Tagaytay
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Tagatay [1] is part of the island of Luzon, Philippines.
[edit] Understand
A popular destination, Tagaytay has a mild climate and dramatic scenery.
The weather in Tagaytay is mild & average temperature is from 22 deg Celsius (71 F) to 25 deg Celsius (77 F). There are only two 'seasons', wet and dry.
[edit] Get in
[edit] By plane
The closest major airport is Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila).
[edit] By train
Driving directions to Tagaytay for those with private cars, vans or taxi cabs:
[The following tips are taken from Backpacking Philippines website c/o "Tutubi")
Option 1: via SLEX Sta. Rosa Exit, the most popular and easiest, is a straight drive all the way to Tagaytay Public Market (and right smack into Tagaytay Econo Inn) where you turn right going to Tagaytay city proper and Nasugbu/Balayan/Lemery Batangas or left going to People's Park in the Sky. Usual travel time from Makati CBD is 1.5 hours.
Option 2: SLEX Greenfields Exit, an alternate route to Tagaytay that pass by Pramana, Nuvali, Eton City and Paseo de Sta. Rosa, ideal to avoid traffic buildup on Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay National Road on Saturday mornings thus making it the fastest route to Tagaytay on weekends.
Option 3: SLEX Southwoods exit then Governor's Drive in Carmona going to Dasmarinas. Turn left on Maguyam Road just before the Shell Station to your left.
Option 4: Roxas Boulevard, Baclaran, Coastal Road, Bacoor, Imus, Dasmarinas via Aguinaldo Highway. Not recommended due to presence of heavy traffic made worse by SM Dasmarinas and Robinsons Palapala. At the end of Aguinaldo Highway is the Tagaytay Rotonda (roundabout) where a statue of Ninoy Aquino, a BPI with ATM, Days Inn, Max's Restaurant and 7-11 store as landmarks.
Option 5: Another route for the adventurous to Tagaytay is via Daang Hari that passes by Molino, Bacoor, Imus, Dasmarinas and Silang. It bypasses the traffic chokepoint of Bacoor rotonda but not SM Dasma and Robinsons.
Option 6: From Sto. Tomas, Batangas via StarToll in going to Lipa City, take Sambat exit and follow the national road to Talisay then go up Ligaya Drive, the zigzag road to Tagaytay (sometimes called Bitukang Manok, not for the faint of heart and newbie drivers)
If you're a foreigner, you can hire vans to get there or an airport taxi. Some taxi drivers charge a fixed rate or double the meter fare plus toll fees.
[edit] By bus
If you're going to Tagaytay via public transportation, request the driver to drop you off at your destination if along the way or at Tagaytay Rotonda (landmarks: Ninoy Aquino monument, BPI, Max's, 7-11) where you can ride jeepneys or tricycle to your target place.
From Manila Airport to Tagaytay City: the cheapest way is to ride the shuttle service from all terminals that pass by MRT Taft Avenue Station and ride BLTB or Crow Transit Buses to Tagaytay. Alternatively, hire a taxi to take you directly to Tagaytay.
From Mandaluyong to Tagaytay: Ride vans (V-Hires) bound for Batangas and Tagaytay in front of Starmall at the corner of EDSA and Shaw Boulevard (walking distance from MRT Shaw Boulevard station). Fare as of posting time is PhP150.00 (this is the best option for those living in Rizal province)
From Laguna to Tagaytay: In Pagsanjan Public Market, there are vans/fx/V-Hires going to Palapala in Dasmarinas Cavite. On reaching Pala-pala transport terminal (near Robinsons Dasmarinas and SM Dasma), transfer to a bus going to Tagaytay where it's less than an hour away.
Calamba to Tagaytay: ride shuttle service at the public market beside Waltermark Calamba or at the Calamba Central Terminal. Cheaper alternative, ride a jeepney going to Balibago complex in Sta. Rosa then transfer to Tagaytay-bound jeepneys.
Balibago to Tagaytay Public Market: Regular jeepneys plying the route to/from Balibago Transport terminal in Sta. Rosa Laguna to Tagaytay Public Market route.
From Alabang: ride the van/fx at the terminal at the corner of SLEX and Alabang-Zapote Road, Filinvest Festival Mall, or still another at Starmall (formerly Metropolis Mall Alabang)
From Cubao, Quezon City: ride buses going to Nasugbu, Lemery or Calatagan at Cubao Bus Terminal in front of Ali Mall.
Shuttle service (vans, FX, V-Hires) in front of EGI Mall (Jollibee) at the corner of Taft Avenue and Sen. Gil Puyat Ave (Buendia) going to Nasugbu, Balayan and Lemery, Batangas that all pass by Tagaytay.
Shuttle service (vans, FX, V-Hires) going to Nasugbu, Balayan and Lemery at Metropoint mall basement at the corner of EDSA and Taft Avenue (accessible from LRT EDSA Station or MRT Taft Avenue station, this is also the so-called EDSA Rotonda though there's really no rotunda there). Current fare is PhP160.00 (regardless of where you're going since it's a derecho trip...information provided by Tutubi's officemate who lives in Balayan, Batangas)
Buses to Tagaytay:
JAM Transit has trips to Tagaytay, Balayan, Batangas, Lemery. Jam Transit terminal is at Taft Avenue corner Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue accessible from LRT Buendia station.
Crow Transit (Crow bus terminal at the corner Taft Ave & EDSA right below MRT Taft Avenue station and walking distance from LRT EDSA station, same terminal as Erjohn & Almark and Genesis behind Sogo Hotel and MacDonalds) has buses to Nasugbu/Calatagan/Balayan in regular schedules.
BLTB (EDSA, Malibay, Pasay City) has buses every 15 minutes to Nasugbu, Balayan or Calatagan Batangas that pass by Tagaytay
Kirby Bus to Tagaytay from Lawton
San Agustin bus with signboard "Mendez-Tagaytay" from Harrison Plaza on Vito Cruz (Pablo Ocampo) or Baclaran via Coastal Road, Aguinaldo Highway to the towns of Bacoor, Imus, Dasmarinas and Silang before reaching Tagaytay. (note this is a slow route due to lots of chokepoints in Cavite)
Saulog Bus Lines with signboard "Mendez-Tagaytay" from Harrison Plaza in Manila or Baclaran via Coastal Road, Aguinaldo Highway to the towns of Bacoor, Imus, Dasmarinas and Silang before reaching Tagaytay (note this is a slow route due to lots of chokepoints in Cavite)
Celyrosa Bus Lines, ordinary buses (i.e. non-airconditioned) in Pasay City (note this is a slow route due to lots of chokepoints in Cavite)
Just put in mind that traveling via Coastal Road and Aguinaldo/Tirona highways requires a lot of patience since grave traffic problems takes place along this roads which can waste your time for 1 to 4 hours.
[edit] By boat
[edit] Get around
[edit][add listing] See
Mabini Shrine The Shrine houses the remains and personal belongings of the late revolutionary hero and "Brains of the Katipunan," Apolinario Mabini. Mabini is known as the "Sublime Paralytic" who, despite his physical handicap, fired nationalism in the Filipinos and urged them to unite, with the sheer power of his writings. He wrote fiery articles against Spanish atrocities in revolutionary papers. His writings and memorabilia are kept here. His tomb lies at the middle of the site where a replica of the house where he was born also stands. Location : Barrio Talaga, Tanauan How to get there : Located about seven kilometers from the town proper of Tanauan and can be reached in an hour and 15 minutes' drive from Manila. Upon reaching the market area, one can turn to A. Mabini avenue leading to Barangay Talaga. The Shrine is open daily from 8:00PM to 5:00PM, except during holidays. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Travel Time : Approximately 15 minutes from the town proper.
Casa de Segunda Katigbak The ancestral home of prominent Batangas family, the Casa is a typical "Bahay na Bato". It is Spanish Colonial yet tropical in ambiance. It was named after Segunda Katigbak, reputed to be the first love of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Philippines' national hero. Casa segunda is declared by the National Historical Commission as a heritage house for having harbored generations of artists, poets and persons of learning and distinction. Location : 198 Calle Rizal, Lipa City
Jose P. Laurel Memorial Library The personal property of the family of the late President Jose P. Laurel, it was donated to the Philippine Government as a historical site and public library. The library is open everyday from 8:00PM to 5:00PM Location : A. Mabini Ave., Tanauan How to get there : The place is in the town proper and can be reached by land. Upon reaching the town , turn to A. Mabini Road. The library is about 100 meters from the national road, jeepneys and tricycles service the area. Travel time : About 15 to 20 minutes' drive from the town proper.
Marcela N. Agoncillo Historical Landmark (National Landmark) The birthplace of Marcela N. Agoncillo who was known as the marker of the first official Filipino Flag during the Philippine revolution against the Spanish authorities. The different flags of the revolution are also prominently displayed. Location : Marcela Agoncillo St., Taal How to get there : One can take a bus or rented car from Manila to the town of Taal. Once at the town proper, one may take a tricycle to reach the place. Travel time : About 1 1/2 hours by car from Manila.
Punta de Santiago Lighthouse Built in 1890, it is one of the earliest lighthouses that still function up to this date. Since it was constructed, no running ship has ever ran aground. Location : Calatagan How to get there : The lighthouse can be reached by taking a jeepney from the town proper of Catalagan. Travel time : 40 minutes through semi-rough road.
Palace In The Sky Originally designed to be the presidential guest house of former president Ferdinand Marcos, this complex was not completed. It is, however, now open to the public as a vantage area for viewing a 360 degree profile of Taal Volcano. It is within the Tagaytay environs. Location : Tagaytay City. How to get there : The place is a short drive from the Aguinaldo Highway in Tagaytay City. Travel time : 15 minutes' drive from Aguinaldo Highway.
The Flower Farm On a windy slope of a hill in Tagaytay City sprawls a flower farm that keeps Manila abloom whole year round. The five-hectare flower farm has many varieties of flowers such as chrysanthemums with assorted colors, gerberas, carnations, roses, and anthuriums. Location : Barangay Guinhawa, Tagaytay City. How to get there : From Tagaytay City, the farm is a brief 10-minute drive from the Aguinaldo Highway.
St. Anne's Shrine The shrine is a small garden where a grotto of the Virgin Mary stands. The shrubbery and flowers are well-trimmed and well-cared for. There is even a small grass clearing in front of the grotto which is conducive to quite reflection. Location : Barangay Sungay, Tagaytay City How to get there : From Manila, take BLTB buses that pass by Barangay Silang Crossing to the Tagaytay Marker. Here, one can alight to take a utility jeep leading to the Barangay Sungay where the gate of the Shrine can be spotted along the road. Travel time : About 2 hours' drive from Manila.
- The Taal volcano is an active volcano with a large crater lake with a small cone rising in the middle. Tagatay is built on the rim of the larger crater.
There is a park at the overlook area above the Taal volcano. Worth the effort! About an hour from Manila, it is accessible by taxi, bus or privately owned vehicle. You can take a Jeepney to the Olivarez, then take a tricycle to the lake and hire a boat. It's also possible to negotiate with the tricycle driver "full package" including tricycle, boat, and horse on the volcano - everything depends on your negotiation skills.
The park is well kept and there are numerous picnic seats, tables or covered huts for daily hire.
[edit][add listing] Do
You can take a 15 min outrigger boat ride to the volcano that is within the lake. As you head from Tagaytay city toward the lake, many touts may jump in front of your vehicle offering boat rides - they take a commission. If you know where to go, however, you can catch a boat directly from the boat owners. Once on the island you will be herded onto a donkey and driven up to the rim of the crater (around 30mins). It's a rather unpleasant, environmentally-damaging ride, but the view at the top is quite spectacular. The option of hiking to the top is not encouraged.
Philippine Adventures[2] provides scenic city tours from Metro Manila to Tagatay with the option of catching a boat ride to Taal Volcano and hiking to the spectacular Taal Crater Lake.
Wedding in the sky - The atmosphere and scenery of a Tagaytay destination setting provides a special character to the wedding. An hour and 15 minutes drive through South Superhighway or Coastal Road, Tagaytay offers different venues for different settings that will suit your taste. Visit Tagaytay Venue [3] for more information.
[edit][add listing] Buy
Small shops line the roadway as you come into the area, the vegetables and fruits available here are fresh and seemed to be very good quality.
Pasalubong (small gifts) gathered by the traveller in remembrance of, and for, friends is a strong Philippine tradition. No need to be extravagant, a small gift is considered to be most appropriate. Need help? Here's a hint... senorita bananas. About the size of a fat finger, they are sweet and have a rich texture. The area is also famous for its Buko Pie, which is a popular item.
There is also the Good Shepherd Convent (like the one in Baguio) and you can get your favorite Ube jam, pili, etc. In addition to that you can also get their buko pie for which Laguna/Cavite is known.
[edit][add listing] Eat
[edit] Budget
Mushroomburger in Aguinaldo Highway.
Josephine's Restaurant is a well known restaurant in tagaytay not just because of the great tasting foods but also bacause of the scenic view at the back of the restaurant. They also cater events like Weddings, Birtdays, etc. The ambiance is good especially for lovers and families too. A very cool place specially starting the Ber Month, from September. Josephine's Restaurant is along the road of Tagaytay. Very accesible even for foreign tourists.
[edit] Mid-range
[edit] Splurge
- Antonio's, From Manila, take the South Luzon Expressway. Exit at Santa Rosa. Follow the long road until you reach Tagaytay. At the rotonda, turn right. Take the road that will lead you to the Taal Vista Lodge. Antonio's is farther up the road. Turn right when you see the Antonio's sign. Follow the signs leading to Antonio's. At the intersection, take the road with the arch (Bo. Neogan, Purok 7). After a few hundred meters, turn left to find Antonio's., ☎ +63-917-899-2866. Antonio's is open from Tuesdays to Sundays. Lunch is served from 11:30AM to 1:30PM while dinner is from 5:30-7:30PM.. $20-$40 per person. edit
[edit][add listing] Drink
Coffee - Coffee shops are abundant in the city proper, some of the noted ones are Starbucks Coffee and Bag of Beans.
[edit][add listing] Sleep
[edit] Budget
- Mi-jo Hotel Tagaytay, [5]. Provides all the comforts and conveniences expected of a luxury hotel. Filipino and American dishes are served in the Restaurant and for guests preferring a less formal start to the day, a breakfast selection can be served in the room. Prices starts at approximately $40.. edit
- Starflower Tourist Lodge, Km 62 Barangay Mendez West, Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City, Philippines, ☎ +63 (02) 8684579. checkin: 9/12; checkout: 9/13. Starflower Tourist Lodge in Tagaytay provides you with expansive views of Taal Volcano and Lake, and surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery. It is an affordable retreat for any traveler. The lodge's low-priced accommodations are a place where you can put your feet up and enjoy the mountain breeze coming in from the balcony. Room rates starts at Php 1800. Best rates on official website start at PHP 1800. edit
- Tagaytay Econo Inn, ☎ 046 413-4284, [6]. Tagaytay Econo Inn (TEI) is your gateway to the beautiful City of Tagaytay. With unbelievably warm hospitality, inviting interiors and a magnificent view, TEI offers 17 comfortable and quality rooms, fully serviced and furnished to international standards. Tourism Ave. Hollywood Subd., Brgy. Francisco, Tagaytay City, Philippines. Rates start at PHP 2,000. edit
- Amora’s Home, ☎ (+63) 046 860 0221, [7]. Amora's Home is walking distance to the famous Tagaytay Picnic Grove and other places where you can treasure the best memories of your vacation. Considering their irresistable rates and amenities, Amora's Home is simply the best place to stay in. The Suite is equipped with modern facilities that are highly maintained by the specialists. They offer different services ranging from fully air-conditioned rooms with cable TV to secured and spacious parking space. Kaykulot Rd. Sungay East, Tagaytay City ( Near Tagaytay Picnic Grove exit), Philippines. Rates start at 1,500. edit
[edit] Mid-range
- Alfonso Hotel, ☎ (046)413-0770 / (046)413-4077, [8]. Alfonso Hotel is in Tagaytay City, Philippines. Designed with a native-inspired touch, our Deluxe King Rooms, Deluxe Twin Rooms, Junior Suites, and Suites are modestly furnished yet extremely cozy. Each accommodation is air-conditioned and has cable TV and a private toilet and shower. #4 Washington Ave., Royale Tagaytay Estates, Alfonso, Cavite, Philippines. Rates start at PHP 2,575. edit
- Days Hotel Tagaytay (Days Hotel Tagaytay), Aguinaldo Hwy (Located about 60 km, Southwest Manila, and is 75 kilometers away from the nearest airport, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.), ☎ +63-46-4132400, [9]. Resorts sit on a ridge 2500 ft above sea level and overlooks Taal Volcano. edit
- Emiramona Garden Hotel, ☎ (046) 4134661, [10]. Emiramona Garden Hotel is located at the heart of Tagaytay City, near Pink Sisters Convent and along Aguinaldo Highway. They have 30 rooms, each has a cable television, DVD Player, table with lampshade, wardrobe closet with a full-length mirror, refrigerator, safety deposit box, and a veranda Best rates on official website start at Php 3,000.00++. edit
- Hotel Dominique, Km. 55 Aguinaldo Hi-way, Brgy. Maitim II East, Tagaytay City, Philippines, ☎ (02) 5298173, [11]. Hotel Dominique is located along Aguinaldo Hi-way, a few meters away from the Tagaytay Rotonda. All of their rooms are fully air-conditioned, have a cable tv, telephone with NDD/IDD, and refrigerator. For suites, a bath tub is available. Some of their facilities include swimming pool, spa, game room, bar and restaurant, and a souvenir shop. Best rates on official website start at Php 4,000.00++. edit
- The Lake Hotel Tagaytay, ☎ (046) 4835307, [12]. The Lake Hotel Tagaytay is in the heart of Tagaytay City, overlooking Taal Volcano lake. Offers spacious, modern, comfortable rooms in conjunction with unique services to fulfill your holiday expectations. edit
- MC Mountain Home Apartelle, ☎ 63 464132232, [13]. MC Mountain Hotel in Tagaytay, Philippines is in Buck Estate, along Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway (Aguinaldo Highway) in Cavite Province. Each room at MC Mountain Apartelle has air-conditioning, a television, deck/ balcony, and private toilet and bath with shower. Rates are inclusive of daily breakfast. Km. 68.9 Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway (Aguinaldo Highway), Buck Estate, Alfonso, Tagaytay, Cavite, Philippines. Rates start at PHP 2500. edit
- One Tagaytay Place Hotel, Barrio Sungay, ☎ +(63 922) 834 8874 (fax: +(63 2) 818 8319), [14]. 120 air-conditioned rooms with LCD TV & DVD player, WiFi, minibar, microwave ovens and free morning newspaper. PHP 3,200.00. edit
- Royal Taal Inn, Calamba Road(In Front of La Verna House of Pray.)BGY Iruhin Central Tagaytay City Philippines, ☎ 63 46 413 1066 (info@royaltaal.com, fax: 63 2 857 2228), [15]. $45-$65. edit
[edit] Splurge
- 8 Suites By Fat Jimmy’s, ☎ (046) 697-70-48, [16]. 8 Suites By Fat Jimmy’s offers an exquisite organic modern architecture setting that provides a welcoming atmosphere. It provides eight uniquely designed chocolate themed rooms, spacious lobby, dining area, seminar rooms, infinity spa and a sprawling garden overlooking the Taal Lake. It is a perfect hideaway where you enjoy comfort, nature and privacy. Lot 7, Ridge View Subdivision, Barangay Iruhin, Tagaytay City, Philippines. Rates start at PHP 4,000. edit
- Summit Ridge Hotel, Km 58 Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City, ☎ (632) 240 6888 (reservations@summitridgehotel.com), [17]. Experience the best view of Taal Volcano and go cloud-watching at the coldest spot in Tagaytay City. Summit Ridge Hotel and Promenade features within it several shopping, dining, and recreational facilities. Summit Ridge is also an ideal venue for meetings and banquets with its best-in-class rooms and amenities. edit
- Taal Vista Hotel, Km 60 Aguinaldo Highway Tagaytay City Philippines, ☎ (632)8864325, [18]. The preferred hotel in the area considering its proximity to Manila, the CALABARZON and to the historical and cultural spots in the area. Picturesque sights, clean, cool mountain air and gracious amenities blend to sustain the enchantment of Taal as relished from the site of Taal Vista Hotel. $100-$360. edit
[edit] Contact
Tagaytay is a safe place, just drive carefully, you can trek anywhere, enjoy the views and have great foods there as they are many choices available.
[edit] Cope
[edit] Get out
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