Located in the province of Cavite an hour north of Manila, Tagaytay (pop. around 71,000) is one of the Philippines most popular domestic destination because of its beautiful scenic landscapes, natural attractions, and relatively cooler climate, situated as it is at an altitude of 639 meters (2,096 feet). Blessed with beautiful weather and year round breezes, its perch overlooking Taal Volcano Island in the middle of Lake Taal affords mesmerizing views indeed.
Best Times To Visit
Tagaytay has a moderate climate as compared to Manila, with temperatures that are relatively mild and rainfall abundant. Like the rest of the Philippines, Tagaytay experiences high rainfall during its wet season, so you might want to avoid coming from June through September; October and November are also relatively rainy. The best time to visit Tagaytay would be in the dry season, November through May. March through May may be best months of all, because humidity is low and temperatures don't exceed 30° Celsius (86° Fahrenheit). Yet winter - December through February can also be pleasant in its own way, since the thermometer generally doesn't dip below 18°C (64°F).
How To Reach Tagaytay
The closest international airport to Tagaytay is Manila airport, an hour's drive away. You can hire taxis, rent a car, or take the bus which goes from Manila's Cubao bus terminal to Nusugbu, which passes through Tagaytay; the ride should take no more than three hours. There are also a number of bus connections to Tagaytay from various surrounding cities like Mandaluyong, Laguna, Calamba, Lemery, and San Augustin.
What to Do in Tagaytay
- Hike up Taal Volcano and enjoy the spectacular views of Taal Lake.
- Ride on the Philippines' tallest Ferris wheel at Sky Ranch.
- Have a bucolic picnic at Picnic Grove
- Relish the beautiful views at the People's Park in the Sky.
- Visit the churches: Baroque, early-17th-century Our Lady of Manaoag and the much newer (194) Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church.
- Enjoy the food at places like popular Sonya's Garden, Dreamland Arts & Crafts Café, and Pasalubong.
- Visit the ten-hectare Paradizoo, with its farm animals (cows, goats, horses, llamas, etc.), butterfly garden, flower garden, and working produce farm. There's a café on the premises, as well as the Residence Inn, a kind of theme park with attractions such as a serpentarium, 3D movie theater, magic and animal shows, horseback riding, zipline, and cable cars.
- Have a look at the world's largest puzzle collection at the Puzzle Mansion.
- Admire the fantastic artwork at the Museo Orlina, showcasing the work of internationally acclaimed glass sculpture artist Ramon Orlina, as well as temporary exhibitions of other artists.
- Shop till you drop at Ayala Malls Serin and Twin Lake Shopping Village.
- Enjoy evenings out at spots like TAJ with its live music; Papa Dom's Bar & Restaurant with its lively bar scene; budget-friendly Dencio's restaurant; the Wild Juan with its restaurant and beer garden; and Hellenic for karaoke.
For more details on what to see and do in Tagaytay, click here.
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