Scenic Road Trips from Manila You Should Add to Your Travel Bucket List

Looking for the best road trips near Manila?

Whether you're craving a quick escape or a full-on adventure, the Philippines is full of scenic routes that offer more than just great views. These road trips let you reconnect with nature, discover local culture, and make memories that stay with you long after the drive is over.

And with PLDT Home’s One Mega Giveaway (OMG) promo, you might just be driving your dream route in a brand-new Toyota Fortuner, or even funding your next trip with ₱1 million in cash. When you subscribe to PLDT Home Fiber, you’re automatically entered for a chance to win.

But before you hit the road, here are four scenic road trips from Manila that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list.

1. Baguio to Sagada via SCTEX and Halsema Highway

Start your journey on SCTEX, passing through the cool, pine-scented breeze of Baguio, and continue onto Halsema Highway, one of the highest and most scenic roads in the Philippines. Formerly known for its dangerous curves, it has become a well-paved gateway to the northern highlands.

Along the way, you’ll pass terraced rice fields in Benguet, traditional Igorot villages, and view decks that showcase mountain peaks like Mt. Pulag, often surrounded by a sea of clouds. Stop at Atok for a glimpse of the country’s third-highest mountain or head further north to Sagada and Bontoc for caves, waterfalls, and centuries-old culture.

This route offers more than just scenery, it’s a moving portrait of Cordillera life.

2. Manila to Clark via SCTEX: A Quick Getaway with Big Rewards

If you’re short on time but still want a rewarding road trip, drive up to Clark, Pampanga. Only about two hours from Manila via Skyway 3, NLEX, and SCTEX, this route offers a smooth and easy escape into Central Luzon.

In Clark, enjoy golf courses, high-end resorts, and duty-free shopping. But the real highlight is Kapampangan cuisine. Dine at Claude Tayag’s Bale Dutung, or follow in Anthony Bourdain’s footsteps with a food trip to Aling Lucing for authentic sisig and Arlyn’s Carinderia for papaitan. It’s a quick trip that satisfies both your wanderlust and your appetite.

3. Tanay to Infanta: A Secret Scenic Route through the Sierra Madre

For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, try the Tanay–Infanta Road, which cuts through the lush Sierra Madre mountain range. The journey begins in Tanay, Rizal, where the rolling hills and roadside cafés attract weekend riders and road trippers.

As you climb higher, the forest gets thicker, the air cooler, and the traffic nearly disappears. Look out for local Dumagat communities, riverside viewpoints, and the twisting turns of Magnetic Hill. Before reaching Infanta, don’t miss Bantakay Falls, a refreshing hidden gem along the way.

Eventually, the road opens to views of coconut plantations and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. It’s one of Luzon’s most underrated road trips, perfect for travelers seeking quiet adventure.

4. Bicol via the Pan-Philippine Highway: A Coastal Drive to Remember

Heading south from Manila, the Pan-Philippine Highway takes you on a long but rewarding road trip to Bicol. In Legazpi City, the perfectly shaped Mayon Volcano dominates the skyline. But the real magic happens when you keep going.

Drive further south into Sorsogon, passing coastal towns, rice fields, and hidden beaches. Visit Bacon District for scenic sea cliffs or take a side trip to Donsol to swim with whale sharks during peak season. Cap your trip in Matnog, where pink sand beaches and clear waters await.

It’s a journey full of natural beauty, perfect for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Win a Toyota Fortuner and More with PLDT Home’s OMG Promo

What if upgrading your internet could also upgrade your entire lifestyle? With PLDT Home’s One Mega Giveaway (OMG), new PLDT Home Fiber subscribers have the chance to win incredible prizes, including:

• One brand new 2025 Toyota Fortuner
• ₱1 million in cash
• Free fiber internet for life
• Plus 10 winners of ₱100,000 cash
• And 10 winners of free internet for a year
• Winners will be drawn in August 2025.
• To learn more or to subscribe, visit www.pldthome.com/omg2025.

Start Your Next Road Trip Today

The Philippines offers some of the most scenic drives in Southeast Asia. Whether you're heading north to the mountains or south to the coast, these road trips near Manila promise stunning views, cultural insights, and unforgettable moments.

So fuel up, plan your route, and maybe, just maybe, get ready to do it all in a brand-new Toyota Fortuner, courtesy of PLDT Home.