Tagaytay is part of the Cavite province in the south of the Philippines. Tagaytay has a temperate climate with stunning views. People of all ages come and visit this one-of-a-kind place to enjoy the stunning panorama of the famous Taal lake. Visiting Tagaytay is very easy, especially if you depart from Manila, which is the capital city of the Philippines.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Going by Bus
Step 1. Go to the Araneta bus terminal in Cubao, Quezon City
From Quezon City, there are several buses going to Tagaytay. The buses depart from the Araneta bus terminal in Cubao.
- Quezon City is about 10 kilometers from Manila.
- Araneta Terminal in Cubao is a major bus terminal that can be easily reached by train from Manila and several other major cities in the Philippines.
Step 2. Decide which bus to take
There are several bus lines going to Tagaytay. Look for the bus sign that says “Nagabus-Tagaytay”.
- The two bus lines that go to Tagaytay are Erjohn & Almark and San Augustin.
- Buses going to Tagaytay come about every 30 minutes. Don't just rely on the bus schedule. Bus departure times are often affected by the weather. Some buses may also leave earlier if the bus is fully loaded.
Step 3. Pay the bus driver
You need pesos to pay the bus driver. The bus fare is around 120, or around Rp. 34,400.00.
You can check the bus service beforehand to find out how much money you need
Step 4. Go to Plaza Oliveraa
Tagaytay does not have a bus terminal. The bus stops at Plaza Olivera. There will be several taxis that can take you anywhere in the city if you wish.
Method 2 of 4: Renting a Car
Step 1. Go to the airport
You can rent a car from many places in Manila. These cars can take you to Tagaytay. Rental cars that can take you to Tagaytay usually gather near the airport, so it will be easier to get away from that location.
Step 2. Rent a car or FX (taxi van)
Taxis from the airport usually have fares that make them more expensive than other transportation options. Renting a car or FX outside the airport would be a more economical option.
Step 3. Pay the fare to the driver
You should be able to ride FX for around IDR 476,900, 00. Don't be afraid to bid on the given price. For IDR 476,900,00 you can at least hire FX to go to Tagaytay, and maybe hire a driver for the whole day.
Drivers sometimes ask for gas fare. Be aware that this petrol fare should be no more than 1,000 or around Rp.285.600, 00
Method 3 of 4: Self Drive
Step 1. Take the South Luzon Expressway (SLE)
From Manila, the easiest route to Tagaytay by car is the South Luzon Expressway (formerly known as the South Superhighway). SLE usually has light traffic from Manila.
Step 2. Exit via the Santa Rosa exit
Exit SLE at Santa Rosa exit. You need to stop to pay tolls.
The toll fee issued should be less than 60 or around Rp. 17,200.00 if using a regular car or jeep. Larger vehicles are required to pay a larger toll
Step 3. Continue driving towards Tagaytay Market
After paying the toll, turn right. Then, keep going until you reach Tagaytay City Market.
This market is an entrance to Tagaytay city. From Santa Rosa exit, it will take you about 20 minutes to reach it
Method 4 of 4: Go Around the City
Step 1. Go around Tagaytay
However, if you choose to travel to Tagaytay, you will need to know how to get around the city by the time you get there. There are two main ways to get around in Tagaytay:
- You can use a Jeepney. Jeepney is a colorful vehicle that resembles a jeep. Jeepneys are the most common form of transportation in Tagaytay as well as in many other cities in the Philippines. Tell the driver your destination and ask how much fare you have to pay.
- You can ride a tricycle or tricycle, which is driven by a driver and is suitable for traveling to nearby destinations. However, most of these vehicles are on the Tagaytay side of the road.
Step 2. Find food
Tagaytay has a wide variety of food options available, from gourmet restaurants to a variety of street food vendors.
- The signature dish of Tagaytay is a bowl of bulalo. Bulalo is a very popular beef leg soup in Tagaytay.
- Another popular local culinary option is to visit a carinderia or "turo-turo," a cheap local eatery that serves food in large trays or pots. Shoppers only need to point to the food they want, like in a cafeteria.
- Tagaytay also has a wide variety of traditional restaurants in general, serving a variety of national tastes and cuisines. If you want a hamburger or Chinese food, the restaurant provides it.
Step 3. Look at the various places
There are lots of fun things to see and do in Tagaytay. It's a good idea to look at a travel guide book before you go, but here are some popular place options:
- Nurture Wellness Village is a popular place to do a spa. This place also offers accommodation and food.
- Skyfun Park is a playground that offers one of the attractions of the Ferris Wheel, known as the “Sky Eye.”
- If you prefer the outdoors, Tagaytay has many great attractions, such as Picnic Grove and Sonya's Garden. You can also go hiking to Taal Volcano.
Step 4. Stay overnight
If you are planning to spend the night in Tagaytay, there are many options available, depending on your budget.
- Tagaytay has several hotels that offer luxury accommodation. This luxury hotel is the most expensive option. You can expect to spend around 3,000 (Rp.855,100.00) or more per night.
- For private lodging at a lower cost, there are places called “pension houses,” such as budget hotels. You will have your own room and simple bathroom.
- If you are traveling on a tight budget or in a large group, Tagaytay also has hostels that provide dormitory room types, which provide private rooms with shared bathrooms. This option is the cheapest option and provides the opportunity to meet other travelers.
Tips
- If you go by bus, avoid traveling in the early morning and late afternoon during peak hours to increase your chances of getting a seat
- If you are going by car, then there are several other routes you can take to get to Tagaytat. You can take the route along the coast via Imus, Dasmarinas and Silang Cavite. This route takes longer with less traffic, but also offers beautiful views.
- Lodging and cabins are much cheaper than hotels located in Tagaytay. Pension houses are also an ideal choice.
