Hikes and Day Trips in Tagaytay

Part of the Tagaytay travel guide — see every topic in All Tagaytay Guides.

Tagaytay is a good base for nature trips in Cavite and Batangas. Within an hour or two you can climb grassy mountains, swim at beaches or visit towns on the shore of Taal Lake. These trips are popular with hikers and families from Manila. This guide covers the main options and how to plan them.

Mount Batulao

Mount Batulao is a popular mountain in Nasugbu, Batangas, about an hour from Tagaytay by car. Its trails cross open, grassy ridges with wide views of the hills and lowlands. It is a good choice for beginners and intermediate hikers. A round trip usually takes several hours. You must register at the start of the trail, and guides are often required or strongly recommended. There is little shade, so start at dawn and bring plenty of water. Trails become muddy and slippery in the rainy season.

Pico de Loro

Pico de Loro is a mountain on the border of Cavite and Batangas, inside a protected area. Its name means "parrot's beak", because of a tall rock at the top. The trail goes through forest, which gives more shade than Batulao. The trip takes most of a day. Climbing the tall summit rock is not allowed. You must book online in advance and hire a guide, and walk-ins are not allowed. The trail has sometimes closed for repair, so check with the park office first.

Taal Lake towns

Below the Tagaytay ridge, small towns such as Talisay sit on the shore of Taal Lake. They are quieter than Tagaytay and give a close view of the water and the volcano island. You can eat grilled lake fish at simple places by the shore. Landing on the volcano island is not allowed at any alert level, because it is a permanent danger zone. Rules for boat trips on the lake can change. Always check the current alert level and local advice before visiting the lake shore.

Batangas beaches

Nasugbu and other parts of western Batangas have beaches about 1 to 2 hours from Tagaytay. Many are part of resorts, which charge entry or day-use fees. The water is warm and calm in the dry season. Further south, the Anilao area in Batangas is well known for diving and snorkelling, with rich coral reefs. Beach roads can be busy on weekends. The best beach weather is from about December to May. Bring cash, because small resorts may not take cards. Many resorts also rent cottages and tables by the day.

Hikes and Day Trips at a glance

Getting there	Car or hired driver from Tagaytay; some buses toward Nasugbu
Hours	Hikes start at dawn; beaches in daytime
Cost	Registration, guide and resort fees vary; check before you go
Best time	December to May (dry season)
Check	Trail rules with park offices; PHIVOLCS for Taal Lake