5 Tagaytay Attractions for Your Post-Quarantine Road Trip

Location: Calamba Road, Mt. Sungay, Brgy. Dapdap, Tagaytay City

Fun fact: People’s Park in the Sky was originally called “Palace in the Sky” as the structure was begun for the visit of former US President Ronald Regan and his wife. Since the visit never came, the unfinished palace was turned into a park instead, and over time it has become one of the most visited places in Tagaytay. The park has an amphitheater with curved concrete benches where you can relax while enjoying the 360-degree view of Taal Lake.

Since it is a well-known tourist spot, People’s Park in the Sky will most likely be filled with tourists once the quarantine is lifted. However, you can still enjoy it without having to worry about contracting the virus by keeping a face mask on. It is also important to follow the proper etiquette when sneezing or coughing by covering your nose and mouth. This will keep not just you but all the other tourists around you safe and protected. Since the park has plenty of space for you to roam around, social distancing is still attainable.

Location: Purok 157, Brgy. San Jose, Tagaytay City

Looking for a place to get your coffee fix after the quarantine? Dreamland Arts & Crafts Cafe is your best bet! The entire place looks like it’s straight out of a fantasy world. Its colorful wall tapestries and chic decorations give off strong bohemian vibes, and it can make you feel like you’re in Coachella. The artsy cafe offers hot and cold drinks, including the well-known barakong Batangueno or black coffee, and tsokolateng Batanguena or hot chocolate. You can also enjoy pasta and rice meals. Recreational activities such as playing musical instruments and reading books are highly encouraged in this cafe. There is purposely no Wi-Fi in the place, so guests can interact with each other without the distraction of phones.

Simple activities like dining in can also put you at risk, but only if you’re not careful. Before entering dining spots, see if employees are wearing protective gear like face masks and gloves, as they will be handling your food. Check if the tables and chairs are set far apart from each other. If you need to join a queue, maintain a distance of at least 2 meters from the person in front of you. Before touching your food, disinfect your table, utensils, and your hands. Avoid sharing food as well.

Location: Brgy. Sungay East, Tagaytay, Cavite

Operating Hours:

A great go-to place for a breath of fresh air is the famous Tagaytay Picnic Grove. This recreational area can accommodate outdoor activities you can do with your family and friends, such as having picnics, eco-trailing, ziplining, and horseback riding. You can also enjoy the panoramic view of the Taal Volcano while chilling in the park’s built-in cottages and sheds.

While nothing beats eating a delicious meal amid beautiful scenery, this must be done with extra caution now. If you’re planning to stay in a cottage, be sure that you only stay with people from your own household. Keep your groups small and avoid sharing food. You can sit on the ground using picnic mats, but keep a distance of at least 2 meters apart from each other. Remember to always sanitize your hands and utensils before eating. As much as possible, wear disposable gloves if you ever find the need to touch high-touch surfaces such as tables.

Location: Calamba Road, Tagaytay, Cavite

Known for its 50-ft statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Tierra de Maria is the perfect place for reflection and prayer. Just outside the chapel are paintings that depict the Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. Inside the small chapel, you will find a staircase that leads to the top of the statue that overlooks the Taal Volcano. The chapel is also home to a sanctuary garden where you can spend alone time for meditation and a souvenir store where you can buy religious items.

Considering the small size of the area, the best way to visit the chapel safely is by avoiding going inside if it is crowded. Wait for other visitors to finish and leave before going in. When going up the stairs to the top of the statue, practice social distancing by staying one or two steps away from the person in front of you. Keep your face masks on and remember to sanitize your hands when touching items from the souvenir store.

Location: Nasugbu via Tuy Road, Brgy. Kaybagal South, Tagaytay City

When it comes to bucket lists, amusement parks are a no-fail itinerary for people of all ages. Luckily, there’s one that’s situated just two hours away from Metro Manila. Sky Ranch Tagaytay features the popular Sky Eye, one of the country’s biggest Ferris wheels that can take you 63 meters above the ground. The Sky Eye has a total of 32 gondolas that can carry 3 to 4 people. Another famous ride is the Sky Viking, an open-seated gondola that can swing up to 90 degrees. Each ride takes at least 5 to 6 minutes, enough to leave your blood rushing in excitement. If you’re up for a thrilling way of seeing the Taal Volcano, then you can ride at the Sky Cruiser! The Sky Cruiser resembles a roller coaster, except this one is powered by pedaling. Sky Ranch is home to many amazing rides that you can try with your family or barkada!

Transitioning to the “new normal” doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy these rides like before. One good way to practice social distancing at amusement parks is by filling the rides up to only 50% of their full capacity. If you plan to ride the Sky Eye, take only one person with you to avoid being cramped up inside the gondola. When riding the Sky Viking, stay one seat apart from each other. It is also advisable to always wear face masks and spray on alcohol every time you touch a commonly touched area like hand railings.

While we are still limited to simply planning trips and outdoor activities right now, that the time to enjoy outside will come, the pandemic may be a big threat, but that shouldn’t stop you from still enjoying the outside world!

Visit Yoorekka Consumer Magazine for more travel stories and tourist spots in Tagaytay!