When Manila’s heat and hustle become too much, most locals will give you one piece of advice: “Punta ka sa Tagaytay.” (“Go to Tagaytay.”)
That’s exactly what Jimmy and Sandy — travelers from Oregon, USA — wanted when they reached out to me for a cultural day trip outside of Metro Manila. “We just want something scenic, peaceful, and authentic,” Sandy said during our first exchange. We just finished out Quiapo Tour via Los Viajeros PH.
Tagaytay, with its cool mountain air, sweeping lake views, and rich local flavors, was the perfect match.
Why Tagaytay?
Located just 60 kilometers south of Manila, Tagaytay is a city perched on a ridge overlooking the Taal Volcano, one of the smallest yet most active volcanoes in the world. It’s known for its cooler climate (a rare gift in the Philippines), its family-friendly attractions, and its balance of urban comfort and provincial charm.
In recent years, Tagaytay has emerged as one of the top weekend getaways for Manileños. But beyond the coffee shops and Instagrammable cafés, there’s a cultural richness that often gets overlooked — and that’s what I aim to reveal on my guided day tours.
A Day of Discovery
9:30 AM – Manila to Tagaytay via PITX
I picked up Jimmy and Sandy at their hotel in Pasay at exactly 9:30 AM that supposed to be at 9:00 AM, thanks to the heavy traffic in Manila. After a short drive to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), we set off for Tagaytay by bus. It’s a scenic 2-hour ride, with rolling landscapes and occasional roadside stands selling fresh pineapples and local snacks.
Despite some early drizzle — the rainy season was creeping in — the friend’s energy was contagious. “We don’t mind the rain,” Jimmy joked. “It’s still better than snow.”
12:30 AM – Leslie Restaurant for a lunch
Upon arriving in Tagaytay, a handful of restaurants lined the roadside, each promising scenic views and hearty meals. But based on strong word-of-mouth recommendations from both friends and local residents, I brought my guests, Jimmy and Sandy, to Leslie’s Restaurant — a long-time favorite among Tagaytay visitors.
Leslie’s is known for serving classic Filipino comfort food, and true to its reputation, the experience didn’t disappoint. We ordered the city’s signature dish: Bulalo, a rich, slow-cooked beef shank stew that’s practically a rite of passage for anyone visiting Tagaytay. The broth was warm and flavorful, the meat fall-off-the-bone tender — a satisfying antidote to the cool highland breeze.
Sandy, who is vegetarian, opted for Ensaladang Mangga, a refreshing salad of green mango, tomatoes, and onions, served with a side of fermented shrimp paste (which he politely declined). The dish’s sharp tang offered a light but flavorful contrast to the heavier fare.
Was it worth it? At ₱3,500 for a meal that comfortably fed the three of us, the answer is a resounding yes. The generous portions left us in a post-lunch food coma, the kind that makes you want to sit back, breathe in the lake air, and let time slow down.
Finding Leslie’s isn’t difficult. Simply tell your driver you’re headed to Leslie’s Restaurant, and they’ll know the way. Conveniently located along the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway, its prime spot and large signage make it easy to locate — even for first-time visitors.
For travelers chasing both flavor and view, Leslie’s offers a meal that’s as memorable as the journey getting there. Just a reminder, internet is unstable on this area and the restaurant has no WI-FI. Paying cashless can be a struggle due to weak signal. I ended up using my credit card rather than a Philippine payment system called PayMaya. So, bring extra cash!
Location:
3:00 PM – Sky Ranch Tagaytay
Sky Ranch Tagaytay is conveniently located near Leslie’s Restaurant, along Kilometer 60 of the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway. From our lunch spot, we hopped on a local Filipino jeepney, paying just ₱13 per person for the short five-minute ride.
The amusement park is owned and operated by the SM Group of Companies, the same conglomerate behind the well-known SM Supermalls, including the iconic SM Mall of Asia in Pasay. Sky Ranch brings that same brand of family-friendly entertainment to the cooler, more relaxed setting of Tagaytay, offering rides, games, and panoramic views of Taal Lake.
Entrance fee: 150 per person
Rides: may vary from 60 to 300 pesos
Jimmy and Sandy enjoyed both the roller coaster and the ferris wheel, embracing the playful energy of Sky Ranch. Just as we stepped off the roller coaster, rain began to pour, briefly interrupting the afternoon fun. Fortunately, the downpour lasted only about 20 minutes, allowing us to continue exploring once the skies cleared.
5:00 PM People’s Park in the Sky
Our last stop was People’s Park in the Sky, a historic hilltop mansion originally intended for a visit from former U.S. President Ronald Reagan (which never happened). The place may be weathered, but it offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Tagaytay and the lake below.
Sandy, a retiree, couldn’t stop clicking away. “Even the mist makes it more magical,” he said.
Sandy, a calm and observant, couldn’t stop clicking away. “Even the mist makes it more magical,” he said.
From Sky Ranch, we took a 10-minute jeepney ride to the Olivares terminal, where we hired a tuk-tuk-style tricycle for the next leg of our journey. For ₱400, we secured a round-trip ride to People’s Park in the Sky, including a one-hour wait while we explored the park. It was a convenient and budget-friendly way to reach one of Tagaytay’s highest points.
At the top of the hill, you’ll find a small chapel, and right beside it stands a crumbling palace—a once-grand structure now in need of restoration. But the true magic of the visit unfolded when clouds began to drift in, slowly wrapping the entire landscape in mist. For a moment, it felt like stepping into a scene from a film—surreal, cinematic, and utterly unforgettable.
Why You Should Visit Tagaytay
For first-time travelers to the Philippines, Tagaytay offers the perfect blend of relaxation and culture. Here’s why it should be on your list:
- Cooler weather – A refreshing break from Manila’s tropical heat
- Scenic landscapes – Taal Lake, volcano views, and lush greenery
- Cultural highlights – From hilltop parks to local churches and markets
- Foodie heaven – Must-try dishes include bulalo, tawilis, and ube desserts
- Photogenic spots – Ideal for content creators and casual travelers alike
Plan Your Escape with Los Viajeros PH
Whether you’re coming from Manila or abroad, a day in Tagaytay is more than just sightseeing — it’s a sensory journey of nature, culture, and connection.
If you’re looking for a guided experience that goes beyond the ordinary, I’d love to host you on one of my curated cultural tours.
👉 Book your Tagaytay tour with me here
Let’s make your trip unforgettable — one view, one meal, and one meaningful story at a time.