5 Heritage Day Trips You Can Take This Independence Day
Learn more about our history one destination at a time.
by Ina Louise Manto | June 09, 2025
The Philippines is teeming with history – from its precolonial roots to centuries of Spanish colonization to the Second World War; there’s so much to learn about our past and the events that have shaped our lives today. Fortunately, there are still many well-preserved locations around the country. From the famous Walled City to quaint provincial towns, these destinations within and near the metro will let you learn more about our heritage:
1. Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
Nestled in Bataan, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is home to beautiful heritage homes that will transport you back in time. While you can rent these homes for a night or two, they also offer a Heritage Day Tour, starting at PHP2,500 on weekdays. This package includes welcome drinks, a guided heritage walking tour, a visit to Hotel De Oriente, a balsa ride, PHP500 dining credits, and beach access.
Learn more about it here.
2. Heritage Town of Taal
Batangas is renowned for its beaches, but it also boasts a quaint town that appeals to history buffs. Taal, Batangas, which is about three hours away from the metro, is an ideal destination for a do-it-yourself day tour. You can begin your day by having breakfast at the market, head straight to the Taal Basilica, and meander around the preserved town.
3. Intramuros
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For city dwellers, Intramuros is one of the best places to go for a history-filled day trip. You can take a guided walking tour that will take you to key locations, including Fort Santiago, the Manila Cathedral, and Casa Manila. To make your day trip more fun, you can even get the new Intramuros Passport, which will give you access to Fort Santiago, Museo de Intramuros, Centro de Turismo Intramuros, Casa Manila Museum, and Baluarte de San Diego.
4. Corregidor Island
You’ve probably already visited Corregidor Island during a field trip in elementary or high school, but in case you haven’t, it’s not too late to learn and experience remnants of history on this island at the entrance of Manila Bay. There are joiner tours online, which will take you to key locations such as the Middleside Barracks, Malinta Tunnels, Pacific Memorial, and Battery Hearn.
5. Cavite Day Tour
While you’ll think of Corregidor Island when in Cavite, nothing is more apt for an Independence Day trip than visiting where the Philippine Independence was declared in 1898. Nestled in Kawit, Cavite, you can take a tour inside Emilio Aguinaldo’s ancestral home. There are other key landmarks to visit around Cavite, such as the Tejeros Convention Site and the Battle of Binakayan Monument.
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