When the lure of the well-trodden beaches of the north beckons for a weekend getaway, a refreshing change of scenery awaits just a drive away in destinations like Batangas and Puerto Galera, easily accessible from Metro Manila.

ALPS BGC Market Market Terminal

For those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path adventure, journeying further south leads to the hidden gems of Sorsogon, home to the enchanting pink sands of Subic Beach. And now, with ALPS introducing new routes from Bonifacio Global City starting September 3, exploring these coastal havens has never been more convenient.

ALPS The Bus, Inc. recently announced nine new provincial routes originating from the Market! Market! bus terminal, catering to adventurers eager to explore beyond the city limits. Here's a rundown of the new routes and their operating schedules:

Batangas City: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Lipa City: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

San Juan-Ibaan-Rosario: 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Oriental Mindoro: 7 a.m., 11 a.m., and 7 p.m.

Panay Island: 9:30 a.m.

Tabaco-Legazpi-Naga: 5:30 p.m.

Gubat, Sorsogon: 6 p.m.

Naga-Pili-Iriga: 7 p.m.

Tabaco-Legazpi-Naga: 8 p.m.

ALPS Bus Fare

For travelers eyeing Puerto Galera, a ticket to Batangas City, where passengers are dropped off at the pier, comes at a fare of P268 per person. From there, a seamless boat ride transports travelers to Puerto Galera's shores. Meanwhile, adventure-seekers dreaming of Subic Beach's breathtaking vistas in Sorsogon can secure a ticket for P1,300 per person.

As for other destinations, fares vary: San Juan-Ibaan-Rosario starts at P300 per person, Oriental Mindoro at P1,300 per person, Panay Island at P2,700 per person, Tabaco-Legazpi-Naga at P1,100 per person, and Naga-Pili-Iriga at P900 per person.

Keep in mind that these new routes offer one-way tickets only, and ALPS The Bus, Inc. does not provide return trips to Market! Market! So, plan accordingly for your journey back to the city buzz, or perhaps consider extending your stay in these coastal paradises a little longer.