Guides & Tips
Road Trip from Bulacan: Baguio, Zambales, Batangas
By Richard Cuagdan, Mitsubishi Sales Executive ·
Quick answer: Planning a road trip from Bulacan? From Bulacan, Baguio is usually reached via NLEX, SCTEX and TPLEX, then a mountain road up; Zambales via NLEX and SCTEX toward Subic; and Batangas via NLEX, Skyway, SLEX and STAR Tollway. Load your RFID for each operator, plan rest stops, and prepare the car for mountain climbs and beach sand.
Weekend na! Bulacan is a great starting point for road trips: north to the mountains, west to the beaches, or south to Batangas. Here's how to plan each, plus the prep that keeps the trip fun.
Routes below are typical; always check a live navigation app and toll operator advisories before leaving.
Baguio: mountain drive
- Typical route: NLEX, then SCTEX and TPLEX, then a mountain road up to Baguio
- Going up: steady throttle, don't tailgate on climbs
- Going down: use a lower gear (or the low range on an automatic) instead of riding the brakes
- No overtaking on blind curves; watch for fog and rain
- Bring jackets, it's cold up there
Zambales: beach drive
- Typical route: NLEX, then SCTEX toward Subic, then the coastal road
- Don't drive onto soft sand unless you know it's firm
- Rinse the car, especially the underside, after salty air and sand
- Pack shade, water and sunblock
Batangas: south trip
- Typical route: NLEX to the Skyway, then SLEX and STAR Tollway
- Crossing Metro Manila: time it outside peak hours
- Check the RFID systems your route needs, and load them
Prep for any road trip
BLOWBAGETS
The 10-point check in my road trip checklist.
RFID loaded
For every operator on your route.
Rest every 2 hours
Stretch, restroom, coffee. Switch drivers if you can.
Emergency kit
See my emergency kit checklist.
Kids and seniors
Car seats for kids under 150 cm (RA 11229), and easy-access seats for lolo and lola.
The right car for barkada and family trips
Seven seats and cargo room make a big difference. The Xpander GLX AT (₱1,159,000 SRP) starts at ₱23,592 a month at ₱23K DP with 60K fuel. For more power on mountain climbs with a full car, the Destinator GLX's 1.5L turbo (163 PS, 250 Nm) starts at ₱29,032 a month at ₱8K DP. October 2026 promos, 60 months, all-in, subject to bank approval.
Related reading
- Areas I Serve from SJDM, San Jose del Monte: Bulacan & North MM
- Christmas Driving Safety Tips for Families
- Buying a Mitsubishi in SJDM, San Jose del Monte: 2026 Guide
Your next step
Planning more family trips? Check which 7-seater fits your budget, then test drive in SJDM.
Check what fits my budget Book a Test Drive Call or text 0954 291 1201
Questions muna? Call or text me, Richard, on 0954 291 1201, walang pressure. Richard Cuagdan, Mitsubishi SJDM, serving SJDM, Bulacan and Quezon City; message me for showroom visits and directions. Promo figures are for October 2026 on a 5-year term, all-in, subject to bank approval and change without notice.
Frequently asked questions
What's the usual route from Bulacan to Baguio?
Many drivers take NLEX, then SCTEX and TPLEX, then a mountain road up to Baguio. Check traffic and road advisories before leaving.
How do I drive safely on mountain roads?
Use a lower gear going down instead of riding the brakes, don't overtake on blind curves, and keep to your lane.
What's the route to Batangas from Bulacan?
Commonly NLEX to the Skyway, then SLEX and STAR Tollway into Batangas. Routes depend on your exact destination.
Do I need different RFID for different expressways?
Different operators use different RFID systems, so check that you have and have loaded the ones your route needs.