Scenic highway journeys that need to be in your bucket listing

Win a Toyota Fortuner or P1 Million money from PLDT Residence and gas your dream journey!

We don’t all the time go on highway journeys to flee; usually, we achieve this to remain current, discover hidden gems, and create lasting recollections. As Angela N. Blount put it, “Generally essentially the most scenic roads in life are the detours you didn’t imply to take.”

In rural Philippines, the place every bend within the highway may result in a mountain, a scenic cliff, or a shoreline, highway journeys are greater than only a technique of journey; they’re a chance to reconnect with nature, mates, and even your self. This sort of thrill — an journey solely a highway journey can present — leaves lasting recollections.

With PLDT Residence’s One Mega Giveaway (OMG) promo, your subsequent journey may embody successful a brand-new Toyota Fortuner, P1 million in money, or lifetime free fiber web. Earlier than explaining tips on how to take part, let’s discover the place you may go. Listed here are 4 scenic and memorable highway journeys from Manila which can be positive to encourage and create unforgettable moments.

SCTEX and Halsema Freeway: Baguio and past

Generally known as the Baguio-Bontoc Highway or Mountain Path, the Halsema Freeway steadily ascends from the lowlands of La Trinidad, abandoning the city hustle and bustle. As soon as dubbed the “dying freeway,” it has reworked into a surprising route by means of the Cordillera mountains.

The journey begins on the outskirts of Baguio Metropolis. As your Toyota Fortuner navigates the winding ascent, the panorama transforms: terraced mountainsides, sculpted by indigenous fingers over centuries, cascade down. Throughout planting season, these terraces replicate the sky in swimming pools of water; in harvest season, they glow golden in celebration of abundance.

Be certain that to cease at Atok, Benguet’s Highest Level marker. On clear days, Mt. Pulag, the nation’s third-highest peak, looms within the distance, usually haloed by a sea of clouds that locals check with because the “playground of the gods.”

The true magic of the Halsema Freeway lies not simply in its breathtaking vistas however within the intimate glimpses of mountain life it gives. Indigenous Igorot communities proceed their traditions alongside the fashionable highway, with girls in conventional garb carrying baskets of produce on their heads.

By the point you attain Sagada or Bontoc, you’ve traversed not only a freeway however a residing museum of Philippine highland tradition, the place the previous and current coexist in concord.

SCTEX to Clark: A brief however satisfying drive

For a fast escape to Central Luzon’s wealthy tradition, take into account a visit to Clark, Pampanga. Begin your journey on Skyway 3, then take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and proceed onto SCTEX, exiting at Clark North for a clean two-hour drive, relying on visitors.

As soon as in Clark, you may discover its golf programs, high-end built-in resorts, and buying malls. Make sure to take pleasure in Pampanga’s cultural and pure sights, notably its famend Kapampangan delicacies. Notable eating experiences embody artist and chef Claude Tayag’s Bale Dutung, which options each a walk-in restaurant and a non-public eating part by reservation. Moreover, go to the eating places that Claude launched to Anthony Bourdain, equivalent to Aling Lucing for its well-known sisig and ARlyn’s Carinderia for scrumptious papaitan.

The Tanay-Infanta Highway: The Sierra Madre’s secret go

Among the most rewarding journeys are these much less traveled, and the highway from Tanay, Rizal, to Infanta, Quezon, stays certainly one of Luzon’s best-kept secrets and techniques. This route cuts by means of the center of the Sierra Madre mountain vary, the longest within the Philippines—providing a wide ranging transition from the outskirts of Metro Manila to the wild Pacific coast.

The journey begins within the rolling hills of Tanay, the place weekend motorcyclists collect at viewpoints overlooking Laguna de Bay. As you proceed, Manila’s sprawl disappears behind you, changed by more and more dense forests, and the air grows noticeably cooler and brisker.

Indigenous Dumagat communities, who’ve known as these mountains dwelling for hundreds of years, keep small settlements alongside the route the place conventional crafts and mountain meals can generally be bought from roadside stands.

The true drama of this journey comes at Bantakay Falls and the sequence of hairpin turns recognized domestically as “Magnetic Hill.” As you descend towards Infanta, Quezon, the view offers option to coconut plantations and, finally, the huge Pacific Ocean.

Pan-Philippine Freeway: Bicolandia’s coastal escape

A highway journey by means of the Bicol area is greater than only a view of Mayon Volcano; it’s an journey that unfolds with each kilometer. In Legazpi Metropolis, the long-lasting cone-shaped volcano serves as a surprising backdrop. From there, observe the Pan-Philippine Freeway south, passing lush coconut plantations and quaint fishing cities towards Sorsogon.

The drive is a visible feast, with countless rice paddies on one facet and glimpses of the Pacific Ocean rising from winding coastal roads. Cease at Bacon District for panoramic views of sea cliffs, then detour to the charming city of Donsol to swim with whale sharks (butanding) throughout peak season. Conclude your journey in Matnog, the place pink sand seashores and crystal-clear waters await.

This journey is a soul-soothing escape into the center of southern Luzon, reminding us that generally, the very best adventures are those that aren’t closely marketed.

Drive a Toyota Fortuner in your subsequent highway journey

What if upgrading your web may additionally improve your journey bucket listing — and even your total life? The PLDT Residence One Mega Giveaway (OMG) Promo is again for its second yr! New subscribers of PLDT Residence Fiber robotically enter for an opportunity to win unimaginable prizes that transcend simply quick web.

Get able to say OMG! Right here’s what’s up for grabs: a model new 2025 Toyota Fortuner, P1 million in money, and free fiber broadband for all times! Moreover, there might be 10 winners of P100,000 in money and 10 free fiber broadband subscriptions for one yr. Winners might be drawn in August.

For extra info, go to www.pldthome.com/omg2025.

Manila Journey Tour Packages You Ought to Attempt

Comply with and Subscribe to OutofTownBlog.com on Fb, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for extra Journey associated updates.

Learn: Toll Price Information for NLEX, SLEX, and different Luzon Expressway