Welcome to Tagaytay, Cavite, Philippines

Taal Volcano is reputed to be the world's smallest and yet most active. It stands on its own island amid a landscape of ash and cinder.

Tagaytay, considered as the country's second summer capital because of its crisp and cool climate all year around, is a treasure box of pleasure points in by itself. At nightfall, one sees the lake sparkle with the pinpoint lights of fishing boats. It is a perfect picnic spot. Here, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippine Tourism Authority built Picnic Groove, a public park in the city which generates public patronage through user fees and the sale of low priced goods, thus contributing to the industrial growth of Tagaytay.

Tagaytay, however, is more than a picnic haunt. The place has given rise to many congregational houses and retreat centers. It is also conductive to spiritual meditation, that is earned yet another title for being the "Center of Spiritual Retreat."

Thus, the masterpiece of nature that is Tagaytay is a not to be missed item in a tourist itinerary. It should always include a visit to the Volcano Island, and its enumerable side spots.

Tagaytay City, located 2,500 feet above sea level enjoys a cool and invigorating climate characterized by a relatively low temperature, low humidity, and abundant rainfall. Average temperature is 22.7 degrees Celsius. For this reason, Tagaytay with its cool weather, balmy winds and foggy mists is called the "second summer capital" of the country after Baguio City.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Tagaytay City
Tagaytay City is the Philippines' second summer capital, next to Baguio. The accessing highway offers a breathtaking sight of the world famous Taal formation, a crater within an island within a lake. Coconut groves dot the ridges of Tagaytay and classy accomoda tions give the visiting tourist the pleasures of relaxation and at the same time, wide opportunities to enjoy the magnificient view of Taal.

Location : Tagaytay City
How to get there : The area could be reached from Metro Manila via the Coastal Road or the South Superhighway. BLTB buses from Pasay, Metro Manila having a destination signboard of Nasugbu or Balayan ply the route passing Tagaytay City. If going through the South Superhighway, take the Carmona exit and drive down through Silang up to the entrance of Tagaytay City.
Travel time : 1 1/2 to 2 hours' drive from Manila.

Palace In The Sky
Originally designed to be the presidential guest house of former president Ferdinand Marcos, this complex was not completed. It is, however, now open to the public as a vantage area for viewing a 360 degree profile of Taal Volcano. It is within the Tagaytay environs.

Location : Tagaytay City
How to get there : The place is a short drive from the Aguinaldo Highway in Tagaytay City.
Travel time : 15 minutes' drive from Aguinaldo Highway.

The Flower Farm
On a windy slope of a hill in Tagaytay City sprawls a flower farm that keeps Manila abloom whole year round. The five-hectare flower farm has many varieties of flowers such as chrysanthemums with assorted colors, gerberas, carnations, roses, and anthuriums.

Location : Barangay Guinhawa, Tagaytay City
How to get there : From Tagaytay City, the farm is a brief 10-minute drive from the Aguinaldo Highway.

St. Anne's Shrine
The shrine is a small garden where a grotto of the Virgin Mary stands. The shrubbery and flowers are well-trimmed and well-cared for. There is even a small grass clearing in front of the grotto which is conducive to quite reflection.

Location : Barangay Sungay, Tagaytay City
How to get there : From Manila, take BLTB buses that pass by Barangay Silang Crossing to the Tagaytay Marker. Here, one can alight to take a utility jeep leading to the Barangay Sungay where the gate of the Shrine can be spotted along the road.
Travel time : About 2 hours' drive from Manila.

Special Interest

Sightseeing
Cavite is the perfect destination for travellers wishing a glimpse of the Island's
historical, natural and man-made attractions nearest to the mega-city of Manila.
Tour can be completed within a day's time, without missing any of the places innate allure. Drive around the Tagaytay-Taal Ridge to view the spellbinding concert of volcano, lake and sky through an oftentimes foggy mist. For the religiously-inclined, take a round of old monasteries and churches. Take a hop around historical sites, monuments and culminate in the Island of Corregidor.

Food tripping
Relish local fruits in season at the picnic grove of Sungay and the mushroom restaurants of Tagaytay, or partake of native cuisine at the Taal Vista Hotel and other resorts around the province.

Outdoor Sports
Engage in outdoor sports like golf and horse backriding at Tagaytay City and
pany rides for the kids. For quieter afternoons and evenings, watch cultural shows at the Taal Vista Hotel and other local folk theters during town fiestas and civic observances.

Volcano Treckking

It can be adventure-filled for neo-visitors to Cavite. Take a boatride around volcano island, or visit the small farming communities within the destination. Or dare a mountain climb to the rim of the active volcano during its sleeping lull.

Souvenir

Shop for souvenirs, in particular shellcraft all over the seaside municipalities, or for fine bridal wear at the town of Taal which specializes in the weaving of hand- crafted barong (native organza). Try basket wares as extra shopping items.