Just an hour or so away from Metro Manila, Antipolo is a top travel destination for anyone who wants a change of scenery. Plus, with far-flung travel still out of reach of many travelers, we might as well take the opportunity to explore everything that nearby cities have to offer. Plan a great weekend with our Antipolo travel guide and uncover the natural and cultural gems in this bustling “City in the Sky.”
How To Get To (And Around) Antipolo
By private car: Drive to Antipolo via Sumulong Highway or Ortigas Extension.
By public transportation: Hop aboard an Antipolo-bound van or jeepney from Cubao or Edsa-Shaw. Get off at your destination or the Antipolo Cathedral. From the church area, there are plenty of tricycles that can take you to where you want to go.
Antipolo is a large city, but many of the major tourist attractions are accessible from the city center via a tricycle ride.
Where To Stay In Antipolo
If you and your travel buddies are staying overnight, here are some of our favorite cozy places to bunker down for a staycation in Antipolo.
Cloud 9 Antipolo
Perched on one of the best mountaintop spots in the city, Cloud 9 boasts a spectacular panoramic view of the Metro Manila skyline. It’s known for the 360 View Deck and Hanging Bridge, which is open to day-trippers as well.
Cloud 9 Antipolo
Address: Sumulong Highway, Antipolo City
Website: cloud9antipolohotel.com or Facebook
LeBlanc Hotel and Resort
The bright and modern LeBlanc Hotel and Resort is an attractive destination for a weekend getaway just 30 minutes away from Manila. Lounge poolside or pose for photos against the serene backdrop of the hotel. Nearby attractions include Hinulugang Taktak and Robinsons Mall Antipolo. The public market is also nearby.
LeBlanc Hotel and Resort
Address: 3 Taktak Road, Antipolo City
Website: www.leblanc.com.ph or Facebook
Cristina Villas Mountain Resort
Take family and friends on a fun-filled vacation at the Mediterranean-inspired Cristina Villas Mountain Resort. The sprawling property provides plenty of recreation options including a gym, a spa, swimming pools, a water park, rope courses, basketball and volleyball courts, and even a zipline.
Cristina Villas Mountain Resort
Address: Taktak Road, Antipolo City
Website: cristinavillasresort.com or Facebook
The Grounds Resort
It’s almost impossible not to be enchanted by The Grounds Resort, a pretty garden resort that features two accommodation options: Hobbit House and Cabin House. And with lush gardens, nature-inspired architecture, and rustic furnishings throughout the property, staying here is almost like being transported to the magical Shire. The resort doubles as a wedding venue, so expect a picturesque setting, whether you’re here for a quick getaway or an event.
The Grounds Resort
Address: Lot 7 P. Oliveros Street, Antipolo
Website: Facebook
For travelers who want to rough it in the outdoors, it’s worth checking out the different camping and glamping sites in Antipolo and the rest of Rizal.
Top Things To Do In Antipolo
Two of the places that Antipolo is most famous for are Hinulugang Taktak and Antipolo Cathedral (National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage). For decades, people from nearby cities have trooped up the mountain for a pilgrimage to the church or to hang out by the waterfalls. Now, the Hinulugang Taktak area has even been spruced up with new attractions including a wall climbing facility, zip line, and spider web.
Pinto Art Museum is another major draw, especially for tourists who enjoy immersing themselves in a wide variety of art experiences. The two-hectare hilly property features an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and mixed media by both up-and-coming and prominent Filipino artists. Plus, the Santorini-inspired buildings and garden setting offer a photo-friendly backdrop for a weekend getaway.
Looking for a more offbeat museum experience? Visit the Christmas-themed Casa Santa Museum to celebrate the holidays any time of the year with its startling collection of over 3,700 Santa Claus figurines.
For an escape that’s all about relaxation, there’s no better destination than Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa, which is the first and only hanging gardens spa in the Philippines. Nestled in a serene mountainside location, it’s the ideal location for that much-needed spa time. With the garden spa a part of the larger Loreland Resort, resort facilities and amenities are available on hand.
It’s also easy to forget that Antipolo is just as much a natural playground as it is a bustling city. Travelers who want to bask in the great outdoors can leave the city behind and opt to spend time in the unspoiled mountains instead.
Mount Purro Nature Resort and Phillip’s Sanctuary are both sprawling nature resorts that offer activities such as hiking, river trekking, obstacle and rope courses, ziplining, fishing, and kayaking. Or you can pitch a tent at the Singalong Nature Campsite Hill for an overnight experience in the wild. Bonus: the campsite offers a traditional kawa bath where you hop into a giant cauldron for a soothing soak while enjoying the rolling mountain views.
Up for an adrenaline rush? An ATV ride in Rizal is a thrilling activity that will take you through the natural side of Antipolo and the rest of Rizal.
If you’re only visiting for the day, get the city’s highlights in a private Antipolo day tour of Hinulugang Taktak, Pinto Art Museum, and Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa.
Where To Eat In Antipolo
Don’t worry, you’ll never go hungry here. It’s actually more likely to run into the exact opposite problem and be unable to decide where to eat in Antipolo due to the unlimited dining options!
Burrow Café
An irresistibly charming secret garden restaurant, Burrow Café at Antipolo Beehouse is for nature lovers who want to feel as if they’re dining in the heart of the jungle. The all-day breakfast options are a win here, but the restaurant also offers a wide range of mouthwatering desserts like Nutella Cheesecake, Key Lime Pie, and Crunchy Suman Ala Mode. Reservations are required.
Burrow Café
Address: 113 Beverly Hills Avenue, Beverly Hills Subdivision, Antipolo
Service Hours: Wednesday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Saturday to Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tahanan Bistro
Beautiful wooden architecture, handmade furniture by artist Benji Reyes, and mouthwatering dishes combine for an unforgettable dining experience in Tahanan Bistro. Outside is a tranquil panorama of lush greenery and the distant cityscape. Local Filipino dishes get a fresh and modern update, making the restaurant an essential foodie stop in Antipolo, whether you’re here for a romantic date night or a hearty meal with family. Book your visit online.
Tahanan Bistro
Address: 22 Loresville Drive, Lores Farm Subdivision, Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo City
Service Hours: Friday to Sunday, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Saturday to Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Crescent Moon Café
Another lovely garden café in Antipolo is Crescent Moon Café, a restaurant and art space that’s also the home of artist Lanelle Abueva-Fernando’s pottery studio. For years, tourists have been making the trip to the vibrant café to enjoy the delicious Southeast Asian cuisine, as well as the tranquil garden setting. Crescent Moon also hosts creative workshops and events regularly. Book via Facebook.
Crescent Moon Café
Address: Sapang Buho Road, Brgy. Dalig, Antipolo City
Service Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Vieux Chalet
Tucked away in a quiet spot in Antipolo, the Vieux Chalet offers an intimate setting that’s perfect for a date night. The casual fine dining restaurant is the best place in the city for authentic European cuisine with meticulously prepared dishes like Osso Bucco, beef fondue, and raclette.
Vieux Chalet
Address: 456 Taktak Road, Sitio Sampaguita, Brgy. Sta. Cruz
Service Hours: Friday to Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Marison’s
A home-grown Antipolo restaurant established in 2003, Marison’s offers locals and tourists the place to go for a casual meal without resorting to the usual fast-food fare. It specializes in modern Filipino food with dishes that could rival any Pinoy’s childhood favorite. Best-sellers include Ham Hock Broth Pork Sinigang, Ensalada Marison’s, and Crispy Tripe Kare-Kare, among others.
Marison’s
Address: SM City Masinag or Robinsons Place Antipolo
Antipolo Travel Tips
Make sure you get a QR code before your visit to Antipolo. Register at https://antipolobantaycovid.appcase.net and save the QR code on your phone for easy entry to most of the city establishments.
Ready for your next weekend road trip to Antipolo?
*Featured photo via KKday Supplier and LeBlanc Hotel and Resort Facebook page
