A cool weather is almost an impossibility in Manila with its
tropical sun scorching down on the metro. But for those who want to unwind,
sans the sweat, Tagaytay in Cavite is probably the best place to visit and the
most popular choice for a quick weekend or day trip for those coming from Metro
Manila. A three-hour drive away, the
city has been a favorite vacation spot for Metro Manila locals due to its proximity
and it’s crisp breeze. Most travelers don’t think to hop on over from Manila to
Tagaytay for a few days in-between flights, so take advantage of the unspoiled
culture and local prices while it’s still a somewhat secret spot on the western
trail.
Tagaytay isn’t what you would imagine when you think of a
Filipino city. While there is public transportation and the occasional traffic
jam, Tagaytay is a city full of nature. The outdoor parks, restaurants, and
even shopping centers take advantage of the stunning scenery by building around
rolling hills and green ridges so that every experience feels like you’re still
one with nature. People come here for the cooler climate, refreshing sights and
the various restaurants that offer an easy escape for locals. Other towns in
Cavite also offer historic spots and resorts ideal for sports and recreational
activities. The main attraction in Tagaytay Come is the incredible Ta’al
Volcano, which is truly a natural anomaly that will leave you scratching your
head.
So if you’re looking to go on a road trip, Tagaytay is your
best bet with its unique places to visit, scrumptious food and exciting
activities to try. Here are the best things to do when in Tagaytay.
Do soul searching and calm your mind
One of the best places to go “find yourself” is at Tierra de
Maria. Our Lady of Manaoag at Tierra de Maria is known to make prayers and
wishes come true, which is why it is popular among tourists.
You don’t have to be religious to find the ‘Our Lady of
Manaoag’ fascinating. This is a spot
where Filipinos worship and take photos for their Facebook. There is a small
church temple next to the statue with a flea market collection of a Jesus
statue on the cross, photos of the prophet, and twinkling Christmas lights
strung about. The 50-foot Marian shrine, the quaint church and the quiet
atmosphere make for a good place to meditate and do soul searching.
Taal Volcano Trekking
Take the once in a lifetime opportunity to trek the smallest
active volcano in the world! Although a little heavy on the budget and less
than an hour drive from Tagaytay’s town proper, the two kilometer trek offers
the most unique experience in Tagaytay.
The adventure kicks off with a short boat ride to Volcano
Island before treading the sandy trails of Taal Volcano. Passing through
volcanic steam vents to reach the crater, you can reward yourself with a quick
swim at the peak in the sulfur-diluted lake within the volcano. The priceless
scenery and breathtaking summit is definitely the adventure of a lifetime.
Family Picnic at Picnic Grove
If you are looking for a place to spend with your family,
then this is the perfect place for you. It offers a view deck allowing visitors
to take photos of the volcano as well as the lake surrounding it. If you opt to
stay for the day, you may choose to rent a table, huts, or even a pavilion.
While those who would like to stay overnight may also opt to spend the night at
the hostel.
There are tons of activities here such as horseback riding,
ziplining, swimming, shopping, and cable car riding. You could easily spend the
entire day here. There are also restaurants and resto-shops to keep you
sustained.
Be Superman and Ride a Zipline
If you’re the more adventurous type, you can try out one of
the Zipline attractions in Tagaytay. With the breathtaking Taal Volcano as your
backdrop, you can take the exhilarating 300-meter long leap at Sky Ranch.
Or you can zip down the mountains in Picnic Grove. Aside from
the Zipline, it also offers a Cable Car ride above an eco trail. The 300-foot
high Zipline can accommodate up to three people in one go, while the cable car
can board the whole family.
Go horseback riding
Ok, this may not be a “unique” thing to do in Tagaytay, but
there’s something about riding horses in chilly weather — it’s the perfect
combination. Horseback riding is one of the most popular things to do in
Tagaytay and kids would definitely enjoy giddying up around the hills of Picnic
Grove.
Fall in love with nature and animals
From the name itself, Paradizoo is a combination of a
Paradise and a Zoo. The 12-hectare farm offers a getaway from the bustling
metro with its tranquil gardens, lovely flora and fauna and haven of animals.
The theme park offers a great place to bond with the family
while appreciating nature. Paradizoo already offers a Farm Frenzy pet store, a
meditation garden, an Orchidarium and new thrilling attractions Camel Ride and
Zing Ride. The highlight is to petting the animals or trying the Camel ride and
Zing ride.
Reach for the sky at Sky Ranch
Conveniently located along Nasugbu Highway, Sky Ranch promises
unlimited fun for the whole family. The leisure and entertainment complex
features an amusement park that kids and kids at heart will enjoy.
Sky Eye, one of the biggest Ferris Wheels in the Philippines,
is the focal attraction of Sky Ranch. It boasts of 32 air-conditioned gondolas
that give an epic view of Tagaytay City and its landmarks Taal lake and
volcano.
View the largest jigsaw collection in the world
The Guinness record for the largest collection of jigsaw
puzzles can be found in this diverse city. Georgina Gil-Lacuna holds the
records with a total of 1,028 puzzles.
Amassing all jigsaw pieces over 26 years, the collection is
housed in a hectare-wide museum in Tagaytay City. It features several types of
puzzles, be it normal, 3D or 4D and has some of the biggest puzzles in the
world, including an 18,000-piece masterpiece. You must see her 3D puzzles that
she put together all by herself.
Rejuvenate in a traditional Chinese bath house
If there’s one culture that knows a thing or two about
rejuvenation, that would be the Chinese. And at Qiwellness Living, they’re
bringing the centuries-old healing practice of a bathhouse facility to the
city.
The hot and cold dip pools offer a sanctuary for relaxation
and revitalization from tension, stress and body and muscle pain. Pre-booking
is encouraged.
