Out of Town Blog
Scenic road trips that deserve to be on your bucket list
Win a Toyota Fortuner or P1 Million cash from PLDT Home and fuel your dream trip!
We don’t always go on road trips to escape; often, we do so to stay present, find hidden gems, and create lasting memories. As Angela N. Blount put it, “Sometimes the most scenic roads in life are the detours you didn’t mean to take.”
In rural Philippines, where each bend in the road might lead to a mountain, a scenic cliff, or a coastline, road trips are more than just a means of travel; they’re an opportunity to reconnect with nature, friends, or even yourself. This kind of thrill — an adventure only a road trip can provide — leaves lasting memories.
With PLDT Home’s One Mega Giveaway (OMG) promo, your next adventure might include winning a brand-new Toyota Fortuner, P1 million in cash, or lifetime free fiber internet. Before explaining how to participate, let’s explore where you can go. Here are four scenic and memorable road trips from Manila that are sure to inspire and create unforgettable moments.
SCTEX and Halsema Highway: Baguio and beyond
Known as the Baguio-Bontoc Road or Mountain Trail, the Halsema Highway steadily ascends from the lowlands of La Trinidad, leaving behind the urban hustle and bustle. Once dubbed the “death highway,” it has transformed into a stunning route through the Cordillera mountains.
The journey begins on the outskirts of Baguio City. As your Toyota Fortuner navigates the winding ascent, the landscape transforms: terraced mountainsides, sculpted by indigenous hands over centuries, cascade down. During planting season, these terraces reflect the sky in pools of water; in harvest season, they glow golden in celebration of abundance.
Make sure to stop at Atok, Benguet’s Highest Point marker. On clear days, Mt. Pulag, the country’s third-highest peak, looms in the distance, often haloed by a sea of clouds that locals refer to as the “playground of the gods.”
The true magic of the Halsema Highway lies not just in its breathtaking vistas but in the intimate glimpses of mountain life it offers. Indigenous Igorot communities continue their traditions alongside the modern road, with women in traditional garb carrying baskets of produce 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 coexist in harmony.
SCTEX to Clark: A short but satisfying drive
For a quick escape to Central Luzon’s rich culture, consider a trip 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.
Once in Clark, you can explore its golf courses, high-end integrated resorts, and shopping malls. Be sure to indulge in Pampanga’s cultural and natural attractions, particularly its renowned Kapampangan cuisine. Notable dining experiences include artist and chef Claude Tayag’s Bale Dutung, which features both a walk-in restaurant and a private dining section by reservation. Additionally, visit the restaurants that Claude introduced to Anthony Bourdain, such as Aling Lucing for its famous sisig and ARlyn’s Carinderia for delicious papaitan.
The Tanay-Infanta Road: The Sierra Madre’s secret pass
Some of the most rewarding journeys are those less traveled, and the road from Tanay, Rizal, to Infanta, Quezon, remains one of Luzon’s best-kept secrets. This route cuts through the heart of the Sierra Madre mountain range, the longest in the Philippines—offering a breathtaking transition from the outskirts of Metro Manila to the wild Pacific coast.
The adventure begins in the rolling hills of Tanay, where weekend motorcyclists gather at viewpoints overlooking Laguna de Bay. As you continue, Manila’s sprawl disappears behind you, replaced by increasingly dense forests, and the air grows noticeably cooler and fresher.
Indigenous Dumagat communities, who have called these mountains home for centuries, maintain small settlements along the route where traditional crafts and mountain foods can sometimes be purchased from roadside stands.
The true drama of this journey comes at Bantakay Falls and the series of hairpin turns known locally as “Magnetic Hill.” As you descend toward Infanta, Quezon, the view gives way to coconut plantations and, eventually, the vast Pacific Ocean.
Pan-Philippine Highway: Bicolandia’s coastal escape
A road trip through the Bicol region is more than just a view of Mayon Volcano; it’s an adventure that unfolds with every kilometer. In Legazpi City, the iconic cone-shaped volcano serves as a stunning backdrop. From there, follow the Pan-Philippine Highway south, passing lush coconut plantations and quaint fishing towns toward Sorsogon.
The drive is a visual feast, with endless rice paddies on one side and glimpses of the Pacific Ocean emerging from winding coastal roads. Stop at Bacon District for panoramic views of sea cliffs, then detour to the charming 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 sometimes, the best adventures are the ones that aren’t heavily advertised.
Drive a Toyota Fortuner on your next road trip
What if upgrading your internet could also enhance your travel bucket list — and even your entire life? The PLDT Home One Mega Giveaway (OMG) Promo is back for its second year! New subscribers of PLDT Home Fiber automatically enter for a chance to win incredible prizes that go beyond just fast internet.
Get ready to say OMG! Here’s what’s up for grabs: a brand new 2025 Toyota Fortuner, P1 million in cash, and free fiber broadband for life! Additionally, there will be 10 winners of P100,000 in cash and 10 free fiber broadband subscriptions for one year. Winners will be drawn in August.
For more information, visit www.pldthome.com/omg2025.
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Read: Toll Fee Guide for NLEX, SLEX, and other Luzon Expressway
Scenic road trips that deserve to be on your bucket list
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog
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