If you are traveling to southern Luzon part of the Philippines by land, please be guided of the following SLEX toll rates:
Disclaimer: I do not own the below tables. These are owned by Toll Regulatory Board (TRB). This blog post is for informational purposes only.
SLEX toll gates:
Merville
Bicutan
Sucat
Alabang
Filinvest
Muntinlupa-Cavite
Susana Heights
San Pedro
Southwoods
Carmona
Mamplasan
Sta. Rosa
ABI/Greenfiels
Cabuyao
Calamba
Sto. Tomas
Tollgate
Class 1
SLEX toll Rates 2018 Class 1
Class 1 vehicles are cars, jeepneys, pick-ups, taxis, vans and other vehicles with 2-axles and 7 ft. in height.
Class 2
Class 2 vehicles include buses, trucks with 2-axles and above 7 ft. in height and light vehicles with more than 2 axles and 7 ft. in height.
SLEX Toll Rates 2018 Class 2
Class 3
Class 3 vehicles are trucks with 3 or more axles and are 7 ft. above in height.
SLEX Toll Rates 2018 Class 3
Again, the above SLEX Toll Rates 2018 tables are owned by Toll Regulatory Board or TRB. For further information, please visit their website http://www.trb.gov.ph/.
Located in Cavite, Tagaytay city is just few hours away from Manila. Its proximity from the bustling Manila makes this city the most popular travel destination in the south. Apart from its location, Tagaytay city is known for its cold weather and not to mention its various tourists attractions such as Residence Inn Zoo, Tagaytay People’s Park, Skyranch and Picnic Grove.
Tagaytay City will also fulfill your gastronomic adventures. Don’t miss their delicious bulalo in Mahogany Market and nearby South Streat Gourmand Food Park and Twin Lakes. And of course scenic views of Taal volcano which can be enjoyed through various restaurants and hotels in the city.
If you are visiting Tagaytay, here are the 7 best hotels in Tagaytay that will truly make your vacation memorable:
1. Taal Vista Hotel
Taal Vista Hotel is the most popular luxurious Tagaytay hotel in this list. Rooms provide guests with mountain view or lake view. On lake wing, you can choose from a two-bedroom deluxe suite, premier queen, deluxe king, deluxe queen, premier king and Batangas suite, On the other hand, mountain wing rooms consist of one-bedroom deluxe suite, superior twin, superior king, premier room-mountain wing, deluxe ridge, deluxe king, Taal suite and Tagaytay suite.
Taal Vista Hotel
Guests at Taal Vista Hotel will enjoy a showcase of Filipino folkloric dance every Fridays to Sundays at 12:30 PM. The hotel also has a souvenir shop called Culture Butik for those who want to bring home Filipino souvenir items.
Taal Vista Hotel has an outdoor pool, garden, gym, view deck and a recreation facility.
Room price starts at 5,200 Php. You may book your Taal Vista Hotel room HERE or HERE at a discounted rate.
2. Lee Boutique Hotel
If you are into small and more private hotels, Lee Boutique Hotel is the perfect place to spend your night in Tagaytay. Accommodations in this chic and hip hotel are superior room, deluxe room, executive room, regency king, junior suite, 2 bedroom suite and family room.
Lee Boutique Hotel
It is highly recommended to try their delicious special tapa and boneless bangus.
This hotel offers luxurious lobby and suites with a panoramic views of Taal volcano. Accommodations in this high-end Tagaytay Hotel include an English themed Oxford suite, Nantucket Suite and Nara suite. Room rates start at 6,500 Php a night.
If you want relaxation and rejuvination, Nurture Wellness Village is the perfect Tagaytay hotel for you. Nurture Wellness Village offer various services including Filipino Spa & pampering, corporate wellness (business and team building venue), wedding and intimate event venue, detox & holistic weight loss and other holistic health services.
Nurture Wellness Village
Nurture Wellness Village was awarded Certificate of excellence by TripAdvisor from 2014 to 2016.
Accommodations in this unique Tagytay hotel include Ifugao spa suites (7,900 Php), Superior garden view room (6,200 Php) , Deluxe forrest view room (7,900 Php) and the Family room (2,500 Php).
Discounted Nurture Wellness Village room rates HERE.
5. T House
T House
T House is one among the few Tagaytay hotels with modern architecture and vibe. This hotel boasts its restaurant with locally sourced food. On their menu are Filipino dishes to Asian cuisine. All ingredients used on their menu are locally sources from neighbouring farms.
Accommodations at T House are Garden room (4,850 Php), Courtyard room (5,200 Php), Luxe room (5,950 Php), Serenity suite (6,800 Php), Serenity balcony suite (7,200 Php).
The Lake Hotel Tagaytay´s Medditeranean-inspired structure makes it unique among other hotels in the city. Rooms in The Lake Hotel are standard, superior, deluxe, deluxe lake view, junior suite, one bedroom suite and two bedroom suite.
Among the many facilities are indoor pool, Shamble garden, Lake Cafe restaurant, bar and kiddie playroom.
The Lake Hotel Tagaytay
Book your discounted The Lake Hotel Tagaytay room HERE.
7. Domicillo Design Hotel
Domicillo Design Hotel
Last on our list is Domicillo Design Hotel. This hotel reminds me of BRblock Boutique and Residences in Makati City, minimalist, industrial and modern. What makes Domicillo Design Hotel unique is its refreshing ambiance. The lush greens in the garden is truly relaxing.
Book your discounted Domicillo Design hotel room HERE.
Tagaytay People’s Park in the Sky is located in the summit of Mt.Gozales in Tagaytay City, Cavite. The park was originally an unfinished mansion known as the Palace In the sky which was built during the Marcos era.What’s left today is the unfinished and rusting structure of the supposedly mansion.
During our second day in Tagaytay, Jen and I left Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast early to catch the sunrise at Tagaytay People’s Park in the Sky. We arrived at the park at around 6:30 AM and soon found out that it opens at 7:30 AM. As we waited, tourists started pouring in. We ended up falling in line as the park opens.
Schedule: opens everday from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Park Entrance
Tagaytay People’s Park in the Sky Entrance Fee
I was surprised that the park has a 30 Php entrance fee. Aren’t public park supposed to be free? Among all the Philippine public parks I’ve visited, it was only Tagaytay People’s Park in the Sky chargers entrance fee, I told my company Jen. We proceeded anyway thinking that the entrance fee might be for the maintenance of the park.
Just behind the park’s gate are jeepneys that bring visitors to the highest point of People’s Park in the Sky. Fee is 5 Php each and 40 Php for special trip. Alternatively, you can walk on your way up to the peak.
Since the park just opened and the jeepney that brings guests to the peak was fully occupied, Jen and I decided to walk. While walking uphill, I noticed a number guests taking groupies and selfies with the plain view as their background. At that point, I was just focused on reaching the highest peak. I did not stop to take any photos as there was no Instagram worthy view.
Shrine of Our Lady, Mother of Fair Love
We reached the Shrine of Our Lady, Mother of Fair Love. Built in 1974 and was formally inaugurated by Bishop Luis Tagle in 2003, the shrine is one among the most photographed spot in the park.
CottagesIf you get tired and hungry, there are a number of stores selling drinks and snacks.
I was dismayed that the use of cottages are charged 100 Php given that this is a people’s park.
Old StructureJen and I continued walking uphill until we reached this rustic old structure which is supposedly the unfinished “Palace in the Sky”. Well, the structure looks old and abandoned but it I actually liked it. It looks hunted but can be a good location for professional photo shoots.
The Views From Tagaytay People’s Park in the Sky
As we entered the structure, we were welcomed by the beautiful panoramic view of Tagaytay.
The breathtaking panoramic view compensated my earlier disappointments with Tagaytay People’s Park in the Sky.
View of the open threatre
View from the side side of the old structure
If you are looking for activities, there is nothing much to do in People’s Park in the Sky. Well, except for sightseeing and having your photo taken while riding a horse for 20 Php.
How to get to Tagaytay People’s Park the Sky? commute: From Tagaytay circle, take jeepneys bound to the park. Fare is 17 Php. by car: From Tagaytay circle, head to northeast of Tagaytay via Tagaytay-Calamba road.
People’s Park in the Sky Map
Well, I should say that expected too much before visiting Tagaytay People’s Park in the Sky. There are fees everywhere. From the parking to the entrance and even the use of their cottages were a bit off. The park could have been better if there is a proper maintenance and efforts to improve the place. The only highlight of our Tagaytay People’s Park in the Sky tour were the beautiful views.
Since Jen (my Tagaytay travel buddy) and I were on a tight budget, we have set our target to book the cheapest yet decent accommodation for our overnight stay in Tagaytay. We started strolling around the city and came across a couple of hotels, inns and motels, ranging from 800 Php (non-airconditioned rooms) to 1,400 Php (airconditioned rooms). We tried to check as many inns as we could and soon decided that the most decent and cheapest place to stay was Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast.
Location
Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast is located along Nasugbu-Tagaytay road and is right across one of the tourist destination in Tagaytay, The Residence Inn Zoo or Zoori.
Due to its affordability, Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast easily gets fully-booked during weekends. We arrived at Crisanta’s at noon and was advised by Che, the hotel’s receptionist, that rooms will be available at 5:00 PM. Since it was only our choice of accommodation, Jen and I decided to visit Twin Lakes while waiting for the check-in time.
Facade of Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast (left- day shot, right-night shot)
Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast Room Rates
Family Room (4 pax, airconditioned, breakfast for 2) – 2,000 Php
Family Room B (6 pax, non-airconditioned, breakfast for 2) – 1,500 Php
Standard Room A (2 pax, airconditioned, breakfast for 2) – 1,300 Php
Standard Room B (2 pax, airconditioned, breakfast for 2) – 1,100 Php
Standard Room C (2 pax, non-airconditioned, breakfast for 2) – 800 Php
Extra Person is charged 150 Php
Extra bed is charged 150 Php
Maximum of 2 children per room, age 7 and below are free of charge
The Room
Standard Room B
We took the Standard Room B for only 1,100 Php. It was very clean and fairly decent. It was a typical budget traveler/solo backpacker accommodation. There is a small LCD TV serving local channels. Also, there is no wifi in the hotel but mobile data in the area if fairly good. The toilet and bath is quite spacious and clean but will give you a rustic feel. It will not be an issue for budget travelers and backpackers. We always get what we pay for, right?
The Grand Surprise
When we checked-in at around 5:00 PM, the hotel’s common area looked ordinary to me. Well, except for the grand staircase situated on the right side of the ground floor.
Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast was the cheapest yet decent accommodation we’ve found in Tagaytay and I was not really expecting something grand from it. And then the evening came. When Jen and I went out of our room, we were literally surprised by the elegance of the hotel’s common area.
Who would have thought that a cheap hotel accommodation would have this elegant common area for their guests?
The hotel’s simple and ordinary ambiance during daytime surprisingly turns into an elegant and romantic area during the evening.
Complimentary Breakfast
All rooms come with 2 complimentary breakfast served from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM. As expected, just like any other hotels, the serving was not generous. Good thing we had a super early breakfast outside the hotel that morning before visiting Tagaytay’s People’s Park in the Sky. Nonetheless, the food was okay and I loved the kapeng barako they served along the meal.
Jen and I ordered corned beef for breakfast.
The hotel maybe understaffed but they try to do their best to serve the guests. I would commend Che, Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast receptionist, for being friendly and accommodating to us.
If you are travelling Tagaytay on a budget, I should say that Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast is the most decent among the few cheap accommodations in the city.
Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast Tagaytay Contact Number: +63 932 8657165
Unfortunately, Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast do not offer online booking. Alternatively, you can book and reserve other Tagaytay hotels here or here.
Tagaytay is undeniably a popular weekend destination due to its accessibility from various cities in Manila. Apart from the cold breeze, posh hotels and mouthwatering foods, Tagaytay also has the Residence Inn zoo that anyone who is going to Tagaytay should visit.
Residence Inn zoo or Zoo at Residence Inn (ZooRI) is Located along Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway, this zoo in Tagaytay is 33.2 Kilometer away from Sta. Rosa exit.
Residence Inn Zoo Tagaytay Map
The fun and adventure in Residence Inn zoo actually starts right outside the zoo itself! Just few steps away from the parking area, activities such as horseback riding, biking and a mini playground welcome visitors.
Horeseback riding – 150.00 Php
Biking – 30 minutes 70.00 Php – 1 hour 100.00 Php
Horseback riding, playground and biking outside the Residence Inn Zoo
Zoovenir shops outsize the zoo
Horseback riding outside the Residence Inn Zoo
Residence Inn Zoo Tagaytay Entrace Fees
Adult – 249.00 Php
Kid 3 ft. to 4 ft. – 199.00 Php
Kid below 3 ft. – Free
First stop in this Tagaytay zoo is the aquarium area. In this room showcases various species of fishes, turtles, snakes, cockroaches, spiders and scorpions.
Aquariums residence inn
Albino Python
Madagascar cockroaches at residence inn zoo
Huge fish!
After visiting the room filled with aquariums, guests are greeted with a huge Phython. Those who dare to have a close encounter with the Phython can have their photo taken with it for only 50 Php.
Python
photo ops with python
Guests can have their photo taken with this python for 50 Php
There is also a mini open air theater which showcases an animal show. Unfortunately, we were unable to catch the show as we arrived in the zoo late in the afternoon.
There is also an area where visitors can have their photo taken with an Owl, a parrot and a huge Iguana. I was amazed how beautiful the owl is!
Me with the beautiful owl
If you get hungry, there is the “Gazeebo”- the one and only restaurant inside the zoo and is famous for their Bulalo, Tawilis, and Chili cheese rolls. If you are dining here, make sure to dine in the open air area as you get a good view of mountains and of course the Taal lake and Taal volcano.
Gazeebo
Open air restaurant at the Gazeebo
View from the open air restaurant
Beautiful view of the Taal volcano from the restaurant
If you are up for an adventure, Residence Inn Zoo also has a zipline and cable car for only 150 Php. Having these activities in a zoo really makes Residence Inn unique!
Zipline
If you do not want an outdoor adventure, alternatively, Residence Inn Zoo has a Mega 5D Rider. For only 95 Php you can enjoy a 5 to 6 minute ride of the film of your choice. I was wondering why the ride is called 5D, nonetheless, the ride was fun!
The main attraction of the zoo are the wild animals such as the Lions and Tigers. I was surprised that there is a number of Tigers in the zoo. Unlike the typical zoo, visitors can actually get close to the cages. It was a mixed emotion to see these beautiful creatures. I felt happy to see how huge and beautiful they are but felt sad to see them in cages. Well, I just feel grateful that they all look healthy and well taken care off. I’ve been to Manila zoo and I should say that animals in Residence Inn Zoo are way healthier that of Manila Zoo.
tiger and lions cages
Lioness
Sleeping Tiger
Lion
Other animals in this Tagaytay zoo are camel, horses, monkeys, ostrich and sheeps.
Arabian Camel
Horse
Monkey
Ostrich
Another fun activity in the Residence Inn zoo is the birds feeding (for only 10.00 Php). You can also have your picture taken with a tiger for 50 Php.
Photo with tiger
Overall, Residence Inn zoo is a must visit attraction in Tagaytay. It is not your typical zoo as it offers various activities including up close encounters with the animals. And not to mention, all the staffs and zoo keepers are very accommodating and friendly too. At 249.00 Php, the entrance fee is quite pricey but seeing how clean the entire zoo is and how healthy the animals are, the price is definitely worth it. This zoo in Tagaytay is so far the best zoo I’ve been in the Philippines.
