your travel concierge to Philippine holidays...
your travel concierge to Philippine holidays...
One step backward, two steps forward. Tagaytay is simply that. This city mounted on higher planes is a haven for quick and stress-relieving escapes from the hurried life. With its proximity to Manila, Tagaytay offers a step back for the tired soul and a thriving spirit upon your return to the metro. Tagaytay breathes a cool country-feel breeze that rejuvenates the senses. The lush greenery set against the heavenly backdrop of the Taal volcano is an invitation for spa and relaxation. One can also take advantage of its many outdoor activities suited for the adventure lover. Best of all, Tagaytay City is the perfect nature- and-food rendezvous with its famous Civet coffee and its variety of satisfying gourmet for the one with the discerning taste.
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The overall look and feel of Tagaytay is accentuated by the wondrous view of the Taal volcano – a volcano submerged under peaceful river waters. The grand scenery is perfectly viewed from the Tagaytay Ridge, where one can simply bask in the glory of the Taal view – or go for an exhilarating zip line and cable ride for a more spectacular adventure.
Being a top tourist destination in the country, the Taal Lake opens its doors to fun travel hikes. A private transportation can pick you up from your hotel or home in Metro Manila and drive you pleasantly up to the lake. A motor boat then takes you near the Volcano crater where the adventure trek begins. An optional horseback ride is available for the trek. Guests are also treated to day tour picnic meals and coffee breaks.
There is no place worth-experiencing a pampering treatment than in Tagaytay. What with the relaxing climate and close-to-nature environment, one cannot resist spending a day in the spa. Offering treatments with international spa standards yet with a distinct Filipino theme, spa villages in the area welcome you to some heavenly relaxation. Overlooking the Tagaytay heights, you may choose to have an invigorating massage therapy and other skin and body treatments before you head on to your next destination.
How about drinking a cup of one of the most expensive coffee in the world? Tagaytay is home to the Civet (Alamid) coffee, a world-renowned beverage because of its distinct sweet-chocolatey taste and its expensive price in the international coffee market. It’s also called “Kopi Luwak” selling at £50 a cup in London. Promoted by Oprah herself, the Civet coffee comes from the efforts of civets that picks the best and ripest coffee beans, eats them, and then passed. The beans are then collected from the plantation floor early in the morning. These are then washed and roasted. The resulting coffee brings in just the right sweetness and aroma that lightens any mood.
To complete a memorable day-tour or weekend experience, have a filling meal of European and Asian dishes prepared using the town’s local greens and harvests. Tagaytay is a gourmet destinations for those seeking the freshest salads, as well as satisfying helpings of world-class cuisines. Some restaurants offers al fresco dining experience with the delightful view of Tagaytay’s greenery and volcano scenery. Hearty dishes range from the best of Italian, international and vegetarian choices.
Tagaytay is great for day tours or weekend retreats from the city. For one whole day, you get to experience the best of their exciting activities, as well as time for shopping, sight-seeing, and for some personal down time.
Tagaytay is great for day tours or weekend retreats from Manila.
Tagaytay is about two hours ride south of Manila.
From Cebu, it will take a flight to Manila and then, a short scenic land travel of about two hours or less.
Brief info on public transportation
Tagaytay is best suited for private tours, with its long but scenic ride that has a lot of places to check out or make a stop on the way. The trek includes both land travel, and transportation via a motor boat to cross the Taal lake. Expect Maogma to arrange everything in terms of transportation and packaged tours to get you on the right path to Tagaytay in safety and comfort.
List of recommended accomodations
Dining options
Sonyas Garden and Antonios are your best bet for some epicurean indulgence in this country-feel place. Both serve European-inspired dishes, as well as a variety of salad and greens creations. Bag of Beans where the popular Civet / Kopi Luwak coffee is available, is also a fine-dining spot that offers a clear and enchanting view of the Taal scenery.
Recommended activities
The trek to the Taal volcano is an exciting experience to see an active volcano up close and feel the heat of steam coming from some vents around the crater. For more adventure, Tagaytay also has zip line and cable cars passing along the great view of this elevated town in Cavite. Take a sip of the most expensive coffee in the world - the Civet coffee. And enjoy some hearty servings of both local and international dishes made from the freshest produce of the land in their top dining choices.
What to buy?
Exploring Makati can take a day. The landmarks are just a pleasant walking distance from each other. However you might want to reserve a full night to enjoy the evening entertainment specials.
ATM machines are available in Malls and there are also banks in city center. Dining and accommodation establishments accept both cash and credit card payments.
Electricity in Tagaytay and the rest of the Philippines uses 220 volts at 60 Hz with U.S. style flat blade. Power adaptors could usually be provided by hotels during their stay.
Additional layer of clothing may come in handy as it can get chilly in the evening or early morning especially in December to February. Visiting Tagaytay is a road-trip story, pull down your car windows to experience the refreshing breeze.
Tagaytay is most enjoyable during the summer months, and the holiday season from December to February.
