Out of Town Blog
Scenic road trips that are worthy of to be on your container list
Win a Toyota Fortuner or P1 Million cash from PLDT Home and fuel your dream journey!
We don’t always go on road trips to get away; frequently, we do so to remain present, discover hidden gems, and develop enduring memories. As Angela N. Blount put it, “Often the most beautiful roads in life are the detours you didn’t suggest to take.”

With PLDT Home’s One Mega Giveaway (OMG) promotion, your next experience may consist of winning a brand-new Toyota Fortuner, P1 million in money, or life time complimentary fiber internet. Before discussing how to participate, let’s explore where you can go. Here are four scenic and unforgettable journey from Manila that make sure to influence and create extraordinary moments.

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< img loading= "lazy" class=" size-medium wp-image-161488" src= "https://outoftownblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Halsema-Highway-700x394.jpg" alt= "Halsema Highway "width=" 700" height=" 394 "/ > Halsema Highway SCTEX and Halsema Highway: Baguio and beyond Referred to as the Baguio-Bontoc Road or Mountain Trail, the Halsema Highway gradually rises from the lowlands of La Trinidad, leaving behind the urban pressure. Once called the “death highway,” it has transformed into a sensational route through the Cordillera mountains. The journey starts on the borders of Baguio City. As your Toyota Fortuner browses the winding climb, the landscape changes: terraced mountainsides, sculpted by indigenous turn over centuries, waterfall down. Throughout planting season, these terraces reflect the sky in swimming pools of water; in harvest season, they radiance golden in event of abundance.
Ensure to stop at Atok, Benguet’s Highest Point marker. On clear days, Mt. Pulag, the country’s third-highest peak, looms in the range, typically haloed by a sea of clouds that residents describe as the “play area of the gods.”
The true magic of the Halsema Highway lies not just in its breathtaking vistas however in the intimate glimpses of mountain life it uses. Indigenous Igorot communities continue their customs along with the contemporary roadway, with females in conventional garb bring baskets of fruit and vegetables on their heads.
By the time you reach Sagada or Bontoc, you’ve traversed not just a highway but a living museum of Philippine highland culture, where the past and present exist together in consistency.
SCTEX to Clark: A short however satisfying drive
For a fast escape to Central Luzon’s abundant culture, think about a journey to Clark, Pampanga. Start your journey on Skyway 3, then take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and continue onto SCTEX, exiting at Clark North for a smooth two-hour drive, depending on traffic.
When in Clark, you can explore its golf courses, high-end integrated resorts, and shopping malls. Make sure to enjoy Pampanga’s cultural and natural destinations, especially its popular Kapampangan cuisine. Significant dining experiences include artist and chef Claude Tayag’s Bale Dutung, which features both a walk-in restaurant and a personal dining section by booking. Furthermore, go to the dining establishments that Claude introduced to Anthony Bourdain, such as Aling Lucing for its well-known sisig and ARlyn’s Carinderia for tasty papaitan.
The Tanay-Infanta Roadway: The Sierra Madre’s secret pass
A few of the most satisfying journeys are those less taken a trip, and the roadway from Tanay, Rizal, to Infanta, Quezon, remains among Luzon’s best-kept tricks. This path cuts through the heart of the Sierra Madre mountain range, the longest in the Philippines– using a breathtaking shift from the borders of Metro Manila to the wild Pacific coast.
The adventure starts in the rolling hills of Tanay, where weekend motorcyclists collect at viewpoints neglecting Laguna de Bay. As you continue, Manila’s sprawl vanishes behind you, changed by increasingly dense forests, and the air grows visibly cooler and fresher.
Native Dumagat communities, who have called these mountains home for centuries, preserve little settlements along the route where traditional crafts and mountain foods can often be bought from roadside stands.
The true drama of this journey comes at Bantakay Falls and the series of barrette turns recognized in your area as “Magnetic Hill.” As you descend towards Infanta, Quezon, the view gives way to coconut plantations and, eventually, the vast Pacific Ocean.

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” 700 “height=” 467″/ > Mayon Volcano Pan-Philippine Highway: Bicolandia’s coastal escape A road trip through the Bicol area is more than simply a view of Mayon Volcano; it’s an experience that unfolds with every kilometer. In Legazpi City, the renowned cone-shaped volcano serves as a spectacular background. From there, follow the Pan-Philippine Highway south, passing lush coconut plantations and quaint fishing towns towards Sorsogon.
The drive is a visual banquet, with limitless rice paddies on one side and glances of the Pacific Ocean emerging from winding seaside roadways. Stop at Bacon District for breathtaking views of sea cliffs, then detour to the captivating town of Donsol to swim with whale sharks (butanding) during peak season. Conclude your journey in Matnog, where pink sand beaches and crystal-clear waters await.
This trip is a soul-soothing escape into the heart of southern Luzon, reminding us that often, the very best experiences are the ones that aren’t greatly marketed.
Drive a Toyota Fortuner on your next road trip
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Get ready to state OMG! Here’s what’s up for grabs: a brand name new 2025 Toyota Fortuner, P1 million in cash, and totally free fiber broadband for life! Furthermore, there will be 10 winners of P100,000 in cash and 10 free fiber broadband memberships for one year. Winners will be attracted August.
For additional information, check out www.pldthome.com/omg2025.
Manila Travel Trip Plans You Need To Attempt
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Read: Toll Fee Guide for NLEX, SLEX, and other Luzon Expressway
Beautiful road trips that deserve to be on your container list
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog