Beaches, Parks, and More: Outdoor Activities for ₱3,000 or Less

Sun’s out, so everybody should be out! Before the country fully ushers in the rainy season, make the most of these bright, warm days. And what better way to do that than to organize a trip with the people who matter?

As with most things, however, budget may be a concern. Skimp on it, and you won’t be able to go anywhere fun. Spend too much, and you run the risk of putting a dent in your wallet.

In short, you need to find your happy middle. Don’t worry—you can still cut some corners, depending on your destination and activities.

We’ve listed down some of the best outdoor activities in the Philippines you can enjoy with your family or pals for ₱3,000 or less. Included are the approximate breakdowns of expenses to guide you with your planning.  

15 Best Outdoor Activities in the Philippines 

Gather your family or barkada, pack your bags, and enjoy a great, unforgettable summer with these outdoor activities in the Philippines.

Note: The costs below are just approximations. Total expenses may change, depending on your purchases or modifications. 

📍 Stay Overnight in San Felipe, Zambales

Just three hours away from Manila, San Felipe, Zambales offers a much-needed nautical break from the city’s hurried pace. 

Liwliwa, perhaps the town’s most popular beach, boasts a long stretch of shoreline for sunbathing and strong waves for surfing. Somewhere in the village, a narrow alley lined by tall trees gives the place an almost otherworldly appeal.

There are a lot of BnBs and cozy huts to choose from in the area. But if you’re operating on a small budget, find camping grounds that will let you pitch your tent for a small fee. Go ahead and recreate your favorite camping activities as a kid!

Estimated Budget Breakdown

• Transportation: ₱800+ per person (round trip)
• Accommodation (fan room for two to four persons): ₱4,000+ per night (₱1,000 each for four persons)
• Food: ₱700 to ₱1,000 per person

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📍 Go Camping in Calatagan, Batangas

Laiya, Nasugbu, or Anilao come to mind when one talks about beach getaways in Batangas. But if you’re looking for a more quaint and laid-back town, head over to Calatagan, which is about three hours away from Manila.

Swim in Calatagan’s crystal clear waters to your heart’s content. Wait for the sunset and then go on a contemplative walk along the sandy coast. If you’re willing to spend extra, go on a boat tour that will take you to Starfish Island and Little Boracay, which are sand bars that appear during low tide.

Save on accommodation and enjoy camp activities by pitching a tent on the beach grounds for a fee. For this, check out the popular Manuel Uy Beach Resort.^[1]

Estimated Budget Breakdown 

• Transportation: ₱800+ per person (back and forth)
• Accommodation (including entrance fee and tent rental for four pax): ₱500 to ₱700+ per person a night
• Food: ₱1,000 per person

Read more: 24 Must-Visit Destinations for Your Road Trip Near Manila

📍 Enjoy Thrilling Water Activities at Aqua Planet

Remember when you were a kid and your family would organize summer outings at resorts? #Nostalgia, right? This time around, upgrade the fun by going to Aqua Planet.

Located inside the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone in Pampanga, Aqua Planet is a massive water park with lots of slides and wave pools. It’s the perfect day tour destination for the family, especially if you have kids.

Go on the park’s most popular slides, such as the Hurricane, the Sky Shuttle, the Superbowl, and Octopus Racers. After a fun swim, go on a delicious food trip at the park’s quick-service and themed restaurants.

Estimated Budget Breakdown

• Transportation: ₱800+ per person (back and forth)
• Entrance: 
  • Weekdays: ₱1,150 for adults and ₱950 for kids below four feet 
  • Weekends and Holidays: ₱1,350 for adults and ₱1,150 for kids below four feet^[2]
• Food: ₱700 to ₱1,000 per person

📍 Organize a Food Trip in Pampanga 

Road trips can be tasty and filling if you visit the culinary capital of the Philippines—Pampanga! Just a trivia: some of the most delicious dishes you enjoy today, such as sisig, morcon, and tocino, originated from this province.^[3]  

If your idea of a summer outing is to go on a food trip, you’re lucky because Pampanga has a wealth of iconic restaurants. First on the list is Aling Lucing Sisig, home of the first sisig. This food stop has been serving sisig since the 70s, a fact made obvious by the dish’s deliciousness. 

Taste an exciting variant of paella called bringhe at Downtown Café. This dish is a concoction of glutinous rice, coconut milk, bell peppers, spices, egg, and chicken. 

Adventurous foodies, meanwhile, should visit Apag Marangle. This joint serves betute, a stuffed frog.  

Estimated Budget Breakdown

• Transportation: ₱500+ for gas per person, assuming someone is bringing a car 
• Food: ₱1,500+ per person 

📍 Walk Around Intramuros and Environs

Running out of ideas on things to do in the summer? If you live within the metro or in a nearby province, Intramuros and its immediate neighborhoods offer some of the best outdoor activities in the Philippines. And by activities, we mean walking tours.

The iconic wall city has a wealth of interesting and historic spots to enjoy. These include the Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, Fort Santiago, Baluarte de San Diego, Casa Manila, and Museo de Intramuros.

Take in the beauty of different art pieces and marvel at relics of the past at the National Museum. Entrance is free, so you have one less thing to worry about. 

In the afternoon, stroll around Rizal Park and wait for the sunset. The city is even more dazzling and magnificent at night.

Estimated Budget Breakdown

• Transportation: ₱500+ per person (back and forth)
• Food: ₱1,000 per person

📍 Go on a Food Trip in Binondo

Still can’t get enough of the city's classic beauty and looking for more barkada activities in Manila? Discover more about this city by visiting Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world. Since this district teems with restaurants, you can’t miss out on a food trip.

If you’re new to Binondo, don’t miss the iconic eateries here, such as Wai Ying Fast Food, Ying Ying Tea House, Masuki, and Sincerity Restaurant, among others. Drop by Eng Bee Tin for your pasalubong haul.

Get lost in the many streets and alleys of Binondo, where you can take snaps of old buildings. Stroll your way to Escolta and catch your breath by the Pasig River.

Is shopping your favorite sport? Head to popular shopping places nearby, such as Lucky Chinatown, 168 Shopping Mall, 999 Shopping Mall, and Tutuban Commercial Center.

Estimated Budget Breakdown

• Transportation: ₱500+ per person (back and forth)
• Food: ₱1,000 per person
• Shopping Budget: ₱1,000+

📍 Explore Underwater Wonders at Manila Ocean Park 

Photo: Manila Ocean Park (Facebook)

The beauty and wonder of the underwater world will never fail to excite anyone. For those traveling with kids (and kids at heart), a trip to Manila Ocean Park makes both a fun and educational excursion. 

Manila Ocean Park offers eight ocean attractions that explore not just the underwater world but also the land and air domains. The Oceanarium, home to 14,000 marine creatures from more than 270 species indigenous to the Philippines and Southeast Asia, is probably the most recognizable. 

Love penguins? The park offers Trails to Antarctica, which features Humboldt Penguins and shows what life is like on the frozen continent.

If your tots want to explore the world up in the air, head to the All Star Bird Show, which features intelligent birds like macaws, cockatoos, and even eagles. 

Those brave enough will find the World of Creepy Crawlies thrilling. This exhibit stars a wide range of terrestrial creatures, from worms and spiders to frogs and snakes. 

Estimated Budget Breakdown

• Transportation: ₱500 per person 
• Entrance: ₱680 per person (discounted price at Klook)
• Food: ₱700 to ₱1,000 per person 

📍 Trek at Masungi Georeserve in Rizal

Photo: Masungi Georeserve (Facebook)

Whether you’re new to trekking or already an expert, a trip to Masungi Georeserve is one of the most engaging outdoor recreational activities. With its winding trails, fresh air, and peace, this park will give you a renewed appreciation for nature.

Inside Masungi, there are many activities that you can enjoy, depending on your interests. If you simply want to commune with nature, relax with the Garden Picnic Experience, which allows you to explore different trees via a 20-minute stroll.

The georeserve’s Discovery Trail, on the other hand, lets you discover the conservation area and see the karst terrain up close. Normally, the trek lasts for three to four hours. Don’t forget to have your picture taken at Sapot ni Ric, a web-like mesh of tough wires suspended over a rocky terrain.

Estimated Budget Breakdown

• Transportation: ₱700+ per person (back and forth)
• Entrance: Weekdays: ₱1,500 per person / Weekends: ₱1,800 per person
• Food: ₱700+ per person

📍 Go on an ATV Tour in Rizal

If you want to up the ante with outdoor activities in the Philippines, embark on an off-road adventure in Rizal. Ride an all-terrain vehicle or ATV and enjoy the breathtaking views of the lush landscapes.

Go on an exciting quest with ATV Adventures Rizal, a trusted and popular ATV tour operator in the province. In case you’re a newbie, go for the short trail, which runs from 1.5 to two hours. Revel in the beauty of Sierra Madre while navigating a variety of trails, from concrete roads to beaten paths, and even a creek crossing.

Estimated Budget Breakdown

• Transportation: ₱500+ per person (back and forth)
• ATV Short Trail Fee: ₱1,500 per person
• Food: ₱700+ per person

📍 Appreciate Filipino Art at Pinto Art Museum 

While not exactly an outdoor ganap, visiting a museum is one of the popular recreational activities in the Philippines, especially among those with artistic leanings. If you and your group are into contemporary art, Pinto Art Museum is the place to be.

Established in 2010, Pinto Art Museum is the brainchild of Dr. Joven Cuanang, a Filipino neurologist and art patron. The museum is home to works by various Filipino artists, such as Elmer Borlongan, Jose John Santos III, Mark Justiani, Gerladine Javier, and Marina Cruz, just to name a few. Art pieces include paintings, sculptures, and installations. 

After scouring the masterpieces, enjoy the gardens and marvel at the museum’s architecture. The outdoor spots are so serene and beautiful that they even serve as locations for photoshoots. 

Estimated Budget Breakdown

• Transportation: ₱400 per person 
• Entrance: ₱250 per person
• Food: ₱700 per person 

Read more: 12 Famous and Underrated Tourist Destinations in the Philippines

📍 Embark on a Road Trip Around Tagaytay

A list of summer activities in the Philippines won’t be complete without a road trip to Tagaytay. This family- and wallet-friendly activity lets you escape the scorching heat of the city while giving you a chance to reconnect with Mother Nature.

For budget-conscious travelers, the Picnic Grove and the People’s Palace in the Sky offer a stunning view of the Taal Volcano. If you’re traveling with kids, take them to Sky Ranch where they can enjoy theme park rides and horseback riding. And don’t leave the city without getting your bulalo or pasalubong haul at the Mahogany Market.

Estimated Budget Breakdown

• Transportation: ₱300+ (or less) per person for gas, assuming someone is bringing a car 
• Park Entrance (Picnic Grove, People’s Palace in the Sky, and Sky Ranch): ₱600 per person (including discounted Sky Ranch unlimited rides ticket for ₱388, available at Klook)
• Food and Pasalubong: ₱1,500 per person

Read more: Where to Chill This Summer: 12 Cold Places in the Philippines

📍 Try Rides at Enchanted Kingdom

What are popular summer activities in Laguna? Enjoy a magical summer outing in Enchanted Kingdom, for one!

Located in Santa Rosa City, Laguna, this amusement park, otherwise known as EK, offers world-class rides and attractions that will bring out the kid in you. Among the most popular rides are the Space Shuttle roller coaster, the Wheel of Fate Ferris wheel, and the Rio Grande Rapids.

You won’t have any issues getting to the park since a lot of buses go to Santa Rosa City. Upgrade your ticket if you want a roundtrip shuttle transfer for your convenience.

Estimated Budget Breakdown

• Transportation: ₱300+ per person
• Entrance: Regular: ₱1,200 
• Food and Souvenir: ₱1,500

📍 Take a Nature Trip to Twin Lakes in San Pablo City

Laguna’s San Pablo City is famed for its seven lakes. But two of them are considered the most beautiful: the Twin Lakes of Yambo and Pandin. 

A narrow strip of land separates the two lakes. Of the two, Pandin Lake is considered the more popular one.

You can enjoy a wealth of outdoor activities in the Philippines on Pandin Lake: swim in its refreshing waters, lounge in a rented raft, and enjoy the locals’ homemade lunch. A short trek will also give you a view of Yambo Lake. 

Estimated Budget Breakdown

• Transportation: ₱600+ per person (round trip)
• Raft with lunch: ₱550 per person for a group of four or more

📍 Go Cycling in Laguna 

Fitness and exploration come together when you’re a cyclist. If you’ve been out of the cycling loop for a while, now’s the time to go back. And what better way to do it than pedaling around Laguna? 

Laguna makes a good spot for cyclists since it’s close to the metro and has a wealth of trails. If your base is Santa Rosa, the Ayala Westgrove Heights trail offers a tranquil path. Cap the cycling sesh at one of the restaurants in the Nuvali area. 

Meet other cyclists along the way by taking the Canlubang-Marcos Mansion loop. This spot is also close to Nuvali, making it accessible to many cyclists. 

Want to explore more of Laguna? Pedal your way through the Santa Cruz-Lake Caliraya trail, which offers a serene view of Lake Caliraya. Cyclists complete this trail within five hours on average. 

Estimated Budget Breakdown

Food: ₱1,000 to ₱1,500 

📍 Get in Touch with Nature in Cagbalete 

Looking for summer outdoor activities in the Philippines that let you disconnect from your fast-paced life? Escape to Quezon Province’s Cagbalete Island. 

The trip to this tropical paradise may take a while, but once you’re there, you’ll be treated to endless blue skies, long stretches of white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lots of downtime. 

Explore the Cagbalete by going on an island tour. This will take you to Yang-In Sandbar, a popular tourist stop. Snorkel and enjoy the gin-clear waters. 

Catch either the sunrise or sunset as you take in the island’s peace and quiet. Take a snap or two because the sunrise and sunset views here are truly amazing. 

Estimated Budget Breakdown

• Transportation: ₱1,200 per person 
• Accommodation: ₱2,000 per night (₱500 per person if you’re a group of four)
• Food: ₱1,000 per person

Read more: 8 Best White Sand Beaches in the Philippines for Your Getaway

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Final Thoughts

You’ll never run out of outdoor activities in the Philippines all year round given that the country offers a lot of beaches and interesting destinations. Make your trip one for the books by planning carefully while leaving room for a bit of spontaneity. 

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Sources: 

• ^[1] Manuel Uy Beach Resort Facebook Page
• ^[2] Aqua Planet 
• ^[3] Ang Pinagmulan ng Tocino, Aalamin sa 'Pinas Sarap' (GMA News Online, 2019)