How to Plan Your Full-Day Manila City, Tagaytay Taal Volcano and Lake Tour

Are you planning to visit Manila and want to explore its surroundings? The Full-Day Manila City, Tagaytay Taal Volcano and Lake Tour might be the perfect fit for you. This guided tour takes you on an adventure to the picturesque City of Tagaytay, the American War Memorial & Cemetery, the “Walled City of Intramuros”, Fort Santiago and more. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to plan your tour, including the highlights and all the necessary information you need to know.

Experience

The Full-Day Manila City, Tagaytay Taal Volcano and Lake Tour is a great way to experience the beauty of Manila and its surroundings. The tour will take you on a drive up to Tagaytay City, where you can take in the panoramic views of Taal Lake and Volcano from the Palace in the Sky rest house of late President Ferdinand Marcos. You will also get to enjoy some of the local cuisine and delicacies while taking in the views.

Next, the tour will take you to the American War Memorial & Cemetery, the largest and most beautiful of American memorials outside the Continental U.S. You will have the opportunity to pay your respects to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their country. Along the way, you will get to experience the hustle and bustle of Makati as you drive through it on your way to the capital city – Manila.

Highlights

The Full-Day Manila City, Tagaytay Taal Volcano and Lake Tour is filled with highlights that you won’t want to miss. Here are just a few of the many attractions that you can enjoy on this tour:

• Panoramic Tagaytay Ridge Tour
• Taal Lake and Volcano View
• Lunch at a Local Restaurant
• American War Memorial & Cemetery
• “Walled City of Intramuros”
• Fort Santiago
• Manila Bay Sunset

Panoramic Tagaytay Ridge Tour and Lunch

The tour starts with a scenic drive up to Tagaytay City, located on a ridge 2250 feet above sea level. Here, you will experience breathtaking panoramic views of Taal Lake and Volcano – the “lake within a volcano within a lake within a volcano”. The view from the Palace in the Sky rest house of late President Ferdinand Marcos is truly unforgettable.

After taking in the views, you will stop at a local restaurant to enjoy some of the local cuisine and delicacies. The restaurant is designed for panoramic views, so you can continue to enjoy the beauty of your surroundings while you eat.

American Memorial & Cemetery

Next up on the tour is the American War Memorial & Cemetery, located in Fort Bonifacio. The cemetery is the largest and most beautiful of American memorials outside the Continental U.S. It is the final resting place for over 17,000 soldiers who gave their lives during World War II, including those who died in the Philippines Campaign.

“Walled City of Intramuros” and Fort Santiago

The “Walled City of Intramuros” is a historic fortified city within Manila that was built during the Spanish colonial period. You will get to explore the old city walls, as well as visit Fort Santiago. The fort was built by Spanish conquistador, Miguel López de Legazpi, as a structure to defend against foreign invaders. It is now a shrine to the memory of the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.

Manila Bay Sunset

Finally, the tour will conclude with a stunning Manila Bay sunset. You will get to witness the beauty of the bay as the sun sets on the city of Manila.

Book the Tour

Ready to book your Full-Day Manila City, Tagaytay Taal Volcano and Lake Tour? You can book the tour here. The tour includes transportation, lunch, and all entrance fees, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of Manila and its surroundings.

Conclusion

The Full-Day Manila City, Tagaytay Taal Volcano and Lake Tour is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of Manila and its surroundings. From the panoramic views of Taal Lake and Volcano to the historic “Walled City of Intramuros” and Fort Santiago, this tour has something for everyone. Book your tour today and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.

An Insider’s Guide to Exploring Manila, Philippines

Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is known for its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and rich history. It’s a bustling metropolis that offers a unique combination of modernity and tradition. In this insider’s guide, we will take you off the beaten path, exploring hidden gems, cultural experiences, local cuisines, and fascinating stories from Manila’s past.

Local Attractions: Hidden Gems

While Manila is known for its popular sights such as the Intramuros and Rizal Park, there are many other lesser-known attractions that are worth your time. For instance, the Escolta Street is a historic strip that was once known as the Fifth Avenue of the Philippines. Visitors can explore the Art Deco architecture, vintage shops, and an impressive list of restored heritage buildings.

Another hidden gem is the Pinto Art Museum, located in Antipolo, a stone’s throw away from Manila. The museum showcases contemporary art by Filipino artists. The collection offers a unique perspective on the country’s culture, history, and political landscape.

Dining Spots: Local Cuisine and Culture

Filipino cuisine is gaining popularity worldwide, and there’s no better way to experience it than in its birthplace. A must-try delicacy is the adobo, a savory dish made with pork or chicken, vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic. Another local favorite is sinigang, a sour soup made with meat or seafood and tamarind broth. You can try these dishes in family-owned eateries such as Aristocrat, Jollibee, and Max’s Restaurant.

When talking about Manila’s food culture, one can’t miss mentioning the street food. You’ll find vendors selling barbecued meat, fish balls, and other local snacks at every other corner. While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, trying Filipino street food is a fascinating way of immersing oneself in the local culture.

Cultural Experiences: Traditions and Festivals

Manila is a hub of cultural activities, with festivals and events happening throughout the year. One of the most celebrated festivals is the Ati-Atihan, held in January in Aklan province, which originates from pre-colonial period practices and is the oldest festival in the Philippines.

For music lovers, catch a traditional Kundiman concert, showcasing romantic-style Filipino songs dating back to the Spanish colonial era. You can also visit the Malacañang Palace, the official residence and workplace of the Philippine president, and get a glimpse of the country’s politics and history.

Local History: Fascinating Stories

Manila’s history is rich and diverse, with a blend of Asian and Western influences. One of the must-visit places for history buffs is the Bahay Tsinoy, a museum highlighting the life and traditions of Filipino-Chinese in the city.

An interesting story from Manila’s past relates to the Quiapo Church, commonly known as the “Black Nazarene.” The church’s history dates back to the Spanish colonial era, and the statue inside the church is believed to have protected the city from several natural disasters over the years.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you’re looking for something unique and unforgettable, try staying in an authentic bamboo hut in the Kawayan Farm in Pililla, Rizal. Here, visitors can escape the city’s hustle and enjoy the views of lush rice paddies and the Sierra Madre mountain range.

Another option is to take a cultural heritage tour of Quiapo Market, known for its narrow and chaotic streets. The tour includes a visit to heritage buildings that showcase Filipino arts, architecture, and religious traditions.

In conclusion, Manila is much more than just a transit stop or a hub for business travelers. The city’s culture, history, and local offerings offer a unique and rich experience for those who seek it. By following this insider’s guide, you can go beyond the tourist traps and create unforgettable memories that you’ll cherish for years to come.