I’ve heard it so many times before: “I need a break from Manila.” When life in the city gets a little too hectic or mundane, it’s perfectly normal to itch for a change of scenery. And once you’re bitten by the travel bug? You know the drill: It’s time to plan a barkada trip! For times when you feel the need to get away ASAP, a staycation near Manila is always a good idea.
Also read: Group Trip Planning: 7 Ways You Can Make It Easier
Not all of us are blessed with rest houses we can escape to whenever we’d like (Ahh, the dream!). But thankfully, there are a whole lot of vacation homes near Manila that we can rent out on Airbnb — and trust me, they’re the types you’ll want to come back to again and again. The best part? We’ve found a whole bunch that are totally barkada-friendly!
So, what are you waiting for? Check out this list of Airbnbs, take your pick, and pack those bags! An exciting staycation near Manila awaits.
Also read: 7 Premium Buses in Manila and Where They Can Take You
1. This Instagram-worthy condominium in Nasugbu, Batangas
Listing name: Pico de Loro Lagoon View-Prime Luxurious Interior
Listing type: Entire condominium
Max. no. of guests: 6
No. of bedrooms: 1
This Airbnb in Batangas has all the makings of a memorable barkada trip: Beach and pool access, a fully equipped kitchen, and Instagrammable interiors. A condominium in Pico de Loro Beach Club, this home will place you just steps from the beach!
If tropical escapes aren’t your thing, this Airbnb is still quite an attractive option. As cosy as it is stylish, it’s the sort of place you won’t mind leaving even after spending a few days indoors. Complete with a smart TV, a generous selection of DVDs, and a home theatre sound system, this home is no doubt staycation-worthy. It even has its own balcony with stunning views of the nearby lagoon! Learn more about this Airbnb here.
Note: A one-time entrance fee of ₱1,300 per head must be settled upon arrival. (This isn’t included in the Airbnb fees.) This will allow you to have access to the country club’s facilities.
2. This rustic seaside villa in Anilao, Batangas
Listing name: Best Beach & Scuba Diving Manila
Listing type: Entire villa
Max. no. of guests: 6
No. of bedrooms: 3
Is scuba diving on your agenda? Anilao is perfect for an adventure-filled staycation near Manila! At this rustic villa, you and your barkada will feel almost as though you have an entire resort to yourselves. Water babies will love its location right by the water, where you’ll be able to enjoy water sports and activities like island hopping, kayaking, snorkelling, windsurfing, and wakeboarding.
With its laid-back ambience, this home offers a peaceful place to rest after a day of fun under the sun. Oh — and did we mention this Airbnb is pet-friendly, too? On a trip to this seaside villa, no one gets left behind. Consider this a go signal to let your furry friends tag along with you, especially if they love the water! Learn more about this Airbnb here.
3. This bohemian chalet in Amadeo, Cavite
Listing name: Rustic Boho Chalet Amadeo Tagaytay
Listing type: Entire house
Max. no. of guests: 16+ guests
No. of bedrooms: 3
Whether you’re planning a team building trip with your work barkada or just want a staycation near Manila with your closest friends, this bohemian home is a great choice for big groups. A spacious loft with more beds than we can count, this Airbnb can accommodate up to a whopping 25 guests!
Tucked in a quiet farm in Amadeo, this home is around 15 minutes away from Tagaytay’s restaurants and malls. Come with everything you’ll need (food included), and you won’t even have to leave this home to have a good time. With a Bali-inspired pool, entertainment area, and karaoke (which you’re welcome to enjoy until 10pm), this house has everything you’ll need for a relaxed weekend with your friends! Learn more about this Airbnb here.
4. This solar-powered lake house in Cavinti, Laguna
Listing name: The Lake House at Caliraya
Listing type: Entire cabin
Max. no. of guests: 12
No. of bedrooms: 6
This lake house in Caliraya is a superb choice for a dreamy, eco-friendly staycation near Manila. Providing guests with a restful break from city life, this home is entirely solar-powered, and all bedrooms are fan-cooled. Consider this your chance to breathe in all the fresh air you can!
You and your barkada will certainly love the house’s cool hangout spots like the pool and bonfire pit. But most of all, the outdoor lounge will probably be your favourite spot to hang out: It’s nice and breezy, and overlooks the stunning Lake Caliraya and Mt. Banahaw. In addition, you can also enjoy fun water activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing! Learn more about this Airbnb here.
5. This private campsite in Tanay, Rizal
Listing name: The Private Camp: Daraitan (Camp A for BIG GROUP)
Listing type: Campsite
Max. no. of guests: 16+
No. of bedrooms: 1
Camping, anyone? If you and your barkada can’t get enough of the outdoors, you’re in luck: You can get this private campsite all to yourselves! Perfect for groups who plan to visit Mt. Daraitan and Tinipak river, this Airbnb is located in the middle of Daraitan Village. And what’s more, you’ll also get to enjoy your fair share of activities onsite. These include river swimming, hiking, and fishing — plus, you can even set up a campfire with your friends!
Just steps from a pristine river, the two-floor kubo is fitted with banigs and modern papags, and can fit up to 10 people. Additional tents (complete with banigs) can also be set up for bigger groups. Don’t forget to bring jackets and extra blankets if you think you’ll be needing them — we hear it can get pretty chilly at night! Learn more about this Airbnb here.
6. This beachfront cottage in Cabangan, Zambales
Listing name: Private BeachFront House, Zambales
Listing type: Entire cottage
Max. no. of guests: 16+
No. of bedrooms: 2
First of all, how could anyone say no to this cottage’s cute Santorini-inspired exteriors? And second, we don’t think any beach-loving barkada could possibly resist this tropical escape! This Airbnb has enough space to allow up to 10 people to sleep on beds and mattresses, but bigger groups may be accommodated as well. Extra persons may use the daybed and couch in the spacious verandah, the beachfront hammocks, and are also welcome to pitch tents on the beach!
Amazingly, this Zambales home is located right in front of the West Philippine Sea; at the back, you’ll find a river and stunning mountain views. Here, you can expect unobstructed views of the sea, as well as the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets. And as if all that wasn’t enough, you’ll also get to see a sky full of stars at night! What more could you possibly ask for? Learn more about this Airbnb here.
Also read: 12 Philippine Destinations for Stargazing and Milk Way Sightings
7. This dreamy beach house in Subic Bay, Zambales
Listing name: Paradise Cove Beach Condo… Absolute Beach Front.
Listing type: Entire townhouse
Max. no. of guests: 8
No. of bedrooms: 2
Meet the beach house of your dreams come to life! Set in the middle of a marine sanctuary, this Airbnb provides guests with private access to a secluded beach. Just steps from your home away from home, you can take your pick of water sports and underwater activities! And as your afternoons under the sun come to an end, you’ll be treated to the most unforgettable sunsets.
Truly, this beach house has everything you’ll need for a comfortable staycation near Manila. It’s easy to find and is clearly well-kept — reviews show that it’s very clean and guests can’t stop raving about the fresh, nice-smelling linens! (A big plus, if you ask us.) Another thoughtful touch? The Airbnb host even leaves chocolates on the pillows! Learn more about this Airbnb here.
8. This quiet bed and breakfast in Baler, Aurora
Listing name: CB Kanan Large Studio BR Huge CR Fast WiFi Netflix
Listing type: Private room in bed and breakfast
Max. no. of guests: 4
No. of bedrooms: 2
How about a barkada trip filled with sun, sand, and surfing? A private room in a bed and breakfast, this Airbnb is an easy 15-minute walk to the beach and Sabang boardwalk. Baler Museum, as well as the town’s restaurants and shops, are also within a comfortable walking distance. Reviews show that previous guests actually think the location is perfect — it’s close to the beach, but far enough to provide a quiet escape from Baler’s crowds. Everyone loves the sweet resident dogs, too!
Travelling with a bigger group of friends? This Airbnb’s hosts has several listings in the same bed and breakfast, so you can easily book multiple rooms, provided that they’re available at the same time. Learn more about this Airbnb here.
9. This modern treehouse in San Juan, La Union
Listing name: Alon and Sandy Surf Shack GFloor (Air Conditioned)
Listing type: Private room in treehouse
Max. no. of guests: 6
No. of bedrooms: 1
Besides Elyu’s popular hostels and resorts, this Airbnb is definitely a worthy candidate for your next barkada trip to the popular surf town. Nestled at the top of a hill, this modern treehouse is probably one of San Juan’s hidden gems. While a climb up is inevitable, we promise you the views are worth it. From here, you’re guaranteed to witness the most breathtaking sunrise, sunset, and ocean scenes. This being said, expect to spend a lot of time at your private verandah!
If you don’t mind that it’s on top of a hill, this Airbnb actually has quite a perfect location. The beach is just five minutes away and many of Elyu’s well-known restaurants are just a short walk from here, too! Learn more about this Airbnb here.
10. This cosy heritage home in Baguio, Benguet
Listing name: American Heritage Baguio Home w/big Pine tree lawn
Listing type: Entire guest suite
Max. no. of guests: 8
No. of bedrooms: 2
When you and your barkada don’t just want to escape Manila, but the Manila heat along with it, Baguio offers the perfect solution. Tucked in a sea of pine tries, this country home is just within walking distance (or a quick jeep ride away) from Baguio’s popular restaurants and bars. But trust us — you probably won’t even want to leave! Prepare to fall in love with its cosy ambience, and each and every one of its cosy corners.
Want to hear something cool? This home was actually used as a location for local films like Honor Thy Father and Glorious. Yes, you read that right — you can spend the night in a home that’s been graced by your celebrity crushes, John Lloyd Cruz and Tony Labrusca! It’s a no-brainer, don’t you think? Learn more about this Airbnb here.
Also read: 10 Airbnbs in the Philippines That Will Make You Fall in Love
Which one of these listings are you eyeing for your next staycation in Manila? (We love all of them equally.) We hope you and your barkada have the best time!
