Life in a big city is surely tiring and depressing. There are lots of commotion going here especially during rush hour where people will do everything just to ride a public utility vehicle. People in the metro should probably have a little break during the weekends. They can visit the beaches near Metro Manila to have their relaxation and enjoy the tranquility of the place.

Here’s a list of affordable beach destinations near the metro: 

1.  Nagsasa Cove (Zambales)

Just like the famous Anawangin Cove, Nagsasa is another destination to visit for those who want to experience the beauty of nature. There is no electricity here, neither mobile signal nor internet. One just can enjoy the quiet surroundings and the serene nature where you can see “mother nature at its best.”

How to get there: From Manila, ride a bus bound to Iba or Sta. Cruz, Zambales and get off at San Antonio Public Market then take a tricycle to Pundaquit. From there, you can choose different tour operators going to Nagsasa Cove.

2.  Burot Beach (Batangas)

Burot beach is a perfect destination for quick getaways due to its proximity to Manila. City dwellers can easily go here without much hassle. Upon going here, you should not miss the Cape Santiago Lighthouse that was built in 1890. It is one of the oldest lighthouses in the Philippines that still functions.

How to get there:  From Manila, you can ride a van or bus bound to Calatagan at EDSA-Taft. From the town center of Calatagan, take a tricycle going to the lighthouse and from there, you can easily hike the Burot Beach.

3. Potipot Island (Zambales)

Another beach escapade in Zambales which is near in Metro Manila. It has clear and pristine water white sand beaches and a laid-back ambience. The island is perfect for beach bumming and the white sand is comparable to Panglao, Palawan and Boracay. Tourists can tour the island in just less than ten minutes.

How to get there: From Cubao, catch a bus bound to Iba, Zambales. Drop off at the town proper then ride a bus bound to Sta. Cruz then tell the bus attendant to drop you off at Uangco. From there, ride a trike going inside the narrow backstreet where you can find boat owners that could take you to Potipot Island.

4. Hundred Islands (Pangasinan)

Who else doesn’t’ t know the famous Hundred Islands of Pangasinan? There are many beaches that can be found in the islands. There are many to choose from, some known beaches are can be found in the Governor’s Island, Children’s Island and Quezon Island.  Tourists can also enjoy island hopping. There are boats that can be rented for Php 800 – Php 1, 100.

How to get there: From Manila you can ride a bus in Cubao going to Alaminos City, Pangasinan. The fare is around 250 to 500 pesos. From the city center , you can ride a tricycle bound to Barangay Lucap, wherein you can find the Tourism Information Center and the jump-off point going to the Hundred Islands.

 5. Puerto Galera (Oriental Mindoro)

Puerto Galera is known in the world for its beautiful bays. It evokes a genuine tropical paradise which is perfect. It has the finest white sand, pristine waters, and a virgin forest that covers a majestic mountains and splendid waterfalls. It is really a perfect paradise that’s why there are many tourists who visit Puerto Galera.

How to get there: From Cubao or Buendia, you can take a bus bound for Batangas pier and from there you can board a ferry going to Puerto Galera. The travel time is around 4 hours.