Taal Volcano in Philippines, the smallest volcano in the world.
Just an hour’s ride away from Metro Manila, Tagaytay gives off a charming, convenient country vibe. It’s one of the favorite destinations for families this summer, with enough restaurants, attractions and lesser humidity than Metro Manila.
But what you didn’t know about Tagaytay is that you can bring a family of four and spend as low as Php 9000 to get three days and two nights (3D/2N) of fun! Taking your kids on an unforgettable family trip doesn’t have to be expensive.
Getting to Tagaytay: Commuting and Driving
Commute by bus or van
The most comfortable way to commute to Tagaytay is by vans. These are regularly stationed at Starmall along EDSA, and fare for each person costs Php 180 for a one-way trip.
The vans are spacious and comfortable, and aren’t as packed as the usual FX. You can get on a van as early as 10 in the morning. But for night travellers, you have to catch the last van at around seven in the evening.
Buses are available in various locations in the Metro. Here are the available bus stations that have trips leaving every 15 minutes or so:
- Uniwide Coastal Mall to Tagaytay Rotonda. (Php 80)
- JAM Transit to Tagaytay, Balayan, BAtangas, Lemery near LRT Buendia Station. (Php 83)
- Crow Transit, Erjohn & Almark and Genesis stations at Taft MRT station behind Sogo Hotel. (rate varies)
- DLTB Bus Co. station is Malibay, Pasay along EDSA have buses going to Tagaytay. (Php 83)
Once you get to the Tagaytay Rotonda, you can ride a tricycle to your hotel. Most of the tricycle drivers there are connected to hotels so you can ask them. But don’t worry, there’s a hotel for each and every budget in Tagaytay.
Drive all the way
Driving to Tagaytay is the best way to get to the cool plateau. The easiest route is via the SLEX Sta. Rosa Exit. Drive straight to the Tagaytay Public Market, then depending where your hotel is, you may turn right going to Tagaytay City proper or left going to People’s Park in the Sky.
The best route, according to netizens, is via the SLEX Greenfields Exit. This route passes through Pramana, Nuvali, Eton City and Paseo de Sta. Rosa leading up to Tagaytay City. It is also ideal for avoiding traffic along the Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay National Road.
Read about hotels and restaurants with the best rates on the next page.
Hotel Kimberly Tagaytay has its own pool, playground and farm animal petting zoo!
Hotels in Tagaytay
For a four-star experience with free breakfast buffets included, try Hotely Kimberly. Considered as Tagaytay’s most family-friendly hotel, Hotel Kimberly has a pool, a petting zoo and a playground among its amenities.
On the other hand, parents can also opt to check-in at Our Melting Pot Hostel Tagaytay, which offers safe, family-oriented rooms for as low as Php 900 a night.
Tickle your family’s taste buds at the local food joints
Schedule your meals at Bag of Beans for hearty cooking. Try their Shepherd’s pie and Creamy Spaghetti while enjoying a great view of the Taal Lake. You can also try Leslie’s Bulalo for their beef bone marrow soup that perfectly complements the weather in the city.
Don’t forget to eat at Mushroom Burger, which is a few meters’ walk from the Summit Ridge Promenade. Your children will be able to see what fungi has been put into their burgers.
A Taal Lake boat ride may be unforgettable for your kids.
Unforgettable fun for your kids
Your Tagaytay family experience won’t be complete without getting to see Taal Lake or without having fun at the Sky Ranch. Keep in mind, though, that if your kids are too small for a boat ride, it’s better to hold off until they’re much older.
On the other hand, The Sky ranch offers a full afternoon of fun for the family – Sky Ranch has a beautiful ferris wheel ride along with a modest zipline that you and your older kids can enjoy. There is also an assortment of other small carnival-like rides that everyone is sure to enjoy.
However, if your kids are too small for the amusement park, then why not go on a picnic and fly a kite at the People’s Park in the Sky. The exhilarating view can serve as a gorgeous background for family photos, or as the subject for a quick sketching or painting session.
Another great kids’ attraction is Paradizoo which lets you and the kids see ponies, tigers, reptiles and more exotic animals along with beautiful flowers. Mom and Dad can even pick and take home fresh vegetables!
Let your kids enjoy the view of the Taal Volcano crater.
Click “Continue Reading” for a 3D/2N itinerary for a family of four in Tagaytay.
Take a ride on the ferris wheel over at Sky Ranch.
Tagaytay tripping : A 3D/2N Itinerary for a family of four
Visiting Tagaytay doesn’t have to be expensive. Here’s a budget-friendly, family-focused trip for as low as Php 9,000. Keep in mind that the rates may change at any time. Check with your chosen hotel or the restaurant before arrival.
Day 1
- Depart Manila via van at Starmall or a bus. (Php480 for 4 persons, one-way)
- Arrive in Tagaytay rotonda.
- Ride a tricycle to hostel (Php 3000 for 2 nights at Our Melting Pot Tagaytay)
- Have Lunch/merienda at Bag of Beans (approximately Php800)
- Go down to see Taal Lake (Php 2000 for 4 persons)
- Go back to the hotel.
Day 2
- Have breakfast at AHY Foodhouse for their famous Tapsilog meals. (Php 280 for four persons)
- Go to the Picnic Grove and fly kites, read books, draw or have family fun.
- Lunch at Mahogany’s Market (Php 500 for four persons)
- Go to Sky Ranch for family rides and the zipline experience (Php 200 entrance fee for 4 people with Php 50-150 per ride per person)
- Have dinner Leslie’s (Php 600 for four people if you just want the Bulalo)
- Go back to hotel
Day 3
- Breakfast at AHY Foodhouse again or Mahogany Market to try their other meals (Php 280 for four persons)
- Check out of your hotel.
- Lunch at Mushroom Burger (Php 600 for four persons)
- Go back to Manila via bus at the Rotonda terminal (Php 480 for four persons)
Total budget: Php 9000+++
Don’t forget to cast your verdict on the best bulalo in Tagaytay!
Depending on the rides and other activities you may want to try in the People’s Park, Picnic Grove or Sky Ranch, you may spend up to Php 10,000. That’s Php 3300 per day for four people!
Tagaytay travel tips:
- Reserve ahead at Leslie’s so you don’t have to wait long for a table.
- If you want to make the trip cheaper, don’t bother with the Taal Lake boat ride and instead go to the Picnic Grove for pony rides and fun with the kids. This shaves off Php 2000 from the trip expenses! Riding a bus will also save you Php 400 from the trip but requires you to set out earlier as the bus rides are much longer.
- You can also have dinner at the Sky Ranch after the rides instead of finding another restaurant. It has a small food court for park visitors right inside the amusement area.
- Bring some snacks and drinks for the kids so they don’t get too hungry in between walking.
- Make sure your family is fitted with comfortable footwear as your Tagaytay experience may entail a lot of walk.
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