Its cool climate together with the picturesque view of Taal Lake urges visitors from different city and provinces to go and find relaxation in Tagaytay.

Ever since this June 2016, I really wanted to try backpacking Tagaytay since it's just 1.5 to 2 hours from Manila via van and 3 to 4 hours via bus.

Now, I am so happy to say that we are now on our way to Tagaytay!

Yes, currently in a moving van and we are near Solenad, if I'm not mistaken.

First Day: 

12:00NN - Departure

At first, my boyfriend and I decided to take a bus going to Tagaytay. However, since we went out late, we checked the vans at Starmall in Mandaluyong.

Note: Starmall, Mandaluyong is just beside MRT Shaw.

Fare: P180 per person

Expenses: P360 (For 2)

We also bought KFC mini bucket of fries at P55 and one chicken meal at P99.

Expenses: P154

1:20PM - Arrival at Our Melting Pot Hostel, Tagaytay

We arrived at exactly 1:20PM and we headed to Our Melting Pot Hostel at Maharlika St. So happy that we didn't have a hard time looking for the hostel since it is just near the two way road near The Lake Hotel.

Our Melting Pot Hostel for me is not your typical hostel. I have been to different hostel but this one is fairly different. You can really feel the homey ambiance, with rules like shoes should not be brought inside the house, and you should wash your own used plates, mugs, and glasses.

We stay in a triple room (though we really should stay in a double room) however, there has been some discrepancies with Traveloka.ph's site. It says there that the en suite double room is still available but when I called Our Melting Pot to verify, it is occupied already, thus, giving us the Triple Room.

Rate: P750 (because we had a discount)

Note: Will make a separate blogpost for Our Melting Pot Tagaytay

2:30PM - Walk to Sky Ranch

After settling down and checking the room and planning what to do, we got up and decided to go to Sky Ranch. Because we saw on Waze that it is just 4KM away from our hostel, we decided to just walk and feel the cold weather of Tagaytay.

However, to our dismay, and because it is like 2:30PM that time, it is so sunny outside and we can't feel even a slightest cool breeze in the air. But still, we walked to the Sky Ranch. I am fond of walking while my boyfriend is not. But on that certain period of time, all I want to do is stop and check the incoming jeepneys because I don't want to walk anymore. Haha! On the other side, my boyfriend is insisting me to walk to the point of pushing me! Haha! Yes, a miracle. And started saying that he just want to walk with me. Cheesy! 

After about 30 minutes, I guess. We finally made it to Sky Ranch. Hooray!

3:00PM - Arrival at Sky Ranch

We took some pictures outside and I am hesitant to go inside the vicinity of Sky Ranch. After eating snacks at 7-11 (there's one on the right side of the entrance of Sky Ranch), we watched a couple of funny videos, and checked out some movies as well, we decided to go inside Sky Ranch. 

Sky Ranch Tickets

Ticket: P80 per person

Total: P160 (For two)

7/11 Snacks: P100

We roam around Sky Ranch and saw people shouting on Vikings! We then took some photos overlooking Taal Volcano and Taal Lake. I saw happy families going on picnic, the excitement and happiness in their eyes are just heart warming that after days of work probably, they get to enjoy the weekend together with their love ones. 

We then waited for the sunset after getting tired of jump shot series. Looking on an empty bench, we quickly went to one of it and talked about life, future, the trials, everything. Okay, enough with the drama, sorry. Haha!

After 6PM, we decided to go to the famous Mahogany Market Bulalohan to try the most talk of the town bulalo.

6:00 PM - Departure to Mahogany Market Bulalohan

While waiting outside Sky Ranch for a jeepney going to Olivarez (I honestly didn't know if we are right with it) when a tricycle driver approached us and asked us where are we going. My boyfriend said that we are going to the Bulalohan,  how much is the fare. When they say its P50, we immediately said yes. Not sure if it is pricey but the convenience overpowered the P50 since Kuya Driver dropped us directly to the Market.

Fare: P50

6:30PM - Arrival at Mahogany Market Bulalohan

Upon arrival, I personally didn't expect that the Bulaluhan is on the second floor. What I was imagining is that it's along the road, with the view of Taal on the side or at the back. Haha! I thought I would really feel the Bulalohan in Tagaytay. Haha! That's just a thought. Hahaha.

Anyway, we quickly went to the second floor and checked the Bulalohan. We were quickly welcomed by a number of carinderia and their staff.

After checking all the carinderias which offers the same price and dishes, we chose Barboza's since I saw a blog before about them.

Price:
Bulalo - P350 (Good for three to four persons)
Rice - P60 (3 cups)
Total: P410

7:30PM - Ayala Malls Serin

This was the very first time I strolled around Ayala Malls Serin.

Indeed, Ayala Land knows how to make a community mall where people can enjoy shopping without sacrificing the greens! We bought some snacks, beers, and water in Walter Mart in preparation for our movie marathon! Yahoo!

Actually, we also want to go to Starbucks Tagaytay just for the view and the ambiance but then, we realized that we are running out of cash since this should just be a budget trip. We just decided to stay at the hostel and watch movies.

Expenses:
Grocery: P200
Fare: P50


8:00PM - Movie Time

By 8:00PM, we are already on our pajamas, ready for the movies! We watched Area 51, World War Z, and Warm Bodies. Still, World War Z never fails to amuse me. Love it!

After a couple of beers, and coffees, (yes, we love coffee!) we slept at around 4AM.

Second Day

Fare to Mang Inasal - P14
Mang Inasal Lunch - P220

1:30PM - Olivarez Terminal

We actually want to ride a van in Balibago, however, we chose the van to Alabang then we took the bus to EDSA Cubao. Good choice by the way!

Van - P160 (P80 per person)

Closing Thoughts

All in all, we had a great weekend escapade in Tagaytay! Our expenses in total is P2,628 for two persons for a 2 days and 1 night stay!


Related Links:

• TAGAYTAY HOTELS LIST WITH ADDRESS, ROOM RATES, AND PICTURES