Why Go
Less than an hour drive from the busy and highly commercialized city of Metro Manila is Tagaytay, a highland known to visitors and local residents alike. The cool breeze of Tagaytay City is at once invigorating yet soothing. You’ll know you are here when you spy the lush green mountains that surround the breath-taking Taal Lake. Tagaytay city is a perfect getaway for families who want to experience nature yet also enjoy some modern creature comforts.
Insider Tips
- Coming from Ninoy Aquino International Airport which is the closest airport to Tagaytay, a line of taxi cabs is available to take you anywhere in the city and environs. Another alternative are buses going to Nasugbu, which is Tagaytay’s close neighboring town. The monument of Ninoy Aquino is commonly used as a landmark in the town’s rotonda where all modes of transportations for your specific destination pass.
- If you have been roaming around Metro Manila for days and are looking for air-conditioned transport to Tagaytay, take an air-conditioned public van from Mandaluyong City. Cross the city’s main road called EDSA from Shangri-la Mall and hotel to take you to another smaller mall known as the Starmall. Fronting it is a terminal station where public vans going Tagaytay await passengers. The fare is less than $4.
- The fastest way to get to Tagaytay City is by private car. Travel through the South’s entry road called the SLEX, which will take you to Sta. Rosa Exit. Just a few minutes more from the toll plaza and you will experience the cool breeze of Tagaytay.
- Even the trip to Tagaytay City can be fun for the entire family. Along the road is a pineapple farm, roadside flower shops and fruits stalls set amid lush vegetation.
- As you’d expect, Tagaytay is not a dress-up kind of place; wear anything you find comfortable and chic. The city of Tagaytay is multi-cultural. You find people here of different fashion styles depending on how they adopt to the climate. The weather ranges from 71.6 degrees Farenheit to 77 degrees Farenheit. It is probably not even that cool to some tourists coming abroad, but can be at least considered cool as compared to the intense heat of the sun that is common in most parts of the Philippines during summer.
- Tagaytay is a part of the cultural and historical province of Cavite City. It is situated at the highest altitude of the province. Most tourists prior to enjoying Tagaytay roam around Cavite to have a little grasp of the history of the country.
Where to Stay
Since Tagaytay city is a popular visitor destination, if offers a number of accommodations, from the modest to luxurious. Most of the finest hotels and restaurants overlook Taal Lake. This is not a typical lake;Taal Lake is cradled by a bigger lake and was formed from the crater of a dormant volcano.
The Taal Vista is a legendary hotel in Tagaytay. Most of the guests who stay here usually face the dilemma of whether to relax indoors and enjoy the elegance of the hotel, or to venture outside to inhale the fresh air coming from the lush green fog-shrouded mountains. Room rates range from 150USD to 700USD.
For bigger families and groups, vacation houses are an attractive and more affordable alternative to a hotel. As with hotels, your choices are many depending on your budget. There’s everything from luxury houses to medium-priced and budget rental packages. Most are situated in higher areas good enough to have a great view of the lake. Check out sites such as http://tagaytaycity.olx.com.ph/vacation-rentals-cat-388 for a variety of choices.
And lastly, for more of a taste of Filipino style at an affordable price, consider the simplicity, tranquility, and nature-feel of Sonya’s, a traditional Filipino family-run guesthouse in Tagaytay. The 75USD rate per day includes breakfast and either lunch or dinner.
Bedrooms are elegantly simple and exude a local flair.
What to eat
And oh yes, Tagaytay more than anything is about the perfect destination for foodies. For families who enjoy trying wonderful local specialties, this place is definitely for you. Forget the pizza places and fast food chains surrounding the city, as Tagaytay offers several international-quality fine dining restaurants as well as plenty of places to sample tasty, well-prepared Filipino dishes. For example, the classic restaurant Josephine’s is famous for its scrumptious traditional Filipino seafood delicacies. This is Filipino home cooking elevated to an entirely new level.
Josephine’s famous creamy seafood soup, Mutya ng Cavite, will have any diner who samples it yearning for more of Josephine’s cuisine.
Another favorite at Josephine’s in Tagaytay is the restaurant’s classic Crab and Asparagus Tartlet dipped in seafood bisque.
And to those who feel like splurging on food, don’t miss a visit to Antonio’s, which has been ranked number five among millions of restaurants all over Asia. Just be prepared to pay in the range of $25 to $50 per person for dishes such as Grilled Certified Angus Beef Prime Ribeye Steak and house specialty Spanferckel.
Al fresco dining at Antonio’s, in a secluded part of Tagaytay, exudes classic elegance.
If you’re traveling with children who aren’t quite ready for long sit-down meals or the new taste sensations of Filipino dishes, try Highlands Steakhouse, where they can enjoy Angus Roast Beef Salpicao over icepilaf for just over $10 or a plate of hearty spaghetti for less than $5.
And if you want a little break from Filipino food, try Manos Greek Taverna for some excellent Mediterranean fare. The restaurant is simple but prides itself serving authentic Greek delicacies.
Homemade feta cheese blended with freshly chopped vegetables dipped in olive oil made this salad called Hellenici Salata-Greek.
Conclude your meal at Manos Greek Taverna with delicious Baklava…
What to do
One does not travel to Tagaytay for food and hotels alone, the city is also known for exciting outdoor adventures. From golfing to hiking to outdoor picnics there’s something for the whole family. Picnic Grove and Palace in the Sky are two great places for the entire family to hike to, then enjoy incredible panoramic views and perhaps a picnic.
Golfing in the vastness of championship course
Families from different places in the country travel to Tagaytay to spend a lazy afternoon at Picnic Grove. You'll have a fantastic view of the mountains and lake while enjoying your picnic.
Families bond while enjoying a little trek to reach Palace in the Sky. A little chit chat over an easy mountain climb to reach a park set on the top of the mountain or taking photos of the sceneries along the way bring a lot of laughter and love for families.
And If the kids are still looking for more excitement and action, simply take them to the Tagaytay Ridge Zipline and Cable car and have them swing up in the air while flying over the thick forest covering the Taal Lake and its volcano.
Flying over the nature of Tagaytay from Picnic Grove via the zipline
Overlooking Tagaytay Highlands across Picnic Grove while on a zipline or cable car
Going back home if dropping by at one of the retreat places in the area to reflect on the goodness, love, and fun of what family brings to each other is already too much of wandering around the area, then just drop by to some food treats shops to take home some of the city’s goodies. Sonya’s Panaderia revived the country’s classic breads which the Philippines adopted from Spanish colonization centuries back and are made more delectable and pretty for this new generation to taste. Or a drop to famous Baguio’s Good Shepherd ‘s Tagaytay’s branch is another good treat to the family while on a trip back home.
And there you have it…..your Tagaytay family getaway!
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