Tagaytay on Commute aka We don't have a car and we don't care

photo from here

We all know Tagaytay as that cool city nestled found in Cavite but is very near Batangas.  Haha I know it’s supposed to be in Cavite but I’ve always associated Tagaytay with Batangas. It is a surefire easy breezy destination to escape the humdrum of the city. It is the same surefire, easy and breezy way of going to Tagaytay that makes it a common destination for weekend daytrips. So common that it might as well be called a cliché. But however people try to classify Tagaytay, it is still a winner in my book. And despite being in Tagaytay for like the nth time, there are still other new facets of this city that I haven’t discovered til lately.

I used to go to Tagaytay via a private vehicle (how else? Duh) driven by a friend or a relative. I close my eyes and doze off and voila, I’m right smack in Magallanes square or Cliffhouse with all the restos and coffeeshops are. But what do you know, one can actually go to Tagaytay via bus. I pride myself with reading directions spot on. I also like to hop a bus to just go anywhere. Well, this time I think I can. Tagaytay ain’t too far and I think I can spend a quick day or two to inhale fresh air, go to markets and bring home some local goodies.

photo from here

The way I went about it, I went to the Araneta bus terminal around 12 in the afternoon together with a couple of friends.. The bus terminal is found at the back of Ali Mall beside the Central Bus Terminal where buses going to Naga, Iloilo. Donsol and other Visayan provinces are found. The most common busline that ply to and from Tagaytay is the San Agustin Bus line which traverses the Aguinaldo highway where most of Tagaytay’s patrons hang out to eat and to chill.

Bus fare is 110 pesos from Cubao to Magallanes Square in Aguinaldo Highway. Before, the buses going to Tagaytay and Batangas are separated from the Central Bus Terminal. But as of February, the buses going to Tagaytay, Batangas and other Southern Luzon areas are also stationed in the Central Bus Terminal along with Visayan-bound buses. All you have to do is ask for the buses of your destination.

photo from here

The bus can also go up to the area where the Summit Ridge is. If you choose to explore Tagaytay’s hidden bakeries and farms, you can just alight at Magallanes Square (Starbucks, Yellow Cab) and hail a jeepney to take you to Sonya’s Garden, Bag of Beans towards Alfonso. You can also hail a jeep to Olivarez to visit Gourmet’s, Pamana Restaurant and others.

photo from here

photo from here

The view from the bus is magnificent, it’s as if I am in a totally foreign place. I feel like this all the time, haha. And as soon as I and a couple of friends alighted at Cliffhouse, the cool February air greeted us almost sharply. It’s cold! The kind that sticks with you.

photo from here

After a quick smoke, we took a jeep going Nasugbu and asked to be dropped off to Sonya’s Garden. The fare is around 15 pesos each. Inside the jeep, you’ll get to travel with locals and with some travelers and couples.  It’s a great way to see Tagaytay up close and personal.

photo from here

The jeepney ride will traverse the Aguinaldo Highway and straight to Alfonso, Cavite. You’ll see a big arc that says you’re leaving Tagaytay City and entering Alfonso. A few more minutes you’ll see the blue-green signage that says Sonya’s Garden. From there ride a tricycle which costs a mere 24 pesos per ride, doesn’t matter how many you are.

photo from here

photo from here

photo from here

Just make sure to leave the Sonya’s Garden before seven in the evening to be able to find tricycles that will take you up the highway. From the highway there will be buses going back to Manila ( Pasay, Cubao or Lawton) If not, there will be jeepneys going back to Olivarez and will pass by Aguinaldo Highway.