With its close proximity to Metro Manila, Cavite is the best destination for a quick road trip or weekend getaway in the south. It is an exciting place to explore, harboring a lot of sights and attractions you never knew existed this close to the metro. From quaint farms and art communities to something straight out of a K-drama, here are the best-kept secrets of Cavite.
Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm in Silang
Are you looking for all-natural, sustainable beauty and health products? Find them at Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm, specializing in beeswax products that are affordably priced. You may order their products from their online shop, but it’s still a great experience to drop by their physical store at the farm in Silang. Surrounded by lush greenery, the shop houses a vast collection of products, from relaxing aromatherapy oils and soaps to bath salts and candles.
Location: Km. 47, Lalaan 1, Aguinaldo Highway, Silang, Cavite
Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Website: ilogmaria.com
Korean Temple in Silang
With the influx of Korean students and expats, Silang feels much like a Korean town. There are lots of Korean restaurants and supermarkets, and Korean street signs are quite a common sight. Aside from these places, if you really want to experience a piece of South Korea, be sure to drop by the Manila Buddhist Meditation Center, simply known as Korean Temple. It has a beautifully landscaped garden where Buddhist statues stand, with a pathway that leads to the main temple hall. The temple hours are erratic; entry to the main temple isn’t guaranteed but you may explore and take photos at the garden on your visit.
Location: Pooc Balite Rd., Silang, Cavite
Alitaptap Artists Community in Amadeo
Is your creative juice drying out? If you’re in need of inspiration, both from nature and art, Alitaptap Artists Community is the perfect refuge. Surrounded by a forest, this exclusive village is home to various artists, from painters and sculptures to musicians. Being private property, the place is not entirely open to the public. However, they regularly host events and workshops that spread the love for art and the environment. As of writing, the community already has a lineup of music and painting workshops for November to December.
Location: Halang-Alingaro Rd., Purok 7, Brgy. Halang, Amadeo, Cavite
Contact: +63 908-578-8838
Paradizoo & Zoori in Tagaytay/Mendez
Restaurants and Taal Volcano sightseeing spots like Picnic Grove are the usual go-to of families in Tagaytay. However, the city is also home to two sister zoos that offer unique experiences. Zoori, easily accessible from the highway, is home to wild animals and birds, big and small. You get to meet them and at the same enjoy fun activities such as zip-lining with a view of Taal Volcano. Meanwhile, farm animals and colorful themed gardens await at Paradizoo.
Location: Zoori – Residence Inn, Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway, Tagaytay City / Paradizoo – Km. 63 Panungyan, Mendez, Cavite
Museo Orlina in Tagaytay
For visitors of Tagaytay, it’s easy to overlook this glass museum hidden from the main road. However, if you have an eye for modern art and sculpture and miss the unique ambiance of a gallery, then Museo Orlina is worth checking out. It houses the work of renowned Filipino glass sculptor Ramon Orlina. Go through four floors of themed exhibitions and cap it off with the sight of another masterpiece sculpted by nature—Taal Volcano viewed from the museum’s roof deck.
Location: Hollywood St., Hollywood Subd., Tolentino East, Tagaytay City
Contact: +63 46-413-2581
The Gingerbread House in Alfonso
A must-visit for people with a sweet tooth, Gingerbread House came straight out of a fairy tale (without the witch!). The whole place is Instagrammable inside out, with a lot of photo corners that provide colorful and playful backdrops. They offer packages that let you tour the place and enjoy delicious treats, starting at PHP 299.
Location: Brgy. Palumlum, Alfonso, Cavite
Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Mon–Fri), 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Weekends)
Find more special experiences you can find near Manila on KKday!
*Featured image via Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm & The Gingerbread House PH
