With Proclamation No. 1189 officially declaring Friday, March 20, 2026, a holiday, we have a glorious three-day window to kick off the summer. But with inflation and rising fuel costs, a quick getaway can easily break the bank.
Think you can’t have a “real” vacation with just ₱5,000? Think again. Here are three curated DIY itineraries for the upcoming Eid’l Fitr break that prove you don’t need a huge budget to relax.
1. The “Nature & Chill” Escape: San Narciso, Zambales
Zambales is the king of budget-friendly beaches. Skip the expensive resorts in Subic and head further north to San Narciso.
- Accommodation: Crystal Beach Resort or similar “glamping” sites. A tent pitch or a basic nipa hut can cost as low as ₱1,500/night.
- Transportation: Victory Liner bus from Cubao/Pasay to Iba (drop off at San Narciso). Roundtrip: ~₱900.
- Food: Eat like a local. Carinderias near the town plaza offer full meals for ₱100–₱150. Budget: ₱1,200 for 3 days.
- Activities: Surfing lessons (₱500) or just beach bumming (Free!).
- TOTAL: ~₱4,200
2. The “Culture & City” Staycation: Intramuros, Manila
If you want to avoid the highway traffic, stay in the city but feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
- Accommodation: Boutique hostels or budget hotels in the Ermita/Malate area. Budget ₱2,400 for 2 nights (shared with a friend).
- Transportation: LRT-1 or Grab/Taxi within the city. Budget: ₱600.
- Activities: * Fort Santiago Entrance: ₱75
- Bahay Tsinoy or Destileria Limtuaco Museum: ₱100
- Sunset at Manila Baywalk: Free
- Food: Binondo Food Crawl! You can get stuffed on dumplings and noodles for ₱1,500 over the weekend.
- TOTAL: ~₱4,675
3. The “Mountain Breeze” Day Trip: Tanay, Rizal
If you’d rather spend your money on experiences than hotels, a “Big Day Trip” is the way to go.
- Transportation: Commute via UV Express from Starmall Edsa/Shaw to Tanay. Roundtrip: ₱300.
- Activities:
- Daranak Falls Entrance: ₱50
- Masungi Georeserve (requires booking) or Calinawan Cave tour: ~₱1,500
- Food: Lunch at a scenic Tanay restaurant (Luljetta’s or similar): ₱800.
- Savings: Since you’re sleeping in your own bed, you save ₱2,500+ on hotels!
- TOTAL: ~₱2,650 (You have ₱2,350 left for a fancy dinner!)
3 Pro-Tips for Budgeting the March 20 Holiday
- Book Your Bus Seats Today: Since it’s a Friday holiday, bus terminals will be packed. Use apps like Biyaheroes to reserve early.
- Pack Your Own Snacks: A 7-Eleven run before you leave can save you ₱500 on “convenience” prices at resorts.
- Group Up: The “₱5,000 challenge” is much easier when you split the cost of a room or a gas tank with three friends.
For the full details on the Palace declaration and official holiday status, read our Complete Guide to the March 20 Holiday.
