Are you a business owner searching for a great but affordable location for your next company outing? Or perhaps you’re on the company outing organization team and you’re tasked to draw up a list of destinations that aren’t too hard to get to and won’t strain the budget too much. Whichever the case, you’ve got your work cut out for you, as beach resorts and vacation spots can be found all over the country nowadays, and all of them are just waiting for you to make a reservation.
With that said, it can be tough to sift through all of them and figure out which is the best place to hold your company outing in. To help you make a decision, here are the top 5 company outing locations near Manila that’s definitely worth your time and consideration.
- Laiya, Batangas
Batangas is almost always on top of the list of team outing and vacation destinations. From luxurious sandy beaches to picturesque, hike-worthy mountains, it’s got everything you need to unwind and reinvigorate yourself in Mother Nature’s arms, all while still being quite close to city conveniences. The province is a pretty big place, but companies can head directly to Laiya for a day out in the sun or under water. Laiya is home to some of the longest and most breathtaking strips of white sand beaches that you’ll ever find in the country.
One of the top corporate destinations in the area is Eagle Point Resort, a premium beach resort in Batangas that has world-class amenities geared for MICE tourism. These amenities include a Mediterranean-inspired hotel, rustic villas and suites, and a selection of water sports facilities. If that isn’t enough to tempt you, then you can also pick from the wide array of other beach resorts in Laiya that can satisfy your particular needs.
- Bataan
If you’re looking for a company outing that’s a bit out of the norm, then Bataan should definitely make it to your shortlist. Bataan is where you can find Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, a resort that’s less of one and more of a place out of time. This is because the entire place is made up of authentic Old Manila homes, relocated and restored in all their timeless beauty.
No matter where you look, you’ll be treated to a view that only Filipinos way back then were privy to. You can even take a balsa boat ride in order to savor and take in the grand architecture in a completely different way. We also highly recommend experiencing how it is to walk on the resort’s cobblestones at night—it’s definitely an enchanting experience that really makes you feel like you’ve taken a time machine back to simpler days.
Does the old world theme extend to the amenities, though? Of course not. Each suite is furnished with all the modern creature comforts that will make your stay a luxurious one. Moreover, Las Casas is also quite near to some legendary tourist spots, such as Laki Beach, Five Fingers Cove, Tarak Ridge, and the Mt. Samat National Shrine, just to name a few. So even if Las Casas wasn’t enough for you and your team, Bataan still has enough to keep you entertained.
- San Pablo, Laguna
For companies that want to experience a more laid-back and stress-free experience, San Pablo, Laguna is a great option. This quiet and picturesque part of the Philippines has a range of rustic and homey hotels that are close to a handful of very attractive and picture-worthy natural attractions, such as the placid lakes of Sampaloc, Calibato, Pandin and Palakpakin. There is also the ever-famous Mt. Makiling, a mountain range that supposedly has the shape of a divine goddess lying on her back. Other major tourist sites that you should not miss include Mt. Banahaw and the Pagsanjan Falls.
- Subic, Zambales
No top outing list would ever be complete without mentioning Subic, the beach capital of the Philippines. There’s a lot to see and do here, from hiking to partying to having fun with exotic animals and underwater creatures. There are also attractions such as the Inflatable Island and Funtastic Park for kids who are coming along for the trip. Some other places you shouldn’t miss include Zoobic Safari, Ocean Adventure Subic Bay, and Dungaree Beach—a stunner of a world-class beach that you can rent out entirely for yourself! As for accommodations, you’ll also be able to pick from a lot of hotels and resorts that perfectly suit your team’s size and itinerary.
- Baguio City
Another laid-back tourist destination that your tired coworkers or employees will appreciate, Baguio is a wonderful place for company outings, especially in the hotter summer months. While travel time will be a bit longer than the other locations in this list, Baguio’s cooler climate and inspiring sights will always be worth it. Burnham Park is still amazing to stroll or jog through, featuring a placid lake and thick lush greenery as far as the eye can see. As for activities, you can always pick strawberries at the La Trinidad Strawberry Fields, as well as shop for fresh fruits and vegetables in Baguio City Public Market. You’ll also have an easy time securing ample accommodations here; Baguio City’s status as one of the nation’s best tourist spots have opened up a lot of hotels in the area.
Location, location, location
The location is of utmost importance when planning a company outing. The venue of a team outing, as well as the availability of facilities and other destinations in the area, can greatly affect your team members’ interaction and enjoyment of the event. Consider what kind of atmosphere the outing needs and the kind of experience you want to share with the rest of your team members before deciding on a location that satisfies all your requirements.
