What to do and where to Stay in Tagaytay, Philippines.
Last Updated on: 14th December 2024, 12:39 pm
If Baguio is the Philippines’ summer capital, then Tagaytay is the summer capital of the Southern Philippines. Just a 2-hour drive from Manila, Tagaytay has been a popular tourist spot, not just because of its cool weather, but because you can see the fantastic view of the world’s smallest active volcano. Here are things on what to do and where to Stay in Tagaytay, Philippines to make the best of your trip.
What to do in Tagaytay?
1 . Have a nice picnic with the fam at Picnic Grove.
Located along Tagaytay-Calamba Road, Picnic Grove is a large park that has become a tourist spot here in Tagaytay due to its popularity. With an entrance of 75Php/per head, you can enter the premises and stroll in the park.
Have a picnic by renting one of their huts or tables, which costs 150-600
To enjoy the view of the Taal Volcano more, you can ride their ferris wheel which costs 150 per head. There is also a spacious view deck called The Sky Walk, with souvenir shops and restaurants nearby.
2 . View the whole Tagaytay at Palace in the Sky.
If you are a first-timer here, you might wonder why they called this place a “Palace” when it looks like an abandoned park. The park was originally built as a mansion by the Marcoses in the ’80s and was supposed to host Ronald Reagan, the U.S. President at that time, during his visit. However, Ronald Reagan canceled his visit and so did the construction of the mansion. Today, the remains of what was supposed to be a grand mansion is now a popular destination in Tagaytay.
Getting there by Car is quite scary since the hill is very steep. Before reaching the park, you can either ride one of their passenger
I suggest going there between January to February, which is the coldest and foggiest season in Tagaytay. The place looks eerie because of the fog- it makes me remember the movie Silent Hill.
3 . Have Bulalo as your lunch or dinner.
Going to Tagaytay means seeing many Bulalo Restaurants, and just seeing them makes me feel hungry. Considered one of the most popular Filipino dishes, Bulalo is a beef dish composed of a shank with bone marrow still inside the bone, mixed with vegetables and corn.
Recommended Restaurants to Try:
- Ridge Park Kainan sa Kubo
Tagaytay- Nasugbu Highway, Tagaytay
Nearest landmark: SMDC Wind Residences
- Leslie’s Forest Garden Restaurant
Tagaytay – Nasugbu Highway, Tagaytay, Cavite
Nearest landmark: Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church
- RSM Lutong Bahay
Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway, Tagaytay, Cavite
Nearest Landmark: Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church
4 . Ride all you can at Sky Ranch Amusement Park
Have a more enjoyable stay at Tagaytay by visiting this amusement park just beside Taal Vista Hotel. With several rides to choose from and restaurants, Sky Ranch is the perfect place to hang out with your family or barkada. My favorite ride here is the thrilling Super Viking and Sky Eye, a huge Ferris Wheel where you can enjoy the breathtaking view of Taal from above. The entrance fee to the park is 100 Php as of this writing ( take note that the rides have a separate fee).
For more information, visit their official website here
Where to stay in Tagaytay, Philippines
1 . Summit Ridge Hotel
We spent the weekend here last February 2018 and our stay was awesome! We stayed at their Classic King Room and the room is quite spacious for us plus the room has a balcony overlooking Taal Volcano.
The hotel also has a swimming pool, fitness gym, and sky lounge on the topmost floor. It is also located just beside Robinsons Mall and within walking distance of Sky Ranch amusement park. For rates and reservations, visit their official website here
2. Taal Vista Hotel
Taal Vista Hotel is perfect for you if you want a luxurious stay. Located beside Sky Ranch Amusement Park and nearby restaurants, Taal Vista Hotel gives you a relaxing ambiance and a perfect view of Taal Volcano right in your room.
The hotel has a swimming pool, a spa, a fitness center, and even a cake shop. For more information and reservation, visit their website here
Budget accommodations
If you are on a budget, I recommend booking through Airbnb, and you will find nice and spacious accommodations below 6,000 Php. Here are some of the rooms I’ve stayed in:
SMDC Wind Residences Tagaytay
You can find a lot of budget studio units here that also offer month-long stays. I stayed here a lot of times already and what I like about Wind Residences is it is near popular establishments such as Robinsons Supermarket, Sky Ranch, and a lot of restaurants (Gerry’s Grill, Ridge Kainan Sa Kubo)
SMDC Wind Residences also have amenities such as swimming pools, a basketball court, a playground, sky lounge, and many more. Guests can access these amenities with an additional fee – make sure to check with your Airbnb host regarding the updated rates.
Here are some of the units I’ve stayed at, which I highly recommend!
Good for 4-pax: Tarryn Heights
Good For 3-pax: A&M: 1 Bedroom w/ A View
Crosswinds Tagaytay
This Swiss-inspired resort is the perfect getaway for those who want to escape city life. We stayed at Grand Quartier 2, and their suite is spacious. What’s more, Crosswinds Tagaytay is full of pine trees, and the Swiss-inspired houses are also photography-worthy.
Book through AirBnb here
Twin Lakes Tagaytay
This condo residence, which is quite far from the city proper, is great for families who want to escape city life. I stayed here with my family two times already, and the Condo unit was perfect for us as a family of 5. The gorgeous balcony also gives you a view of the green mountain ranges and a partial view of Taal.
Note: It is advisable to bring your car when going here since the distance from the main road to the condominium is very far and there are no available cabs or tricycles to take you there.
Book through AirBnb here
Splendido Taal Towers
Located near Twin Lakes, this condominium is the perfect staycation for those who prefer a peaceful ambiance while enjoying great views of Taal Volcano. We frequently stay here, and what I like about their units is that they are very spacious, and like Twin Lakes, the units have balconies with great views.
Unlike Twin Lakes, Splendido has a clubhouse with amenities, including swimming pools, a basketball court, and many more. Using these amenities comes with a charge, so be sure to clarify the rates with your Airbnb Hosts.
Note: Like Twin Lakes, it is advisable to bring your car when going here since the distance from the main road to the condominium is very far, and there are no available cabs or tricycles to take you there.
Book through Airbnb here
There’s so much more you can do and explore in Tagaytay, Philippines – that’s why this place will always be my favorite. How about you? Do you have other recommended hotels and restaurants to try here at Tagaytay? Would love to see your suggestions in the comment box!
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