on pristine white sand.
Tips To Know Before You Go
- Monsoon Season in the Philippines is June-October, so make sure you check the weather if you are going during this time.
- Most beaches will have beachfront accommodation for easy access to the beach.
- If you’re planning a last minute trip, you can find accommodation when you arrive. A lot of the local accommodation won’t be bookable online and there will be vacancies when you arrive!
- Pack lots of sunscreen as the sun will get HOT.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are tons of beaches and areas to choose from within just a few hours drive from Manila.
I hope you enjoy your time in the Philippines, happy travels!
What To Do Next
- Buy travel medical insurance so you are fully covered in case anything goes wrong. Read SafetyWing review.
- Buy an eSIM card so you are immediately connected as soon as you land! Read Holafly eSIM review.
- Book flights!
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