Perched on a ridge overlooking the Taal Volcano, Tagaytay is one of the most picturesque holiday towns on Luzon Island. It boasts plenty of outdoor activities and a rich revolutionary history, all within close proximity to Manila.

Things to do

One of the most popular destinations in Tagaytay is Picnic Grove, which offers panoramic views of the Taal Volcano and its sprawling crater lake. Quaint huts are dotted across its hilly terrain, with trails that can be explored on foot or horseback.

Ride the cable car over the Tagaytay ridge to get a bird’s-eye view of the volcano and its crater lake. If you’re feeling more adventurous, there’s also a zip-line platform that allows you to fly like Superman above this magnificent landscape.

Another great place to take in the views of Tagaytay is from the People’s Park in the Sky, a short drive east of the city. It is set around a presidential guest house built during the Marcos era and is home to a revered image of the Virgin Mary.

Don’t miss a visit to the Mabini Shrine, built to honour the revolutionary hero Apolinario Mabini who was nicknamed the “Brains of the Katipunan”. His tomb is located alongside a replica of the house where he was born, with some of his belongings and writings on display.

Getting around

Tagaytay is located around three hours’ bus ride south of Metro Manila or two hours if you’re driving. Jeepneys and tricycles are the main means of getting around Tagaytay, although the city centre is easy to explore on foot.