If you’re feeling tired of the concrete jungle and need a break from the chaos of Manila, Tagaytay might just be the perfect weekend getaway destination for you.
Find out how to reach this fantastic destination as well as some additional information about the area’s best sights, activities, and restuarants below!
How to Get to Taal Lake from Manila?
There are several ways to go to Taal Lake which is located in Tagaytay from Manila (I recommend going earlier in the morning to avoid traffic), here’s how:
- Bus: One of the most affordable options for traveling from Manila to Tagaytay is by bus. You can head to the bus terminals located in Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) or Buendia (near LRT Buendia or LRT Gil Puyat Station) and look for a bus that is bound for Nasugbu or Calatagan in Batangas. Make sure to find the Tagaytay signboard on the bus or ask the operator to confirm the bus route. The travel time from Manila to Tagaytay by bus is around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the traffic.
Cost: 100 PHP – 120 PHP (1.80 USD – 2.15 USD)
- Van: There’s a Calatagan van terminal located near MRT Taft, between Metropoint Mall and Kabayan Hotel. Simply tell the driver to drop you off in Tagaytay, and the trip can take between 1.5 to 2 hours. You can also find a van terminal in Starmall, located across from SM Megamall, or near Festival Mall if you’re in the south. Ask the drivers where the vans traveling to Tagaytay are.
Cost: 150 PHP – 200 PHP (2.70 USD – 3.50 USD)
- Car: The fastest way to reach Tagaytay is by car. If you have your own car, you can quickly drive from Manila to Tagaytay using either the South Luzon Expressway or Emilio Aguinaldo Highway. The travel time can range from 1 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Take note that there are toll fees on the way.
Taal Volcano, the World's Smallest Volcano
Taal Volcano is located on an island in Taal lake, which is on an island in a lake, that’s on an island. Whew! That was a mouthful, I’m not even sure if I got that right. To make things clearer, Taal Volcano is located on an island called Volcano Island, which is located in the middle of Taal Lake. Taal Lake, in turn, is located within a larger caldera. The caldera is known as the Taal Caldera, and it is approximately 25 km (15 mi) wide.
Taal Volcano is one of the world’s few volcanoes with a crater lake (Mt. Pinatubo being another one of them) which is known for its changing colors depending on the time of day and the weather conditions.
Despite being the world’s smallest active volcano at 311 m (1020 ft), Taal Volcano also packs a punch as one of the world’s most dangerous volcanoes! It’s classified as a Decade Volcano, which is a list of 16 volcanoes worldwide that are considered to pose the most significant threat to human life and property due to their history of explosive eruptions.
Can You Hike Taal Volcano in 2023?
As of June 2023, hiking to the crater of Taal Volcano is currently not allowed due to safety concerns, The volcano has erupted at least 35 times in the past 5 centuries, with the most recent eruption occurring in January 2020. This eruption caused ashfall and seismic activity that affected nearby towns, causing evacuations and flight cancellations. It’s best to follow local rules in this case!
You can still enjoy the breathtaking views of the volcano from several vantage points around Tagaytay that you will find below.
Tagaytay, a Summer Capital
Tagaytay, one of the Summer Capitals of the Philippines, is situated 2,500 feet above sea level, which gives it a cooler and more refreshing climate compared to nearby cities like Manila.
This scenic city is known for its breathtaking views and delicious food, making it an ideal weekend getaway. While the main sight is Taal Volcano, Tagaytay still offers plenty of outdoor activities and opportunities to get in touch with Mother Nature whether it’s a walk in the woods or simply breathing in that fresh mountain air.
Top Things to Do in Tagaytay
1. Taal Lake & Taal Volcano
No visit to Tagaytay is complete without taking in the breathtaking vistas of Taal Volcano and Taal Lake, while it’s not possible to hike up the volcano anymore, you can definitely still make the most ouf of your trip by finding beautiful vantage points such as the Tagaytay Picnic Grove!
2. Tagaytay Picnic Grove
Head on to the Picnic Grove for stunning views of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano. Beyond being just a picnic spot, this 13-hectare park offers a variety of leisure opportunities such as ziplining and horseback riding. You can also enjoy the eco-trail that includes boardwalks and bridges surrounded by beautiful trees.
3. Sky Ranch Theme Park
A theme park built on the mountains, located just off the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway, making it easily accessible from anywhere in the area. If you’re in the area, you’ll more than likely catch a glimpse of the Sky Eye, a 63m (206ft) ferris wheel that provides panoramic views of Tagaytay’s surrounding landscape. In addition to the Sky Eye, the park also offers several other rides and attractions, including a roller coaster, a zipline, and a carousel amongst others. There is also a playground area for kids, making it a great spot for families.
4. Puzzle Mansion
Puzzle Mansion was recognized by Guiness World Records as having the biggest puzzle collection from the years 2012-2017. If you’re a puzzle lover, you’re sure to love this place. The museum features a vast collection of puzzles of all shapes and sizes, ranging from small, easy puzzles to massive ones with thousands of pieces.
5. Matuod Beach
While Tagaytay is definitely a ways from tropical paradise such as El Nido or Hundred Islands, there’s actually hidden gem that’s not yet known but if you’re craving the sea. Look no further than Matuod Beach. Located just an hour away, you can take a break from the mountains and lay on the soft sands of Matuod Beach. Those laid-back island vibes are something that’s difficult to get from Manila, not to mention the sunsets here are just divine!
6. Caleruega Church
For the spiritual traveler, head on over to Caleruega Church. The chapel’s design is inspired by traditional European architecture, featuring stunning stained glass windows and intricate carvings. Named after the birthplace of Saint Dominic de Guzman, the founder of the Order of Preachers in Spain, Caleruega was built to serve as a venue for contemplation.
However, over the years, it has become one of the most well-known wedding venues in the Philippines, especially for those from Manila. Did you know that the Philippines is the only Christian country in Asia? The first place Christianity arrived was in the island of Cebu!
To find out more about Filipino culture check out this blog post!
Where to Stay in Tagaytay
Tagaytay is home to some of the finest establishments in the Philippines, owning up to its reputation as the summer capital. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Tagaytay:
Best Hotels in Tagaytay
- Taal Vista Hotel – the classic and best choice, Taal Vista Hotel offers accommodations in an English Tudor-styled mansion with an outdoor swimming pool and three dining options. The hotel has individually air-conditioned rooms with modern amenities such as LED cable TV and complimentary WiFi.
- Royal Parc Hotel – offering an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, and a restaurant. The hotel provides allergy-free rooms with free WiFi, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, and private bathrooms with free toiletries and hairdryers. The hotel serves daily breakfast with à la carte, continental and Asian options.
- Quest Hotel Tagaytay – feature a flat-screen TV, mini-bar, and desk, along with private bathrooms containing showers and hairdryers. With a 24-hour front desk, the friendly staff is always ready to assist with local information.
Where to Eat in Tagaytay
7. Antonio's Restaurant
Antonio’s Restaurant has brought recognition to the Philippines on the prestigious 2021 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list and was named the Philippines’ Best Restaurant by San Pellegrino.
As the only Philippine restaurant on the Miele Guide list of top 20 Asian restaurants, it sets a high standard for local dining establishments. Antonio’s Restaurant is known for its exceptional service provided by well-dressed waitstaff, who cater to guests’ every need. The restaurant strikes a balance between elegance and informality, offering classic upscale dishes with a unique touch.
While all dishes are delicious, their organic salads and steak dishes are especially popular and perfect for a romantic evening in Tagaytay.
8. Bag of Beans
Bag of Beans is an excellent choice for breakfast in Tagaytay, and with multiple branches throughout the city, you can’t go wrong.
One of the most popular branches is Charito by Bag of Beans, which boasts an incredible view of Lake Taal. This upscale restaurant has a chic French-inspired design and a rustic charm that sets it apart from the other four Bag of Beans branches in Tagaytay.
In addition to its stunning views and elegant ambiance, Bag of Beans also has a well-stocked bar and a dedicated pastry store that sells freshly baked goodies.
Its international menu offers a variety of local favorites and comfort food, including popular house specialties like grilled salmon with white wine and dill sauce and slow-braised baby back pork ribs with buttered vegetables
9. Balay Dako
Balay Dako is one of the top restaurants in Tagaytay and is part of the renowned Antonio’s group of restaurants.
What makes it stand out is its menu, which features Filipino native dishes prepared with exceptional skill and a deep appreciation for their local heritage. I would actually compare this one with the Kollektive in El Nido in terms of menu, though Balay Dako definitely wins this round.
The restaurant’s main event venue boasts a stunning outdoor garden and panoramic views of Taal Lake, while the Azalea room provides a more intimate setting overlooking the lush garden. Some of the must-try dishes at Balay Dako include their beef shank soup (bulalo na baka), beef in soup with a local souring agent called batuan (kansi), and a stew of local vegetables (pinakbet).
Their Filipino dishes are served in generous portions that perfectly complement the refreshing mountain breeze and breathtaking lake views of Tagaytay.
10. Sonya's Garden
Sonya’s Garden is a beloved Tagaytay restaurant that set the standard for many other farm-to-table diners in the area.
It was one of the first garden restaurants to establish a strong presence in the Tagaytay and Cavite region, and its lush greens, charming cottages, and alfresco country fare make it the unofficial template for all things fresh, organic, and bucolic in Tagaytay.
For breakfast, Sonya’s Garden offers a rustic buffet that starts with a colorful garden salad featuring edible flowers picked from the vineyard. This is followed by a selection of Filipino comfort food such as fried rice, chicken and pork adobo (stewed meat in vinegar and soy sauce), bread with assorted jams, and tarragon or basil tea.
11. Farmer's Table
Many of the top restaurants in Tagaytay pride themselves on using fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms that sell organic produce and natural vegetables. Farmer’s Table is no exception, as this outdoor restaurant offers a wide range of Filipino favorites and international cuisine with a farm-to-table dining setup located at an aptly named section called the Alfresco Garden Bistro.
Nestled inside the Nurture Wellness Village and Spa in Tagaytay, Farmer’s Table also has a boutique market and an artisanal bakery in the spacious compound.
One of the many highlights of Farmer’s Table is the delicious Filipino comfort food they offer, including bulalo, pork barbecue, laing (taro leaves with pork and coconut milk), and crispy pork belly. But what truly sets this restaurant apart is the artful presentation of these well-loved favorites.
12. Gerry's Grill
If you’re on a budget, you can go to the Filipino favorite: Jerry’s Grill. They have a branch in Tagaytay and it’s a well-loved restaurant that serves up delicious Filipino comfort food with a casual, laid-back vibe.
The menu at Jerry’s Grill is packed with Filipino favorites such as sizzling sisig, crispy pata, and grilled seafood, along with a selection of refreshing drinks and desserts. The branch in Tagaytay also provides amazing panoramic views of Taal Lake so you can’t go wrong!
13. Colette's Buko Pie
If you have a sweet tooth, then Colette’s Buko Pie’s got you. This humble pastry shop is famous for its delectable buko pies, which are made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Colette’s Buko Pie has been serving up its signature dessert for years, and it has become a favorite among locals. Buko is actually Tagalog for coconut and the pies here are baked fresh daily, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor and freshness.
The pies are made with the amazing dedication to quality that has made Colette’s a household name in Tagaytay.
How to Get Around Tagaytay
- Tricycle: Tricycles, pedicabs or tuktuks, however you want to call them, are a staple form of transportation around Tagaytay. They can take you around the city or nearby areas for a reasonable price. Just make sure to negotiate the fare before getting on.
- Jeepney: One of the cultural icons of the Philippines, these can take you to different parts of the city but are on a fixed route. You can flag them down anywhere and they would be the most affordable with fares starting around 9 PHP (0.15 USD)
- Car: If you prefer to travel in comfort and convenience, you can also rent a private car or hire a driver for the day.
- Bus: If you need to travel from the Rotonda area to Mendez, Alfonso, Nasugbu, or any destination along Nasugbu-Tagaytay Highway, taking the bus is also an option.
How to Stay Safe in Tagaytay
Tagaytay is generally a safe place and I’ve never had any problems in and around the area. It’s safe even at night, the food’s good and the overall atmosphere is peaceful but for added protection, consider getting some travel medical insurance as it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Best Time to Visit Tagaytay
The best time to visit Tagaytay is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this time, the weather is cool and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 25°C (71°F to 77°F).
The rainy season in Tagaytay runs from May to October, with occasional typhoons and heavy rains that can cause flooding and landslides. While it is still possible to visit Tagaytay during this time, it’s important to be prepared for the weather and take necessary precautions. Temperatures during the rainy season are similar to the dry season, ranging from 22°C to 26°C (71°F to 79°F).
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Plan Your Trip to Tagaytay | Best Travel Resources
Book Your Accommodations
- Booking.com – the world’s leading online booking platform for accomodations around the world, they have an extensive amount of available listings with zero booking fees and best price guarantees.
- Hostelworld – a backpacker’s best friend, Hostelworld has the largest collection of hostels and guesthouses for affordable prices.
Don’t Forget Insurance
- SafetyWing – from Nomad Insurance, an insurance by nomads for nomads. They understand our lifestyle well and have really comprehensive and flexible plans that cater to any traveler.
Find Cheap Flights
- Kiwi.com – my go-to for booking and finding the cheapest flights and it’s helped me save tons of money. They do virtual interlining which is connecting flights from airlines that do not codeshare, so you can find routes that you wouldn’t be able to find normally.
Join Tours & Activities
- GetYourGuide – is one of the best places to find unique tours and activities. I found that it’s an excellent way to meet fellow travelers and create fond memories. They are not only limited to tours as they also offer niche services such as skip-the-line tickets or private transfers.
Catch a Ride
- Rentalcars.com – nothing beats the freedom of the road, Rentalcars.com is the world’s largest online car rental service. They operate across 160 countries so they’re the perfect partner to work with if you find yourself wanting a ride.
