What to Bring on a Day Tour: Swimming near Manila
Planning a day tour for some swimming near Manila? Exciting! Manila’s heat is no joke, and a quick getaway to a pool, river, or beach sounds like the perfect plan. Whether you're heading to a private pool in Laguna, a beach close to Manila, or a swimming pool near Manila, you need to pack right.
Nothing ruins a trip faster than forgetting something important—like your towel or, worse, your swimsuit. Here’s a complete list of travel essentials so you can enjoy your day trip stress-free!
Essentials to Pack for a Day Tour Swimming
You might think you just need a swimsuit, but a well-packed bag makes all the difference. Here are the must-haves:
Swimsuit and Extra Clothes
Walang bihis, walang ligaya! Bring a comfortable swimsuit for your day tour swimming. If you plan on taking a million photos, maybe bring an extra one for that #OOTD change.
Don't forget an extra set of clothes and your UNDERWEAR (bra and panty for girls) for your trip home!
IslaDry Microfiber Travel Towel
Regular towels? Mabigat, mabaho pag basa, at ambagal matuyo. Get an IslaDry Travel Bath Towel. It dries fast, is super absorbent, and doesn’t smell like damp pawis. Perfect for your swimming day trip!
Waterproof Phone Case and Dry Bag
Walang basagan ng trip, literally! Protect your phone with a waterproof phone case so you can take photos underwater (or para di lang talaga mabasa yung phone mo).
If you're going to places like Pagsanjan Falls, Hidden Valley Springs, or San Rafael River Adventure, a dry bag is also a lifesaver. Your gadgets, wallet, and extra clothes will stay dry, kahit dalhin mo pa sa boat yan!
Sun Protection: Sunscreen, Hat, and Sunglasses
Sunburn? No thanks. If you’re heading to a beach resort near Manila, pack sunscreen. Pair it with a hat and sunglasses para hindi ka magmukhang nag-volunteer sa sunog brigade.
Swim Gear: Salbabida, Snorkeling Gear, and Life Vest
Planning on snorkeling in Mabini, Batangas, or trying freediving? Bring snorkeling gear. If you're not a strong swimmer, a life vest and salbabida are a must, especially when traveling with kids. Better safe than sorry!
If you’re going to the beach with kiddos naman, bring a shovel and pail if they planning on building a sand castle.
Toiletries: Shampoo, Soap, and Coins for the Shower
Most public showers need coins because they usually aren’t free, especially in public areas. Don’t be the one begging for barya while covered in chlorine.
Bring shampoo, soap, and your own toiletries. You never know what the shower area situation will be like. And don’t forget your IslaDry Travel Bath Towel!
@isladryph POV: You’re swimming in a river Don’t be maarte - bring a travel towel with you so you can rinse anywhere! #riverbathing #river #nature #pov #travelessentials #traveltowel #fyp ♬ Kyoto City Night - SPEARS69 & Satria Petir & Eko Ardian
Snacks and Hydration
Swimming = gutom. Pack snacks and lots of water. Some places like Luljetta’s, Okada day tour swimming, or Manila Ocean Park have food places, but they’re pricey. A good tip? Bring your own baon!
Tip: Make sure to check if there’s a corkage fee para you’ll know if you can bring outside food and drinks to the area.
Swimming Day Tour Checklist
▢ Swimsuit and Extra Clothes
▢ IslaDry Microfiber Travel Towel
▢ Shampoo and Soap
▢ Sunscreen
▢ Waterproof Phone Case
▢ Dry Bag
▢ Hat
▢ Sunglasses
▢ Salbabida / Life Vest / Floatation Devices for kids
▢ Snorkeling Gear
▢ Cash (Coins and Bills)
▢ Snacks
▢ Water
Here’s how you can pack them:
@isladryph Day tour ba kamo? Here’s what you need to bring kapag mag-swiswimming kayo ng tropa niyo! Pack light with me! Di ka naman mag-oovernight kaya wag ka na magdala ng maleta or backpack! #howtopacklight #daytour #daytrip #swimmingdaytour #roadtripessentials #fyp #daytripessentials #swimmingdaytour #CerealCerdik ♬ Vlog ・ Stylish city pop(1275391) - orino
Where to Go for a Swimming Day Trip near Manila
Ace Water Spa in Pasig, Image from Booky
Looking for a place to go? Here are some of the best day tour spots for swimming near Manila.
Private Pools and Resorts Near Manila
Aqua Planet in Clark, Image from Aqua Planet
✓ Affordable private pool near Manila – Check out Metro Manila private pools, or head to a private resort in Laguna through Airbnb. Walk-in is also ok (there are a lot of manongs outside with private pool signages in Laguna).
✓ Hot spring in Laguna – Perfect for relaxation, places like 88 Resort and Hidden Valley Springs offer warm pools.
✓ Bulacan Wave Pools – Budget-friendly family resorts like Jed’s Island Resort and Amana Waterpark.
✓ Airbnb in QC and Novaliches – If you want something low-key, there are private pools in Fairview, Novaliches, and CAMANAVA. Some also offer day tours/day swimming.
✓ Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens – Pool and massage day tour in Antipolo.
✓ Aqua Planet – Water park with a lot of slides in Clark, Pampanga.
✓ Splash Island – Similar to Aqua Planet but in the South.
✓ Villa Escudero – Day tour with man-made waterfalls, river rafting, and swimming pools in Quezon.
✓ Kawa Bath in Rizal – Hot flower baths in a cauldron in Tanay, Rizal – multiple resorts
Beaches Close to Manila
Camaya Coast in Bataan, Image from Camaya Coast
✓ Zambales and Subic Area – Try Inflatable Island, or relax in San Felipe and Iba.
✓ Batangas Beaches – Check out Laiya, Mabini Batangas, or go scuba diving.
✓ Azure in Paranaque – A manmade beach with a lot of Airbnb accommodations
✓ Camaya Coast – Day tour beach trip in Mariveles, Bataan, with ferry option
Adventure Spots for Water Lovers
San Rafael River Adventure in Bulacan, Image from San Rafael River Adventure
✓ Laguna Waterfalls – Visit Pagsanjan Falls, Luisiana Falls, or San Pablo Lakes.
✓ San Rafael River Adventure – River rides and swimming in Bulacan.
✓ Bulacan’s DRT – Dona Remedios Trinidad is great for rivers, caves, and waterfalls.
✓ Daraitan River, Rizal – Perfect for a one-day road trip and swimming near Manila.
Pools and Spas in Metro Manila
Okada Swimming Pool in Paranaque, Image from TripAdvisor
✓ Ace Water Spa – A classic spot for hydrotherapy in Banawe and Pasig.
✓ Wensha Spa – Relax with a pool, massage, and buffet – multiple branches
✓ Okada day tour swimming – Fancy and fun!
✓ Fish spa – A lot of spas offer fish spas in Metro Manila
✓ Manila Ocean Park – They have a new mini waterpark for kids called Ocean Park Aqua Adventure
Road Trip Reminders: NLEX, SLEX, and Gas
If you're driving, prepare for toll fees on NLEX and SLEX. Make sure your gas tank is full.
Tip: A motorcycle is a great way to save on parking and gas! But take note that motorcycles below 400cc are not allowed on the expressway. You can still take provincial roads, though.
Or, you could go to other places like Rizal (Antipolo or Tanay) – there’s no toll there! Just be careful with the long and winding roads filled with sharp turns!
Ready for Your Day Tour?
Wherever you go, make sure you're prepared! Pack smart, bring the right travel essentials, and don’t forget your IslaDry Microfiber Travel Towel. It’s perfect for any adventure, whether you're chasing waterfalls, hitting the beach, or enjoying a resort near Manila.
So, plan that day tour, grab your towel, and make the most out of your swimming near Manila experience!
