Interest in Tanay started in the pre-pandemic, drawing both local and international visitors on a religious pilgrimage during the Lenten season (1, 2, 3). The town boasts Regina Rosarii, a remarkable 71-foot high image of Our Lady, Queen of the Holy Rosary, believed to be the largest in the country. However, you don’t have to be on a pilgrimage to relish the wonders of Tanay. Today, it has evolved into a popular destination not just for outdoor enthusiasts but also for those seeking a quick weekend getaway with family, an adventurous trip with friends, or even a relaxing escape with workmates. In this blog, we’ll explore the top 5 activities that cater to various interests, making Tanay an all-encompassing destination for everyone. Whether you’re a nature lover, thrill-seeker, or someone who simply enjoys good food, Tanay has something special to offer.
Best time to visit Tanay:
To fully enjoy the weather in Tanay, consider planning your visit between January to February during the cool and dry season. Just last year, Tanay’s temperature reached 18.6 C, the second coldest air temperature according to PAGASA’s February data (4). If you are early enough you might even catch Tanay’s iconic sea of clouds. March to May can also be great window dates since these months usually are when the city is at its hottest! Check this article to know more: Need to escape the summer heat? Here are the top 5 places with the coolest temperatures in PH | GMA News Online (gmanetwork.com)
1. Treasure Mountain
Image Source: Klook Philippines
This is one of the most popular destinations in Tanay because of the unbeatable views of Sierra Madre mountain range and the captivating sea of clouds and there’s no need for a taxing hike to enjoy experience all these. It’s ideal for families as it offers a range of activities like obstacle courses, overnight camping, and car glamping activities. Worried about meals, especially with kids in tow? No need—this place offers tours with breakfast included, allowing you to unwind and savor the stunning mountain and nature views. (OUR TIP: Arrive as early as possible to catch the Sea of Clouds, as the place opens at 5 AM. If you leave early, you can also avoid city traffic! Stay until 8 PM for a captivating bonfire experience on-site!) For a hassle-free experience, consider online travel packages starting from Php 450 pesos, eliminating the need to plan your trip and fret about itinerary and transportation.
Location: Sitio Maysawa, Brgy, Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal
- The day tour entrance fee is only Php 180.00 per person or Php 350.00 per person with breakfast inclusion
- There are separate rates for activities which are open until 4:00PM only.
- Restaurant in the site is open until 9PM (NOTE: CASH PAYMENT ONLY).
Activities:
- High Rope Obstacle Course
- Spider Web
- Giant Seesaw
- ATV Ride
- Hiking & Trekking
- Swimming
- Overnight camping
- Car glamping
2. Daranak Falls
Image Source: TripAdvisor
If you are looking for that refreshing experience to cool off especially on a very hot day, then this is your pick. Daranak Falls is a 46-feet waterfall with a wide 30-feet deep catch basin of turquoise water with available picnic cottages and snack stores in the area making for a convenient escape. You also wont need to brace for muddy trails just to get here making it a go to spot for families, friends, motorists, and bikers. There’s an adequate parking area with paved roads and only minimal rocky road leading to the main entrance. (If with kids, there are available rubber floaters for rent as well!) If it’s your first time going up to Tanay, this can be part of your list since there’s plenty of signs leading to Daranak falls so you surely wont get lost! (OUR TIP: If you can, go here on a weekday if you can since it can be crowded during weekends. Be there as early as gates open so you can take your time taking instagrammable pics!)
Location: Tanay, Rizal
- Opens at 8AM-5PM
- Entrance Fee: Php 50/person
Activities:
- Picnic
- Swimming
3. Tanay Food Crawl
With restaurants popping everywhere, it’s only right to explore the various food destinations available in Tanay. Our top recommendation is Tanay Highlands located along Sampaloc road since they offer spectacular views Laguna Bay, Pililla Windmills, all the way to mountains of Batangas and Laguna. They offer a variety of food from sandwiches, pastas, all day breakfasts, and an array of mains from mixed cuisines. A not so popular but great option is also Lutong Pugon where they serve wood fired pizza in their colorful and vibrant bamboo-dome greenhouse. It also serves other Italian dishes like pastas. Lastly, for dessert you can visit Moolk Farm and Creamery where you can stock up on fresh milk, pastillas, and various dairy products from their New Zealand cows. If you have more time, you can also opt to experience a glimpse of the farm life with activities such as calves bottles feeding, cow grass feeding, tractor rides, horseback riding, and a whole lot more. So if you are eager to explore the culinary delights of Tanay, check out our dedicated blog highlighting a curated list of restaurants (5). Alternatively, dive into our tripping itinerary, where we’ve handpicked a handful of exceptional eateries to enhance your Tanay experience.
4. Historical and Heritage Tour
Image Source: flickr.com and clairtravels
Explore the rich history of Tanay by paying a visit to the Saint Ildefonsus of Toledo Parish Church, commonly known as Tanay Church. As one of the oldest churches in Tanay, it holds the prestigious designation of being a National Cultural Treasure since 2001, bestowed by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Tanay Church shares this honor with 25 other churches across the country. Another prominent destination in Tanay is Calinawan Cave which actually has deep historical connection to our history than just a nature activity. Notably Macario Sakay, a Filipino revolutionary, designated it as a significant meeting place for Filipinos during the Japanese occupation. Calinawan Cave also earned its name because it served as a venue for Katipuneros during the Philippine Revolution. Here, they engaged in civilized discussions, resolving differences, and achieving enlightenment—aptly reflected in the cave’s name, “kalinawan.”
5. Leisure Resorts and Campsites
Image Source: Tripadvisor, Agoda and Mong Sta. Ana
You can’t miss out on the opportunity to relax, commune, or meditate in Tanay and its numerous leisure resorts and camps. One of the most established in the area is Ten Cents to Heaven Leisure Camp where they offer outdoor activities such as wall climbing, zipline, hanging bridge, and fish spa perfect for those who prefer to relax and chill. For the young and feeling adventurous, you can visit the famous Bakasyunan Resort, a great site for team building activities such as mudslide, rappelling, wall climbing, zipline, hanging bridge, ATV rides, horseback riding, and more. Martessem Mountain resort is also a great option in tanay if you are looking for a convenient staycation for gathering and big events. They have an in-house restaurant and spacious function halls that you can rent out for private and work events.
- The day tour entrance fee average is P150 plus.
- Usually there are separate rates for activities in these resorts and leisure camps.
- These places also have their own restaurants so you don’t have to worry for your meals during your visit.
Interested in living in Tanay? With over six years of experience selling throughout Rizal, we proudly offer over 100+ property listings situated in gated subdivisions across Tanay. Shoot us a message to know more. Don’t miss our informative video showcasing one of the most sought-after villages in the area as well:
