Tagaytay Travel Guide

Tagaytay is a destination just one to two hours away from Metro Manila. Tagaytay is the perfect place to go on a short vacation after a week of hustling in Manila. Fresh air, cool weather, good food, and the astounding view of Taal are just some of the things to look forward to here. So no need to pack your bags, or do thorough planning, just hit the road for a random trip to Tagaytay. Sometimes, the journey to your dream destination can be as short as two hours. We’ve listed down some of the best places that we know in Tagaytay. We look forward to bringing you to these places.

Driving Directions:

From Manila, the fastest way is to take the South Luzon Express Way and exit via Eton, once you exit Eton you can Waze your way to the destination that you want. You can also call us for a driver who can take you to a hassle-free trip to all our recommended places and activities below.

First stop, hearty breakfast at Breakfast at Antonio’s

It is essential to start your day with a hearty breakfast to prepare yourself for what Tagaytay has to offer! Order a serving of their Fresh Corned Beef, Beef Tapa, Eggs Benedict, and Golden Waffles to fuel up for the trek up Taal Volcano. Yes, you can go trekking in Tagaytay, not to a peak of a mountain but to a crater of a volcano.

Insider tip, don’t order too much because the servings at Breakfast at Antonio’s are huge. Make sure to order just enough to make you satisfied but not to full.

Visit Breakfast at Antonio’s at Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway, Tagaytay. You may contact them for reservations at +63 46 413-0738.

Trek to the Crater of Taal Volcano

After breakfast, head over to the jump off point of Taal in Barangay Talisay and book an outrigger boat and a local tour guide for your short trek. There are also people offering boat rides going to Taal along the highway going to Talisay, but they tend to be more expensive because these people are agents of resorts in Talisay. We recommend that you drive to Talisay yourself. When you reach Talisay, there will be rows of resorts offering boat rides and tours to Taal. Take your pick.

A boat that can fit up to 7 people can be rented for around PHP2,000.00 to PHP2,500.00 including a tour guide which usually is also the boatman. Then there’s a tourist fee of PHP100.00.

The boat ride will take you across Taal Lake to Volcano Island, the official starting point of your trek to the crater.

On the boatride to Taal, you will see this:

Most people mistake this to be the Taal Volcano when in fact, it isn’t. It is called Binintiang Malaki. The Taal Volcano and the Binintiang Malaki form this entire Volcano Island in the middle of Taal lake.

The trek is a relatively easy one and should only take 30-45 minutes by foot. You may also opt to rent a horse to take you to and from the viewing deck but for physically fit individuals, we would recommend going up by foot to fully enjoy the experience. The terrain have relatively low inclines. There are parts of the trail where the soil is loose, so always be mindful of your steps. Wear light clothing, proper trek shoes, a cap or a hat, lots of water, and even energy bars. The heat can make the trek difficult.

Once you reach the top of the Volcano, you will be greeted by this sight.

The Crater Lake is a saltwater lake that is a diluted form of sulphuric acid and is actually swimmable. The small island-like structure in the middle of the lake is called Vulcan Point and is the world’s largest island within a lake on an island within a lake on an island.

To go back, you will take the same route.

A Three-Course Lunch at Marcia Adams

After the exhausting trek to Taal, you deserve to relax and refuel so make your way to Marcia Adams – a secluded Mediterranean-inspired restaurant in Tagaytay. We recommend making a reservation in advance as the place gets packed especially on weekends.

Marcia Adams serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes that are served in 3-course meals so just choose an appetizer, entree, and dessert for a complete meal. Our personal recommendation is their Aromatic Pork and Kebabs.

The place is also perfect for a romantic date. Some tip, if you are taking your special someone to Marcia Adams, better call ahead to reserve this table. Best views on the house, guaranteed.

Visit Marcia Adams Restaurant along J.P.Rizal St, Brgy Sikat, 4123 Alfonso, Cavite. Contact them for reservations at +63 917 801 1456.

Unwind at SkyRanch

SkyRanch is located at Tagaytay – Nasugbu Hwy, Kaybagal South, Tagaytay, along the road where Breakfast at Antonio’s is located.

Night Cap at Lanai Lounge in Antonio’s

End your day with a night cap to Lanai Lounge, a secret cocktail lounge hidden inside Antonio’s Tagaytay. It’s chill, it’s quiet, and they have an amazing drinks menu. Perfect after a long and tiring day in Tagaytay.

Our drink recommendation. The Arugula Lemon Drop. It’s refreshing, tastes light, but it still packs a punch.

Just don’t drink too much if you are the one driving.

Lanai Lounge is located at Purok 138, Barangay Neogan, Luksuhin-Mangas Road, Alfonso, Tagaytay City 4120 at the back of Antonio’s restaurant. When you enter Antonio’s just ask the guard for directions going to Lanai Lounge.

Hertz Recommended Place to Stay

If you’re planning to spend more than one day in Tagaytay, we can recommend this hidden bed and breakfast called Narra Hill. Their Bali inspired floating villas are perfect for couples and families who are looking for a quiet escape from the city.

Can you imagine getting a seat to watch the sun rise and sun set right outside your bedroom wall?

The two private villas of Narra Hill may be booked exclusively through Airbnb.

Hertz Recommended Vehicle

We recommend to take a the Ford Ecosport under our Midsize SUV category in your roadtrip to Tagaytay. Something small but can power through the uphill roads on the way up some sights in Tagaytay. 

It can seat up to 5 people and can fit up to 340 liters of cargo. It has really good speakers too. Perfect for a roadtrip. You may book it through this link.

It’s time to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Take the break that you’ve been dreaming for. And let Hertz take you there!

For more adventures and tours in the Philippines checkout bookmundi.com. #HertzPH #JourneyToYourDreams

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This post was written by pau-two