Experience the best of the Tagaytay Day Tour

Are you looking for a day tour destination near Manila? Or planning for a weekend trip?

Tagaytay City is the answer and one of the best tourist destinations near the capital of the Philippines, Manila. It’s only a 2-hour drive away from Manila.

Now, if you’re wondering why you should visit Tagaytay city and what to expect here, then you have to stick with this article. Because in this article, I am going to reveal my Tagaytay day tour experience, what to expect, how to get there, the best food in the city, and lastly, some bonus tips for your journey.

So without wasting further time, let’s get started!

Best time to visit Tagaytay City

Tagaytay city is well known for its cool weather. The climate is always mild and moderate here. But in the rainy season, the city gets too wet due to the highest amount of rainfall. So try to avoid visiting Tagaytay city from June to September.

On the other hand, summer and winter are the most suitable seasons to visit Tagaytay. So you can make your trip from November to May if you’re willing to watch the city with its utmost beauty.

What to expect in Tagaytay City

We’re talking about a Tagaytay day tour, but it seems pretty impossible for me to cover all its jewels in a single day. And if you don’t want to miss out on some of its most popular tourist spots, you definitely should start as earlier as possible.

Here is the list of what you can expect in Tagaytay city to make your day trip remarkable.

1. Enjoy zipline & horseback riding @ Picnic Grove

Tagaytay Picnic Grove is a place where you can enjoy the picturesque view of Taal Lake and Taal volcano and do lots of fun activities like horse riding, zipline, and cable car riding.

It is a 13-hectare park that also has an Echo trail for walking. For me, the most magnificent part of the Echo trail is the hanging bridge which will give you an elegant view.

It’s the picnic hotspot for locals as well as outsiders who come for day trips or weekend holidays. Here you can rent huts and picnic sheds at a very reasonable price. And I’m sure you will not skip its souvenir shops from where you can buy some Tagaytay famous foods and souvenir items.

Address: 4XGX+26G, Tagaytay Picnic Grove Complex, Barangay, End, Tagaytay

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 08:00 am to 08:00 pm｜Saturday 09:00 am to 09:00 pm｜Sunday 07:00 am to 08:00 pm

Entry price: PHP 50.00 per person

Horse riding price: PHP 150.00 to 200.00 hourly

Zipline prices: one-way zip ride PHP 200.00 during weekdays｜one-way zip ride PHP 300.00 during weekends and holidays

Huts & picnic sheds: PHP 100.00 to 500.00 (Depending on facilities)

2. Take pictures @ People’s Park in the Sky

People’s Park in the Sky is an unfinished mansion that is more popular as “People’s Park” among locals. 

The mansion was started to build in 1981 for the purpose of hosting the visit of US President Ronald Reagan. But the supposed visit was cancelled, and it remains unfinished. The mansion is situated at the top of the mountain. And that’s why it was named “the Palace in the Sky” in the first place.

Later on, the mansion was turned into an amusement park, and the name was replaced by People’s Park in the Sky. So if you manage to visit People’s Park, you can have a breathtaking view of the hilltop.

Apart from admiring the excellent views and taking pictures, the park doesn’t have many activities to do. Of course, you will get some souvenir shops here too.

Address: 42RC+MQ8, Tagaytay – Calamba Rd, Tagaytay

Opening hours: Everyday 08:00 am to 06:00 pm (the time may change, please check their official website or Facebook page)

Entry price: PHP 30.00 per person

3. Have sky eye experience @ Sky Ranch

Sky Ranch is one of the most exotic places to visit in Tagaytay City. It’s a theme park with 5-hectare land and offers numerous exciting and fun rides for kids, families, and thrill lovers.

The park’s most prominent and iconic ride is the “Sky Eye“. It is a Ferris wheel that is standing at the 207 feet highland and has 32 air-conditioned gondolas. These gondolas will take you up to 63 meters in height, from where you can experience the bird’s eye view.

The fun doesn’t end here! The Sky Ranch also has thrilling rides like Super Viking, Zipline, Drop Tower, Safari Splash, Log Coaster, and Bumper Car Race.

Address: Km. 60, Tagaytay – Nasugbu Hwy, Kaybagal South, Tagaytay

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm｜Saturday & Sunday 08:00 am to 10:00 pm

Entry price: PHP 100.00 per person

4. Explore Taal Volcano & Taal Lake

Taal Volcano and Taal Lake are the must-visit attractions in Tagaytay City. Though Taal Volcano is not situated under Tagaytay territory, still the place is worthwhile to put some extra effort into visiting.

It is the treasure of the city, and no tourist of Tagaytay does miss the view of Taal Volcano and Taal Lake.

The best way to admire the lake view is by dining at some nearby restaurants like  Bag of Beans, Balay Dako, Charito Ridge Park Kainan sa Kubo, and many more. Furthermore, you can go trekking at Crater Lake.

And if you have no hurry and want to stay here for the night, you can have a more enjoyable experience here.

5. Meet Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters @ The Pink Sisters Chapel & Convent

The Pink Sisters Chapel & Convent is one of the unique chapels in Tagaytay city because of its “Pink Sisters,” who are officially part of the Sister Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration. Their pink habit represents the love and joy of the Holy Spirit.

The German priest Arnold Janssen founded this Chapel with the belief that through the help of the Pink Sisters, God will grant prayers and petitions to those who are seeking it.

Many pilgrims and devotees come here to write their prayers and petitions and leave them in a box so that the Pink Sisters can read them and pray for them.

Note: Remember to maintain the dress code and don’t do anything offensively.

Address: 4XG7+H25, Tagaytay

Opening hours: Everyday 24 hours

Entry price: Free

6. Visit Puzzle Mansion

Puzzle Mansion is the pride of Tagaytay city, which holds the Guinness Book of World Records for having the largest jigsaw puzzle collection in the world. It is a private museum, and Mrs. Gina Gill Lacuna is the owner and collector of these puzzles. The museum has nearly 2,000 puzzles which are really fascinating to watch. This is one of the favourite places for kids.

Address: Brgy I. Cuadra, Tagaytay

Opening hours: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 08:00 am to 05:00 pm (closed on Monday to Thursday)

Entry price: PHP 100.00 per person

7. Admire arts @ Museo Orlina

Museo Orlina is another private museum and must-visit attraction in Tagaytay. It’s a unique type of museum that art enthusiasts should not miss. You will be amazed by visiting this museum which displays the world’s most renowned masterpieces of Ramon Orlina.

The most iconic part of this museum is the glass sculptures that are made by local and foreign artists. Even this museum has a replica of the famous “ARCANUM XIX, Paradise Gained.”

Address: Hollywood Subdivision Road Brgy, Subd, Tagaytay

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 am to 05:00 pm (closed on Monday)

Entry price: PHP 130.00 per person

8. Take a spiritual refreshment @ Caleruega Church

No place is better than a church if you’re looking for spiritual refreshment. So after your day tour at Tagaytay city, if you want to visit some nearby attractions, you can go to Caleruega Church which is located in the nearby town of Nasugbu in Batangas.

This church is one of the most affordable attractions near Tagaytay and is popular for being the perfect wedding venue.

The Caleruega Church is influenced by old Spanish architecture. And its ground is decorated by mesmerising flowers and beautiful butterflies flying around those flowers. The cute scenery of the church will make your trip worthwhile.

Address: 3RCP+X3H, Bgry. Caylaway, Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas

Opening hours: Everyday 06:00 am to 05:30 pm

Entry price: PHP 30.00 per person

9. Have spa & massage @ Nurture Wellness Village

You need no excuse to pamper yourself, and before ending your day trip to Tagaytay city, you’re worthy to get a nurturing spa & massage. In Tagaytay, I don’t think you’ll find any better wellness centre than Nurture Wellness Village.

Even this wellness centre has gained acknowledgment from CNN for being one of the most relaxing spas in Asia. They offer different packages for health and wellness services; you can choose according to your demand and enjoy the relaxing ambience in an Ifugao hut.

Address: Pulong Sagingan, Barangay Maitim II West Luzon, Tagaytay

Opening hours: Everyday 08:00 am to 09:00 pm

Entry price: Free

10. Take a visit to Sonya’s garden

Sonya’s garden is not located in Tagaytay city, but its popularity compels you to visit this beautiful garden. Basically, it’s a restaurant, but with its increasing popularity, Sonya’s garden now offers services like a spa & massage, wedding venue, accommodation, bakery, souvenir shop, and so on.

The decoration of this garden is so magnificent that you’ll feel like you have transformed into the land of flowers. Bed and Breakfast is the best service that Sonya’s Garden offers to its visitors.

Many guests of this garden come back only to enjoy the Bed and Breakfast service and wake up to the smell of flowers.

Before fishing your Tagaytay day tour, you should visit Sonya’s Garden once at least. Who knows, you may change your mind about going back and staying there for the night.

Address: Barangay Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite

Opening hours: Everyday 08:00 am to 06:00 pm

Entry price: Free

Where & what to eat during the tour

On a day tour, we may know what attractions and activities we can do there, but we often get confused about what to eat and where to eat. And then, because of the lack of knowledge, we end up having a disaster experience with food and eateries.

Don’t worry! I can assure you that I will give you authentic information about the food and eateries of Tagaytay city to make your day trip perfect.

Best coffee @ Bag of Beans

Because of the cold weather of Tagaytay city, it is natural that you will feel a craving to have a warm cup of coffee. However, you can always get Starbucks coffee there, but if you want the local taste with scenic views of Taal Lake and the volcano, you have to opt for Bag of Beans.

Located along the National Highway, Bag of Beans offers its guests their famous house blend coffee and delicious pancakes. There is no match with their pastries which they offer with the welcome drink. You can include the Bag of Beans in your Tagaytay itinerary for having Breakfast there.

Address: 3WWR+RXC, Ground Floor, Robinsons Summit Ridge, Tagaytay – Nasugbu Hwy, Tagaytay

Business hours: Thursday & Friday 09:00 am to 06:00 pm｜Saturday & Sunday 07:00 am to 09:00 pm (closed on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday)

Bulalo @ Mahogany Market

When you’re in Tagaytay, it’s impossible that you haven’t heard the name Bulalo. It’s the most famous dish in Tagaytay city, which is basically a hot bowl of soup with beef (similar to sup tulang in Malaysia).

Now the question is, where you’ll get the best Bulalo? It’s the Mahogany Market. Though you can have Bulalo anywhere in Tagaytay, only Mahogany Market can give you the authentic taste of Bulalo.

The market has many stalls that sell Bulalo at a low price. Apart from this, Mahogany Market also has a reputation for selling fresh fruits which you can also try.

Address: 10 Mahogany Ave, Tagaytay

Business hours: Everyday 06:00 am to 05:00 pm

Dine @ Nurture Wellness Village

I have mentioned Nurture Wellness Village before, where you can get a spa & massage as it’s one of the most relaxing spas in Asia. But do you know this wellness centre also has a restaurant that offers nutritious and organic meals to the guests?

Here you’ll get all the healthy, fat-free dishes, salads, organic juice, and so on. If you’re health conscious, you have to come here for dining.

Address: Pulong Sagingan, Barangay Maitim II West Luzon, Tagaytay

Business hours: Everyday 08:00 am to 09:00 pm

Satisfy your sweet tooth @ Rowena’s Pasalubong and Restaurant

Rowena’s Pasalubong and Restaurant is for all of you who have a sweet tooth. From tasty pies and fruitcakes to apple tarts and blueberry tarts, all are available at this restaurant.

The most delightful sweet dish that I personally prefer is the apple tarts. Moreover, you can take some tarts to your home.

Address: Crossing, Hill Crest Plaza, Emilio Aguinaldo Hwy, Silang Junction South, Tagaytay

Business hours: Everyday 09:00 am to 10:00 pm

How to get to Tagaytay City from Manila

Tagaytay city is not too far from Manila, so you can get easy access to that city. Public transportation like buses and vans are available to get to Tagaytay City. And if you have a private car, it would be easier for you to get there.

Now let’s find out which transportation has better facilities to get to Tagaytay City from Manila.

By Private Car

If you have a private car, it’s like you’ll have less trouble, and you can choose your own way to get to Tagaytay City. There are two roads you can choose from – South Luzon Expressway or through Emilio Aguinaldo Highway.

Both roads are easy to drive, but if you take the first one, you can reach Tagaytay much faster than the last one. But you have to pay tolls when you drive via South Luzon Expressway.

By Bus

Travelling by bus will take nearly 2 to 3 hours to reach Tagaytay, depending on traffic, and the fare is around PHP 90.00 to PHP 120.00.

There are two bus stations from where you can get a bus for Tagaytay City.

Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX): From this bus terminal, you’ll get a bus for Tagaytay every hour. At the same time, this bus terminal gives services 24 hours.

Buendia Bus Terminal: It’s another bus terminal from where you’ll get a bus for Tagaytay City. The buses of this terminal are bound for Nasugbu or Calatagan, Batangas.

By Van

Van is the fastest transport that you can have to get to Tagaytay City from Manila. It will take nearly 1.5 hours to get there. But it’s a bit more expensive than a bus. The fare is PHP 180.00 to PHP 200.00.

You can take a van from Alabang Terminal, Starmall EDSA-Shaw, or Calatagan Van Terminal. A van does not start the journey until it’s full of passengers; you may have to wait for a while. Alternatively, you can join with a paid tour from Manila

Day tour tips

Tagaytay is an amazing city for a day trip from Manila. But the weather is usually cold there. So you can take a light jacket during the cold months.

Plan your trip as early as possible so that you can cover most of the attractions of this city.

If you could make it to stay there for a night, you’ll be able to watch the night beauty of the city.

Recommended staycations if you stay for a night

Though this article is about the Tagaytay day trip, still if you wish to stay here for a night, here are some hotels that will give you the best services.

Taal Vista Hotel

Located just a 10- minute drive from Picnic Grove, Taal Vista Hotel is an accommodation that will give you services like an outdoor swimming pool, free wifi access, air-conditioned rooms, an in-house spa, and a bar, and a gaming room.

It’s an English Tudor-style building that is also part of Filipino Heritage. Though it has a traditional outlook, the rooms are fully equipped with modern amenities, including premium bedding, LED cable TV, a mini bar, and so on.

You can book this staycation from booking.com; the price starts from PHP 6,324.00.

Address: Kilometer 60 Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, Kaybagal South, Tagaytay

Contact: +639178091254

The Lake Hotel Tagaytay

I bet you have heard about The Lake Hotel Tagaytay as it’s one of the best hotels in Tagaytay. It is a 4-star accommodation that provides facilities like a fitness centre, a sauna, an outdoor pool, a beauty & spa centre, kids club, conference rooms, and honeymoon suites.

Because of these amenities, this accommodation is suitable for any guest, whether you’re a business traveller, with your family, or a couple. This hotel can give you any service that you prefer.

All their rooms are stylish and equipped with a private washroom, a refrigerator, a minibar, free Wifi access, and tea & coffee-making facilities.

You can book this staycation from booking.com, the price starts from PHP 4,640.00.

Address: Km.58, Gen. Brgy., Emilio Aguinaldo Hwy, Tagaytay

Contact: +63464134680

Jacobs Hill Tagaytay

The above two hotels are quite expensive, and not everyone can afford them. Jacobs Hill Tagaytay is for those who want moderate accommodation within budget.

Just 2 km away from the Picnic Grove, Jacobs Hill Tagaytay offers many amenities to its guests like air-conditioned rooms, free Wifi access, free parking, daily housekeeping, and many more. The best part is that all the staff are very friendly here.

You need to pay PHP 1,311.00 for a single room. Book your staycation from booking.com with the free-cancellation offer.

Address: No. 2, Hollywood Subdivision, Tagaytay-Calamba Road, Barangay Tolentino East, Cavite, Tagaytay

Contact: +63234396499

Sample Itinerary

Tagaytay has so many attractions to cover that it’s hard to make a day tour itinerary sample. Here I have given one, you can either follow this itinerary or make one by yourself. You also have the option to book a Tagaytay Day Tour from Klook.

06:00 am- Depart from Manila

08:00 am- Have Breakfast at Bag of Beans

08:30 am- Visit the Picnic Grove

10:00 am- Go to the People’s Park in the Sky

11:30 am- Visit the Puzzle Mansion

12:30 pm- Explore the Taal Lake and Volcano

01:30 pm- Have lunch at Nurture Wellness Village and take a relaxing spa or massage.

03:00 pm- Visit the Sky Ranch

04:30 pm- Explore Mahogany Market and eat the famous Bulalo

06:00 pm- Take a visit to Sonya’s Garden

FAQs

Q1. Is Tagaytay open for tourists?

A1. Yes, Tagaytay city and the tourist spots of this city are totally open. Now the city warmly welcomes every tourist.

Q2. What are the couple-friendly places in Tagaytay?

A2. There are many places in Tagaytay City that are couple-friendly and couples can have a romantic time there. Such places are

Taal Lake

Sky Ranch

Nurture Wellness Village

People’s Park in the Sky

Sonya’s Garden

Q3. What are the kid-friendly spots in Tagaytay?

A3. Kids will undoubtedly love this place as Tagaytay offers so many kid-friendly spots to visitors such as

Picnic Grove

Puzzle Mansion

Sky Ranch

People’s Park in the Sky

Q4. How many hours do I need to travel from Manila to Tagaytay?

A4. How many hours you need to go to Tagaytay City depends on the traffic situation. From Manila, it takes approximately 2 hours to reach Tagaytay City.