by Gianina Sy
Don’t have enough time or money to get out of the country? Why not visit miniature versions of your dream destinations instead? It’ll only take a day and some pocket money to satisfy your wanderlust.
Here are some tourist spots near manila that took inspiration from different countries:
Stilts Resort Calatagan
Address: Brgy Sta. Ana, Calatagan, Batangas
Looks like: Floating cottages in the Maldives
Price per person: During peak season, entrance fees are ?500; otherwise it’s only at ?450. Rates include access to the swimming pool and beach.
There are tons of activities you can choose from at Stilts Resort: from riding an ATV, sandbar hopping, to getting a spa treatment! To cap off your beach day, make sure to catch the sunset before you leave!
Camp Netanya
Address: Brgy. Ligaya, Mabini, Batangas
Looks like: Santorini, Greece
Price: Day trip rates start at ?1,700 which is inclusive of infinity pool use, kayak, and lunch from Greeka All Day Dining Restaurant. Guests can stay from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM.
Feel as if you’ve been transported to Santorini when you visit Camp Netanya with its white and blue architecture. It’s the perfect place to relax after trekking nearby or taking diving lessons. Scenic spots are all over the resort, so get your cameras ready!
Cintai Corito’s Garden
Address: Sitio Pandayan, Malabanan Balete, Batangas
Looks like: Bali, Indonesia
Price: From Monday to Thursday, you may visit the resort for ?1,350. Weekends are priced higher at ?1,850. At first glance the rate seems steep, but it already covers welcome drinks, lunch, morning and afternoon snacks, open cottages, and access to all facilities. Day tours are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Cintai Corito’s Garden is the little Bali of Batangas. Take a moment to pause and de-stress by getting a massage or wading in the pool. Guests also love meditation and yoga practice because of the relaxing atmosphere here.
Goshen Resort
Address: Sitio Gumain, Bamban, Tarlac
Looks like: Rome, Italy
Price: Entrance fee is ?250, whether you opt for the day tour from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM or night tour from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Swimming pool access included. No reservations needed.
Undoubtedly, the main attraction at Goshen Resort in Tarlac is the Colosseum. However, it’s not just the amphitheatre that’s inspired by Roman architecture. The pool, restaurants, and lounging areas fit the theme well too. Take a stroll through the romantic resort to see what we mean!
Farmers Love Agri Farm
Address: Luisita Road, Brgy. Asturias, Tarlac
Looks like: Keukenhof Garden, Amsterdam
Price: Gates open at 6:30 AM until 6:00 PM. With an entrance fee of only ?60, you can already explore the whole farm!
The Farmers Love Agri Farm is one of Tarlac’s hidden gems. Recently, it has been getting a lot more attention on social media because of its likeness to the flower fields in Amsterdam. If you’re a nature lover, you wouldn’t want to miss the sunflowers, celosias, cosmos, and other plants in full bloom.
Torres Farm & Resort
Address: Brgy. Sabang Naic, Cavite
Looks like: Paris, New York, India, Egypt, and more!
Price: To go sightseeing, a payment of ?180 will be collected. If you wish to avail of the pool as well, the entrance fee becomes ?200.
Why not visit several destinations in one go? Take a trip around the world at the Torres Farm & Resort with its models of international landmarks. Replicas of the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty, Taj Mahal, Pyramids of Egypt, Stonehenge, and many others are waiting for you in Cavite.
Well, there you have it! These kalokalike tourist spots are only a few hours from Manila and they won’t break the bank. Who’s up for a road trip around the world?
