One of my biggest frustrations in life is braving the waters. I really never learned how to swim. Maybe I don’t know how to control my breathing, or get too scared to get saltwater on my eyes, or maybe both, but it never kept me off from the beach. It is the cool breeze that hits your face, the soft feel of the sand underneath your toes, the smell of the water you can almost taste the depths of the ocean, and sometimes the sunset you luckily get to see that day. I used to live just a 2-hour drive away from a topical paradise, but now I am so far away and that is one of the things I miss the most in the Philippines.

7,107 islands, and still counting. That is how many times you can enjoy paradise from where I came from. You can do literally everything, all the water sports and activities you can think of, and it is cheaper than you would expect. Out of the thousands of islands, there are 3 main island groups in the Philippines, namely Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Tourists usually go to popular islands in Visayas, but if you just get to visit Manila for a short span of time, why not take a drive and get out of the city to get your fill of wanderlust around Luzon.

Vitalis Villas, Santiago, Ilocos Sur

 You don’t have to be in Greece to experience Santorini. With blue and white domes inspired by Greek architecture, villas and hills that capture the captivating ocean view, and the zipline that can get you to the other side of the island, you will surely forget the gruelling traffic that haunted you in Manila. It is definitely not as expensive as Santorini in summer, and you also get to enjoy the amenities of the nearby Vitalis Whitesands where you can jump and run in their inflatable island. Not only be taken to another place, but to another time, you can take a few minutes’ drive to the historical town of Vigan where you can see the well-preserved Calle Crisologo from the Spanish Colonial Era and have a taste of their longganisa, empanada, and bagnet.

Anawangin Cove, Zambales

When I went here a few years back, there wasn’t a network signal in the island, electricity is scarce but there is still a potable water source although toilets and baths can become tricky. Even with those dire circumstances, it never took my peace away, but it actually has provided me with some kind of a retreat. A few hours’ drive and a boat ride away from Manila,this island is a perfect getaway, enclosed between the mountains and the ocean. I can honestly say that this is one of the finest beaches I have seen, fine white sand, pink sky sunrise, tents under the shades of pine trees and reggae music. During the day, you can either hike or take an island-hopping tour and try snorkelling with the amazing marine life underneath. It’s literally just you, a handful of strangers and nature.

Hamilo Coast, Nasugbu, Batangas

Tucked in the hillsides of Nasugbu and a stone’s throw away from Tagaytay is this lush development from one of the countries’ best real estate company. You can either stay in Pico Sands Hotel or rent out one of the residential units within the area. With its enormous lake view, an Olympic size swimming pool, and the beach within your reach, nothing can go wrong and everything you need is probably in the list of amenities, you can even parasail to your heart’s content. All you have to do is chill and probably get the bowl of that badass Bulalo.

Stilts, Calatagan, Batangas

Also in Batangas is this wonderful beach hub that is a splitting resemblance to the Maldives with its villas standing on stilts directly above the water, hence the name. One of the best beach sunset views I’ve seen in Luzon, and also the finest sand, it will actually get the bang for your buck for a weekend getaway. Do not miss the island-hopping tour especially to the starfish island to meet Patrick and his friends and to see the amazing and most underrated sandbar I have visited. Oh, those days.

So maybe living in one of the most densely populated metropolitan cities of the world wasn’t too bad at all if you can take a drive to these places for a quick weekend getaway. Don’t forget to remind yourself of this beauty especially when you are still stuck in traffic.