10 Amazing Road Trips in to do in The Philippines

The Amazing Road Trips in The Philippines

Originally Published by Lynn on October 2022 and Updated by Purity M on May 2024

Officially known as the Republic of the Philippines, it is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. It consists of around 7,641 islands that are broadly categorized under three main geographical divisions from north to south: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The Philippines is a megadiverse country filled with many places where road trips can be planned for a memorable fun experience. The magnificent coastline, blue skies, some unspoiled places, and mesmerizing views are a few of the things that make the Philippines dreamy and epic.

It is important to note the Philippines’s position as an island country on the Pacific Ring of Fire that is close to the equator makes it prone to earthquakes and typhoons.

Below are the amazing road trips in the Philippines;

1. Manila-Sorsogon Road trip

Kamay ni Hesus – Wikimedia Commons

This is one of the more popular road trip routes in the country. Taking either the eastern (Rizal) route or SLEX route, it takes 11 to 13 hours to drive from Manila to Sorsogon City.

The scenic drive will take you through the Laguna, where you can see the Pililla Windmills and visit Kamay ni Hesus that is a holy place considered as a healing place by locals.

As you head to Quezon you can make a stop on the way to Camarines Sur that is the largest province. There is a zigzag road to with the photo stopovers at Gumaca.

While arriving at Naga city, you can explore Camsur Water park. It offers various sports including wakeboarding, waterskiing, and wakeskating.

Finally, leave Naga city for Sorsogon. Along the way, make stops to click scenic photos. You can have lunch in Legazpi City.

2. Batangas Beaches trip

Anilao – Wikipedia

This route will take you to some of the province’s most stunning ivory coasts — a scenic lake, spectacular diving sites, breathtaking rivers, fertile farm lands, enchanting mountains, and a volcano.

Although known for its crowded resorts and popular beach destinations like Anilao, Nasugbu, and Laiya. There are lesser-known beach resorts in Batangas that are worth visiting. Many of them can be found in Isla Verde (also called Verde Island), a secluded island known for its diverse marine life. The island’s perfect for exploring the depths of the sea through diving or snorkeling.

3. Milan to San Pablo, Laguna Road Trip

Aerial view of Mount Banahaw – Wikipedia

The journey from Milan to San Pablo is a 2-hour drive via SLEX Calamba Exit. The Seven Lakes of San Pablo is one of the must-visit summer destinations for people who love nature and adventure.

The city of San Pablo in Laguna is famous for its seven crater lakes, namely Bunot, Calibato, Mohicap, Palakpakin, Pandin, Sampaloc, and Yambo. These enchanting lakes are located in San Pablo Volcanic Field, located between Mt. Banahaw and Mt. Makiling.

There are also 200 small monogenetic volcanoes found along the Macolod Corridor, a rift zone between Mount Makiling and Mount Banahaw, which is part of the larger Southwestern Luzon Volcanic Field.

While at San Pablo you can enjoy sightseeing, biking, swimming, rafting, trekking, and more. Take Insta-worthy shots as well!

4. Pangasinan-La Union Road Trip

La Union, Dubbed as the “Surfing Capital of Northern Philippines”  – Unsplash

This beautiful road trip takes you from Bolinao in Pangasinan to the trendy Urbiztondo Beach in La Union, making a stop at the Hundred Islands along the way.

Your first stop is Bolinao where you can visit the Bolinao Lighthouse, St. James Church and Patar beach. Then you move on to Alaminos home to the Hundred Islands Park. After you move on to Urbiztondo which is famous for the majestic Tangadan Falls.

Your final destination will be La Union. Dubbed as the “Surfing Capital of Northern Philippines” La Union is a favorite destination among surfing enthusiasts. In addition, it is also home to several historical landmarks, old churches, waterfalls and nature escapes that will definitely make an unforgettable adventure.

5. Zambales Beaches Road Trip

Anawangin Cove – Unsplash

This is the most recommended stop, especially for youngsters, as there are plenty of activities to do on this road trip.

Located along the western coast of the Philippines, Zambales boasts of some of the best beaches that are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, extreme water sports or just for photo opp.

To start off your site sightseeing, park your car after reaching Pundaquit. Take a boat to the coves. There are many activities, whereas the main coves are Anawangin Cove and Nagsasa Cove.

After this, drive off to from Pundaquit to Liwliwa. The most preferred place to stay overnight in this area is Crystal Beach.

Finally, enjoy a day of shopping at Subic Shopping.

6. Laguna Road Trip

Rizal Shrine – Wikimedia Commons

Laguna is one of the best road trips in the Philippines. Many parts of the province untouched, still covered with dense rainforests concealing several magnificent waterfalls. Many of its historic towns retain many pieces of its glorious past. And its cuisine showcases some of the best of the Southern Tagalog region.

The best road trip route to explore this area is are: Calamba and San Pablo, where you can visit the Rizal Shrine. You can have a delicious lunch at the bamboo raft in the Pandin lake.

Luisiana and Cavinti where you can explore Nagcarlan underground cemetery and then enjoy a relaxing hike. The region is home to two stunning trekking spots; Hulugan Falls in Luisiana and Cavinti Falls.

Caliraya Lake and Paete where you can enjoy biking and swimming in Caliraya Lake and explore the Pililla Windmills.

7. Southern Cebu Road Trip

Cebu City – Unsplash

For nature and adventure lovers, South Cebu opens endless opportunities to be blown away. Cebu is located in the Central Visayas region and consists of the main island and 167 surrounding islands and islets.

You can start off your journey by visiting Cebu City, Badian and Moalboa. Along on this route, a must-visit is the Kawasan Falls and Panagsama Beach.

Next on your drive will include Moalboal, Samboan and Oslob. On this path enjoy waterfall hoping as you visit Alegria’s Cambais Falls and Samboan’s Dao Falls, Binalayan Falls and Aguinid Falls. Also enjoy the beautiful sunset at Sumilon Island.

Finally drive off to Oslob, Boljoon, Dalaguete and Cebu City. Enjoy the rich and beautiful heritage of the town of Boljoon. Then procced towards Barangay Mantalongon in Dalaguete, Osemena Park, and other destinations of Cebu City.

Don’t forget to take home a pack of Carcar’s famous chicharon on your way back to Cebu City.

8. Makilala–Allah Valley Road Trip

Lake Sebu – Wikipedia

The Makilala–Allah Valley Road, is a 72-kilometer (45 mi) two-to-four lane highway in the Philippines that connects the provinces of North Cotabato Maguindanao, and Sultan Kudarat.

Allah Valley is a vast landscape covering portions of South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat in South Central Mindanao region. Here, the picturesque upland town of Lake Sebu in South Cotabato is the crowning destination and the rest of the eco-cultural tourism spots are equally amazing.

The 42,450-hectare landscape consisting the domains of the Allah Valley is recognized by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a cultural landscape in Mindanao.

9. Batanes Island road trip 

How about an adventure back in time? Batanes Islands is a tiny archipelago at the northernmost tip of the Philippines. These volcanic islands are known for their rolling green hills, traditional stone houses (UNESCO World Heritage status!), and laid-back charm. Begin in Basco, the capital of Batan Island.

Photo by John Alvin Merin on Unsplash

 To navigate most of the terrain, a motorcycle is ideal, but you can also consider group tours for Sabtang and Itbayat islands.  Hike through rolling hills and dramatic cliffs on Batan Island, explore the historic marvels of Sabtang, and experience the untouched beauty of Itbayat, the northernmost island in the Philippines.

Make sure to explore villages like Savidug and Chamantad to see unique stone houses and have a glimpse of the locals’ way of life. A trip through the islands is incomplete if you miss out on Ivatan cuisine, so don’t!

10. Tagaytay

Nestled just south of Manila, Tagaytay offers a quick escape for anyone seeking cooler weather and breathtaking scenery. This charming region in Cavite province provides a delightful day trip bursting with natural beauty and cool spots to unwind.

Photo by chan lee on Unsplash

Take a scenic drive along Tagaytay Ridge, stopping at vantage points like People’s Park in the Sky or Picnic Grove. From here, marvel at the majestic Taal Volcano rising from Taal Lake, a sight that will leave you speechless. Don’t forget to capture panoramic photos – the volcanic landscape and serene lake create a picture-perfect backdrop.

From there, the well-paved roads lead you towards Talisay, a historic town nestled at the foot of the volcano. Here, the Taal Volcano Heritage Center provides a deeper understanding of this majestic natural wonder and its past eruptions. If you’re feeling adventurous, a boat tour to Taal Volcano Island lets you get up close and personal with the crater lake.