5 Best Things to Do in Antipolo, Philippines
The City of Antipolo is the capital of Rizal province, Philippines. It sits at the foot of the Sierra Madre mountains, an area known for picturesque waterfalls and verdant evergreen forests. Owing to its elevation, Antipolo is famous for its sweeping vistas and relaxed lifestyle. It is a pilgrimage site for Christians and has a vibrant local art scene and nightlife. With all it has to offer, Antipolo can seem daunting to travelers; however, several local destinations stand above the rest. Here are the 5 best things to do in Antipolo, Philippines.
Stay at The Grounds Resort
The Grounds is easily the most charming private resort in Antipolo. This small getaway nestled in an abundance of verdant trees and shrubs is perfect for a relaxing family outing, corporate retreat, or wedding celebration. The Grounds is just outside the center of Antipolo, close enough to receive food delivered from local eateries. It is quickly becoming well-known as one of the top retreats in Antipolo. Quick, 6-minute walk west on P. Oliveros St. from Antipolo Cathedral is all it takes to get there.
The Grounds is most renowned for its “Hobbit House,” one of two buildings on the resort that provide accommodations. Its earthy yellow paint, round door, and rustic décor evoke the famous Hobbiton set in New Zealand. The interior is furnished with two queen beds, bunk beds, a small kitchen with appliances, a restroom, and air conditioning. There are also a TV and karaoke for entertainment. The other building is called The Cabin and has 2 bunk beds and a restroom.
The 7m x 12m pool is surrounded by comfortable chairs and an outdoor bed to offer relaxation to an entire group. Close by, a large gazebo and outdoor kitchen, complete with cookware, allow small or large groups to prepare their own food and pass the time in comfort and convenience. The garden area provides smaller tables for a more intimate dining experience. The whole resort is awash in local greenery, from beautiful local trees to well-appointed potted plants. Strings of lights in abundance make The Grounds come alive in the evening with charming, warm lights to welcome travelers after a long day of adventure.
You can visit www.traveltrained.com for more resort guides in the Philippines.
Visit Antipolo Cathedral
Antipolo has been the “Pilgrimage Capital of the Philippines” for many years and the Antipolo Cathedral sits at the center of the region’s Christian tradition. Formally called the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, the Antipolo Cathedral attracts millions of visitors per year.
Antipolo Cathedral’s stunning high altar enshrines the image of Our Lady high above the gorgeous marble floor. Its radiant stained glass windows welcome Christian and non-Christian alike to contemplate the beautiful tradition of this nearly 400-year-old parish. Visitors to the Cathedral can take part in services, seek a blessing from their car, or circulate around the church to appreciate the art, architecture, and atmosphere. Antipolo Cathedral is right in the center of Antipolo City and is easily accessible by train or bus.
The original Antipolo Church was finished in 1632. It was damaged several times by civil unrest and natural disasters; however, the old structure was destroyed in World War II and subsequently rebuilt. The current church was completed in 1954 by José L. de Ocampo. The Cathedral is a stunning example of modern church architecture and is conveniently located at the center of Antipolo.
Experience Hinulugang Taktak
Hinulugang Taktak is the second most popular national park in the Philippines. It sits astride the headwaters of the Sapang Baho River and affords visitors an activity-filled day trip in view of a stunning natural waterfall. It is a short, 10 minute trip from Antipolo Cathedral. Take a bus from the P. Oliveros St./A. Bonifaction St. intersection to the J.P. Rizal St. stop. From there it is an 8-minute walk up Sen. L. Sumulong Memorial and Daang Bakal St.
The facilities at Hinulugang Taktak provide relaxation and entertainment for everyone. For adventure-loving visitors, the new spider webs and hanging bridges provide an adrenaline rush and breathtaking views of the waterfall. Wall-climbing and rappelling facilities test the endurance before visitors can rest and recover in the luxurious swimming pool. For those seeking relaxation, the natural walkways are punctuated by benches and cottages for picnicking and leisurely strolls. A meditation area and several gazebos among the paths allow visitors to reflect on the natural beauty of Antipolo’s landscape.
Hinulugang TakTak has seen a resurgence in recent years. Although the waterfall is still off-limits due to local water pollution, the grounds nearby are immaculately kept, and the staff is well-trained in the safe operation of all climbing installations. With plenty of activities and sights for the whole family, Hinulugang Taktak may be the best day trip in the vicinity of Antipolo.
Explore Antipolo’s Boutique Cafés
In recent years, Antipolo has become famous for the warmth and hospitality of its boutique cafés. Whether visitors prefer a cosmopolitan or rustic atmosphere, it’s hard to go wrong with Antipolo’s hidden gems. Although it is difficult to pick favorites, some of the cafés in and around the city boast truly picturesque views, exquisite food, and unique décor.
The Yellow Lantern Café serves a contemporary, continental menu with a gorgeous view of the Manila skyline. With modest prices, Yellow Lantern Café fits any budget and provides both indoor and outdoor seating. There are limited seats with a view, so it is best to go early or try to book a reservation ahead of time! It is a 45-minute Jeepney ride from Antipolo Cathedral.
The Burrow Café is truly a hidden treasure under Antipolo. It can only be accessed via a small staircase from the Antipolo Beehouse above. However, this hard-to-find, full-service café boasts a unique rustic aesthetic, huge windows overlooking dense vegetation, and excellent food. Their all-day breakfast is very popular, and their pick-up and delivery services add a touch of convenience. The Burrow Café is a 30-minute Jeepney ride from Antipolo Cathedral.
Café Lupe Hostel and Restaurant provides a Mexican ambiance with live music and a spectacular view of Manila, Ortigas, and Marikina. Travelers can take a Jeepney from Antipolo Cathedral to Café Lupe in about 45 minutes. The menu offers a Mexican and Filipino fusion, but the brick-oven pizza is a perennial favorite. Since it is a hostel, Café Lupe presents visitors with more activities than a typical café, including an infinity pool, local art exhibits, Karaoke, and a boxing gym. Travelers can enjoy the food and festivities or spend the night after a long day of sightseeing.
Relax at Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens and Spa
Visitors looking for the most up-to-date, relaxing spa treatment in Antipolo will love Luljetta’s Place – Hanging Gardens Spa and Garden Suites. Whether they want a luxurious spa treatment or the most romantic dinner in Antipolo, Luljetta’s offers state-of-the-art accommodations amidst some of the most breathtaking natural vistas in the Philippines. The easiest way to Luljetta’s is to take a tricycle from Antipolo Cathedral. Luljetta’s is part of a larger property called Loreland Resort and the ride is just under an hour.
The list of amenities at Luljetta’s is long, providing guests with many ways to relax, refresh, and rejuvenate. The variety of foot spas, meditation lounges, gardens, and infinity pools give access to sumptuous vistas, including Antipolo, Manila, and Laguna Lake. The expert staff provides relaxing massages, and they offer several different packages and add-ons including scrubs, decadent foods, and a manicure-pedicure service.
In addition to the spa facilities, Luljetta’s Place has a comfortable entertainment lounge for watching films, playing board games, and instruments for the musically inclined. With so many ways to relax, Luljetta’s offers couples the perfect atmosphere to bond and reconnect in the gentle embrace of Antipolo’s natural beauty.