Backpacking: Tagaytay, Philippines

Welcome to Travel+Experiment!

The city of Tagaytay is a favorite tourist attraction among local and foreign visitors. The cool climate provided by its high altitude location and several tourist establishments caters food and accommodations. Tagaytay overlooks Taal Lake in Batangas, the ridge provides a spectacular view of Taal Volcano in the middle of the lake. The climate has made the city ideal for sports, picnics, conferences, honeymoons, country homes, and spiritual retreats. Tagaytay is 2,100 ft. above sea level and is the highest point in Cavite.

Tagaytay activities and attractions must see.

Destination: Introducing Tagaytay!

How to get there:

Tagaytay City is located fifty-five kilometers (34 miles) south of Metro Manila and the drive will take roughly 2-3 hours depending on traffic. If you are not driving a car, you can get around Tagaytay via jeepney for 15.00 pesos per ride.

By Bus

There are available buses going to Tagaytay. You may go to bus terminals serving the Tagaytay-Nasugbu route; Araneta Cubao Terminal, EDSA-Taft Bus Terminal, Baclaran and Uniwide Coastal Mall in Pasay City. Drivers tend to wait thirty minutes for passengers before they depart. This usually takes 1 - 1.5 hours travel time. The bus trip starts from 3:30 AM to 11:00 PM and a one-way ticket will cost around 120.00+/- pesos. Jeepneys that ply from Cavite (Imus, Dasmarinas, Silang) to Nasugbu, Batangas also pass by Tagaytay via the Aguinaldo Highway.

Private car

Driving to Tagaytay City with the family or with friends via private car is easily accessible. Drive through from Manila via the South Luzon Expressway exiting at Santa Rosa then via Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road. From there, it’s a straight drive to Tagaytay City. It can also be reached via the Coastal Road Expressway and then taking Aguinaldo Highway heading south towards Tagaytay. You may also directly visit to People’s Park, Picnic Grove, or in Taal Vista for picture taking the Taal Volcano. This usually takes 1 - 1.5 hours travel time.

By Van or FX

You may also take a van or FX for a faster time travel. There are different terminals that are located within the city. You may find these at the EGI Mall near the LRT Gil Puyat Station (Taft Avenue cor. Buendia, 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM), StarMall Mandaluyong (EDSA cor. Shaw Blvd.), Metropoint Mall at Edsa Rotunda and at the back of McDonald’s at the Edsa-Taft MRT Station. This usually takes 1 - 1.5 hours travel time and a one-way ticket will cost around 180.00+/- pesos.

I. Tagaytay Tour

1. Peoples Park

Address: Mt. Sungay, Brgy. Dapdap East, Tagaytay, Cavite, Philippines
Entrance Fee: 30.00 pesos
Parking Fee: 20.00 pesos
Open Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM

The people’s park is a government owned park and unfortunately it is not well maintained. The park is not clean, dilapidated place and is not safe as the fences are rusty and lack of warning signage (DATE). It stands on a 4,516 square metres (48,610 sq ft) of solid ground and overlooks four bodies of water – Taal Lake, Balayan Bay, Laguna de Bay and Manila Bay - including nearby mountains. There were some stalls where you could buy foods, drinks and souvenirs. I recommend buying T-shirt for a souvenir and don’t forget to haggle for the price.

The unfinished presidential vacation palace is incomplete due to ousting of the late president Marcos can be located here. It was to serve as a guest house for then U.S. President Ronald Reagan who was to visit the Philippines but the palace was never completed.

The only way to go there if you don’t have your own car is to first ride a jeep to Olivares’ jeepney terminal (8.00 pesos) and board another jeep to People’s Park (10.00 pesos) or by tricycle (80.00 pesos). All the cars need to park outside the People’s Park gate. You may ride a jeepney from the gate going to the view deck. You may also start walking from the gate going to the top for a good exercise but it’s quite a bit far.

2. Sky Fun Rides

Address: Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway, Tagaytay, Cavite, Philippines
Sky Ranch Operating Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Friday to Sunday: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM

Sky Fun is an amusement park in Aguindaldo Highway, Tagaytay City which opened in March 2013. It was located inside Sky Ranch, a property was owned by SM Investments Corporation's subsidiary SM Land commercial property division (later merged with SM Prime Holdings), and it's also were several shops and restaurants are located. It includes such kiosks, rides, and the Sky Eye, which is currently the tallest Ferris wheel in the Philippines at 63 m (207 ft) with 32 gondolas.

Tagaytay Sky Ranch Ticket Prices/Rides

Nessi Coaster:                         50.00 pesos
Red Baron:                              50.00 pesos
Wonder Flight:                        50.00 pesos
Mini-Viking:                           50.00 pesos
Express Train:                         50.00 pesos
Super Viking:                          50.00 pesos
Sky Eye (Ferris Wheel Ride):150.00 pesos
Carousel:                                  50.00 pesos

Sky ranch entrance fee/Admission rates: 100.00 pesos

Horseback riding rate (children/Adult): 250.00 pesos for 30 minutes
Ferris Wheel Ride rate: 150.00 pesos for 10 minutes

3. Picnic Grove

Address: Tagaytay Picnic Grove Complex, Barangay Sungay East-End, Cavite, Philippines.

Open Daily: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

This picnic grove is a wide park with a view of the Taal volcano. Families and friends can go on picnic, take a stroll around the mini park or just enjoy the view while sharing a picnic with family and friends. There are a lot of activities that this place offers such as horseback riding, an eco-trail boardwalk, a zipline and cable cars.

Tagaytay Zipline and Cable Car and Tagaytay Picnic Grove are owned and managed by a separate company.
Height: 300 feet
Length: 250 meters

Picnic Grove Entrance Fee: 50.00 pesos

Parking Fees:
Car/Van: 35.00 pesos
Jeepney: 50.00 pesos
Bus: 100.00 pesos

Tagaytay Zipline Rates and Souvenir Prices: Weekday rate: 200.00 pesos/person one-way, 300.00 pesos/person two way trips
Weekend and Holiday rate: 300.00 pesos/person one-way, 400.00 pesos/person two way trips

Horseback Riding: 150.00-200.00 pesos Huts and Picnic Sheds: 100.00-500.00 pesos

4. Sonya’s Garden

Address: Barangay Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite, 4123, Philippines
Open Daily: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Sonya’s Garden is 30 minutes away from the city of Tagaytay. It offers simple eat all you can buffet for 610.00 pesos per person. They served freshly harvested green leafy salads, fresh fruits in season, freshly squeezed dalandan juice freshly harvested from the garden, pasta and dessert. They have also the best freshly baked sesame bread, cheese hopia, pan de coco, etc. from their own bakeshop. A price of the bread starts 80.00 pesos depending on what you like. They also sell honey, herb plants, and scented soap.

 
6. Taal volcanpo and the Crater Lake

Address: Taal, Batangas, Philippines

Taal volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines and has produced some of its most powerful historical eruptions. Six of 24 known eruptions at Taal since 1572 have caused fatalities, many from tsunamis in the Crater Lake. Taal is today one of the most closely monitored volcanoes in the region. An increase in seismic activity under Taal was recorded in November 2006, followed by an increase in hot water springs in the crater in April 2007.

The entire Tagaytay ridge is the crater's edge and the Taal Lake is the caldera of the volcano. The Taal caldera is largely filled by Lake Taal, whose 267 sq km surface lies only 3m above sea level. The maximum depth of the lake is 160m. The lake's water is a diluted form of sulphuric acid with high concentration of boron, magnesium, aluminium and sodium in salt form. Its average depth measures 20m. Swimming is allowed in the lake.

Having a tour on Taal Volcano is only possible when the alert level is below 2. Tourist can also climb and experience the adventure going to the Crater Lake. From the Tagaytay ridge in Cavite, with its amazing views of Taal Lake, and Taal volcano in the distance you can take a tricycle ride (50.00 pesos) adjacent to Tagaytay Rotunda (this is a very steep road);going to the shore of the village of Talisay, Batangas. Talisay is the major hub where boats are available to reach the volcano island. At the lake, you will take the motorboat for 30 minutes ride across the lake going to the Volcano Island.

The local tour guide will lead the trek and also you’ll enjoy a horse ride going to and from Crater View for 20 minutes. The price is 500.00 pesos per person for 2 km horse ride. The views of the Crater Lake and its surroundings area are breathtaking and definitely worthy of the hike. You will pass also the volcanic steam vents before reaching the summit.

It is suggested that you wear comfortable walking shoes, hat to shield your head from the sun, sunblock, drinking water, extra clothes for changing, and some cash for your lunch after the trek from Taal Volcano.

7. Taal Vista Hotel Picture taking

Address: Tagaytay, Cavite Philippines

Taal Vista Hotel is the preferred hotel in the area considering its picturesque sights, clean, and cool mountain air. You may also enjoy dining in the excellent cuisine at Café Veranda which is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. You can indulge in a variety of Continental and Filipino dishes while enjoying the gentle afternoon breeze and panoramic view of the Taal Volcano.
 

8. Eating Bulalo

Tower Ground Bulalohan
Address: Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay CityPhilippines

Many restaurants in Tagaytay offer a lot of dining places and serve when it comes to Bulalo. Tower Ground is the bulalohan of choice for a lot of Tagaytay visitors as the ambiance is romantic and offers a view of the Taal Lake. Their bulalo is served in a hot pot with vegetables. You can smell the aroma of the beef and serving size is perfect to share with family.

It is open daily from 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM. A pot of bulalo costs 400.00 pesos are good for sharing between two to three people and they have a lot of food choices from grilled and sizzling menu.

 9. Bag of Beans Café and Restaurant

Address:  115 Aguinaldo Highway, Mendez Crossing West, Tagaytay City

This café is famous for their shepherd’s pie (125.00 pesos), steak and mushroom pie (130.00 pesos), apple pie (95.00 pesos) or blueberry cheesecake (135.00 pesos), coffee (110.00 pesos). Their barbecue ribs, fish and chips, and other main courses are also popular. The place can be quite packed during weekends so service might take some time, but the food is definitely well worth the wait.

Happy Travels!

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Backpacking: Catching a Wave in San Juan La Union, Philippines

Welcome to Travel+Experiment!   

If you want to try the experience on how to surf, enjoying the waves and exploring the surf rides, you can start planning your trip going to San Juan, La Union. San Juan is considered to be the Surfing Capital of the Northern Philippines, the closest surf spot from the capital and is known for its consistent intermediate quality surf and two surfing seasons from July to October and November to March. For starters, this is the entry point to the surf spots of the Ilocos region.  Beginners love this area known for its peeling waves, short rides and have dozens of surfing areas waiting to be explored.

Learning to surf here is very inexpensive compared to other surf spots around the world.  And although it is quite commercialized, the surf turf is still run by locals, which makes all the difference.  The town’s surfers have organized themselves into a club, and they give lessons to pretty much everyone they talk to. There are surf schools and tutorials for every level. For the record, these are the top rated surf spots in the Philippines: Siargao, Pagudpud, San Juan, Baler, Zambales, and Samar.  

Destination: Introducing San Juan, La Union!

How to get there:

By Car from Clark Freeport Zone

San Juan, La Union is a five to six hours drive from Clark Freeport Zone. You may take the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) going to Tarlac to lessen the travel time. After you exit SCTEX, just follow the national hi-way (Mac Arthur Hi-way) until you reach the province of La Union and the capital San Fernando City. From the city is another 30-minute drive to the boundary of San Juan. Still along the national hi-way, you will see plenty of signage directing you to the surfing area.

By Car from Manila

Take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) then connect through the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and then connect to the new Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX), exit at Carmen Temporary Toll Plaza under the Carmen overpass in Pangasinan and turn left following Carmen-Poblacion Rosales Road (Tumana, Rosales), turn right to Teofilo Sison Bridge going to Villasis, Pangasinan, and follow the National Highway (MacArthur Highway) through Pangasinan and then La Union.

Another option after Carmen TPLEX Exit is through the Magilas Trail in Sta. Maria and exit at Binalonan, Pangasinan bypassing the busy towns of Villasis and Urdaneta going through La Union.

When you reach Rosario - the first town of La Union, turn left at the Rosario junction. (The road on the right is the way up to Baguio City). You will be passing by the following towns; Sto. Tomas, Agoo, Aringay, Caba, Bauang, San Fernando City then San Juan. 

By Bus from Manila

Take the Partas Transport Bus going to Laoag Ilocos Norte. It is one of reputable bus companies that drop passengers in San Juan town. It has hourly bus service 24/7 in Cubao and Tramo, Pasay City terminals. It takes 6-7 hours with its various stopovers along the way. Cost is around 400.00 pesos one way fares, air-conditioned. Make sure to tell the driver or the conductor that you are going to Urbiztondo, San Juan La Union so they can stop right in front of the beach resorts. From the point where the bus drops you off, you cross the road to the other side to walk to the entrance. The alternate route is to travel from Manila to San Fernando (next town) by bus and then take a short jeep ride to San Juan at 9.00 pesos.

Other buses that operate in the area from Manila are Dominion Bus Lines, Fariñas Trans, Maria de Leon, Viron Transit, Sta. Lucia and Florida which leaves Manila terminals every hour. Take a bus bound for Laoag, Vigan, Abra or San Fernando City - La Union. Jeepneys, tricycles, mini-buses, and rent-a-vans are the mode of transport within the province.

Going Back to Manila

To go back to Manila, you can wait for buses along the highway which runs parallel to the beach. But take note that you could wait for a long time as not all buses use this road. If you want to secure a seat, you can alternatively take a jeepney to the next city of San Fernando. Here you will find buses heading to Manila and ask to be dropped off at the San Fernando City Bus Terminal, located on Quezon Avenue. 

Surf Spot Information

San Juan is the heart and primary surf beach in La Union and second municipality in the province of La Union, Philippines. It is perfect from beginners to advanced surfers. On the beachfront are many affordable surf resorts and hotels, bars, restaurants you can choose from, and many of them are beachfront, surf shops and surf schools where board rental is also available. Surfing lesson rates starts at 300-400.00 per person/hour, inclusive of board rental and a private instructor. There are also environment friendly activities surfing, scuba, snorkeling, kayaking, beach volleyball and skim boarding.

Seasons

The best surfing season is from October until March where the beach becomes a tourist hot spot attracting surfers and tourists from all over the globe. An annual surf festival is also held every October for a weekend of beach parties and surfing competitions.

Surfing Lessons (cited in San Juan Surf School)

Upon taking surf lesson, the instructor will provide the basic surfing lesson. They also provide wet suit for every student who takes surfing lessons. The instructors will orient you with the parts of the surf board, safety precautions, how to paddle, how to duck dive and how to stand properly on the board.

Lesson 1: Surfing Dos and Don'ts

o    Alcohol: Surfing under the influence is not a good idea. Save the drinking for the after-surf bragging session at your local.

o    Be Aware: Be aware of other surfers and water users, of the surf conditions, and of where you are surfing.

o    Comfort Zone: You should surf in waves that you are comfortable with. Don't get in over your head.

o    Fitness: Make sure you are physically fit when surfing. You need to be able to swim back to shore if you lose your board at the end of an exhausting session - no mean feat in a 3 meter swell.

o    Food: As with swimming, do not go surfing for at least 45 minutes after a meal.

o    Fun: Surfing is all about having fun; keep it in mind when you are out in the waves.

o    Hold or Throw: Know when to hold on to your surfboard and when to get rid of it. If you are paddling out, then keep hold of your board. You'll get back to the lineup more quickly, and you'll not put anyone paddling out behind you at risk. If you are about to wipe out, get rid of your board. You are far more likely to sustain an injury if you and your board are getting washed around together.

o    Patrolled Beaches: If you are surfing on a patrolled beach, make sure that you keep within the designated surfing area. Take note of where you should be surfing before you go out, and make sure you stick to it when you are out.

o    Priority: Always make sure that you are not taking anyone else's wave. Remember that the surfer who is closest to the breaking wave has priority. If you see someone already on a wave, then the wave is considered to be taken, and you'll have to wait for the next one.

o    Practice: If you want to improve then you need to be in the water surfing as regularly as possible. No one gets better at anything by staying home and watching T.V.

o    Respect: Respect the locals if you are visiting a beach. Remember that you are a guest and that waves should be shared.

o    Sun Block: Always wear a good waterproof sunblock. You'll know how important it is if you have been out for a few hours surfing in the sun without it. Also, if you are not wearing a wet suit, it is a good idea to wear a UV-proof long sleeve rash vest for body protection.

o    Surf Buddy: Always surf with at least one other person. Not only will you have more fun if you are sharing your waves, but you'll always have someone to help you out if you need it.

o    Surf Conditions: Make sure that the surf is safe before you go in. If you are going surfing at a spot you are unfamiliar with it, is a good idea to get some advice from a local. Check out the surf spot while warming up.

o    Warm-up: Always have a quick warm-up and stretch before entering the surf. This will reduce the risk of muscle injury or cramp while you're surfing. It also gives you time to check for any rips or where the best spot to catch waves is.

Lesson 2: Learning How to Catch Waves

Now, there are a few different approaches to catching a wave, and most of the time it begins with lying on your board in the sand and practicing what is called the 'pop up'. Popping up is the term used where the surfer has caught the wave and goes from the paddling position, lying on top of board, to a standing, upright position.

o    Take a moment to master sitting on your board, too. While you're doing this, make sure you're always facing the waves – never turn your back on something that could seriously injure you. Anytime you're waiting for a wave, keep facing the horizon.

o    Just as the wave is about to reach you, push the surfboard towards the beach and, at the same time, pull yourself on to the board so that you're lying flat on top of it.

o    When you are lying balanced on top of your surfboard, paddle with both arms as the wave approaches from behind.

o    Keep paddling as the wave starts to pick you up. You should feel the board rise in the water as the wave picks you up, and you'll feel an increase in your speed as the wave starts to take you. With a bit of luck you'll have caught your first wave.

Lesson 3: Learning to Paddle Your Surfboard

During this lesson we're going to have a look at both paddling and how to position yourself on your surfboard when paddling. Don't worry about all of the incoming waves crashing into you and washing you back on to the beach like a piece of driftwood.

It takes a little time to find the most comfortable position, and it will depend on your height and weight, and also the length of your surfboard. A longer, wider board makes this lesson much easier.

o    Position your body weight along the center of the board.

o    Raise your feet slightly off the end of the board.

o    Maintain your body far enough back to keep the nose of the board about a couple of inches out of the water, but not so far back that you create too much drag.

Lesson 4: Learning How to Duck Dive

Duck diving is the way that a surfer dives under an oncoming wave as he or she paddles out to the lineup. Ducking under the wave ensures that all the progress made by paddling out is not lost by being washed backwards by the wave. The bigger the waves or the more frequent the waves are, the more important it becomes to be skilled at duck diving. The thing to aim for is to get both you and your surfboard as far beneath the oncoming waves as possible, to recover quickly when you have passed under the wave, and then to return to paddling out.

Lesson 5: Standing Up

Start angling your board. Here’s how:

o    Keep your knees bent at all times. This will lower your center of gravity and assist you in keeping your balance on the surfboard.

o    On a long board, use the rear section of your board to turn. If you lean too far forward, the rail will dig and you'll be off in no time.

o    Stand with your dominant foot on the middle of the board and your back foot about 2–3 feet (0.6–0.9 m) away from the back of the board.

o    Push your hips forward to transfer your weight onto the front leg. Your back leg should dip in slightly to make your stance more comfortable and give you more style.

Lesson 6: Position on Your Surfboard and on the Waves

Positioning is extremely important when it comes to surfing. If your feet are not positioned correctly, you'll fall off or not be able to make decent turns. If you're not in the correct position when paddling for or catching waves, then you'll not be able to keep up the momentum necessary to ride the wave.

Foot Position

Placing your feet into a good position as soon as you get up is desirable so you can get straight into your surfing. Your feet should be about shoulder width apart and feel comfortable to you. If you plan to be a long board rider, then you'll find that the position of your feet will be changing from one moment to the next as you run up and down your board. You will find that as you develop your surfing, your feet will be moving into different positions for the different maneuvers you are trying.

Body Position While Surfing

Keep your body slightly crouched to lower your center of gravity. You'll probably find that you have your arms out wide to aid with balance which is great. Keep your knees bent at all times; riding a wave can be a bumpy ride. Your body will be turned to the side (which you can see from the mystery legs in the picture above) and the top half of your body will be turning to face forward.

There are so many activities you can do in San Juan La Union. We have selected the most interesting activity in the province. It's relaxed, safe, enjoyable and great fun! Till next time…

Happy Travels!

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