Highly-urbanized city life can be extremely stressful, tiring, and often toxic, that burnouts happen frequently. Escaping the busy city life and taking a breather every once in a while is essential not only for unwinding but to improve your physical and mental health.
When it comes to a quick escape, there is no better place than the Philippines. The country is filled with stunning paradise-like destinations and fun outdoor activities that will give you a hard time finalizing your itinerary. With lots of idyllic beaches, islands, and mountains, many travelers and tourists often overlook some of the country’s best places.
Perhaps one of these best places that offer a quick escape from the city’s hustle and bustle is Tagaytay. Around 60 kilometers away from Manila, Tagaytay is the quickest destination for local travelers that lives just a few hours away. Since Manila is often considered a stopover between flights, Tagaytay is less explored than places like Boracay.
However, it is the perfect place for a spontaneous road trip and a relaxing staycation for many locals. Tagaytay is a retreat and relaxation town famous for its cool weather and fresh air. It has become a go-to spot for relaxation and doing various recreational activities.
One of the most visited places is the main attraction, Taal Volcano, which is the world’s smallest active volcano. Technically, the volcano is located in Batangas. This is where it sits as a part of a group of volcanoes within Taal Lake.
Since Tagaytay is perched on Taal Lake’s northern ridges, you can take a full view of the scene. It will be like being on a giant balcony with a fantastic view of the volcano’s beauty. Couple the fact that Tagaytay has cooler temperatures. It’s a genuinely breathtaking sight that should be included in your itinerary whether you’re a first-timer or a frequent goer.
However, the sights don’t end with just the volcano. Tagaytay is a city full of nature and fun outdoor activities. The Picnic Grove is a beautiful place where you can have a fun picnic while enjoying the stunning view or take a scenic walk along the eco-trail. You can even do other fun activities like horseback riding, cable car rides. There’s also a zipline for adrenaline junkies.
You can also relive your childhood by vising the Sky Ranch, an amusement park with various rides and carnival games. There are even a few impressive churches and museums in Tagaytay. Some of the most popular places are the Puzzle Mansion and Museum Orlina.
People who enjoy puzzles will surely like the Puzzle Mansion, a museum that doubles as bed and breakfast. The private museum houses the record-breaking collection of jigsaw puzzles, featuring several types of puzzles from the classic to 4D puzzles.
For art enthusiasts, Museo Orlina should be included in your travel bucket list. The museum features the iconic sculptures of the renowned glass sculptor Ramon Orlina along with the works of other young and budding artists.
Another great thing to do in this city is to go on a food trip. This place offers a lot of restaurants with all sorts of food and different cuisines. However, a trip to Tagaytay won’t be complete without enjoying a bowl of Bulalo. This famous local dish is made of a clear broth with beef shanks, bone marrow, and the freshest vegetables that you’ll never get enough of.
No matter your interests, Tagaytay has something to offer for the best vacation you can experience. There’s plenty of sights to see, things to do, and best of all, you don’t have to worry about finding a place to stay as there are plenty of budget-friendly staycations in Tagaytay.
While the place is generally pleasant year-round, you can still experience a few hassles depending on the season and weather. Avoid spoiling your trip by knowing the best times to visit Tagaytay in this infographic by Staycation Tagaytay.
