If you’re planning to go solo, backpack and explore, then that means you would want to cover as much as you can with the time and budget that you have. You came to the right place to scope things out. Here is a backpackers guide to exploring Tagaytay City. What to do and where to go?
Whether you dream of having an eco-adventure, diving in crystal-clear waters or exploring the glistening 36,000km stretch of coastline, it is time to start planning your dream trip to one of Asia’s most beautiful destinations. The Philippines prides itself on its responsible and sustainable tourism credentials and is home to an array of natural wonders and rich biodivesity across its 7,641 islands.
There are lots of things you can do in Tagaytay. The best thing about the establishments around the city is that most of the bigger ones are affordable. Here are the cheap thrills you can indulge in:
1. Zipline, horseback riding, and picnic at the Picnic Grove
One of the most visited recreational places in Tagaytay, the Picnic Grove is guaranteed to get you your money’s worth. They have three popular activities that you can do: ziplining, horseback riding, and picnicking.
Entrance fee: P 50
Zipline prices - P 200 during weekdays, P 300 during weekends for one-way rides and an additional P 100 for a 2-way ride.
Horseback riding - P 150 - 200 per hour
Huts and Picnic sheds - P 100 - 500
2. Feel the rush at the Sky Ranch
The Sky Ranch is a 5-hectare theme park and is home to the famous Sky Eye ferris wheel. For an entrance fee of P 50.00 and ride fees that ranges from P 50.00 to P 150.00, the ranch is sure to give you the excitement you seek.
3. Food trip and drink some coffee
Of course, your trip wouldn’t be complete without eating. One of the reasons why Tagaytay is a famous vacation spot is the food. Go and find a bulalo place near you and sip some good soup perfect for the cold breeze. The Philippines is also a foodie haven with delicious, fresh seafood and street food or more upmarket restaurants to choose from after a busy day wildlife spotting or hiking in a tropical forest.
There are also numerous cafes around Tagaytay to choose from. Some of the establishments sell kapeng barako from Batangas as well as their own brewed recipes.
4. Sail away to Taal Lake
See the pristine beauty of the Taal Lake while teaching yourself how to sail. Instructors and boats are available at the Tagaytay Lake Yacht Club. Everybody from all ages is eligible to avail. Fees to pay are at P2,500 to P3,000 per day.
While, this island looks otherworldly from a parallel universe it is not the absolute beauty and wonder (yes, it is but) because in the center of the Taal lake in the island lies a gigantic and fiery terror, a heavily active volcano called the Taal volcano. At the top of the volcano, a thousand feet above sea level, is a basin, known as a caldera, carved out of the mountain thousands of years ago.
The caldera itself is filled with water, creating a crater lake, the largest crater lake in the world. At the center of the crater lake is a tiny island, Vulcan Point, which is one of Taal Volcano’s cones. Okay brace yourself for the inception movie like feeling because Vulcan Point is an island inside a lake inside an island inside a lake inside an island (Philippines) inside the Pacific Ocean.
5. Fall in love with animals at Paradizoo
Pet, feed, ride a camel, and meditate at Paradizoo. With its name formed by combining the words paradise and zoo, this 12-hectare farm offers a getaway with zoo animals, a tranquil garden, and an Orchidarium. Experience the beauty of nature for only P199 for adults and P149 for children.
6. Admire works of art at Puzzle Mansion
Tagaytay showcases the world-class artworks of Filipino artist Ramon Orlina and the Guinness Book of World Record-holding collection of Georgina Gil-Lacuna. Try not to break anything while you tour around The Glass Museum worth only P100. P80 for students and senior citizens only that can present valid identification.
You can enter the Puzzle Mansion that houses jigsaw pieces amassed for 26 years for just P 100. The hectare wide house features several types of puzzles, including an 18-000-piece masterpiece.
We’ve barely even scratched the surface with this guide but the places and tips here alone are enough to get you through your backpack journey. Have the best time at Tagaytay and don’t forget to buy pasalubong for when you get back home.
How to get to Tagaytay
There are many hassle-free ways to travel to Tagaytay coming from Manila. Travel time takes around two to three hours depending on when you decide to go. Traveling during rush hour and the peak season definitely takes longer than usual due to the traffic conditions.
By bus: There are a couple of bus terminals in Metro Manila that include Tagaytay as their travel route.
Uniwide Coastal Mall, Parañaque - From the Coastal Mall in Parañaque there are three bus routes you can take to get to Tagaytay: One is directly-bound there while the other two are the neighboring town of Mendez and Nasugbu in Batangas.
Pasay - At the DLTB Bus Terminal in Buendia choose between the buses going to Calatagan or Nasugbu in Batangas. These buses will take South Luzon Expressway and come out through Carmona Exit.
By van: An alternative to riding a bus is going to Tagaytay by van. You can find vans going there in both north and south of Manila. Terminals are located at these places:
• Festival Mall, Alabang, Muntinlupa
• Starmall, Alabang, Muntinlupa
• LRT Buendia, Pasay
• Starmall EDSA Shaw
Once you’ve reached your destination, you can go around and explore lots in Tagaytay via jeepney, tricycle, or van.