For a Half Day

Las Pinas: This small village, 20km (12 miles) from the city centre, still retains much of its original character, despite actually lying within Metro Manila. Las Pinas is a relief from the metropolis and among the attractions is the famous bamboo organ at San Jose Church, with a unique sound, open Monday to Friday 0800-2400 (admission charge). Every year, in the second week of February, the Organ Festival brings top international organists here. (journey time - 30 minutes).

Calamba: A small town, situated southeast of Manila on the Laguna de Bay, Calamba has some attractive and relaxing hot springs and bathing places. Most visitors come for the Rizal Shrine. A colonial-era house where the Philippines' ubiquitous national hero was born and which has been converted into a museum full of his relics, Rizal Shrine is open Tuesday to Sunday 0800-1200 and 1300-1700 and admission is free. Nearby in Santa Rosa, is the Enchanted Kingdom theme park (tel: (02) 843 6073; website: www.enchantedkingdom.com.ph) (journey time - 45 minutes).

For a Whole Day

Corregidor: The last fallback point for the US forces resisting Japanese invasion in WWII, Corregidor island (website: www.corregidorphilippines.com) was General Douglas MacArthur's headquarters until March 1942, when he withdrew to Australia and delivered his celebrated ‘I shall return' speech. He left his successor and thousands of other American and Philippine servicemen to surrender, facing captivity and death at the hands of the occupiers. MacArthur returned in January 1945, directing a devastating assault. The entire island (situated 48km/30 miles west of Manila, just off the southern tip of Bataan Peninsula) has now been turned into a memorial and museum by the Corregidor Foundation (tel: (02) 523 5605), and wartime fortifications litter the landscape. At its centre is the Pacific War Memorial, and other landmarks include the Malinta Tunnel underground hospital, General MacArthur's Headquarters, the Spanish lighthouse and the artillery batteries. Sun Cruises (tel: (02) 831 8140) offers an inclusive package (journey time - 1 hour).

Hidden Valley: The tropical forest resort of Hidden Valley (tel: (02) 797 1270), located 5km (3 miles) from Alaminos, offers hot springs, jungle walks and natural swimming pools. Well-heeled locals and expats enjoy this lush haven from Manila's sprawl. Alaminos is approximately 70km (44 miles) north of Manila; transport is on BLTB, JAM Transit or Tritran bus from Pasay City (journey time - 1 hour 30 minutes).

Tagaytay City: Perched on the ridge of mountains, Tagaytay offers a breathtaking view of the Taal Volcano. You can rent a boat to cross the lake and visit the crater up close. The climate here is cool and relaxing and several entrepreneurs have set up restaurants serving good meals. From SLEX (South Luzon Expressway), take the Santa Rosa exit (journey time - 75 minutes).