Filipinos may be mall creatures, but more of us have started to explore The Great Outdoors, thanks to glamping. That’s a portmanteau for “glamorous camping,” FYI. Basically, it brings together the charm of staying outdoors with the convenience of hotels.
Because of this trend, campsites have proliferated in different parts of the country, from premium experiences to the more affordable ones. So before you pack your bags, read on for our list of places that are worth a visit.
From surf spots to sites that give you a little insight to local culture, here are our suggestions for where city dwellers can recharge and commune with nature.
Anguib Beach Club
Anguib Beach in Santa Ana, Cagayan, is becoming quite the hotspot, thanks to its sandy shores, where the grains are slightly pink (a rare sight, indeed). Plus, since it hasn’t been taken over by wild party goers, the place is still relatively serene, and makes for a relaxing vacation.
At Anguib Beach Club, you can spend time on the beach in relative comfort at the glamping tents (from PHP3,500/US$68 per night) that come with portable air conditioning systems and plush beds. Guests can book kayaking or snorkeling sessions at the resort as well, or hire a guide to help them hop around the surrounding islands.
Tip: The town of Santa Ana is a 14-hour drive from Manila, so it’s highly recommended that visitors spare a couple of days to appreciate what Anguib has to offer.
FIND IT:
Anguib Beach, Barangay San Vicente, Sta. Ana, Cagayan
Phone: 63 917 652 0581
Email: staanacagayan16@gmail.com
Bluewater Sumilon
Located on the coral island of Sumilon in Cebu province, Bluewater Sumilon is the kind of place that appeals to nature lovers seeking pristine beaches and crystal clear waters. You can rent the glamping tents for PHP11,475.41 (US$223) per night, and each comes with comfy beds and round-the-clock electricity.
While it’s pricier than the other glamping sites on this list, Bluewater makes up for it with its dreamy, Instagram-friendly aesthetic. Guests can traipse around its white sand beaches or swim in its glittering waters teeming with marine life, perhaps even spotting a whale shark or two when the season is right.
FIND IT:
Sumilon Island, Oslob, Cebu
Phone: 63 32 481 0801
Email: sumilon@bluewater.com.ph
Crystal Beach Resort Zambales
Surfing has become increasingly popular among those living in the metro, and Zambales is one of the closest places city slickers can catch waves.
If you’ve been fantasizing about riding those crests and camping out under the stars, try Crystal Beach, which sits about five hours away from Manila. Visitors have several accommodation options to choose from, including tents pitched on the sand (PHP2,700/US$52 per night) and air-conditioned nipa huts (stilt houses) fitted with TVs (PHP7,800/US$151 per night).
To recharge and experience what Mother Nature has to offer, visit the nearby rock formations of Camara Island or the lighthouse on the hilltop of Capones Island.
FIND IT:
Purok 1-B, Barangay La Paz, San Narciso, Zambales
Phone: 63 2 404 2342/63 2 404 2456/63 2 404 2502
Nayomi Sanctuary Resort
Taal Volcano is the Philippines’ second most active volcano, but it’s also one of the country’s most picturesque. Promising glampers impressive views of the volcano and its surrounding lake, Nayomi offers glamping tents with beds (from PHP8,599/US$167 per night) that can accommodate as many as nine people. Here, you’ll also have access to the resort’s pool, restaurant, and bar.
FIND IT:
Brgy. Alangilan, Balete, Batangas
Phone: 63 2 534 9644
Email: nayomiresort@gmail.com
Nurture Wellness Village
For a semi-romantic getaway, head to Tagaytay City and stay the night at Nurture Wellness Village. Apart from its air-conditioned glamping suites (from PHP5,500/US$107 per night), the place pampers you with its 24-hour butler service that answers to your every beck and call. What’s more, the suites are pet-friendly, so guests can bring their fur babies along for the ride.
Those who book a glamping suite can get a free 30-minute head and shoulder massage and a tour of the farm. They can also opt to join in a free qigong tai chi class, have a barbecue dinner, and fuel up on arroz caldo (chicken rice porridge) for breakfast.
FIND IT:
Pulong Sagingan, Barangay Maitim II, West Cavite, Tagaytay
Phone: 63 2 2 401 9030
63 2 710 9786
63 46 512 6273
Email: info@nurture.com.ph
San Rafael River Adventure
On the banks of the Angat River lies this Bulacan nature resort, which gives guests an opportunity to relax among the mango trees and mingle with animals. Geese and horses roam around the property, along with rescued civets, although they’re kept in cages to ensure visitors’ safety.
To keep you entertained, the site offers a slew of activities, including jet skiing, stand-up paddle boarding, and ATV riding. Those who want to glamp can stay at a regular tent (PHP3,600/US$70 per night) or inside one that sits on stilts and overlooks the Angat River (PHP4,000/US$78 per night). But if you’re not keen on sleeping in tents, stay instead in glass nipa huts or cottages starting from PHP10,000 (US$194) per night.
FIND IT:
Barangay Talacsan, San Rafael, Bulacan
Phone: 63 995 974 6224
63 2 668 13 72
Email: corporate@sanrafaelriveradventure.com
The Birdhouse El Nido
Lovely beaches and unusual wildlife make Palawan one of the best provinces in the Philippines for glamping. The Birdhouse takes advantage of the island’s beauty by pitching luxurious beach tents (from PHP7,060/US$137 per night) that offer spectacular views of Bacuit Bay and the surrounding islands.
Unfortunately, they’re not air-conditioned, but hey, at least you’ll know you’re one with nature when the soothing sounds of chirping birds wake you up in the morning.
Tourists can book tours at the site for a peek at attractions such as hidden beaches, shrines, caves, coves, and lagoons, with opportunities to snorkel in the waters by nearby islands.
FIND IT:
Maremegmeg Beach, Barangay Corong Corong, El Nido, Palawan
Phone: 63 920 606 1186
Email: thebirdhouselnido@gmail.com
Aetas Glamping El Nido, Palawan
Another Palawan glamping resort, Aetas brings Filipino food and culture to its guests. Sitting atop a hill that gives guests postcard-perfect views of El Nido, its tents are carefully decorated with the works of local artisans. There’s a minimum two-night stay here (PHP13,600/US$264 per night for two), and guests can spend their days lounging by the outdoor pool or island-hopping with the assistance of tour guides.
FIND IT:
Sito Nasigdan, Barangay Villalibertad, El Nido, Palawan
Phone: 63 917 540 0513
Email: elnidoglamping@gmail.com
The Glamp Zambales
After opening last year, The Glamp has become one of the go-to places for vacationers looking to surf and camp underneath the Zambales sky. Guests can choose between a small (from PHP5,000/US$97 per night) or medium tent (from PHP7,500/US$146 per night); both come with air-conditioning and complimentary breakfast. You’ll also be given free parking, a foot massage, and internet access (good news for those who can’t survive a digital detox).
The place is about a 5-hour drive from Manila, but judging by the reviews, it looks like the effort is worth it. Take note though, that the camp does not accept walk-in guests, so those interested need to place a reservation by contacting them on their Facebook page.
FIND IT:
Purok Liw-liwa, Barangay San Felipe, San Felipe, Zambales
Email: theglampzambales@gmail.com
Riverfront Garden Resort
With its three pools and lush trees, Riverfront Garden in Marigondon is a tranquil spot to recharge weary bodies. It offers various accommodation types, from open hut cottages comfortable for six people (PHP400/US$8 per night) to air-conditioned glamping huts (PHP2,800/US$54 per night) suitable for two.
The place may not offer tours for you to explore its surroundings, but you can always spend your time here swimming, dining at the in-house restaurant, or enjoying the peace and quiet under the clear night sky.
FIND IT:
Pinagsanhan B, Maragondon, Cavite
Phone: 63 926 556 0429
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