by Claire Marie Algarme - Ellry Writer

When the temperature hits red and the city heat seems unbearable, the nearest place to Manila where one can cool off is Tagaytay City. Motorists drive to this city, which is an hour or two south of the capital, to enjoy the fresh air, the breathtaking view of Taal volcano, and the delectable food in restaurants that sprawl within and around the locality. But there’s more to Tagaytay and its vicinity than just Taal and great eats.

Discover Tagaytay more by finding out the other things you can do to explore its environs and various itineraries through the following:

1. Bike to Tagaytay from Manila via the Molino-Paliparan Route

Save on gas, get some exercise and enjoy the scenery in one single activity. Ardent bikers and beginners find a great way to sweat it out and have fun by cycling from Manila to Tagaytay via the Molino-Paliparan Route.

How to get there: Start at Quirino Avenue towards Zapote Road. Head to Aguinaldo Highway and make a turn at Molino Road towards Silang. Take JP Rizal at Silang, Cavite where the road will take you to the other end of Aguinaldo Highway towards the Tagaytay City Rotunda.

2. Admire the Hydroponics Technology and Art Collections at Yoki’s Farm

Yoki’s Farm cultivates vegetables, fruits and flowers without the use of soil but through a water system by means of hydroponics technology. Apart from the plants, Yoki’s Farm also boasts of an art collection, which includes a giant laughing Buddha statue, an orchid garden, and a mini-zoo. Though they admit visitors during open hours, it is still best to call ahead of time so that they will know when to expect you.

Price: Entrance fee is P100 per person.

Contact information: +63 922 801 4220 (Ms. Pering Paña)

Opening hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm daily

Address: Tabluan Rd. San Isidro Palocpoc I, Mendez, Cavite

3. Kayak or Sail At Taal Lake

You can do more than just gaze at the view of Taal Lake. It’s more fun to get into it and do some thrilling activities like kayaking or sailing. The Taal Lake Yacht Club (TLYC) is your best bet when it comes to such adventures. The good thing is that TLYC is open even to non-members. You can choose among the various boats to rent or enroll for some sailing lessons. You can also avail of their volcano tour as well as other activities and amenities in the club, such as their picnic cabanas or camping grounds. Always check the TLYC website on the day’s weather and the availability of these amenities, or you may call the club’s office in Talisay, Batangas for reservations and boat rentals.

Price: Boat rentals – P1,200 to P2,000 | Volcano Tour – P2,400 (Prepaid Rate); P3,300 (Walk-ins)

Contact information: +63 43 773 0192 (Club office in Batangas)

Opening hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily

Address: Talisay-Tanauan Road, Barrio Sta. Maria, Talisay, Batangas

Website: Taal Lake Yacht Club

4. Beekeeping at Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm

Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm offers exceptional experiences to their visitors. Here, you can learn more about bees and honeys around the farm and its Bee Museum. Take pleasure on the serene scenery and detoxify using their various bee products. Most of all, experience how to be a beekeeper in their farm.

Price: P25.00 per person (self-tour) | P75.00 per person (guided group tour for 30 people and more)

Contact information: +63 917 503 9156

Opening hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesdays to Sundays. It is closed on Mondays and holidays.

Address: km. 47 Aguinaldo Hi-way, Lalaan 1, Silang, Cavite

Website: Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm

5. Relax and Get a Spa Treatment at Qiwellness Living

Rejuvenate and get yourself pampered with the various spa treatment services offered at Qiwellness Living. De-stress and experience the healing practices that can be traced back to ancient China with the spectacular view of Taal volcano at the backdrop. Try the Qiharmony, which is its signature dry massage, which incorporates acupressure, reflexology, and tiu-na methods on your body. Other methods you can enjoy are the Silk Massage, Qireflexology, Rose Reverie, Bamboo Bliss, and the Bathhouse Experience.

Price: P1,880 for 90 minutes (Qiharmony)

Contact information: +63 917 522 6969

Opening hours: 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Wednesdays to Sundays (Bathhouse) Special bookings 10:00 am onwards, Mondays to Tuesdays

Address: Aguinaldo Hi-way, Brgy. Maharlika East, Tagaytay City

Website: Qiwellness Living

6. Trek to Ambon-Ambon Falls in Las Haciendas Estates

Ambon-Ambon Falls is located within Las Haciendas Estates in Laurel, Batangas, which is at the western part of Taal Lake. Trek through streams of water, visit a shallow cave called Simbahang Bato, enjoy the other activities and amenities at the resort, and marvel at the cascading waters of the 60-meter high Ambon-Ambon Falls, all in a day.

Price: Package 1 (day trip) – P750 per person, includes the required guide going to the falls, morning snacks, lunch, afternoon snacks, use of the infinity pool and other facilities. Package 2 (overnight) - P1,500 per person, covers overnight stay in one of the campsite huts, a breakfast, two lunches, a dinner, three snacks and use of facilities.

Contact information: +63 920 925 5044

Opening hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Address: Las Haciendas, Laurel, Batangas

7. Tomato Picking At Toscana Farms

Toscana Farms produce the freshest of tomatoes of different varieties, colors and sizes. Not only that, they also have other vegetables and herbs grown in their property. So, go and have fun picking the tomatoes yourself! If you want to visit the farm, call their office for reservations or for tours prior to visiting the farm.

Contact information: +63 2 890 6472 (Makati office)

Opening hours: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, Mondays to Fridays | 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays

Address: V. Belarmino St., Silang, Cavite

8. See the works of art at Museo Orlina

Museo Orlina showcases the beautiful glass sculptures and artworks of world-renowned artist, Ramon Orlina. Admire his artistry and those of guest artists with a visit at this quaint museum set in scenic Tagaytay. From its lower levels to its rooftop, the museum is filled with art pieces that will make you drool. Special exhibits are also featured at the museum every now and then.

Price: P100 (general admission) | P80 (senior citizens & students with valid IDs)

Contact information: +63 906 434 0862 (Ms. Haidee Bedruz)

Opening hours: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Tuesdays to Sundays

Address: Hollywood Subd. Rd., Brgy. Tolentino East, Hollywood Subdivision, Tagaytay City

Website: Museo Orlina

9. Hike Mt. Talamitam

Located in Nasugbu, Batangas, Mt. Talamitam is an easy hike that is apt for those who are not yet adept to mountain climbing. Once at its peak, you will enjoy the breathtaking view of Taal Lake, Taal Volcano, and its surrounding areas. For first time hikers, it is best to get a guide to trek Mt. Talamitam. The registration for the climb in Barangay Aga is where you need to enlist in the logbook and arrange for a guide. It is better to do this in the morning, when the sun is not yet too high. It will only take you about 2 to 2.5 hours to ascend from the base to the summit of Mt. Talamitam.

Price: P20 per person (registration fee); P300 per guide

Contact information: +63 947 711 8513 (Ted Calimag of Brgy. Aga) | +63 936 633 5493 (Brgy. Aga Police)

Opening hours: 7:00 am to 4:00 pm

Address: Km. 83, Sitio Bayabasan, Brgy. Aga, Nasugbu, Batangas

10. Have Fun and Sip A Cup at the Coffee Farmhouse

The Coffee Farmhouse is a great place in Alfonso, Cavite where you can either lounge and relax under the trees while sipping a cup of coffee or let the caffeine kick in some energy in you and enjoy the sports and recreation facilities in their property. It’s a wonderful venue where you can unwind and commune with nature. Advanced booking is required for all kinds of visits.

Price: Package 1 (day trip) - P990.00 per person for adults and P800.00 per person for kids, includes lunch, snacks, free-flowing coffee, and the use of its facilities. Package 2 (overnight) - P2,550.00 for adults and P2,000.00 for children

Contact information: +63 928 555 5856

Opening hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Address: 23 Palumlum-Matagbak Road, Brgy. Palumlum, Alfonso, Cavite

Website: The Coffee Farmhouse