Tagaytay, Philippines

Situated almost 60km from Manila, Tagaytay, is an easy escape for a 1 or 2 day trip. The city is situated on approx 600Mtr height from sea level with a slight cool pleasant weather. Tagaytay volcano is second most active volcano in Philippines with 33 historical eruptions, first in 1572.

Although there is no eruption happened after 1972, there is continuous seismic waves and alert was raised couple of times. 

  

There are bus services from different part of Manila that is Ayala MRT, Gil Puyat LRT and EDSA LRT. AC buses are 82Peso and may take 2.5 hours to 3 hours depending on the traffic. It is advisable to  start early in morning around 7AM to avoid traffic and rush at bus stop. Buses to Tagaytay is generally crowded on weekend and you can find people standing.

We took DLTB bus service from Gil Puyat (Buendia) LRT. Bus will go through Oliveraz circle which can be easily identified by statue standing in the middle. If you have booked a hotel, you can take a jeepney or Motorbike siklo to go there.

There are many hotels near around Oliveraz and generally available. You can go see the rooms and select in case you are planning to stay overnight.

The city is located around Taal Lake and the beauty of lake can be enjoyed from different view points. 

Food: You can try few local food with a lake view in few restaurants near Oliveraz circle. There is one local fastfood Inasaal which got comparatively nicer food. 

KFC and McD are also available in city. Tagaytay is famous for its coconut sweet delicacies know as Buko Pie and Buko Tart.

Few places you may like to see other than Taal lake:

People's park.: Take a Jeepney from Oliveraz to People's Park which may cost you around 20Peso. People's park is on the highest point of Tagaytay. You can visit the church there and enjoy the scenetic beauty of lake from very top.

Entry fee: 30Peso

Picnic Groove: Picnic groove is on the way to People's Park. You can visit Picnic Groove while returning from People's park. There are few acivities in the park other then putting your tent and relaxing. You can enjoy Horse Riding and boating here.

Entry Fee 50Peso. 

Horse riding :350 Peso

Sky Ranch: Sky ranch is Amusement park with few fun rides. There is nothing unique here. If you got enough time or got kids you may like to visit this place. There is one restaurant few steps away from this place, Buffalo Burger, which is famous destination for people who like beef burger or fastfood. 

                                                              Taal Lake and Volcano

We started for Taal Lake & Volcano at early morning 6AM. Morning is advised to avoid sun and rush at Boat.

You can take a Bike Siklo from Oliveraz to Taal Lake boat point. Basic charge is 300 Peso max both way. Boat from land to volcano Island is 1500 P per boat for max 5 people as per govt declaration although you can bargain it to 1000P. 

The heavenly picturesque view can be enjoyed right from the boat journey till volcano island. If you are in pink of your health you may like to trek up hill which may take you between 40min to 1 hour. Horses are also available to take you to the top of mountain with govt defined rate of 450Peso with guide 450Peso also.  

You can avoid taking guide since there is nothing much to explain and path to crater is very simple where no guidance required. 

While trekking you can see few small mud pots and geysers which is live hot and releasing thick smoke. It is advised to wear proper shoes and mask to avoid heat and poisonous gas coming out of these mud pots.

The Crater lake on Volcano island is the largest lake on an island in a lake on an island in the world. Moreover this lake contains an island. You can return back to oliveraz circle to get a bus back to Manila. Buses will keep coming at this circle with a good frequency.