The city of Tagaytay, located south of Manila in the Philippines, sits on the edge of Taal Lake, surrounded by lush rainforests and towering volcanoes, not far from idyllic white-sand beaches. The lake is ideal for windsurfing or paddleboarding, and you can take a boat out to see Taal Volcano, the smallest volcano in the world, which sits in the middle of the water. There are plenty of hiking opportunities in the rolling hills and mountains surrounding the city, including Mount Batulao and Mount Batulao, both of which have numerous hiking trails for beginners.

In town, there’s a towering statue of the Virgin Mary at Tierra de Maria, and you’ll find beautiful gardens and parks that you can wander around, admiring the native flora of the country. Picturesque cafes and eateries sell Filipino staples, including bulalo, a light-colored beef soup, and buko tarts, small coconut custard pies. Be sure to visit during one of the many festivals and events that happen throughout the year celebrating the history and traditions of natives.

The nearest airport to Tagaytay, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila, is about one hour away. A bus from the airport to Tagaytay takes 2.5 hours, but you can also take a one-hour trip in a car or taxi to get here.

Once you’re in Tagaytay, buses called jeepneys are the most popular and accessible means of public transportation. Alternatively, you can also opt for tricycle rides around the city. Most attractions are located within close distances, so walking is a fun way to explore as well. Tagaytay has bike lanes if you’d prefer to pedal around the city.

Tagaytay experiences a tropical climate with high temperatures and rain through most of the year. A good time to book a rental house in Tagaytay is around the fall and winter months, between November and March. The weather is mild with little to no rainfall and lower humidity, so it’s ideal for outdoor activities. Rain is heaviest from June to September. During the first week of May, the city celebrates all things pineapple with the Pilipinyahan Summer Festival. Pineapples are an essential export of the Philippines, and this festival pays homage to the fruit with costumed parades and demonstrations on the diverse ways it can be used. Also in May is the annual Tagaytay Art Beat festival, which celebrates artwork and musical acts representing Filipino culture.

Tierra de Maria

Religion is an important part of Filipino culture, and an excellent place to witness this is at Tierra de Maria, a small sanctuary garden and chapel where many come for a quiet moment of reflection and prayer. The site is best known for the 50-foot-tall statue of Our Lady of Manaoag, or the Virgin Mary. There are several shrines and pieces of artwork dedicated to different Catholic saints, and the platform near the statue offers excellent views of Taal Lake.

Picnic Grove

Picnic Grove is one of the best locations in Tagaytay to take in the view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano, and you can bring a snack to enjoy from one of many picnic huts and tables. You can also enjoy the surrounding sights as you zipline down the hill, ride the cable cars, or try horseback riding around the area.

People’s Park in the Sky

People’s Park in the Sky is an urban park that was created out of an incomplete mansion known as the Palace in the Sky. The historical park is furnished with small huts, wooden footbridges, and a spectacular view of Tagaytay’s landscape. The high altitude with swift winds provides a nice escape from the warm weather in the surrounding regions, while the fog creates a mysterious, eerie atmosphere.