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 relative proximity from 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.
Rising at about 600m, Tagaytay is cooler than the lowlands of Cavite, and some rich residents, both Filipino and foreigner, have set up mansions near to the scenic views of mountains and the dominating Taal volcano and lake. It is a city of 70,000, scattered in 38 barangays.
Tagaytay is unofficially called the "Second Summer Capital of the Philippines" by locals and tourists in comparison to Baguio; official statistics as of 2015 record 500,000 tourist arrivals. Tagaytay becomes crowded during Christmas and Holy Week, so the main highways to the city becomes jammed.
Tagaytay's name is derived from the Tagalog word for "mountain ridge", but there is an urban legend circulating by word of mouth to describe the origin of the city's name. The tale describes the orgin of the name "Tagaytay" as coming from the yells of a boy who were hunting with his father on the location of the current city. The boy shouted "Taga, itay" after his father hunted and caught one, and this words echoed at the mountain, that led to the name.
Tagaytay, despite its city status, looks more of a aggregation of villages and towns, with subdivisions — gated or not — and farmland in between, however, large urban developments like high-rise condominiums and shopping malls have arrived in Tagaytay, and traffic jams have become a problem during peak season.
Important to local orientation are the main roads and the major junctions, which form the commercial centers. Aguinaldo Highway is the east-west artery and main commercial street, becoming Tagaytay-Calamba Road to Picnic Grove and People's Park east of the central roundabout, Tagaytay Rotonda. Tagaytay Rotonda, aka Olivarez Junction (after the eponymous college and mall complex), has two large malls and the roundabout where Aguinaldo Highway turns to the west. Mahogany Junction, and the Kaybagal area, rather two barangays with directional disambiguation on their names, has the casino, city hall complex, public market, the Sky Ranch theme park, the Summit Ridge mall, and the Taal Vista Hotel. Between the Mahogany and Olivarez areas are the strip of cliffside restaurants with views of Taal volcano and lake (and Batangas province), and a row of retreat houses. Western Tagaytay, which blurs into the adjacent municipality of Alfonso, has Crossing Mendez, another junction with a commercial strip, some accommodations, the Puzzle Mansion, and Zoori (Zoo and Residence Inn).
Tagaytay has a mild climate and dramatic scenery, which makes it popular with residents of Manila. Average temperatures range from to . There are three seasons, a cool dry season, hot dry season (summer) and the wet season. Peak seasons are the cool dry season, which includes the Christmas and New Year period, and the hot dry season, which includes the Holy Week peak period.
The cool dry season from December to March is the most pleasant season to visit, with daytime highs below the 30s and nighttime lows from and below, and not much rainfall, except in December.
The hot dry season is characterized by daytime highs at, but is short, only lasting between April and May, and the weather becomes variable by May. While the humidity can make the heat unbearable, Tagaytay generally does have cooler temperatures, so many tourists flock the city during Holy Week.
Rainy season covers much of the year, from June to November, but the weather can be changeable. July and August has the most rainfall, and it's best to avoid those months.
Most tourists visit Tagaytay to view Taal Volcano, is an active volcano with a large crater lake with a small cone rising in the middle. Though part of nearby Batangas province, tours to the are mostly organized from here (see #Do). You can just view the volcano from the slopes of the city; trips to the volcano are expensive though to local standards, but reasonable to foreign standards, especially if you bargain.
- 11th Airborne Division Marker. On February 3, 1945, the 11th Airborne Division of Lt. Gen. Robert L. Eichelberger’s 8th U.S. Army airdropped military supplies and personnel together with the Philippine Commonwealth troops on the Tagaytay Ridge amidst enemy groundfire. Their mission was to secure Tagaytay City and guarantee the easy flow of troops and supplies to Manila, an action later proved as significant to the liberation of Manila. A marker was erected at the Silang Crossing to honor the event.
- 41st Division USAFFE Marker, Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road, Kaybagal South (At front of Sky Ranch. Tagaytay played a significant role in Philippine history. During World War II, Filipino soldiers and military officers found refuge on its vast forests and ridges. It was used as landing site and sanctuary for the Filipino USAFFE soldiers and paratroopers on their way to liberate Manila on February 3 to March 3, 1945. The 41st USAFFE marker is a place where one can know more about Tagaytay’s rich political history. It is adjacent to the Metro Tagaytay College of Business and Arts in Brgy. Kaybagal South.
- Divine Word Seminary, SVD Road, Mag-asawang Ilat. One of biggest schools of theology in the Philippines in terms of population and land area, is also one of the oldest religious institutions in the city. It is run by Divine Word Missionaries also known as SVD.
- The Flower Farm. On a windy slope of a hill sprawls a flower farm that keeps Manila abloom whole year round. This five-hectare flower farm has many varieties of flowers, such as chrysanthemums with assorted colors, gerberas, carnations, roses, and anthuriums. It is in Barangay Guinhawa, Tagaytay City. From Tagaytay City, the farm is a brief 10-minute drive from the Aguinaldo Highway.
- Japanese Friendship Garden. This 1200m2 garden was constructed to inculcate the value of freedom, peace and international unity into the hearts and minds of the people. It is in front of Development Academy of the Philippines Conference Center, in Brgy. Sungay East.
- One Destination. This travel spot in the sky city is a strip of fancy restaurants and bars. Being the nightlife hub of Tagaytay, it offers varied cuisine and entertainment to tourists. Some of the noted establishments around are Dencio's Grill, Pancake House, Starbucks Coffee, Yellow Cab, RSM, Leslies, Max's Restaurant, Cliffhouse, Antonio's Grill, and Henlin.
- People's Park in the Sky. A blending of natural and man-made attractions, poised on the highest point of Tagaytay City and the province of Cavite. It stands on a 4516m2 of solid ground and overlooks four bodies of water – Taal Lake, Balayan Bay, Laguna de Bay and Manila Bay - including nearby mountains. It is located at Dapdap West and Dapdap East, approximately 8km east from the Tagaytay City Circle. The Palace In The Sky the main attraction of the site was designed to be the presidential guest house of former president Ferdinand Marcos, this complex was never completed. It is, however, now open to the public as a vantage area for viewing the Taal Volcano. The place is a short drive from the Aguinaldo Highway in Tagaytay City. It is 15 minutes' drive from Aguinaldo Highway.
- Pink Sister's Convent. Behind the bars and glass of the Adoration Convent of Divine Mercy are those who answered the call to live in silence. Located at the Holy Spirit Drive in Barangay Maitin in the city, the convent often called the Pink Sisters Chapel has endless visitors carrying their own list of prayers. Also included in their visit is the chance to see nuns praying with them 24 hours a day, seven days a week, although they can only be seen behind the iron grilles of the altar.
- St. Anne's Shrine. 7:00-19:00. The shrine is a small garden where a grotto of the Virgin Mary stands, surrounded by well maintained shrubbery and flower garden. In front of the grotto is a small grass clearing, which is conducive to quiet reflection. It is in Barangay Sungay, Tagaytay City. From Manila, take BLTB buses that pass by Barangay Silang Crossing to the Tagaytay Marker. At Tagaytay Marker, alight to take a utility jeep leading to Barangay Sungay where the gate of the Shrine can be spotted from the road. It is about 2 hours' drive from Manila.
- Sky Ranch Tagaytay, Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road, Kaybagal South (Beside the Taal Vista Hotel, +63 921 323-3389. Mo-Fr 10AM-10PM; Sa-Su and holidays: 8AM-10PM. 5ha amusement park opened in 2013, with an assortment of rides, restaurants and souvenir shops. It houses the 63m Ferris wheel Sky Eye.
- Tagaytay Picnic Grove, Tagaytay-Calamba Road, Sungay East. Tagaytay's playground is the popular Picnic Grove, a large park that features huts and tables for picnicking, horseback riding, a restaurant, an eco-trail boardwalk, a zipline and cable cars on the gentle slopes of the Tagaytay Ridge. It is a prime location, providing the finest view of the volcano far below.
- Tierra de Maria. A Catholic sanctuary garden known for its 50-foot statue of the Virgin Mary found right beside Tagaytay Picnic Grove. Catholics consider this as the HOME (Haven Of Meditation and Enrichment) of the Blessed Virgin Mary
11th Airborne Division Marker. On February 3, 1945, the 11th Airborne Division of Lt. Gen. Robert L. Eichelberger’s 8th U.S. Army airdropped military supplies and personnel together with the Philippine Commonwealth troops on the Tagaytay Ridge amidst enemy groundfire. Their mission was to secure Tagaytay City and guarantee the easy flow of troops and supplies to Manila, an action later proved as significant to the liberation of Manila. A marker was erected at the Silang Crossing to honor the event.
41st Division USAFFE Marker, Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road, Kaybagal South (At front of Sky Ranch. Tagaytay played a significant role in Philippine history. During World War II, Filipino soldiers and military officers found refuge on its vast forests and ridges. It was used as landing site and sanctuary for the Filipino USAFFE soldiers and paratroopers on their way to liberate Manila on February 3 to March 3, 1945. The 41st USAFFE marker is a place where one can know more about Tagaytay’s rich political history. It is adjacent to the Metro Tagaytay College of Business and Arts in Brgy. Kaybagal South.
Divine Word Seminary, SVD Road, Mag-asawang Ilat. One of biggest schools of theology in the Philippines in terms of population and land area, is also one of the oldest religious institutions in the city. It is run by Divine Word Missionaries also known as SVD.
The Flower Farm. On a windy slope of a hill sprawls a flower farm that keeps Manila abloom whole year round. This five-hectare flower farm has many varieties of flowers, such as chrysanthemums with assorted colors, gerberas, carnations, roses, and anthuriums. It is in Barangay Guinhawa, Tagaytay City. From Tagaytay City, the farm is a brief 10-minute drive from the Aguinaldo Highway.
Japanese Friendship Garden. This 1200m2 garden was constructed to inculcate the value of freedom, peace and international unity into the hearts and minds of the people. It is in front of Development Academy of the Philippines Conference Center, in Brgy. Sungay East.
One Destination. This travel spot in the sky city is a strip of fancy restaurants and bars. Being the nightlife hub of Tagaytay, it offers varied cuisine and entertainment to tourists. Some of the noted establishments around are Dencio's Grill, Pancake House, Starbucks Coffee, Yellow Cab, RSM, Leslies, Max's Restaurant, Cliffhouse, Antonio's Grill, and Henlin.
People's Park in the Sky. A blending of natural and man-made attractions, poised on the highest point of Tagaytay City and the province of Cavite. It stands on a 4516m2 of solid ground and overlooks four bodies of water – Taal Lake, Balayan Bay, Laguna de Bay and Manila Bay - including nearby mountains. It is located at Dapdap West and Dapdap East, approximately 8km east from the Tagaytay City Circle. The Palace In The Sky the main attraction of the site was designed to be the presidential guest house of former president Ferdinand Marcos, this complex was never completed. It is, however, now open to the public as a vantage area for viewing the Taal Volcano. The place is a short drive from the Aguinaldo Highway in Tagaytay City. It is 15 minutes' drive from Aguinaldo Highway.
Pink Sister's Convent. Behind the bars and glass of the Adoration Convent of Divine Mercy are those who answered the call to live in silence. Located at the Holy Spirit Drive in Barangay Maitin in the city, the convent often called the Pink Sisters Chapel has endless visitors carrying their own list of prayers. Also included in their visit is the chance to see nuns praying with them 24 hours a day, seven days a week, although they can only be seen behind the iron grilles of the altar.
St. Anne's Shrine. 7:00-19:00. The shrine is a small garden where a grotto of the Virgin Mary stands, surrounded by well maintained shrubbery and flower garden. In front of the grotto is a small grass clearing, which is conducive to quiet reflection. It is in Barangay Sungay, Tagaytay City. From Manila, take BLTB buses that pass by Barangay Silang Crossing to the Tagaytay Marker. At Tagaytay Marker, alight to take a utility jeep leading to Barangay Sungay where the gate of the Shrine can be spotted from the road. It is about 2 hours' drive from Manila.
Sky Ranch Tagaytay, Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road, Kaybagal South (Beside the Taal Vista Hotel, +63 921 323-3389. Mo-Fr 10AM-10PM; Sa-Su and holidays: 8AM-10PM. 5ha amusement park opened in 2013, with an assortment of rides, restaurants and souvenir shops. It houses the 63m Ferris wheel Sky Eye.
Tagaytay Picnic Grove, Tagaytay-Calamba Road, Sungay East. Tagaytay's playground is the popular Picnic Grove, a large park that features huts and tables for picnicking, horseback riding, a restaurant, an eco-trail boardwalk, a zipline and cable cars on the gentle slopes of the Tagaytay Ridge. It is a prime location, providing the finest view of the volcano far below.
Tierra de Maria. A Catholic sanctuary garden known for its 50-foot statue of the Virgin Mary found right beside Tagaytay Picnic Grove. Catholics consider this as the HOME (Haven Of Meditation and Enrichment) of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Many travellers to Tagaytay include a tour to Taal Volcano to their itinerary. Tours are expensive to locals, but can be less costly if you ignore some tourist frills like horses or tour guides. Foreigners will find the costs a good deal depending on the season.
As of October 2018, the total time & budget for only Taal lake daytrip from Manila:
- 2 hours one way: Manila to Olivarez ( per person)
- 1 hour: to reach the spot where you board the boat, lunch, gather other passengers if you are bold, etc. ( in a 3-wheeler trike, one or two persons)
- 45 minutes: boat ride ( per boat, another per person for the various taxes, tolls, etc. ( for entry, for bridge)
- 45 minutes to go up on a horse. ( per head for a horse). A guide costs per group, but it is not necessary, since the horse owners accompany you anyway.
- 30 minutes up there to do sightseeing, click photographs,
- 30 minutes to go down on a horse (cost included in the cost of going up)
- 45 minutes: boat ride (cost included in the boat ride)
- 1 hour: to reach the bus, wait for the bus, etc. ( per 2-wheeler, one or two persons)
- 2 hours: back to Manila. (cost: per person)
Leave Manila before 10AM for seeing the sites in good daylight!
Total time if you go from Manila 9 hours, (a day trip), not counting your commute time in Manila, to and fro the bus terminal.
Small shops line the roadway as you come into the area, the vegetables and fruits are fresh and good quality.
The area is also famous for its Buko Pie.
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.
- Ayala Malls Serin. One of the newer malls, part of real estate conglomerate Ayala's development Serin, beside the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.
Ayala Malls Serin. One of the newer malls, part of real estate conglomerate Ayala's development Serin, beside the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.
- Mushroom Burger, Aguinaldo Highway, Kaybagal South. 8AM-10PM.
Mushroom Burger, Aguinaldo Highway, Kaybagal South. 8AM-10PM.
- Josephine Restaurant, KM 58 Aguinaldo Highway, Maharlika West. Breakfast: 7-10AM; Lunch: 11AM-2:30PM (weekdays), 11AM-3PM (weekends and holidays); Dinner: 5-10:30PM (weekdays), 5-11PM (weekends and holidays). Provides authentic Filipino cuisine, best if you are seated at the back, which has great view of Taal Volcano. They also provide catering for large events. The ambiance is good especially for lovers and families too. A very cool place specially starting during the "ber months", from September.
- Neul Borm, Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road corner C.M. Delos Reyes Avenue, Kaybagal South. 10AM-10PM. Reasonably priced Korean dining, complete with hot pot and soju.
Josephine Restaurant, KM 58 Aguinaldo Highway, Maharlika West. Breakfast: 7-10AM; Lunch: 11AM-2:30PM (weekdays), 11AM-3PM (weekends and holidays); Dinner: 5-10:30PM (weekdays), 5-11PM (weekends and holidays). Provides authentic Filipino cuisine, best if you are seated at the back, which has great view of Taal Volcano. They also provide catering for large events. The ambiance is good especially for lovers and families too. A very cool place specially starting during the "ber months", from September.
Neul Borm, Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road corner C.M. Delos Reyes Avenue, Kaybagal South. 10AM-10PM. Reasonably priced Korean dining, complete with hot pot and soju.
- Antonio's, Tagaytay–Nasugbu Road, Purok 7, Niogan (Just past Taal Vista Lodge., +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.. per person.
Antonio's, Tagaytay–Nasugbu Road, Purok 7, Niogan (Just past Taal Vista Lodge., +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.. per person.
Coffee - Coffee shops are abundant in the city proper, some of the noted ones are Starbucks Coffee and Bag of Beans.
Tagaytay is a safe place to visit, and the locals are very nice, just beware of the usual things in Tagaytay such as scammers and pickpockets; in short exercise the usual level of common sense when travelling.
Beware of the obvious scams and ensure that if you are visiting Taal volcano or any other attractions with guides that they have the proper identification usually administered by the Philippine Tourist Board.
As with all tourist destinations, they like to "plus plus" everything, that is add the taxes and the tourist fee on later, so make sure that you ask for the complete price inclusive of tourist fee. It is recommended that if you visit Taal Volcano and you go horseback riding, that you demand to pay your guide a tip and forego paying as a tour guide fee at the ticket office as this ensures that your working guide actually gets paid as they get undercut from the ticket office; a tip of usually suffices.
Police, Medical and Fire: 911. 911 may also be texted from cellphones. Tourist hotline: +63 2-5241728, +63 2-5241660 Immigration hotline: 527 Directory assistance: 187 (fee applies)
Mobile phone reception is good in the area.
Indang, a quiet, off-the-beaten-track municipality with some historical sights and some resorts, can be reached within 15 to 30 minutes.
Western Batangas can be reachable by a 30-minute or 1-hour road trip. Nearest places are:
- Nasugbu — The touristic and commercial center of the region, with luxury beach resorts, mountain hiking, and a few sights.
- Lemery and Taal — Two contrasting towns, separated by a river that once connected Taal Lake and volcano with the sea. Lemery is mostly commercial, with some sights and a few beaches, while Taal has heritage homes, a very old basilica, and butterfly knife (balisong) producers and shops.
Taal Volcano can be visited without having to book a tour in Tagaytay, but tend to be expensive if a tout approaches you on the Batangas side. Talisay is the main entry point, within the designated park boundaries, and has luxurious lakeside resorts, but its town center has little to nothing to see.
[[Nasugbu]] — The touristic and commercial center of the region, with luxury beach resorts, mountain hiking, and a few sights.
[[Lemery]] and [[Taal]] — Two contrasting towns, separated by a river that once connected [[Taal Lake]] and volcano with the sea. Lemery is mostly commercial, with some sights and a few beaches, while Taal has heritage homes, a very old basilica, and butterfly knife (balisong) producers and shops.