Out of the Blue Getaways

We all know that saying “Buti pa ang biglaang lakad, natutuloy, ang planado hindi” and I’m sure that most if not all of us have experienced this in some point of their lives. I guess it’s because those unanticipated plans usually less complications to those that have been premeditated days, weeks or even months beforehand.

Or maybe it’s just this kind of happenings fall into place at exactly the right place and the right time, where there are no conflicting schedules, no transportation hindrances or any other obstacles one might face when planning the perfect trip or just a simple get-together.

This holiday season, your friends or your family might be planning that special once a year trip in an exotic or unchartered place in a faraway place. But if somehow you hit a snag on or before the date of that trip, you might want to consider some alternatives that are very accessible and at the same time affordable.

Fortunately, we’ve somehow got you covered. If you’re living in the greater Manila area, here are some vacation spots you can enjoy that will give you an enjoyable experience without too much planning and will give you the most bang for your buck.

Manila Ocean Park. Manila Ocean Park is located at the city proper of Manila just behind the Quirino Grandstand. It is owned by China Oceanis Philippines, Inc. and opened in March 1, 2008. The oceanarium occupies an estimated 8,000 square meters of floor space which feature a 25-meter underwater acrylic tunnel.

The oceanarium has several sections which showcase different fish habitats including marine and rainforest motifs. Aside from the numerous aquariums in the complex, MOP has an in house events center called the Concourse Plaza, a marine-themed mall which houses 25 restaurants and 30 stores and an open water marine habitat where visitors can go snorkeling or diving.

Manila Zoo. The Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden is the classic weekend getaway and school field trip destination for those living near or in the vicinity of the National Capital Region. It is located in Quirino Avenue, Adriatico Street in Malate, Manila and rests on a 5.5-hectare land built in the 1950s.

The zoo houses a variety of different animals like elephants, lions, tigers, snakes and crocodiles. Although the zoo has been criticized due to its inadequate animal care and dirty surroundings, the management of the establishment is trying its best to improve the zoo’s maintenance and make the animals as comfortable as possible. Nevertheless, a visit to this iconic and classic establishment will definitely bring back nostalgic memories.

Fantasy World. Fantasy world is an unfinished amusement park in Lemery Batangas which feature a fairy tale theme complete with a castle and tree houses. Fantasy world is built on a 195 hectare piece of land and was intended to be the local version of Disney land.

However, financial woes caused the demise of the project and Fantasy world was left unfinished. Nowadays, the remnants of the park is operated and maintained for display purposes only. There are no stores, restaurants or proper establishments in the area. It is also not open to the public, but you can pay a fee of PHP1,000 for 10 persons max.

There are not a lot of things you can do at Fantasy World, but hey, a picture of you behind a castle has got to have some value, right?

Star City. Star city is 35,000 square meter amusement park right beside the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in Pasay City. It has over 30 different attractions and rides including bumper cars, Ferris wheel, a laser tag arena (Lazer Blaster) and an inverted roller coaster (Star Flyer).

Ticket prices are also very affordable with the general admission of fee of 60 pesos and a Ride-All-You-Can ticket of 400 pesos, Star City is probably the most affordable and practical theme park in the Philippine for people living in or near Manila.

Enchanted Kingdom. Enchanted Kingdom or EK for most people is possibly the most popular theme park and weekend getaway in the Philippines. Located in San Lorenzo South Village in Santa Rosa Laguna, EK is just a bus ride away from the Manila.

The theme park features several interesting and entertaining rides like its famous Space Shuttle, Log jam, Anchors Away, Rialto, Flying Fiesta, and of course the Rio Grande Rapids. The park also has different zones that showcase different motifs like the Spaceport, Portabello, Victoria Park and Midway Boardwalk to name a few.

Visitors are not allowed to bring food inside, but there are a few fast food chains, restaurants and kiosks located within the theme park.

So the next time that you guys have a “biglaan lakad” you know which places to take into consideration. Till next time! Please don’t forget to add us up or follow TFL on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. You can also subscribe to The Filipino Lifestyle Blog for other Filipino lifestyle related stories.