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.
The most convenient and nearby weekend escape from Metro Manila is Tagaytay. Despite its close vicinity, it offers a variety of picturesque locations, mouthwatering dining options, and entertaining activities suitable for groups of friends, families, and even lone travelers. It is undoubtedly among the most well-known and adored tourist destinations in the Philippines.
Getting to Tagaytay: Commuting and Driving
Commute by bus or van
The most comfortable way to commute to Tagaytay is by vans.
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.
Even though it is significantly more expensive than a bus, the trip takes less time because it skips Cavite’s congested highways and travels through SLEX. The EGI Mall at the LRT Gil Puyat Station (Taft Avenue and Buendia, 6:00am–8:00pm), StarMall Mandaluyong (EDSA and Shaw Boulevard), Metropoint Mall at Edsa Rotunda, and behind McDonald’s at the Edsa–Taft MRT Station are where its terminals are situated.
On the other hand, there are buses that travel directly to Tagaytay from the San Agustin EDSA Rotunda terminal and the Nasugbu DLTB terminal in LRT Buendia. The PITX, or Paranaque Integrated Terminal, is situated in the former Uniwide Coastal Mall in Pasay City and serves as the primary hub for buses traveling to Tagaytay.
● DLTB BUS CO. – Buendia | (02) 843 0246, (0995) 708-7169, (0949) 520-5582 | Trip starts at 4:00 AM
● LORNA EXPRESS – PITX | (0975) 372-5886
● SAN AGUSTIN – EDSA Rotunda | (02) 8872-8497 | 3:00 AM to 11:00 PM
● ERJOHN ALMARK TRANSIT- PITX | (0943) 702-3724, (0906) 510-4385, (046) 686-8214
● BSC (BATMAN STAREXPRESS CORP.) – PITX, EDSA Rotunda | (02) 283-6424
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.
Hotels in Tagaytay
Hotel Kimberly
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.
Our Melting Pot Tagaytay Hostel
OMP Tagaytay is situated in a peaceful neighborhood on a two-story home a few meters from the highway. Leslie’s Tagaytay and Starbucks Tagaytay are just a short stroll away from the Tagaytay Ridge, which is home to most of the well-known Tagaytay eateries. Although there are no views from the hostel, its location is excellent.
A mixed dorm, double rooms, and single accommodations are available at Our Melting Pot Tagaytay. With the exception of a few double rooms, most of these have communal restrooms. There are no air-conditioned rooms because you don’t really need one in Tagaytay, but there is also free Wi-Fi.
The Moon Garden
Moon Garden will astonish you with its mysticism, rustic appeal, lush surroundings, and charming architecture. It is without a doubt a hidden gem among Tagaytay’s well-known sceneries. Spend a lovely evening away from the typical hotel costs in the lush greens and tranquil setting of the Moon Garden. It is located at SVD Road, Brgy San Jose, Tagaytay City, Cavite.
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!
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.
Updates by Jobelle Macayan
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