Craving a weekend getaway but can’t decide where to go? Tagaytay is the perfect place for you. Close enough to access by car but still far away from the urban hustle-and-bustle, this popular tourist destination in Cavite is sure to give you an unforgettable mini-holiday. With breathtaking views, fun-filled establishments, and refreshingly cool weather, how can you resist? There’s something for everybody, whether you’re with family, friends, or a fresh new squeeze. Read on to discover what to do and where to go, complete with links to more detailed articles from a range of sites and blogs!
For the family
Tagaytay is an ideal place to take the family because it has a ton of wholesome activity centers and sites. Try our suggestions for some weekend family bonding.
Tagaytay Picnic Grove. Go horseback-riding, hike an eco-adventure trail, or take in the scenery as you feast on a picnic lunch—Tagaytay Picnic Grove offers all these perks and more.
Josephine Restaurant & Resort. With a mouth-watering selection of Pinoy dishes, homey service, and a view of the Taal Volcano, it’s no wonder that Josephine has become a household name. Your kids will love it!
Paradizoo. A functioning farm and animal zoo, Paradizoo is just the thing for a brood of animal-lovers. There are camels, ostriches, and even a famed 5-legged bull named Bull-Tez-Five! (Get it?)
For the balikbayan
Your balikbayan relative or friend will want to soak in some culture and get back to their Pinoy roots. These spots will do the job nicely.
People’s Park in the Sky (formerly called the Palace in the Sky). Treat your guest to a snippet of Philippine history by visiting this unfinished mansion of former President Marcos, a reminder of his fallen grandeur.
Good Shepherd Convent. Balikbayans will definitely want to bring something back for friends abroad—take them to the Good Shepherd Convent to buy delicious Filipino delicacies such as ube jam and peanut brittle.
Sonya’s Garden. A restaurant, spa, B&B, and specialty store all in one, Sonya’s Garden is an idyllic center that your returning friends will appreciate. Soak in the pacific Philippine life—and have some tasty, homegrown grub while you’re at it!
Pamana Restaurant. Lay on the Pinoy flavor at Pamana restaurant, which serves traditional Filipino cuisine in kitschy, inventive ways. Our favorites are the sungkaan of condiments and Chicken Binakol served in a young coconut.
For the barkada
Tired of frequenting the usual nightspots? Take the road less traveled to these barkada-friendly haunts.
Bag of Beans Coffee Shop & Bakery. Trade in your usual Starbucks cuppa for something more homegrown. The aroma of coffee at Bag of Beans will help you and your friends pump up for the road ahead—or wind down after trip.
Taal Volcano. Here’s an exciting and active way to spend your time in Tagaytay with friends—visit the Taal Volcano, the smallest volcano in the world. Arrange a round-trip boat ride with your buddies to the Taal Lake, and go by foot or rent a donkey to reach the volcano.
Gourmet’s Café and Farm. Reminiscing about your high school days? Take the farm tour at Gourmet’s with your entire posse—the organic herb farm, coffee roasting factory, and deli café are sure to spark memories of past field trips.
For you and your significant other
Spend some quality time with your special someone at these mood-setting spaces that hit all the right spots.
Antonio’s Restaurant. Probably the most romantic restaurant in the region, Antonio’s exquisite French cuisine and lush, secluded setting makes for a first-class—and amazing first date—dining experience.
Nurture Spa. No day trip is complete without a stop at the Nurture Spa! Ask for the Magkasintahan Package to enjoy a Magsing-Irog Massage and a half-day stay in an Ifugao hut.
The Boutique. Spend the night with your honey at this lovely bed and breakfast, with rooms named after amorous emotions (I love, I dare, I dream, I lust, I desire, I surrender, I escape) and a quiet ambience infused with romance.
Caleruega. Reminisce about your own wedding—or make plans for future nuptials—at the stunning Transfiguration Chapel, located at Calaruega’s highest point.
Can’t wait to go? Here’s how you can get to Tagaytay—and start your weekend right!
Route 1: South Luzon Expressway (SLEX)
SLEX is the preferred route of many drivers since it usually has considerably less traffic than most roads leading to Tagaytay.
Sta. Rosa exit. Turn right after paying the toll fee. Follow the road until you see the Tagaytay City Market. This is a little over 20 kilometers away from the Sta. Rosa exit.
Southwoods exit. Pass through the Southwoods village, and turn right onto the highway in Carmona. Turn left at the street before the Shell gas station—this is Maguyam Road. Go straight and hang a left at the end of the road, then turn right immediately at the next street, which takes you past a cemetery and out onto the Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Highway.
Greenfields exit. This route has the lowest traffic volume, since you’re passing through newly-developed roads. Take the Greenfields exit to avoid the heavy traffic along the Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay National Road.
Route 2: Manila-Cavite Expressway (or the Coastal Road)
Going through the Coastal Road may take more travel time because of the traffic buildup at SM Bacoor, but you might consider taking this alternative route if the SLEX becomes too congested—or if you just want a change of itinerary.
Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Highway. The Aguinaldo Highway is directly connected to the south end of the Coastal Road. Go straight south until you reach the Tagaytay Rotonda. You won’t miss it—there’s a statue of Ninoy Aquino at the roundabout.
Sources:
www.tagaytay.com
http://tagaytaytaaltowers.com/tagaytay-tourism.html
http://wikitravel.org/en/Tagaytay
http://intagaytayphilippines.wordpress.com/private-route-to-tagaytay/
www.squidoo.com/tagaytay
What's your favorite place to visit in Tagaytay? Share your road trip secrets and stories! Leave a comment below or talk it up with other GIRLTalkers on our forum!
(Photos by Beatriz Tianco, except Paradizoo photo by Jamie Arcega)
