Aside from Visita Iglesia and other Holy Week traditions, many of us use the Holy Week to kick back and relax with our friends and family. Traveling can be a bit expensive though, especially if you don’t plan your vacation carefully. During peak season, prices of resorts and flights spike up and planning ahead becomes important so you won’t go back home with an empty savings account.
If you are on a tight budget and would like to have a vacation without breaking the bank, here are some destinations you may want to consider.
7. Surfs Up! Baler!
If you surf or would like to learn how, Baler is the destination for you. The Sabang Beach stretch is the home to medium to strong waves, making it a perfect spot to learn to surf. Many known surfers practice there, and you can too. There are many surfing instructors there that offer lessons for a not-so-expensive price.
Budget: Php 2,500 per person
Budget Tips:
- Circle Hostel has dorm-style accommodations that start at Php450
- Find tapsi places and carinderias at Buton Street
How to Get there:
- Ride a Genesis bus bound for Baler, Aurora at Cubao (travel time is 7 hours)
- Get off at Baler Terminal and get a tricycle to your resort
6. Relax by the Beach at Cabangan Zambales
If you want a calmer alternative and you just want to lounge by the beach, you can head on over to Cabangan, Zambales. It is a quiet town before Iba and it is perfect for those who want to relax for the rest of the Holy Week.
Budget: Php 3,500 per person
How to get there:
- Ride a Victory Liner bus bound for Iba and get off at Cabangan
- Ride a tricycle to get to your resort
5. Discover the Deep Blue at Mabini, Batangas
Not many know it but Batangas has one of the most beautiful underwater treasures. Mabini is one that you should visit. Most resorts offer a boat ride to diving spots like Twin Rocks.
Budget: Php 3,000 per person
Tips:
- Travel in a larger group so you can split boat ride fare.
- If you are not a certified scuba diver yet, intro diving is cheaper for larger groups.
How to get there:
- Ride Jam Liner bus bound to Batangas City at Cubao or Buendia
- Get a tricycle to your resort
4. Go Camping at Calatagan, Batangas
There are only a few beaches in Calatagan and if you are in a really tight budget, you can go pitch a tent by the beach at Burot. This can be for a daytrip or overnight. There, you can cook some fresh catch from the boats that go around the vicinity. Entrance fee for the area is Php 60 for daytrip and Php 100 for overnight. The beach doesn’t offer accommodations, so be prepared for an adventure by the sea.
Budget: Php 1,000
Tips:
- Bring your own tent and some ready-to-eat food
How to get there:
- Ride a van bound to Calatagan at Metropoint Mall
- Get a tricycle to Burot Beach
3. Take a dip at Tukuran River, Puerto Galera
Though Puerto Galera is known for parties and drinking, you can find peace and tranquility at Tukuran River. The Tukuran tour will include riding a carabao taxi, jeepney/van service, entrance fees, BBQ picnic and tour guide.
Budget: Php 3,000
Tips:
- Book a hostel or a small room for rent (cheapest can be 3,000 good for 6-10 persons)
How to get there:
- Ride a bus to Batangas Pier
- Ride a boat to White Beach
- Ride a jeep to Calapan City (ask to be dropped off at San Teodoro)
- Get a tricycle to and from Tukuran Falls or rent a jeep for bigger groups
2. Trekking at Mt. Pinatubo
Trekking or hiking are in this summer and this might be the perfect time for you to go and try it. Trekking packages to Mt. Pinatubo usually already cover the following: transportation to and from your house, use of 4×4 vehicle, entrance fees, toll fees, taxes, and tour guide. You just have to pack your clothes and food!
Budget: Php 2,500
Tips:
- Travel in a group of 10 to avail a cheap group package from DOT accredited company – Trekking Mt. Pinatubo
1. Day Trip at Buntot Palos Falls Pangil Laguna
Laguna, which is only a few hours from Manila, is not just a home for hot springs but also for gorgeous falls like this one — Buntot Palos Falls. Be ready for a hike as the way in is quite muddy and a bit slippery. The trek will take about 2 hours and can be done by beginners as well.
Budget: Php 1,000
Tips:
- Get a guide at Pangil Ecopark for a cheaper tour
How to get there:
- Ride a bus bound for Sta. Cruz Laguna (get off at the end terminal)
- Ride a jeep to Siniloan (get off at Brgy Balian outpost)
