The Secrets of Tagaytay!

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic by 8 people | Log in to rate

Ranked #28 in Travel, #2,075 overall

The Definitive Travel Guide to an Awesome Tagaytay Experience!

Every Filipino loves Tagaytay! It is the best place for cool weather, awesome food, and fantastic nature view. There is more to Tagaytay than the usual places that you go to. I've been going to Tagaytay almost 10x a year and I plan to share with you the best places, secret escapes, and awesome tips. Best of All, you can contribute to this lens guide to make this the definitive guide to the awesome secrets in Tagaytay!

Secret #1: Best Pasalubong that is Uniquely Tagaytay! 

Everytime you go up to Tagaytay that it is a must to bring something home to your love ones. These are the best Pasalubong that Tagaytay offers:

1. Fresh Pineapple. Make sure to buy from the farmers themselves where you would normally see them displaying the pineapple along the streets. I don't usually buy from the market stalls since they are a bit expensive.

2. Buco Tart. This is a signature Tagaytay Pasalubong. Make sure to buy your miniature Buco Tarts from Rowena or Amira's which are also available in Angel Hill's retreat house beside Pink Sisters.

3. Pink Sister's Angel Cookies. This is an all time favorite. We usually buy these as a pasalubong at the same time a contribution to the Pink Sisters. We usually make it a point to visit Pink Sister's everytime we go up in Tagaytay. The Blessed Sacrament is always exposed in the Church.

4. Good Shepherd Convent Ube Jam. My wife loves these Ube Jam but I'm glad she outgrew it already. The Tagaytay Ube Jam is no match for the Baguio ones but this is a good pasalubong for your love ones.

5. Steamed Peanuts. I love buying these steamed peanuts that are only abundant from the Mendez Intersection. I usually buy some to eat in the car and some to take home as pasalubong.

Secret #2: One of the World's Most Expensive Coffee is Available in Tagaytay! 

If you are a coffee connoiseur, it is a must that you try Coffee Alamid which is available in Bag of Beans in Tagaytay! This coffee became globally famous when it was featured in Oprah. While you are in Bag of Beans, you can order their Blueberry Cheescak

Coffee Alamid is Philippine civet coffee that comes only from the sweetest coffee cherries of the Philippine forests. The palm civets that naturally propagate the sugar palm trees are also the same civets that choose and eat these ripe cherries. The beans are then fermented in the digestive system of the civets, then excreted as whole beans. The coffee farmers pick these civet droppings during coffee season.

Coffee Alamid is a natural blend of the Philippine finest Liberica, Exelsa, Robusta and Arabica beans. The nocturnal civets freely roam the forests in the wild. The beans are all collected in the wild.

Coffee Alamid when roasted, has sweet, chocolatey aroma that heightens the senses. It is light and naturally sweet. Its fine and smooth taste is perfect for a good morning start. It is a winning formula during high power meetings. Enjoy it black and pure to savor its true taste and aroma.

(From Arengga.com )

Secret #4: La Esquina @ Splendido - The Newest Fine Dining and Mediterranean Place in Tagaytay 

Are you tired of always just eating in Antonio's or Cafe Verbenna or in Tagaytay Highlands?

The Buzz is getting louder on this new mediterranean place in Spendido Golf Course in Tagaytay. The Famous Spanish Cuisine of Chef Ed's Quimson in Makati is now transfered to La Esquina and together with Heny Sison's Desserts, this place will be awesome!

Secret #5: The Best Spas in Tagaytay 

Maybe you are looking for a relaxing Spa escape in Tagaytay. Here are the top 5 choices for you.

1. Nurture Spa. By far the #1 Spa in Tagaytay because it is accessible by everyone. The nature and ifugao huts ambiance are very relaxing. It is affordable and the Massage is at Par with most Spa in Manila.

2. Sanctuario Spa @ Canyon Woods. This is the second branch of the famous Filipino inspired Sanctuario Spa in Malate. The Massage is a lot lot better than nurture spa but this is located inside Canyon Woods Main Clubhouse. It is exclusively for members and their guest but sometimes you can talk directly to Sanctuario to let you in for the spa :)

3. Tagaytay Highlands Spa and Lodge. This one you definitely need to be accompanied or endorsed by a member to enter Tagaytay Highlands. The Spa is located in a country style and log cabin ambiance. I usually only able to try this when we have a company teambuilding in highlands. The Massage is very good too.

4. Discovery Country Suites Luxury Spa. You need to stay in Discovery Suites in order to get their spa services. The accomodation cost is quite expensive and I'm sure even the spa services.

5. Ylang Ylang Spa @ Taal Vista Lodge. This is the Fuego hotels version of Spa located in the newly renovated Taal Vista Lodge. I haven't tried it but it looks like a hotel spa which you can get in Manila anyway.

Secret #7: Best Filipino Restaurant in Tagaytay 

If you have visitors, you might want to bring them to the very best of Filipino cuisine. Here are the top 5 Best Filipino Restaurants in Tagaytay!

1. Josephine's Restaurant. For me, this is the #1 Filipino Restaurant in Tagaytay. Although, it is more expensive, you are ensured that you are getting the best quality in Filipino Food. Also, make sure that you seat near the large window with a view of the Taal Lake.

2. Viewsite Restaurant. There are two locations, one near Josephine's (which gets the customer overflow from Josephine's) and the most famous one near the Mendez intersection. Don't forget to order Tawilis which you can only find in Tagaytay.

3. Leslie's Restaurant. Similarly, there are two locations. The less known one is located in the Road going to Tagaytay from Sta. Rosa. The most famous one is located in the center of Tagaytay among the rows of restaurants. We usually alternate between Leslie's and Viewsite. Don't forget to order Sinigang or the all time Favorite Bulalo!

4. Mushroom Burger. This is an All time Favorite specially for the vegetarian folks or if you want to eat a light healthy meal. Mushroom Burger still rocks!

5. Antonio's Grill. This place is also part of the Antonio's franchise but the less successful one. It serves ilonggo cuisine. For variety, this is a good place to eat different variety to Filipino cuisine.

Secret #8: Your Own Tagaytay Secrets 

I always believe that everyone has their own secrets. So please don't hesitate to add your comments, secret tips, and feedback on this Tagaytay Guide!

Please don't forget to rate this lens and tell me honestly what you think about this lens.

submit
  • Reply
    totalhealth totalhealth Dec 9, 2009 @ 2:08 pm
    cebu pacific recently had a promo and I booked my sister my bestfriend and myself a trip to tagaytay next year. It will be our firts time to go there so we were excited but doen't know the place. thanks for teh information, it will be very useful.
  • Reply
    totalhealth totalhealth Dec 9, 2009 @ 2:08 pm
    cebu pacific recently had a promo and I booked my sister my bestfriend and myself a trip to tagaytay next year. It will be our firts time to go there so we were excited but doen't know the place. thanks for teh information, it will be very useful.
  • Reply
    Marijo Marijo Dec 8, 2009 @ 8:26 pm
    i just love Rowena's for their pasalbong especially those apple pie crumble and the Napoleones:)
  • Reply
    lasertek lasertek Dec 6, 2009 @ 7:18 pm
    I've been to Tagaytay twice and enjoyed the scenery. As I've heard it is the preferred destination by people living in Manila, Philippines because of the coolness of the place.

    5* for this lens! Hope you could visit my lenses as well. Thanks
  • Reply
    achi achi Nov 11, 2009 @ 6:41 am
    hi, could you name some famous landmarks in tagaytay? thanks :)
  • Reply
    kim kim Nov 4, 2009 @ 12:38 pm | in reply to Let Manuyag
    - hi, can you put landmark? thanks.
  • Reply
    Let Manuyag Let Manuyag Nov 4, 2009 @ 6:29 am
    I think you should add LZM Restaurant in your list of Filipino Resto and best value for money!!!
  • Reply
    baby baby Sep 25, 2009 @ 7:37 am
    I live abroad ,Tagaytay is always my favorite place to visit and stay to relax. my boyfriend always take me there every time im in manila.
  • Reply
    cyberpunkdreams cyberpunkdreams Sep 15, 2009 @ 3:55 pm
    Great review, especially of all the restaurants around!
  • Reply
    mydigitaldiary mydigitaldiary Sep 4, 2009 @ 10:14 am
    www.mydigitaldiary.weebly.com
  • Reply
    chen chen Aug 27, 2009 @ 8:09 am
    why is it that Pamana restaurant is not included on the list? This was one of the fine dining resto that serves delicious foods in a low price... The overlooking is nice the place, ambiance especially when you're eating at the roof top is fastidious..
  • Reply
    nikkipogi nikkipogi Aug 26, 2009 @ 2:27 am
    hey there Anton!.

    Tagaytay is just a 20 min. ride from our place!. Can you suggest some spa place that me and my girlfriend can visit ?. thanks man!.. the not exspensive ones please!.hehe.
  • Reply
    misserika misserika Aug 9, 2009 @ 11:17 pm
    Tagaytay is a perfect place to unwind. It's a few hours drive from Manila so whenever I feel like "escaping" the busy and toxic life of the city, my friends and I would head straight there. Of course, having Bulalo is one of the reasons why we intend to go there. I bring Espasol for pasalubong. Very informative lens here!
  • Reply
    gail_kath22 gail_kath22 Aug 4, 2009 @ 10:21 am
    We are not so often to visit Tagaytay but there's this one restaurant in Silang, Cavite called Balinsasayaw.. the ambience is nice for couples, friends and family and ther offer nice food.. i love the sisig.. The place is on the left side of Emilio Aguinaldo highway if you're bound to Manila..
  • Reply
    veronica veronica Jul 22, 2009 @ 6:18 am
    hi.. can u help me? my boyfriend and I planning to celebr8 our 11th month anniv at tagaytay... and planning to get a nice spa... saan kaya ok? at average lang un price.. thanks
  • Reply
    patricia patricia Jul 4, 2009 @ 10:09 pm
    hi anton,can you please help me to choose a reasonable and yummy restaurant n tagaytay. Im planning to bring my family of 5 to clebrate our 23 years of marriage. I really want to celebrate this special day with my loved ones but i dont have that big budget. So can you pls help me choose a resto. Tyvm.
  • Reply
    kath kath Jun 6, 2009 @ 12:40 am
    tagaytay has always been a getaway place for me since then.. and now, im planning to give my boyfriend a surprise anniversary dinner there. im just not sure where exactly there.. could you give an advice pleasE? i want it private and very romantic. thanks!
  • Reply
    Cassandrology Cassandrology May 25, 2009 @ 8:39 pm
    I last visited Tagaytay when I was just in college my first expression when i saw the beauty of Tagaytay all I can say is that "awesome", the place, the surroundings, and the scenery it was all perfect and one thing I couldn't forget with Tagaytay "the food" it was so delicious.
    For those who loves to travel please visit my lens Discover Macau featuring the wonders of Macau.
  • Reply
    Ainna Ainna May 24, 2009 @ 8:56 am | in reply to bambi
    Hi! We went to Splendido last February to attend a wedding of a friend. The place is good but the security is very bad! Nabuksan ang van namin and nakuha lahat ng gamit namin. As in simot pati mga damit namin nakuha! Wala naman nagawa ang mga security guards nila! Parang deadma lang sila sa nangyari. Ang alam ko mahal ang binayad para sa reception ng kasal ng friend namin dito pero ni hidden cams ay wala sila! If you're planning to have your wedding at splendido just remind your guests to secure their cars and valuables. Kasi baka matulad kayo sa nangyari samin.
  • Reply
    bambi bambi May 20, 2009 @ 2:31 am | in reply to jovi
    hi! can you give a feedback on the service of splendido? i'm also planning to get married in splendido or midlands. pls pls! thank you!
  • Load More

by anton

[Our Awesome Planet] I Love the Philippines! It is one of the Awesome Places in the World. I am on a mad campaign to promote the Island Paradise of th... (more)

Explore related pages

Create a Lens!