Going by Bus
Go to the Araneta bus terminal in Cubao, Quezon City. From Quezon City, there are several bus lines that go to Tagaytay. They depart from the Araneta Bus Terminal in Cubao. Quezon City is about 6 miles (10 kilometers) from Manila. The Araneta terminal in Cubao is a major bus terminal. It is easily reached by train from Manila and several other major cities in the Philippines.
Determine which bus to catch. There are several bus lines that travel to Tagaytay. Look for bus signs reading "Nasugbu-Tagaytay." Two bus lines that go to Tagaytay are Erjohn & Almark and San Augustin. Buses run to Tagaytay roughly every 30 minutes. Don't rely solely on the schedule. Departures are often affected by weather. Buses may also depart early if they fill up.
Pay the driver. You will need pesos to pay the bus driver. Fare will be about 120 pesos, which is about $2 to $3 in US dollars. You may want to check with the bus service in advance to find out exactly how much you'll need.
Ride to Olivarez Plaza. Tagaytay does not have a bus terminal. Buses stop in Olivarez Plaza. There will be taxis there that can take you anywhere in the city if you wish.
Hiring a Car
Go to the airport. You can hire a car from many places in Manila that will take you to Tagaytay. The private cars that can take you to Tagaytay often gather near the airport, though, so it is easiest from there.
Hire a private car or FX. Taxis from the airport have regulated rates that make them more expensive than other options. A private car or an FX (a taxi-like van), hired just outside of the airport, will be a more economical option.
Pay the driver. You should be able to hire an FX for about $35 in US dollars. Don't be afraid to haggle over the price. For $35 you should at least be able to get to Tagaytay, and maybe hire a driver for the whole day. It is not uncommon for drivers to ask you to pay for fuel. This should come to no more than 1,000 Pesos.
Driving Yourself
Get on the South Luzon Expressway (SLE). From Manila, the simplest way to get to Tagaytay by car is the South Luzon Expressway (formerly known as the South Superhighway). The SLE usually has the least traffic getting out of Manila.
Take the Santa Rosa exit. Get off the SLE at the Santa Rosa exit. You'll need to stop to pay a toll. In an ordinary car or jeep, the toll should be less than 60 pesos. Larger vehicles will pay a higher toll.
Drive to the Tagaytay marketplace. After paying the toll, turn right. Then continue along the road until you reach the Tagaytay City marketplace. The marketplace is the entrance to Tagaytay. It should take about 20 minutes to get there from the Santa Rosa exit.
Seeing the Town
Get around Tagaytay. However you choose to travel to Tagaytay, you'll need a way to get around town once you arrive. There are two primary means of travel in Tagaytay: You can hire a Jeepney. The most common means of transportation in Tagaytay, like many towns in the Philippines, are colorful, jeep-like vehicles called Jeepneys. Tell the driver where you want to go, and ask how much it will cost. You can also hire a tricycle. These are human-powered vehicles that are good for shorter trips. However, they are mostly confined to side streets in Tagaytay.
Find some food. Tagaytay has wide range of options available for dining. They range from gourmet restaurants to various forms of street food. Tagaytay's specialty dish is a hot bowl of bulalo. This a kind of beef shank soup that is very popular in the area. Another popular local option is to visit a carinderia or "turo-turo." These are affordable local eateries in which food options are on display in large pots or trays. Customers just point at what they want to eat, sort of like a cafeteria. Tagaytay also has a wide variety of traditional sit-down restaurants, which cater to nearly every taste and national cuisine. If you're in the mood for a hamburger or some Chinese food, these and many other options are available.
See the sites. There are many fun things to see and do in Tagaytay. It's a good idea to consult a guidebook before you go, but here are a few popular attractions: Nurture Wellness Village is a popular place for spa treatments. It also offers dining and accommodations. Skyfun Park is an amusement park that offers, among other things, a giant ferris wheel called the "Sky Eye." If you prefer the great outdoors, Tagaytay has many attractions you might find interesting, such as Picnic Grove and Sonya's Garden. You can also take a hike out to Taal Volcano.
Spend the night. If you plan on spending the night in Tagaytay, there are many options available, depending on your budget. Tagaytay has several hotels that provide luxurious accommodations. This is by far the most expensive option. You should expect to spend about 3,000 pesos or more. For private lodgings at a lower cost, there are places called "pension houses," which are like cheap hotels. You'll have a private room and bathroom, but nothing fancy. If you're on a budget or traveling with a large group, Tagaytay also has a hostel. It offers dormitory-style rooms, as well as private rooms with shared bathrooms. This is probably the least expensive option, and also provides opportunities to meet other travelers.
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