10 Best Budget-Friendly Quality Resorts Near Manila: Batangas, Zambales, La Union, Bataan

10. Planet Dive (Batangas)

Photo by Planet Dive

One of the budget beach resorts near Manila is Planet Dive. It is situated in Anilao, a famous diving destination in Batangas province. It is a 3-star beachfront resort with 17 rooms, starting at around PHP3,000 (USD59) for 2 persons. Each suite is equipped with air-conditioning, a desk, a bathroom, and a shower.

• Check our article on the best beach resorts in Batangas

For divers, Planet Dive boasts its own scuba center that comes with diving facilities and equipment. Guests may opt to learn basic and advanced scuba or nitrox diving with the help of NAUI-certified dive instructors. Planet Dive has its own house reef, the Twin Rocks Marine Sanctuary, one of the best dive sites in Anilao, Batangas.

How to get there:
 
By private vehicle: 
For this 2.5 to 3-hour drive away from Manila, head toward the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and take the Calamba Exit. Go straight onto the STAR Tollway and follow the Palico-Bauan-Mabini Road. 
 
By public transport:
From Pasay or Cubao, ride a bus bound for Batangas and alight at the Grand Terminal. Then, ride a jeepney to Mabini market. From there, you can rent a tricycle to the resort. 

9. Laresio Lake Resort (Laguna) 

Photo by Laresio Lake Resort

For those looking for adventures, you should check out Laresio Lakeside Resort and Spa, a one-stop resort that offers extreme sports and lakeside activities for adults and kids. This 3-star hot spring resort guarantees you sweeping views of Lake Tadlac in Los Baños, Laguna. It also sits at the foot of Mt. Makiling, a famous hiking spot tucked between the provinces of Batangas and Laguna. You can also explore other nearby Laguna tourist spots during your stay.

• Read our articles on the Best Resorts in Laguna and Laguna hot spring resorts

Starting at PHP3,000 (USD59) for 2 persons, the rooms at Laresio Lakeside Resort and Spa are complete with air-conditioning, television, a private bathroom, and a shower. Its private villas are equipped with adult and kiddie pools and videoke facilities. The resort has a 20-meter giant slide, zipline, and a vine swing. Some of the must-try activities here include kayaking, paddleboarding, rappelling, and wall climbing.

 
How to get there:
 
By private vehicle:
For this 1.5 to 2-hour drive away from Manila,  head toward the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and take the Calamba Exit. Merge onto SLEX and Pan-Philippine Highway. Then, exit at Sto. Tomas, turn left onto Bucal Bypass Road and right to Manila S Road. Continue to Bagong Kalsada St. and turn right onto Tadlac.
 
By public transport:
From Pasay or Cubao, ride a bus bound for SM Calamba. Then, hop on a jeep to Los Baños. Tell the driver to drop you at the resort’s nearest landmark.

8. Calinisan Beach Resort (Batangas)

Photo by Calinisan Beach Resort

Featuring panoramic views of Taal Lake, Calinisan Beach Resort is a perfect retreat destination for families and those seeking a serene spot near Manila. This 3-star kid-friendly resort near Manila located in Laurel, Batangas offers lakefront family suites, double deluxe rooms, and aqua pool view rooms, which start at around PHP3,200 (USD64) for 2 people.

The rooms are fully furnished with air-conditioning, cable TV, and a bathroom with a hot and cold shower. Each suite also comes with a veranda and free access to the swimming pool. Other amenities at the resort include a water slide, an adult pool, a Jacuzzi, and a bar. 

There are also various outdoor facilities for team-building activities, including 10 obstacle course challenges. You can also go fishing and fish-feeding along Taal Lake. Other activities include jet-skiing and playing billiards or table tennis.

How to get there:
 
By private vehicle:
For this 2 to 2.5-hour drive away from Manila, head toward the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and take the Calamba Exit. Then, continue to the STAR Tollway and follow the Talisay-Tanauan Road until you reach the resort.
 
By public transport:
From Pasay or Cubao, ride a bus bound for Lipa. Then, take a jeep to the town of Laurel and hail a tricycle to Calinisan Beach Resort. 

7. Cristina Villas Mountain Resort (Rizal)

Photo by Cristina Villas Mountain Resort

Nestled atop the breathtaking edges of Antipolo City, Cristina Villas Mountain Resort is an exclusive Mediterranean-inspired hotel that boasts cozy and contemporary suites with a starting rate of only PHP2,800 (USD56) for 2 persons. The rooms that cost PHP4,000-5,000 (USD80-100) per night come with air-conditioning, a desk, cable television, a mini-bar, and a refrigerator.

• Book Rizal tour packages

There are four swimming pools at the resort, including an infinity pool, the lower villa main pool, the upper main pool, and the mermaid pool. Guests will also find a waterpark with slides and a kiddie playground. 

The resort has a designated area for team-building activities: the rope course area, basketball court, volleyball court, and zipline. You can also pump up your body at the gym or pamper yourself at the spa. Other amenities include a KTV room and an all-day dining restaurant, the Cafe Cristina. You can also visit nearby Rizal tourist spots, Antipolo restaurants, and Antipolo coffee shops during your trip.

How to get there:
 
By private vehicle:
For this 1.5-hour drive away from Manila, take Ortigas Avenue to Taktak Road in Antipolo. Drive straight ahead, then turn right until you reach the resort.
 
By public transport:
From Megamall or Cubao, ride a van or jeep bound for Antipolo. Alight at Ynares Sports Arena or Antipolo Church and hail a tricycle to the resort.

6. White House Beach Resort (La Union) 

Photo by White House Beach Resort

Right in front of the beach in Bauang, La Union is an all-inclusive 3-star resort, the White House Beach Resort. Starting at PHP3,500 (USD70) for 2 people, it features three types of accommodation: The Main House, Tower, and Pavillion. 

• Read our article on the Best La Union Resorts
• Check out our list of the top La Union tourist spots

One of the highlights of the resort is its luxurious infinity pool, which directly faces the sea. It also has a 3-story tower with a rooftop where you can capture panoramic ocean views. For corporate events and social gatherings, guests can occupy the conference hall. There is even a home theater with a complete entertainment set and seating area.

How to get there:
 
By private vehicle:
For this 4-hour drive away from Manila, take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and exit toward SCTEX or Clark Airport. Continue to MacArthur Highway and Manila N Road in Bauang, La Union.
 
By public transport: 
From Cubao, ride a bus to San Fernando, La Union. Tell the driver to drop you off at the nearest landmark or terminal going to Bauang Beach, which is only 280m away from the resort. 

5. San Juan Surf Resort (La Union)

Photo by San Juan Surf Resort

Another elegant and minimalist-themed accommodation in La Union is the San Juan Surf Resort. It provides convenient access to Urbiztondo Beach, the main surfing spot in the area. This 4-star beachfront resort offers over 43 homey and spacious rooms with a starting rate of PHP2,950 (USD59) for 2 people.

The Ocean View and Condo Type suites range from PHP4,180 (USD83) to PHP4,980 (USD99) for 2 to 3 persons. Each suite is equipped with air-conditioning, matrimonial beds, a flat-screen TV, a vault, a shower heater, an en-suite bathroom, a balcony, and see-through windows facing the sea. Guests can dine at the Coast Call restaurant and pamper themselves at the spa.

For surfing enthusiasts, you can enroll at the San Juan Surf School, one of the best surfing schools in the Philippines. You can also rent paddleboards, kayaks, and skimboards at the resort. Souvenirs are also available at the shop.

How to get there:
 
By private vehicle:
For this 4 to 4.5-hour away from Manila, drive along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and take the exit toward SCTEX or Clark Airport. Continue to MacArthur Highway and Manila N Road to your destination in San Fernando, La Union.
 
By public transport:
From Cubao, ride a bus to San Fernando, La Union. Tell the driver to drop you off in front of San Juan Surf Resort, Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union.

4. Playa La Caleta (Bataan)

Photo by Playa La Caleta

Enclosed within a beach cove, Playa La Caleta is a sandy beach resort tucked between flourishing vegetation and scenic waterfalls in Morong, Bataan. Fronting the resort is a 1-km long white-sand beach with crystal clear waters. Right on the left side of the cove is a 1-hectare islet called Miguelito Island.

• Check out our list of Bataan tourist spots

Guests may opt to stay in ocean-view cottages, gazebos, and glamping tents. The rooms start at PHP1,776 (USD35) for 2 people. Each is equipped with cozy amenities, including ceiling fans, rain curtains, hammocks, picnic tables, and benches. 

The glamping tent comes with 2 single-size beds, 1 double-size sofa bed, an indoor dining set, a flat-screen TV, a mini-refrigerator, a water dispenser, lamps, a safety drawer, tables, a cabinet, and a common bathroom pavilion with heated showers and a bidet. Each comes with a dedicated butler service to assist guests with their housekeeping needs.

• Read our article on the best resorts in Bataan

Other amenities at the resort include natural wading pools, an office and lounge, outdoor grill areas, outdoor showers, a restaurant, a bar, a cafe, a sports shop, a store, and a library.

How to get there:
 
By private vehicle:
For this 3 to 3.5-hour drive away from Manila, head to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and take the exit toward San Fernando. Turn right onto Jose Abad Santos Ave and follow Bataan Provincial Highway. From the highway, take the 3KM PLC road going straight to the resort. 
 
By public transport:
From Cubao, ride a bus bound for Balanga, Bataan. Then, from Balanga, ride a shuttle to Lasalle port in Looc, Bagac. From there, ride a boat to Playa La Caleta.

3. Rose Villas Resort (Batangas)

Photo by Rose Villas Resort

Along with an expansive outdoor pool and beautiful cabanas, Rose Villas Resort is a 5-star hotel situated amidst lush vegetation in Lipa City, Batangas. This contemporary Bali-inspired resort features air-conditioned rooms and terrace furniture blended with rustic designs.

Rose Villas Resort is a holiday home that serves as a haven for retreat and relaxation. The cabanas can accommodate from 4 up to 8 persons, with a starting rate of PHP3,500 (USD70) for 2 adults and 2 kids. 

Alongside a 24-hour room service, each room comes with impeccable amenities such as a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, premium beds, a seating area, and a bathroom with a shower and free toiletries. Outside the cabanas and cottages, guests can relax at the picnic area, garden, kiddie playground, hammocks, kawa bath, and outdoor pool with sun umbrellas and beach chairs.

How to get there:
 
By private vehicle:
For this 1.5 to 2-hour drive away from Manila, head toward the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and take the Calamba Exit. Then, continue to the STAR Tollway and exit onto Lipa City. Follow President Jose P. Laurel Highway until you reach the resort.
 
By public transport:
From Pasay or Cubao, ride a bus bound for SM City Lipa or Tambo Exit. Then, ride a jeep to the city proper and alight near the cathedral. From there, hail a tricycle to Rose Villas Resort.

2. Mangrove Resort Hotel (Zambales)

Photo by Mangrove Resort Hotel

Tucked along the beautiful coast of Subic Bay, Mangrove Resort Hotel is a 4-star beachfront accommodation that features cozy rooms with a blend of luxury in Olongapo, Zambales. With a starting rate of PHP2,950 (USD59) for 2 people, all of its 39 suites have a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, a coffee maker, a ceiling fan, a mini-bar, and a bathroom with toiletries.

Guests have direct access to the swimming pool right across the beach. You can also enjoy al fresco dining at the resort’s all-day beachfront restaurant. To make the most of your stay, you can rent kayaks and paddleboards and try exciting water sports activities like jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat riding, and more.

How to get there:
 
By private vehicle:
For this 2.5 to 3-hour drive away from Manila, follow the NLEX route to Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Then, continue to the Olongapo - Bugallon Road and turn left to Baloy Long Beach Road until you reach the resort.
 
By public transport:
Head to any of the Victory Liner stations in Cubao, Pasay, Caloocan, and Sampaloc. From there, ride a bus to Olongapo, Zambales. Then, hail a tricycle to the resort along Baloy Long Beach. 

1. Crystal Beach Resort (Zambales)

Photo by Crystal Beach Resort

Featuring tents and nipa huts majestically set on a white-sand beach, Crystal Beach Resort is a 2-star beachfront resort that is surrounded by pine trees and secluded away from the crowds in San Narciso, Zambales. 

If you’re looking for a weekend home to camp out under the stars, this paradise-like resort offers air-conditioned huts and tents with a starting rate of only PHP1,500 (USD30) for each person. The stilt houses that can accommodate up to 4 persons range from PHP6,000-8,800 (USD120-175).

• Read our article on the best resorts in Zambales
• See our list of the top Zambales tourist spots

Aside from comfy blankets and pillows, all its 34 huts have free WiFi access so guests won’t get bored. As the sunlight peeks through the window door of your nipa hut, you will wake up to the feel of the warm sea breeze on your skin and the gentle sound of the waves crashing. 

Other recreational facilities at the resort include a wellness center and a laid-back sports lounge. For action-packed activities, you can hit the bumpy terrain of San Narciso by riding an ATV. You can also learn how to surf at the resort with the help of professional surfing instructors.

How to get there:
 
By private vehicle:
For this 3.5-hour drive away from Manila, follow the NLEX route to Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Then, continue to the Olongapo - Bugallon Road until you reach the resort.
 
By public transport:
Head to any of the Victory Liner stations in Cubao, Pasay, Caloocan, and Sampaloc. From there, ride a bus bound for Iba or San Narciso, Zambales. Then, hail a tricycle and tell the driver to drop you off at Crystal Beach Resort.
 
Treat Yourself to a Luxurious Vacation in These Budget-Friendly Resorts

Photo by Calinisan Beach Resort 

If you want to experience first-rate luxury at the best affordable resorts near Manila, you can choose from several Batangas resorts, Antipolo resorts, and Zambales resorts that are conveniently nestled closer to nature. For as low as PHP3,000 (USD60) or less per night, these high-end yet budget-friendly resorts in the Philippines will let you have a restful vacation without breaking the bank.

While there are beach resorts that offer great sea views, there are also lakeside resorts in Laguna and Batangas with close proximity to Metro Manila. Moreover, you don’t have to fly further to Siargao because you can drive instead to La Union, one of the best surfing spots in the Philippines. You may also refer to the 15 Best Private Resorts Near Manila and the Top 10 Pet-Friendly Resorts Near Manila articles for more options. If you don't have your own vehicle to drive, you can rent a car in Manila and go on a road trip.