Tagaytay City

Located 56 kilometers south of Manila, this idyllic ridge city in the southern part of Cavite is blessed with crisp and cool mountain air all year round. Considered as the country's second summer capital after Baguio City, Tagaytay has an average temperature of 22.7 degrees Celsius. Located 2,250 feet above sea level, Tagaytay offers many residents of Manila an opportunity to escape the heat and bustle of the busy city. For tourists, this city on a ridge is a convenient place to spend a day or a weekend in the countryside. It is also a popular spot for viewing Taal Volcano, reputedly the world's smallest active volcano.

Tagaytay City
Tagaytay City is a vantage point of Taal Lake and Volcano. Taal Volcano , reputed to be the world's smallest volcano, rests on a serene blue lake. Tagaytay City provides a good view of the Taal Volcano. The city is a popular summer tourist destination because of its cool climate due to its high altitude. From Tagaytay, you can arrange a trip to the volcano island in the middle of Taal Lake. With its cool climate and clean air, Tagaytay City is the perfect place for leisure activities like picnics, horseback riding, camping and sightseeing.

Tagaytay City is the first chartered municipal corporation in the province of Cavite. The Philippine National Assembly granted its city charter in 1938. Before this, Tagaytay was just a small mountain village of some 300 families. Development came only in the 1970s when rich investors began putting up posh condominiums, modern townhouses and multi-story establishments. To this day, there are conflicting versions on how the city got its present name.

Described as the country's top tourist destination, Tagaytay attracts all types of visitors - local picnickers, foreign tourists, adventure seekers and religious individuals. As a center of spiritual retreat, Tagaytay offers invigorating relief from the mayhem of city life.

Traveling by private care, air-conditioned bus or by jeepney, Manila residents take a 90-minute drive to Tagaytay on weekends for pleasure activities. Amusement centers are spread across the 65-square-kilometer city. World-class playgrounds, golf courses, picnic huts, skating rinks, horse trails, bars, restaurants, hotels and resorts and just among Tagaytay's well-planned tourist complexes, which offer the visitors an exciting stay.

Recently, the city has seen the rise of many congregational houses and retreat centers. Religious groups find Tagaytay conducive to spiritual meditation, owing to the serenity of the surroundings. Furthermore, sprawling flower farms, coconut groves and pineapple plantations enhance the natural scenery of the city.

More than anything else, Tagaytay is the city that offers an unobstructed view of Taal Volcano, a natural wonder sitting on a tranquil lake, which was formed after centuries of volcanic eruptions.

Taal Volcano

The hotels and restaurants stretched along the Aguinaldo Highway in Tagaytay City offers a breathtaking sight of Taal Volcano, reputedly the world's smallest active volcano. Often described as "a crater within an island within a lake", the 406-meter-high Taal Volcano stands as an island on Taal Lake, an immense caldera formed when a much-larger crater of an ancient volcano collapsed into deeply eroded hills and cliffs.

The ridges around Tagaytay and surrounding towns are in fact believed to be part of the crater of the old volcano. Today, these ridges form part of the border of the 18-mile-diameter Taal Lake and stretch 32 kilometers from Mount Batulao to Mount Sungay.

Taal Volcano is considered as one of the world's most active volcanoes. Since 1572, the volcano has had over 20 violent eruptions, throwing rains of lava and mud into surrounding villages.

During its lull period, the volcano is an ideal place for adventure seekers and nature sightseers. The upper part of the volcano, which is visible as an island, is made up of hard rock and sand. Its crater lake formed by hardened lava creates menacing patterns on cinder dunes. Beyond the crater are green, hilly meadows that cover the slopes.

A visit to Taal Volcano can be arranged through the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), which maintains a station on the island. Visitors can take a boat ride around the volcano or visit small farming communities nearby. The more athletic tourists trek to the rim of the volcano during its sleeping lull.

A word of caution may be in order. Around the Tagaytay area numerous touts operate selling Taal lake tours. These appear to be fixed prices (quite expensive) and give the impression to may tourists that you have to pay their ticket price if you want to visit Taal. These touts - and the people behind them (they are well organised) - are a complete rip off! They promise a lot but deliver very little. Unlike other places where the tourist traffic is well organised and regulated, at Tagaytay, it appears that the objective is to fleece as much as the market will bear. If you want to visit Taal, best go with a knowledgeable local and pay only for the services you want once you get to the lake.

Palace in the Sky

Tagaytay City is a conglomerate of fun-filled destinations. Aside from the unobstructed view of Taal Volcano, the city has a lot more to offer. Situated at the top of the highest ridge in the area is the amazing "Palace in the Sky" complex built during the Marcos administration. Originally designed as the presidential guesthouse, the complex is now known as the "People's Park".

The complex features a large building complete with luxurious amenities. Its picnic huts andrelaxation areas now serve as the prime vantage point for viewing the whole of Cavite and Batangas. It also affords visitors an unobstructed coverage of the Taal Lake and surrounding ridges.

The spot can be reached after traversing a long winding road uphill. At the gate of the complex, visitors are greeted by the vista of the vast expanse and the cool mountain breeze coming from different directions.

Other Attractions

Along Aguinaldo Highway in Tagaytay City rise hotels, restaurants, bars and resorts. These festive joints provide a magnificent view of Taal Lake. The Rancho Freba, Taal Vista Lodge, Days Hotel, Casino Filipino and Residence Inn Hotel also have facilities for amusement and sports. Visitors can also go skating and horseback riding in the nearby facilities. Also nearby, a mini-zoo, with a rich collection of varied fauna, is open to the public.

The 13-hectare Tagaytay Picnic Grove is the most visited complex in the city. Operated by the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), it offers picnic huts for a fee. For visitors who intend to stay overnight, the complex has basic dormitory-type and cottage suites. It also has facilities for skating and horseback riding.

Just beside the Tagaytay Picnic Grove is the well-maintained Japanese Friendship Garden. This 1,200-square-meter park relaxes the weary visitors with its finely manicured lawn, lush ornamental plants and blooming flowers. It also has a small fountain area under the heavy shade of mango trees.

Another interesting spot is the Tagaytay Highlands International Golf Club, Inc. This estate boasts of a modern cable car facility that affords members with a stunning view of the lush greeneries of Tagaytay City.

Tagaytay City teems with playgrounds, gardens, flower farms, seafood restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops. Among the most notedman-made structures in thecity are the Lourdes Church, the Franciscan Sisters' gray chapel, the Saint Anne Shrine, and the 11th Airborne Monument on the Silang Rotonda area.

For souvenir items and great buys, the ideal places to visit are the Mahogany Market behind the Tagaytay City Hall, the Picnic Grove souvenir shop, and the cluster of fruits stalls along Aguinaldo Highway. More items are available in Taal, Batangas and other lakeside towns.

Going to Tagaytay

Tagaytay City is just a 1 ½-hour drive from Metro Manila. It can be reached via the Coastal Road or via the South Luzon Expressway (exit at Santa Rosa) and Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road, or may be reached via the Coastal Road Expressway and the Aguinaldo Highway. If going through the South Luzon Expressway, take the Carmona Exit and drive down through the Governor's Drive and turn to Maguyam, Silang up to the entrance of Tagaytay City. Or through South Luzon Expressway, take Sta. Rosa exit going straight to Tagaytay City.

Public buses with terminal station in Pasay City ply the Tagaytay route. BLTB buses bound for Nasugbu or Balayan and Batangas also pass the Aguinaldo Highway in Tagaytay.

There are two possible ways to get to Tagaytay via the Coastal Road: Taking the Coastal Road to the Aguinaldo Highway and continuing south, and using the Indang and Mendez Roads in the Trece Martires City and Amadeo areas.

For private cars, the shortest road to Tagaytay is the Carmona route (via the South Superhighway). This leads through Baccor, Imus and Dasmarinas to the town of Silang and on up to the entrance of Tagaytay. An alternative route is the Coastal Road from Pasay City to Las Piñas, which leads eventually to the Aguinaldo Highway.

If coming from the neighboring town of Ternate, Cavite take the Naic Road and drive straight to Indang and Trece Martires City. From Batangas, the best way to reach Tagaytay is through the new circumferential road. From Laguna, you may enter Tagaytay through the Carmona exit. There are buses that ply to Tagaytay from Manila on a daily basis. Several bus companies have their terminals in Cubao, EDSA, Pasay City, and at Baclaran, below LRT, Manila.

  • Hotels In Tagaytay

    First Class Hotels
    Standard Class Hotels
    Economy Class Hotels
    TAAL VISTA HOTEL
    Km. 60 Gen Aguinaldo Highway
    Tagaytay City
    Tel.: (63 46) 413-1000 / 413-0593, (63 02) 887-6791 to 92
    Fax : (63 46) 413-1225
    www.taalvistahotel.com     		TAGAYTAY COUNTRY HOTEL
    Gen. Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City
    Telefax: (63 46) 413-3310
    email: taga...@yahoo.com
    www.tagaytaycountryhotel.com     		TAGAYTAY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTER (TICC)
    Kaybagal South, Tagaytay City
    Tel.: (63 46) 413-4240 / 413-4250
    email: taga...@yahoo.com
    SUMMIT RIDGE HOTEL
    Gen. AGuinaldo Highway, Maharlika West
    Tagaytay City
    Tel.: (63 46) 860-2913
    (63 02) 240-6888    		 THE LAKE HOTEL
    Gen. Aguinaldo Highway, Maharlika East
    Tagaytay City
    Tel.: (63 46) 413-4682
    www.thelakehoteltagaytay.com    		 CHARACTER HOTEL
    Kaybagal South, Tagaytay City
    Tel.: (63 46) 413-4240 / 413-4250
    email: tagaytayinternational@yahoo.com
    ONE TAGAYTAY PLACE HOTEL SUITES
    Barrio Sungay, Tagaytay City, Philippines
    Phone Numbers: (0922) 834 8874, (046) 483 0111, (046) 483 5813 to 17 (Tagaytay)
    Manila Sales Office: (+632) 818 8318
    Fax Number: (+632) 818 8319
    www.onetagaytayhotel.com/     		HOTEL DOMINIQUE, INC.
    Km. 55 Gen. Aguinaldo Highway
    Maitim II East, Tagaytay City
    Tel.: (63 46) 860-2193 / 413-0531
    email: hoteldominique@yahoo.com
    HOTEL KIMBERLY
    Kaybagal North, Tagaytay City
    Tel.: (63 46) 483-8888 / 483-5210     		 DISCOVER COUNTRY SUITE
    Calamba Road, San Jose, Tagaytay City
    Tel.: (63 46) 413-4567
    dcsr...@discover.com
    http://www.discovercountrysuites.com/
    DAYS HOTEL
    Silang Crossing East, Tagaytay City
    Tel.: (63 46) 413-2400

  • Restaurants In Tagaytay City

    Josephine Restaurant
    Tagaytay-Batangas Highway
    Kilometer 58
    Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Highway
    Tagaytay City, Tagaytay
    Tel. No. (046) 483-18-01 to 02    		 Sonya's Garden
    Barangay Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite, Philippines (near the vicinity of Tagaytay City, Philippines)
    For reservations, call: +63-9175329097 / +63-9175335140 / +63-9175231080
    Email: i...@sonyasgarden.com
    Website: http://www.sonyasgarden.com/     		Taal Vista Hotel Restaurant
    Kilometer 60, Aguinaldo Highway
    Tagaytay City 4120, Philippines
    Tel No: +63 (46) 413 1000
    Fax No: +63 (2) 886 4325, +63 (46) 413 1225
    http://www.taalvistahotel.com/     		Bag of Beans Coffee Shop and Bakery
    115 Aguinaldo Highway
    Mendez Crossing West, Tagaytay City
    Phone: +63 46 413 4356, +63 46 413 4356, +63 46 413 2724
    Mile Hi Diner Tagaytay City
    It has a floor area of 150 sq. meters on a 220 sq. meter lot. It is located at One Destination, Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City overlooking Taal Lake.
    Store Hours: 11:00am - 12 midnight ( Sunday to Thursday ), 10:00am - 2:00 am ( Friday and Saturday )
    Telephone No.: 046-483-0707 (with delivery service)    		 Manos Greek Restaurant
    Calamba Road
    Brgy. San Jose (Olevares)
    Tagaytay City
    Tel. No. (mobile) 0916 429 8358
    Fax (046) 860 2559    		 Max's Restaurant
    Aguinaldo Highway. San Jose
    Tagaytay City
    Tel. No. (046) 483-03-60    		 Kon-Tiki Bar and Restaurant
    Tagaytay City, Cavite, Philippines
    Tel: (046) 413-3600
    Carlo’s Pizza Tagaytay City
    It has a store building area of 180sq. meter built on a 220 sq. meter lot overlooking Taal Lake with a seating capacity of 150 persons. It has al fresco dining area that overlooks the panoramic view of Taal Lake.
    Hours: 11:00 am - 12 midnight ( Monday -Thursday), 10:00am - 2:00 am ( Friday and Saturday )
    Telephone No.:046-483-0707 (accepts group functions and delivery service available in the area)
    Website: http://carlospizza.net/documents/carlo_s_pizza_tagaytay_city.html     		Josephine Restaurant Tagaytay
    Km. 58 Gen. Aguinaldo Highway, Maharlika West, Tagaytay City
    Manila Landline: (02) 871.5627
    Tagaytay: (046) 413.1801
    Mobile: 09159856711
    Fax: (046) 413.1802
    Email: jose...@pldtdsl.com
    Website: http://www.josephinerestaurant.com/     		Alamat Restaurant
    Restaurant Picnic Grove Complex
    Calamba Road, Sungay East
    Tagaytay City
    Tel. No. (046) 860-02-16 to 17    		 Rojonet Restaurant
    Tagaytay-Batangas Highway
    Maharlika West, Tagaytay City
    Tel. No. (046) 483-10-85
    China Pearl Restaurant/ Angelino's Pizza Pasta
    Tagaytay-Batangas Highway
    Mendez Crossing West,
    Kaybagal South, Tagaytay City
    Tel. No. (046) 483-10-92    		 Café Lupe Grill and Restaurant
    1 Destination, Silang, Tagaytay City, Cavite, Philippines
    Tel: (046) 413-1412    		 Diner's Café
    Tagaytay-Batangas Highway
    Tagaytay City
    Tel. No. (046) 413-18-45    		 Aure's Restaurant
    Tagaytay-Batangas Highway
    Mendez Crossing West, Tag. City
    Tel. No. (046) 483-18-37
    Tom Sawyer
    Tagaytay-Calamba Road
    San Jose, Tagaytay City
    Tel. No. (046) 483-15-53    		 Ronamar Restaurant
    Tagaytay-Batangas Highway
    Maharlika West, Tagaytay City
    Tel. No. (046) 483-13-60    		 Mushroom Burger
    Tagaytay-Batangas Highway
    Kaybagal South, Tagaytay City
    Tel. No.(046) 483-13-30    		 Viewsite Restaurant
    Tagaytay-Batangas Highway
    Mendez Crossing East, Tag. City
    Tel. No. (046) 860-05-48
    Big Bird's Chicken Inasal, Taguig
    Unit GF-B, The Sapphire Residences Condominium, 30th St. cor. 2nd Ave., Crescent Park West
    Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines
    Tel: (02) 553-2470
    Mandarin Express/Sizzling King
    Grandview Complex
    Tagaytay-Calamba Road,
    San Jose, Tagaytay City
    Tel. No. (046) 860-12-46     		Jollibee
    Aguinaldo Highway,
    Silang Crossing East, Tagaytay City
    and City Taal Vista Hotel Complex
    Kaybagal South, Tagaytay City
    Tel. No. (046) 483-09-21 and 860-07-58    		 Butchay's Restaurant
    Tagaytay-Batangas Highway
    Mendez Crossing West, Tagaytay City
    Tel. No. (046) 860-02-55    		 Mcdonalds
    Aguinaldo Highway
    San Jose, Tagaytay City and
    Tagaytay-Batangas Highway,
    Kaybagal South, Tagaytay City
    Tel.Nos. (046) 860-14-22 and 483-23-19
    Also See Tagaytay Hotels, All of Those Hotels Have Their Own Restaurant Facility

  • Golf Clubs and Yacht Clubs:

    Tagaytay Highlands International Golf Club, Inc.
    Telephone: 815-8026, 815-8470, Fax: 815-8024, 81508018
    http://www.tagaytayhighlands.com/     		The Country Club at Tagaytay Highlands, Inc.
    Telephone no. 046.4830853
    http://tagaytay-highlands.tripod.com/id4.html     		Tagaytay Midlands Golf Club, Inc.
    Telephone no. 046.4133808
    Asian Glof Holidays
    Calamba Road (In Front of La Verna House of Pray.)
    BGY Iruhin Central, Tagaytay City, Philippines
    Telephone: + 63 46 483 1066
    Fax: + 63 2 857 2228
    Mobile: + 63 927 555 1144
    Email: i...@asiangolfholidays.com
    Website: http://www.asiangolfholidays.com/
    http://www.asiangolfholidays.com/    		 The Orchard Golf and Country Club
    Aguinaldo Highway, Dasmarinas City, Cavite, Philippines 4114
    Tel. Nos.: Manila: +63.2.982.2000 Cavite: +63.46.416.59.31 to 35
    Email: inqu...@theorchardgolf.com
    Website: http://www.theorchardgolf.com/     		Taal Lake Yacht Club
    Tel: 8113183, 8113283, PLDT Line at TLYC 043-773-0192
    Fax 8113236
    Mobile: 09178950430, 09192440425, 09196046197 (Emergency)
    Email: pet...@sailing.org.ph
    Website: http://www.sailing.org.ph/

For further details on Tagaytay you can visit:
Tagaytay City Official website: http://www.tagaytay.gov.ph/
Tagaytay City Tourism Info: www.tagaytay.com/