Tagaytay City, Cavite – A Cool Escape from the City

Tagaytay: A Cool Escape from the City

Tagaytay is a city in the province of Cavite, Philippines, that is famous for its cool climate, scenic views, and various attractions. It is one of the most popular destinations for domestic and foreign tourists who want to experience a refreshing getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. In this blog post, I will share with you some of the reasons why you should visit Tagaytay, as well as some of the best places to see and things to do in this charming city.

Why Visit Tagaytay?

There are many reasons why you should visit Tagaytay, but here are some of the most compelling ones:

• Tagaytay has a mild and pleasant weather all year round, thanks to its high elevation of about 634 meters above sea level. The average temperature in Tagaytay is around 24 degrees Celsius, which is much lower than the average temperature in Manila, which is around 30 degrees Celsius. This makes Tagaytay a perfect place to escape the heat and enjoy the fresh air.
• Tagaytay offers stunning views of the Taal Lake and the Taal Volcano, which are considered as the world’s smallest active volcano and the world’s largest lake on an island in a lake on an island, respectively. You can admire the beauty of these natural wonders from various vantage points in Tagaytay, such as the People’s Park in the Sky, the Picnic Grove, and the Sky Ranch.
• Tagaytay has a rich and diverse culture and history, which you can learn more about by visiting its museums, churches, and landmarks. Some of the notable places to visit are the Museo Orlina, which showcases the glass sculptures of Ramon Orlina, the Pink Sisters Chapel and Convent, which is a serene place of prayer and meditation, and the Puzzle Mansion, which holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of jigsaw puzzles.
• Tagaytay has a wide range of activities and attractions to suit different tastes and preferences. You can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, zip-lining, and golfing, or indoor activities such as spa, massage, and karaoke. You can also explore the nearby towns and islands, such as Caleruega, Batangas, and Taal, which offer more sights and experiences to discover.
• Tagaytay has a vibrant and delicious culinary scene, which features local and international cuisines, as well as farm-to-table and organic options. You can savor the famous bulalo, a beef soup with bone marrow, the tawilis, a freshwater sardine that is endemic to Taal Lake, and the buko pie, a coconut custard pie. You can also try the specialties of some of the best restaurants in Tagaytay, such as Antonio’s, Balay Dako, Sonya’s Garden, and Bag of Beans.

How to Get to Tagaytay?

Getting to Tagaytay is easy and convenient, as there are many ways to reach the city from Manila and other nearby provinces. Here are some of the options you can choose from:

• By car: The fastest and most comfortable way to get to Tagaytay is by driving your own car or renting one. You can take the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and exit at Santa Rosa, then follow the Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road until you reach Tagaytay. The travel time is about an hour and a half, depending on the traffic and the weather. You can also take the Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) and exit at Kawit, then follow the Aguinaldo Highway until you reach Tagaytay. The travel time is about two hours, depending on the traffic and the weather.
• By bus: The cheapest and most accessible way to get to Tagaytay is by taking a bus from Manila or other nearby provinces. There are many bus companies that offer trips to Tagaytay, such as DLTB, JAC Liner, San Agustin, and Erjohn and Almark. You can board the bus at various terminals in Manila, such as Buendia, Cubao, Pasay, and Coastal Mall. The fare is around 100 to 200 pesos per person, depending on the bus company and the destination. The travel time is about two to three hours, depending on the traffic and the weather. The bus will drop you off at the Tagaytay Rotonda, which is the main intersection in the city. From there, you can take a tricycle or a jeepney to your hotel or resort.
• By van: Another way to get to Tagaytay is by taking a van from Manila or other nearby provinces. There are many van operators that offer trips to Tagaytay, such as Alfonso Liner, Tagaytay Star Express, and Tagaytay Van Terminal. You can board the van at various terminals in Manila, such as Starmall Alabang, Festival Mall, SM Mall of Asia, and Metropoint Mall. The fare is around 200 to 300 pesos per person, depending on the van operator and the destination. The travel time is about an hour and a half to two hours, depending on the traffic and the weather. The van will drop you off at the Tagaytay Rotonda, which is the main intersection in the city. From there, you can take a tricycle or a jeepney to your hotel or resort.

Where to Stay in Tagaytay?

Tagaytay has a lot of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. You can choose from hotels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, hostels, guesthouses, and homestays, depending on your needs and wants. Here are some of the best places to stay in Tagaytay, based on customer reviews and ratings:

• Taal Vista Hotel: If you want to splurge on a luxury stay, you can’t go wrong with Taal Vista Hotel, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious hotels in Tagaytay. Taal Vista Hotel offers elegant and spacious rooms and suites, with modern amenities and stunning views of the Taal Lake and the Taal Volcano. You can also enjoy the hotel’s facilities and services, such as the outdoor pool, the spa, the fitness center, the restaurant, and the bar. You can book your stay online through the Taal Vista Hotel website or through travel agencies.
• Quest Hotel Tagaytay: If you prefer a more affordable and cozy stay, you can opt for Quest Hotel Tagaytay, which is one of the newest and most popular hotels in Tagaytay. Quest Hotel Tagaytay offers comfortable and stylish rooms and suites, with contemporary amenities and panoramic views of the city. You can also enjoy the hotel’s facilities and services, such as the indoor pool, the gym, the cafe, and the lounge. You can book your stay online through the Quest Hotel Tagaytay website or through travel agencies.
• Anya Resort Tagaytay: If you want to experience a more secluded and serene stay, you can choose Anya Resort Tagaytay, which is one of the most exclusive and luxurious resorts in Tagaytay. Anya Resort Tagaytay offers exquisite and spacious villas and suites, with premium amenities and personalized services. You can also enjoy the resort’s facilities and services, such as the outdoor pools, the spa, the fitness center, the restaurants, and the bars. You can book your stay online through the Anya Resort Tagaytay website or through travel agencies.

What to Do in Tagaytay?

Tagaytay has a lot of activities and attractions to offer to its visitors, from nature to culture to adventure. You can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, zip-lining, and golfing, or indoor activities such as spa, massage, and karaoke. You can also explore the nearby towns and islands, such as Caleruega, Batangas, and Taal, which offer more sights and experiences to discover. Here are some of the best things to do in Tagaytay, that you should not miss:

• Island-hopping: The most popular and must-do activity in Tagaytay is island-hopping, which allows you to visit and experience the beauty and diversity of the Taal Lake and the Taal Volcano. You can join a guided island-hopping tour, which will take you to the Volcano Island, where you can hike to the crater lake and see the steam vents and the sulfur deposits. You can also visit the Pansipit River, where you can see the migratory tawilis, a freshwater sardine that is endemic to Taal Lake. You can also visit the Laurel Island, where you can see the ruins of the old Taal town, which was destroyed by the 1754 eruption. You can book your island-hopping tour online through Klook⁴ or at the tour agencies in Tagaytay. The rates range from 2,000 to 3,000 pesos per person, depending on the tour, and include boat, guide, and environmental fees.
• Sky Ranch: Another great attraction in Tagaytay is the Sky Ranch, which is a theme park that offers fun and thrilling rides and attractions for all ages. You can try the Sky Eye, which is the tallest Ferris wheel in the country, the Super Viking, which is a swinging ship that goes up to 90 degrees, and the Sky Cruiser, which is a pedal-powered ride that goes around the park. You can also enjoy the other rides and attractions, such as the Carousel, the Mini Viking, the Zipline, and the Horseback Riding. You can book your tickets online through Klook⁵ or at the entrance of the park. The rates vary depending on the ride, but expect to pay around 100 to 200 pesos per ride.
• Museo Orlina: If you are into art and culture, you should not miss the Museo Orlina, which showcases the glass sculptures of Ramon Orlina, one of the most renowned Filipino artists. You can admire the intricate and elegant works of Orlina, which reflect his mastery of the medium and his creativity. You can also see his other artworks, such as paintings, drawings, and metal sculptures. You can also enjoy the views of the Taal Lake and the Taal Volcano from the museum’s rooftop. You can book your tickets online through Klook⁶ or at the entrance of the museum. The rates are 100 pesos for adults, 80 pesos for students and senior citizens, and 60 pesos for children.