nature
Taal Volcano Island
Hike to the world's smallest active volcano crater
Best timeNovember - February
Duration2 days
Budget / day₱1,500 - ₱4,000
From Manila1-2 hours by
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The lay of the land
Tagaytay is a popular weekend escape from Manila, perched on a ridge overlooking Taal Volcano and Lake. Known for its cool climate, bulalo restaurants, and stunning views, it's the perfect quick getaway for city dwellers seeking fresh air and scenic landscapes.
Tagaytay, officially the City of Tagaytay, is a component city in the province of Cavite, Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 87,811 people.
Travel guide
Located at a mountain ridge on southern Cavite, the city of Tagaytay provides a mildly cool refuge from Manila's gritty side. It is the unofficial "Second Summer Capital" of the Philippines, and its proximity to Metro Manila draws local and foreign tourists alike. Despite the city's association with scenic Taal Volcano and the lake surrounding it, being in neighboring Batangas province, Tagaytay has many hidden things beyond the first impressions. Once a sleepy mountain town, Tagaytay has been a home to many things worth visiting: scenic viewpoints, religious sites, dining, and a new arrival, shopping malls.
Get inGet aroundSeeDoEat
Highlights
01
Stunning views of Taal Volcano Island
02
Cool climate (20-25°C year-round)
03
Famous bulalo (beef marrow soup)
04
Just 1-2 hours from Manila
What to see
Top attractions
landmark
Sky Ranch
Amusement park with Ferris wheel overlooking Taal Lake
landmark
People's Park in the Sky
Abandoned mansion with panoramic views
nature
Picnic Grove
Park with ziplines, cable cars, and lake views
cultural
Puzzle Mansion
World record holder for largest puzzle collection
cultural
Pink Sisters Convent
Peaceful chapel for prayer and reflection
cultural
Tierra de Maria
Beautiful shrine with Our Lady statue and gardens
nature
Twin Lakes
Scenic vineyard and winery with lake views
How to spend the days
Things to do
Activity
Taal Volcano Trek
Boat ride + hike to the crater (currently check if open)
Guide price₱2,000-3,500
Activity
Sky Ranch Rides
Ferris wheel and amusement park
Guide price₱100-300/ride
Activity
Picnic Grove Activities
Zipline, horseback riding, cable car
Guide price₱100-500
Activity
Coffee Farm Tour
Visit local coffee farms and taste kapeng barako
Guide price₱300-500
Activity
Bulalo Food Crawl
Try different bulalo restaurants along the ridge
Guide price₱300-500/meal
Activity
Spa Day
Relax at one of many spa resorts
Guide price₱500-2,000
Activity
Twin Lakes Winery
Wine tasting with scenic views
Guide price₱500-1,000
Gallery
See it first
Logistics
Getting there
Nearest airportManila (MNL) - drive from there
From Manila1-2 hours by car via SLEX and CALAX
Travel options
- Private car via SLEX-CALAX (fastest)
- Bus from Buendia or Coastal Mall
- Van from SM Fairview or Starmall
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Eat
Local food
Bulalo
Must-try beef marrow soup - try Leslie's or Diner's
Kapeng Barako
Strong local Batangas coffee
Tawilis
Freshwater sardine only found in Taal Lake
Bibingka
Traditional rice cake, especially good during Christmas season
Sleep
Where to stay
Tagaytay Ridge
Hotels and resorts with Taal views
Nightly range₱2,500-15,000/night
Tagaytay City Proper
More affordable options, near restaurants
Nightly range₱1,500-4,000/night
Alfonso/Silang
Farm stays and nature resorts
Nightly range₱2,000-8,000/night
Talisay (lakeside)
Closer to Taal Volcano tours
Nightly range₱1,000-3,000/night
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