As cities in Batangas struggle to rise from the recent eruption of Taal Volcano, many feared that they wouldn’t be able to visit Tagaytay’s
popular tourist destinations for a long time.
Fortunately, it seems that the tides have turned for the better, and Tagaytay’s signature southern hospitality has survived the disaster. A mere month after the catastrophe,
tourist spots in Tagaytay are back in full swing, all safe and well and serving customers anew. The only thing they need now to fully recover is their ever-curious travelers and enthusiastic visitors. In other words, Tagaytay is excited for you to come back! Read on to see which famous
tourist spots in Tagaytay are back in business.
Location: Kilometer 58, General Aguinaldo Highway, Maharlika West, Tagaytay City
Estimated Travel Time: Around 2.5 to 3 hours from Metro Manila
Recommended Budget: Deluxe Twin Room for four persons starts at PhP4,000 a night; Deluxe King Room for six persons starts at PhP4,000 a night; Summit Suite Room for four persons starts at PhP8,000 a night
If you’re curious as to how calm Taal has really been, then there’s no better view than from a suite room in Summit Ridge Tagaytay. Nestled right on the ridge of Taal Lake, this top-rated accommodation is a favorite among vacationing families because of its proximity to popular destinations and its generous floor space. Whether it’s the Deluxe King, Deluxe Twin, or the Summit Suite, guests are guaranteed a clear view of Taal Lake and Volcano from its balcony. Each room can have one king-size bed, two single beds, or both. Rooms are also fitted with 32-inch LCD TV with cable connection, a kitchen hub, complete with dinnerware and appliances like a personal refrigerator, a microwave oven, and coffee and tea makers.
Moreover, you can enjoy breakfast and lunch buffets over at Café Summit. Here, they serve all kinds of international fares with the distinct Filipino flair. After breakfast, you can start exploring the highland city or just kick back on your balcony while enjoying your own private view of Taal.
Note: The in-house infinity pool and the gym are closed for renovation until March 10, 2020.
How to get to Summit Ridge Tagaytay:
Via commute: Ride a bus going to Tagaytay, Mendez, or Nasugbu from terminals in PITX in Parañaque, or in Buendia in Pasay, then get off at Olivarez Terminal. From the Olivarez Terminal, ride a jeepney with any of the following signages: “Mahogany,” “Mendez,” “Alfonso,” or “NBI” then get off at Summit Ridge Tagaytay which should be on your right.
Via private car: enter SLEX and exit via Sta. Rosa. Turn right onto Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road, then another right onto Tagaytay-Calamba Road. At the Tagaytay Rotonda, continue straight onto Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway and drive until you see Summit Ridge Tagaytay on your right.
Location: Kilometer 60, Nasugbu Highway via Tuy Road, Barangay Kaybagal South, Tagaytay City
Operating Hours: Open daily; 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Estimated Travel Time: Around 2.5 to 3 hours from Metro Manila
Recommended Budget: Entrance ticket: PhP80 (Monday-Friday), PhP100 (Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays); free entrance for children three feet and below
Nothing reinvigorates Tagaytay’s tourism better than Sky Ranch Tagaytay’s trademark adrenaline-pumping rides. In fact, they were one of the first ones to reopen—the minute volcanic activity subsided, the amusement park went back to serving tourists who had missed their attractions. Park-goers can once again climb aboard the Sky Eye, Sky Ranch’s famous 200-feet-tall Ferris wheel, the tallest in the country. At its peak, they will get a 360-degree view of Tagaytay, including the now-calm Taal Volcano and Lake.
For some wholesome entertainment, families can get on the classic Carousel, the Wonder Flight, Bumper Race, and Express Train. They can also pedal around the park aboard the Sky Cruiser and take a picture between pine trees. Additionally, thrill-seekers will enjoy the gut-twisting Super Viking, Log Coaster, Drop Tower, and Safari Splash. There are also carnival games within the park where your kids can win awesome prizes and stuffed toys. Getting hungry? Fill yourself back up at any of the many family restaurants, fast food stores, and dessert places inside Sky Ranch.
Note: Some rides don’t let in children three feet and below without adult supervision. Luckily, Sky Ranch has kiddie rides as well!
How to get to Sky Ranch Tagaytay:
Via commute: From the Olivarez Terminal, ride a jeepney with the same signages going to Mahogany, Mendez, Alfonso, or NBI then get off at the Sky Ranch Tagaytay marker, which should be on your left.
Via private car: Enter SLEX and exit via Sta. Rosa. Turn right onto Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road, then another right onto Tagaytay-Calamba Road. At the Tagaytay Rotonda, continue straight onto Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway and drive until you see Sky Ranch Tagaytay on your left.
Location: Pulong Sagingan, Barangay Maitim II West Cavite, Tagaytay City
Operating Hours: Open daily, 7 AM-9 PM
Estimated Travel Time: Around 2.5 to 3 hours from Metro Manila
Recommended Budget: Traditional massages start at PhP1,200; approximately PhP950-1,000 for two persons at Gabriela Restaurant in Nurture Wellness Village
Next, you can slow down and escape to Tagaytay’s Nurture Wellness Village in Pulong Sagingan. All their spa and wellness treatments aim to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit by embracing natural healing therapies and alternative medicine.
Their Filipino spa and pampering services include all-natural facials, hot stone massage, and coconut oil polish treatment. These offerings draw inspiration from indigenous healing practices. Take for example the hilot or full-body vacuum massage; the Kalinga touch therapy that employs soothing strokes and makes use of aromatherapy oils; and the Dagdagay tribal foot spa, where bamboo sticks are used to stimulate the soles during the massage.
They also offer holistic detoxifying sessions. In the course of one week, you will undergo alternative medical treatments such as acupuncture, tai chi, infrared sauna, charcoal wrap, and fever baths. Other shorter sessions are specialized, such as anti-aging, weight loss, liver and kidney flush, and stress buster. With all these, you can expect to walk out of Nurture Wellness Village renewed by nature’s touch.
Tip: They also have an in-house restaurant, Gabriela, which serves fresh farm-to-table meals!
How to get to Nurture Wellness Village:
Via commute: From the Olivarez Terminal, ride a jeepney with the same signages going to Mahogany, Mendez, Alfonso, or NBI then get off at Magallanes Square. From there, you can either walk through Magallanes Drive and take a left to Maitim Dos Street, or take a tricycle going to Nurture Wellness Village.
Via private car: At the Tagaytay Rotonda, continue straight onto Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway and drive until you reach Magallanes Square. Turn right to Magallanes Drive, then left to Maitim Dos Street. Nurture Wellness Village should be on your left.
Location: #08, Holy Spirit Drive, Brgy. Maitim 2nd, East Tagaytay City
Liturgical Mass Schedules:
Daily: Holy Mass - 6:30 AM
Vespers/Benediction - 5:00 PM
Sunday: Holy Masses: 7:30 AM; 5:00 PM with Vespers
First Saturday: Holy Hour/Mass - 4:15 PM
Estimated Travel Time: Around 2.5 to 3 hours from Metro Manila
Stopping by the Pink Sisters Convent in Tagaytay acts as a spiritual retreat for most. Technically, the site is called the Adoration Convent of Divine Mercy and is managed by the Sister-Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration—the Pink Sisters. While these pink-clad nuns have sworn a pact of silence, visitors are very welcome to join the morning mass or drop their prayers in the assigned box.
The place is just as stunning outside as it is inside. The lush green gardens and the towering pine trees make for an ideal place for meditation. Around the area, there are also souvenir stores that sell local produce and kakanin (sticky rice desserts) for you to bring home.
Note: You can support the sisters’ cause by buying their signature Pink Sister Cloister Cookies, hand-made by the nuns themselves!
How to get to Pink Sisters Tagaytay:
Via commute: Ride a bus going to Tagaytay, Mendez, or Nasugbu from the aforementioned terminals, and ask to be dropped off along Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, which leads to Pink Sister Convent.
Via private car: At the Tagaytay Rotonda, take the road going to Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, then turn right to Arnoldus Road just after 500 meters. This leads straight to Pink Sisters Convent.
As Tagaytay thrives off its tourism hotspots, expect that all businesses will be back as usual. Therefore, the best thing you can do to support Tagaytay’s recovery is to visit these tourist destinations this summer!
This article was originally published in Yoorekka on March 06, 2020.