Ah, long weekends—who doesn’t love them? These pockets of respite in the midst of one’s busy schedule offers opportunities for rest and recreation, and that includes travel.
In 2025, Filipinos can enjoy as many as seven long weekends—that is with some well-timed leave filing every now and then, of course. And if you haven’t planned your trips for these upcoming holidays yet, read up as we give you our top recommendations for visa-free long weekend getaways. Let’s go!
Rizal Day 2024 To New Year’s Day 2025: Taipei, Taiwan
Dates Covered:
December 28-29, 2024 (Sat – Sun) December 30, 2024 – Rizal Day (Regular holiday – Mon)
December 31, 2024 – Last Day of the Year (Special non-working holiday – Tue)
January 1, 2025 – New Year’s Day (Regular holiday – Wed)
From Rizal Day to New Year’s Day, you have five days to sneak in a quick last-minute trip to take a breather from the Christmas whirlwind and welcome the New Year.
For this transitional season, one of the best places to fly to is Taipei. Why? The capital of Taiwan’s close proximity to the Philippines makes it an excellent choice for a short, spur-of-the-moment trip. Not to mention, Filipinos can enjoy visa-free entry to Taiwan until mid-2025, allowing for hassle-free travel!
An exciting city where old meets new, Taipei is well-loved for its attractions like Taipei 101 and the National Palace Museum, as well as for its rich culinary scene. Comb through the city’s night markets and have a go at their iconic dishes like spicy beef noodle soup, xiao long bao, and the infamous stinky tofu!
Itinerary Highlights
- Day 1: Visit the 1914 Creative Park—a former distillery that was converted into a hub for artists and fans of art alike. At night, treat your tastebuds to steaming helpings of hotpot.
- Day 2: Visit the National Palace Museum during the day and head on over to the Taipei 101 observatory to enjoy panoramic views of the city. Before nightfall, secure a spot on Elephant Mountain to catch uninterrupted vistas of Taipei’s skyline and New Year fireworks show at Taipei 101.
- Day 3: After a tiring New Year’s Eve, energize your morning by having a taste of authentic Taiwanese breakfast—don’t miss dipping youtiao in soy milk! In the evening, check out the popular Shilin Night Market for irresistible delights.
- Day 4: Take a day trip to Jiufen and Shifen, and make a New Year’s wish as you launch a paper lantern to the sky.
- Day 5: Just before you go, stimulate your senses in the upbeat Ximending district—a shopping haven, perfect for souvenir and pasalubong shopping!
Big Sky Travel Tip: Add a touch of cuteness to your commute by getting the EasyCard in fun formats like character keychains or anime-themed cards.
Read our ultimate guide to Taipei’s night market eats here!
Holy Week: Bali, Indonesia
Dates Covered:
April 17 – Maundy Thursday (Regular holiday – Thu)
April 18 – Good Friday (Regular holiday – Fri)
April 19-20 – Black Saturday and Easter Sunday
For many Filipinos, the Holy Week is synonymous to church visits, fasting or abstinence, and solemn days deep in prayer and reflection. But if these traditions don’t apply to you and you just wish to have some peace and quiet to yourself during this time of the year, Bali, Indonesia offers just the right environment and experiences.
Known for its pristine beaches, verdant rice terraces, and spiritual retreats, Bali is a fantastic destination for those who are looking for laid-back activities that are both grounding and relaxing.
Itinerary Highlights
- Day 1: Visit the postcard-perfect Uluwatu Temple and watch the Kecak dance during sunset.
- Day 2: Embark on an Eat,Pray, Love excursion and take in the views of Ubud’s rice terraces, Monkey Forest, and art markets. Don’t forget to sample favorites in Balinese cuisine like nasi goreng, nasi campur, and sate lilit.
- Day 3: Relax at Seminyak’s beaches and enjoy beach club vibes.
- Day 4: Try water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, and flyboarding in Nusa Dua before heading home.
Big Sky Travel Tip: Rent a scooter for easy island travel.
Labor Day Weekend: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Dates Covered:
May 1 – Labor Day (Regular holiday – Thursday)
May 2 – Friday (take a leave)
May 3-4 (Sat-Sun)
For Labor Day weekend, how about traveling to the capital city of Malaysia?
Thanks to its multi-cultural heritage and traditions, Kuala Lumpur makes for an exciting destination to anybody who enjoys great sights, with history on the side.
While the KL is famed for its jaw-dropping landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers, the Menara Kuala Lumpur, and the historic Independence Square, it is also a great jumping point for some off-city exploration. Venture to the north of the city and visit Batu Caves, a series of limestone caves marked by a rainbow-colored staircase.
Itinerary Highlights
- Day 1: Start your KL adventure by taking pictures with the Petronas Twin Towers in your background then take a leisurely stroll around KLCC Park.
- Day 2: Take a day trip to Batu Caves and Genting Highlands, where the weather is milder than the rest of the city.
- Day 3: Sample some of the best local fare (nasi lemak!) at Central Market or Pasar Seni and Chinatown. Don’t miss checking out the hip and youthful vibe at REXKL—an artsy complex taking home in one of the first theaters in Malaysia.
- Day 4: Shop for unique souvenirs and pasalubong at Bukit Bintang before you go.
Big Sky Travel Tip: Use ride hailing apps to travel to areas that are quite far from the subway stations. The rates are comparably more affordable than those in the Philippines.
Independence Day Weekend: Sapa, Vietnam
Dates Covered:
June 12 – Independence Day (Regular holiday – Thursday)
June 13 – Friday (take a leave)
June 14 – 15 (Sat-Sun)
Indeed, June is not the most ideal time to travel to a lot of places. In many parts of the world, the weather is hot, humid, and rainy. But a rising star in the travel scene offers a pleasant climate during this time of the year.
Enter Sapa. Nestled in the misty mountains of northern Vietnam, this charming town—about a five-hour drive from Hanoi—is a breathtaking destination known for its stunning rice terraces, vibrant local culture, and serene landscapes.
Sapa is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, offering treks through lush valleys, visits to traditional ethnic villages, and awe-inspiring views of Fansipan Mountain, the highest peak in Indochina. With its cool climate and unique cultural experiences, Sapa is a refreshing escape from the hustle of city life.
Itinerary Highlights
- Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi and take the overnight train or bus to Sapa.
- Day 2: Explore Cat Cat Village, a traditional Hmong village, and trek through Muong Hoa Valley.
- Day 3: Visit Fansipan Mountain via cable car for panoramic views, and explore local markets.
- Day 4: Stroll around Sapa town, visit Silver Waterfall, and return to Hanoi.
Big Sky Travel Tip: Pack comfortable trekking shoes and layered clothing for the varying climate.
Ninoy Aquino Day to National Heroes Day: Bangkok, Thailand
Dates Covered:
August 21 – Ninoy Aquino Day (Special non-working day – Thu)
August 22 – Friday (take a leave)
Aug 23-24 (Sat-Sun)
Aug 25 – National Heroes Day (Regular holiday – Mon)
For this five-day holiday, take a trip to one of the shopping havens in Southeast Asia: Bangkok, Thailand!
Marvel at the massive—and we mean MASSIVE—malls in the Siam district and do some early Christmas shopping while you’re at it.
Now, you can’t say you’ve been to Bangkok without visiting temples, so make sure to add the famous ones like Wat Arun and Wat Pho to your itinerary. Of course, exploring the 94.5-hectare Grand Palace is also a must.
Itinerary Highlights
- Day 1: Eat your way through the Michelin-recommended and Michelin-starred food spots in Bangkok’s Chinatown.
- Day 2: Visit Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and the Grand Palace in one day, trying out various modes of transportation available in the city—from the beloved tuktuk to the breezy river ferry.
- Day 3: Take a day trip to the Historic City of Ayutthaya, the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Cap off your day by sampling local fare at Jodd Fairs back in Bangkok.
- Day 4: Hit the Chatuchak Weekend Market for authentically Thai souvenirs and goods.
- Day 5: Before you fly out, shop till you drop at Bangkok’s malls like Siam Paragon, ICONSIAM, MBK Center, and centralwOrld—if you haven’t yet!
Big Sky Travel Tip: Make sure to wear a shirt with sleeves, long pants or a skirt, and covered shoes on the day you’ll visit the temples and the Grand Palace. If your outfit is deemed inappropriate by the entrance guards, you will be asked to purchase a “suitable” outfit at a nearby souvenir shop, which could potentially put a dent to your budget for the day.
Undas 2025: Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Dates Covered:
October 31 – All Saints’ Day Eve (Special non-working day – Fri)
November 1-2 – All Saints’ Day and All Souls Day (Sat-Sun)
We know Taiwan already has an entry on this list, but, hey, this underrated Asian gem deserves a lot of love! Even more so now that there are direct flights from Manila to Kaohsiung—a port city that treats visitors to coastal views and cityscapes.
Known for its bustling night markets and impressive architecture, Kaohsiung also boasts natural attractions like Cijin Island and Lotus Pond that flaunts Taiwan’s innate beauty.
Furthermore, with Kaohsiung’s efficient transportation system, the city is perfect for a short but fulfilling escape.
Itinerary Highlights
- Day 1: Visit the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas at Lotus Pond and explore Pier-2 Art Center.
- Day 2: Take a ferry to Cijin Island for fresh seafood and chill near the shore.
- Day 3: Stroll around Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum before heading home.
Big Sky Travel Tip: If you got an Easycard for your Taipei trip, you’ll be glad to know that you can also use it in Kaohsiung! Use it to pay for your fares on the city buses and the metro.
Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day 2026: Singapore
Dates Covered:
December 24 – Christmas Eve (Special non-working holiday – Wed)
December 25 – Christmas Day (Regular holiday – Thu)
December 26 – Friday (take a leave)
December 27 – 28 (Sat – Sun)
December 29 – Monday (take a leave)
December 30 – Rizal Day (Regular holiday – Tue)
December 31 – Last Day of the Year (Special non-working holiday – Wed)
January 1, 2026 – New Year’s Day (Regular holiday – Thu)
Singapore transforms into a magical wonderland during the holiday season, making it an ideal destination for Filipinos seeking a festive and memorable getaway that’s not too far away from home.
From dazzling Christmas light displays on Orchard Road to exciting year-end events at Marina Bay, the city offers a good variety of holiday cheer. Add to this the city’s exceptional food scene and world-class attractions like Mandai Wildlife Reserve and Resorts World Sentosa, and you’re in for an unforgettable vacation.
Itinerary Highlights
- Day 1: Start your trip with a visit to Jewel Changi, a nature-themed entertainment and retail complex, which is a stone’s throw from Changi International Airport Terminal 1.
- Day 2: Explore the Marina Bay area. Ignite your sense of curiosity at the ArtScience Museum, take in bird’s eye views of the Singapore cityscape on the Singapore Flyer, and cap off your day by catching the lightship at Gardens by the Bay’s Supertree Grove.
- Day 3: Visit Singapore Zoo or the new Bird Paradise.
- Day 4: Ride the movies at Universal Studios Singapore! Don’t miss thrilling rides like Transformers: The Ride and Battlestar Galactica: Cyclon.
- Day 5: Spend a day at Orchard Road. Try uncle’s ice cream sandwich, and at night, be stunned by the illuminations.
- Day 6: Take a day trip to Pulau Ubin for a breather from the city.
- Day 7: Go on a food trip at Singapore Chinatown then head on over to Clark Quay to hop on the river cruise.
- Day 8: Welcome the New Year at the Marina Bay Countdown.
- Day 9: Hit Bugis for pasalubong and souvenirs.
Big Sky Travel Tip: The small island city of Singapore gets incredibly busy around the Christmas season, so make sure to book your accommodations and attraction tickets well in advance.
For seamless connectivity to the internet during your long weekend getaways in 2025, make sure to book your travel Wi-Fi device or purchase your travel SIM cards through Big Sky Nation—the #1 Travel Connectivity Provider in the Philippines based on verified customer reviews and ratings. Check out all your options here now!
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Featured image by Artem Beliaikin on Unsplash
