Tagaytay is located in the province of Cavite in the southern Philippines. It has a mild climate and breathtaking views. People from all walks of life visit this unique place to admire the magnificent view of the famous Taal Lake. Getting to Tagaytay is very simple, especially from the capital Manila.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Arriving by Bus
Step 1. Go to the Araneta bus terminal which is located in Cubao, Quezon City
There are many bus lines from Quezon City to Tagaytay. The starting point is the Araneta bus station in Cubao.
- Quezon City is located about 10 Km from Manila.
- Cubao's Araneta terminal is a large bus station. It is easily accessible by train from Manila and many other major cities in the Philippines.
Step 2. Decide which bus to take
There are many bus lines that go to Tagaytay. Look for signs that read "Nasugbu-Tagaytay".
- Two of the lines that go to Tagaytay are Erjohn & Almark and San Augustin.
- Buses leave for Tagaytay approximately every 30 minutes. Don't rely solely on the times indicated, as departures are often affected by the weather. The buses may also leave early, in case they become full.
Step 3. Pay the driver
You will need pesos to pay the driver. The trip will cost around 120 pesos, which is about 2 €.
To find out the exact fare in advance, contact the bus company
Step 4. Go to Olivarez Plaza
Tagaytay does not have a bus station, so these stop at Olivarez Plaza. There you can take a taxi to take you to any part of the city.
Method 2 of 4: Rent a Car with a Driver
Step 1. Go to the airport
You can rent a car to take you to Tagaytay at many points in Manila. The private cars that can take you there, however, usually congregate near the airport, so it's easier to get there.
Step 2. Rent a private car or FX
Taxis departing from the airport have very high fares. A private car or FX (a minivan that looks like a taxi) are much cheaper options and can be hired just outside the airport.
Step 3. Pay the driver
You should be able to rent an FX for around € 30. Don't be afraid to haggle over the price. With 30 € you should be able to get to Tagaytay and maybe even secure the driver for the whole day.
It is not uncommon for drivers to ask you to pay for fuel. It shouldn't cost more than 1000 pesos, around 16 €
Method 3 of 4: Drive to Tagaytay
Step 1. Take the South Luzon Expressway (SLE)
From Manila, the easiest way to reach Tagaytay by car is to take the South Luzon Expressway (formerly the South Superhighway). SLE is usually the least busy way out of Manila.
Step 2. Take the Santa Rosa exit
Leave the SLE taking the Santa Rosa exit. You will have to stop and pay the toll.
For a normal car or jeep, the toll should cost less than 60 pesos (€ 1). Larger vehicles pay more
Step 3. Drive to Tagaytay Market
After paying the toll, turn right. Then continue along the road until you reach the Tagaytay Market.
The market is the entrance to the city. You should reach it in 20 minutes, once you take the Santa Rosa exit
Method 4 of 4: Visit the City
Step 1. Take a tour of Tagaytay
Whichever way you decide to get to the city, once there you will need to find a way to get around. The most common ways to get around are two:
- Rent a Jeepney. The easiest way to get around Tagaytay, as well as many other Philippine cities, is to rent one of the colorful jeep-like vehicles called Jeepneys. Tell the driver where you want to go and ask how much the ride will cost.
- Rent a tricycle. It is a pedal vehicle, ideal for short trips. However, it is usually only possible to drive this type of vehicle on the back streets of the city.
Step 2. Find something to eat
Tagaytay offers many options when it comes to food, from gourmet restaurants to various types of street food.
- Tagaytay's specialty is a bowl of hot "bulalo". It is a kind of beef shank soup, very popular in the area.
- Another highly rated option is to eat in a "carinderia" or "turo-turo". They are typical small restaurants where food is displayed in large pots or trays. Customers simply indicate the food they want, a bit like in a coffee shop.
- Tagaytay also offers a great variety of traditional restaurants, offering dishes for all tastes and any nationality. If you crave a burger or Chinese food, your taste buds will be satisfied.
Step 3. Visit the tourist sites
There are many fun things to do and see in Tagaytay. It is advisable to consult a guide before visiting, but here are some popular attractions:
- The Nurture Wellness Village is a very famous spa. It also offers accommodation and meals.
- Skyfun Park is an amusement park that offers, among other things, a huge Ferris wheel called the "Sky Eye".
- If you prefer to be outdoors, Tagaytay can offer you many interesting options, such as Picnic Grove and Sonya's Garden. You can also hike up to the Taal Volcano.
Step 4. Overnight in Tagaytay
If you plan to stay overnight in the city you will have many alternatives, depending on your budget.
- Tagaytay boasts several luxury hotels. This is certainly the most expensive option, which will lead you to spend at least 3000 pesos (48 €).
- To have private accommodation at a lower price, there are pensions, which are cheap hotels. You'll have a private room and bathroom, but don't expect anything fancy.
- If your budget is tight or if you are traveling in a large group, you may want to consider hostels. These rooms offer you a bed in a dormitory or a private room with a shared bathroom. This is probably the cheapest option and also gives you the chance to meet other travelers.
Advice
- If you're traveling by bus, try to avoid the early morning and late afternoon rush hours to increase your chances of being able to find a seat.
- If you are traveling by car, there are several ways to reach Tagaytay. You can take, for example, the coastal road that passes by Imus, Dasmarinas and Silang Cavite. It is a longer and busier street, but with a great view.
- Inns and Cabanas are much cheaper than Tagaytay hotels. Pensions are also a good choice.
