30+ BEST THINGS TO DO IN ANTIPOLO & RIZAL: Tourist Spots, Itinerary and Travel Guide Blog

Planning a trip to Antipolo and Rizal Province soon? Let me help you plan your trip with this travel guide blog that lists the top things to do in Antipolo, tourist spots, and best places to visit in Rizal province that should be included in your itinerary!

Rizal, officially called the Province of Rizal, is a province located in the CALABARZON Region near Metro Manila. Its capital is the City of Antipolo, a 1st class component city and the center of trade and commerce in the province. It is also best-known as the "Pilgrimage City of the Philippines", becuase of the many devotees and pilgrims visiting the Church in Antipolo especially during the Pilgrimage Season.

If you're looking for a quick weekend or day trip that is just 1-2 hours away from Metro Manila, a trip to Antipolo and Rizal Province is a good idea. There are many Rizal tourist spots and things to do in Antipolo that could satisfy your wanderlust cravings. You could enjoy nature, arts, museums, historical and religious sites, mountains, waterfalls, lovely hotels and resorts, thrilling adventure activities, and so much more! Whether you're the "chill" type of traveler or an adventure-seeker, you will definitely have an exciting and memorable time in Antipolo and Rizal Province!

15 CHRISTMAS DESTINATIONS IN & NEAR MANILA to visit this Yuletide Season

Where to go this Christmas in and near Manila? Here are some of the most spectacular Christmas display in and around Metro Manila to visit for kids, family and couples!

The Philippines is known for having the world's longest Christmas season. It starts at the first day of September and ends on the feast of the Epiphany. Definitely, Filipinos go all out and love to celebrate the Yuletide season in fun and merriment. This is the time where families and friends unite and and enjoy the season in the most "Christmassy way". So if you're living in or visiting the Metro, here are some of my recommended must-see Christmas destinations, attractions and activities in (and near) Metro Manila.

Top Budget-Friendly Family Getaways near Metro Manila (Best Day Trips & Weekend Adventures!)

Take your family on a weekend getaway or even a day tour to these affordable family and kid-friendly destinations near Manila!

Family getaways are one of the things I always look forward to. This is the time when the whole family gets together on a memorable bonding and vacation experience. Since time is always a concern, I will share to you some Top Budget-Friendly Getaways for Families near Metro Manila that you may consider for your next adventure or a quick weekend trip with your family.

10 Budget-Friendly HOTELS & RESORTS IN ANTIPOLO with Swimming Pool or Amazing Views

Traveling to Antipolo City? Check out this list of affordable Antipolo hotels and resorts with swimming pool or amazing views that you could book for a quick road trip near Metro Manila or a memorable staycation with your family, friends, or special someone!

Located just an hour away from Metro Manila, Antipolo City is definitely one of the best destinations for a quick trip or weekend getaway near the Metro. A trip to Antipolo is surely an extremely rewarding experience where you could enjoy a food trip, visit its many religious sites and museums or go on an exciting and exhilirating nature adventure. Whether you're traveling with the whole family, friends or special someone, there's no denying that Antipolo is an awesome destination near Metro Manila that can be enjoyed any time of the year.

With Antipolo's many things to do, tourist spots and attractions, it can be considered natural and cultural destination that everyone will surely enjoy. Plan your holiday in Antipolo City by booking your hotel or resort to make your trip convenient and truly memorable. With this, let me share to you the top 10 budget-friendly hotels and resorts in Antipolo that you should consider for your upcoming trip. Be it a lovely hotel, a resort with swimming pool, or an affordable private resort and vacation house, you will certainly find the perfect place to spend a few nights in Antipolo that will fit your budget and preferences.

50+ AWESOME DAY TRIPS FROM METRO MANILA: Day Tours, Excursions & Weekend Getaways

Looking for best day trips and tours from or near Manila? Check out this list!

There are so many great things to do in Metro Manila, but there are times that we want to escape the city life - even just for a while. We tend to search for top things to do near or day trips and tours from Metro Manila. Do you want to go to the beaches near Manila? Perhaps hike a mountain? Or maybe a quick food trip adventure? There are so many awesome day trips from Manila that you can do - that you, your friends and family will surely have fun and enjoy.

Below, I listed some of the best day trips or day tours from Manila that you can do or avail for an exciting adventure. No need to go far to relax and enjoy especially if you have limited time. You can always go on a day trips in many destinations near Metro Manila such as Batangas, Zambales, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, Subic, Pampanga, Bulacan, Pangasinan, and of course, Tagaytay.

Top 10 QUICK GETAWAYS near METRO MANILA (For as low as 1,000 Pesos Budget)

Trips near Manila under 1,000 pesos budget? Is it possible?

Looking for cheap weekend getaways from/near Metro Manila? Okay, let me help you with these affordable destinations near Manila perfect for an awesome weekend getaway!

Wondering where your 1,000 pesos could go? Hmmmm.... Is it really possible to travel with a very limited budget? My answer is YES! There are weekend destinations near Metro Manila that you can enjoy an amazing weekend getaway, explore beautiful sights, and try new activities without spending too much on budget. All you need to do is know where to go, plan ahead of time, create a budget itinerary, and bring your friends to share with the expenses! Hahaha!

Indeed, Metro Manila is surrounded by many budget-friendly weekend destinations! Here's my list cheap and budget-friendly destinations near Metro Manila ideal for your next weekend getaway for a budget of around 1,000 pesos! Tara na, byahe na!

CHRISTMAS DESTINATION NEAR METRO MANILA: Casa Santa Museum in Antipolo City

Looking for Christmas destinations near Metro Manila? Check out Casa Santa Museum in Antipolo City!

Located east of Metro Manila or just 30 minutes away from Ortigas Pasig, Casa Santa Museum inside Jardin de Marimar is a museum of more than 3,700 items with Christmas and Santa Claus themes and motifs from different countries around the world. Make the Christmas holidays a time for learning and enrichment for your kiddies! Casa Santa Museum is a great place to educate the kids about Christmas traditions and cultures. The Museum houses different sections such as the Toy Factory, Santa’s Bedroom, the Balay Belen and the Grinch’s room.

TOP PICKS: Must-try Halo-halo in the Philippines

Best-tasting Halo-halo in the Philippines

There are a lot of mouthwatering desserts out there but nothing beats something that is very close to our hearts and taste buds. Halo-halo, a concoction of tropical fruits, preserves and desserts mixed in crushed ice and milk is one of my favorite desserts especially during summer in the Philippines. Having a humid temperature (almost) all-year round, this favorite "Pinoy panghimagas" is definitely the dessert that everyone loves. Here are my recommended best-tasting halo-halo in the Philippines that you should try to satisfy your hunger and thirst in one delicious glass.

Rizal - Balaw Balaw Specialty Restaurant and Folk Art Museum in Angono

Last January 29, 2011, we went on a quick trip to Angono, Rizal. We checked out Balaw Balaw Specialty Restaurant, one of the most well-known specialty restaurants in the province. The town of Angono is known as the Art Capital of the Philippines. When you visit this town, you shouldn't miss dining at Balaw Balaw. They offer not just good food, but an experience worth remembering.

Climbing Tip : How to get to Daraitan in Tanay Rizal

Daraitan is a trekking destination nestled within the Sierra Madre mountain range in Tanay Rizal. Last June 2010, my mountaineering group, the Sosyal Klaymers and our friends from the other group enjoyed 2-days of camping, river trekking, rock climbing, swimming, cam whore-ing and spelunking. (click here for the related blog post)

If you're up for this kind of adventure, here's how you can get there.

1. From Shaw Boulevard, take a jeepney bound for Tanay Rizal. Travel time is around 1.5 to 2 hours, fare is approximately Php 50 pesos.

2. Get off at Tanay Public Market and proceed to the jeepney terminal located at the back. Take the jeepney going to Brgy. Daraitan, fare is around Php 60 pesos. Travel time is about an hour. You can also rent the whole jeepney for Php 1,500 pesos.

Climbing Tip : How to get to Mt. Tagapo in Talim Island Binangonan Rizal

Mt. Tagapo can be found at Talim Island in Binangonan, Rizal. There are passenger boats that ply the routes to different barangays in the island, connecting them to mainland Rizal.

Together with my mountaineering group - the Sosyal Klaymers, we celebrated our 1st Anniversary climbing up this moutain last August 21-22, 2010. (Click here for the related blog post)

How to get to Mt. Tagapo

1. At Edsa Crossing, take a jeepney bound for Binangonan Rizal. The jeepney terminal is in the Edsa Central Terminal. Fare is about 40 pesos.

2. Get off at Binangonan Port and take the passenger boats going to Brgy. Janosa, Talim Island. You can also charter a boat for about 1,500 pesos.

Rizal - Mt. Tagapo Climb in Talim Island, Laguna de Bay

MT. TAGAPO
Talim Island, Laguna de Bay
Major jump-off: Brgy. Janosa (Talim Island) Binangonan, Rizal
LLA 14.32° N 121.23° E, 438 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 2 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1-2
*http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/08/mt-tagapo-438.html

ITINERARY

Day 1 – August 21, 2010 (Sabado)
0800 Assembly EDSA Crossing Terminal, take jeep to Binangonan (P50)
1000 ETA Binangonan Port , take passenger ferry to Brgy Janosa (P25)
1200 ETA Brgy. Janosa, registration -LUNCH(P20)
1300 Start Trek;
1500 ETA Campsite, set up camp
1800 Dinner
2000 Socials
2300 Lights Out

Day 2 – August 22, 2010 (Linggo)
0600 Wake up call
0630 Summit assault
1000 Break camp
1130 Back to jump off, lunch
1400 ETD for Binangonan
1600 ETA Binangonan
1900 ETA EDSA Crossing

Note: Possible side trip is Batlag Falls or Daranak Falls

This is the 1st Anniversary Climb of the Sosyal Klaymers. We chose an easy climb so that most of the klaymers will be able to join.

The adventure started with a breakfast at Jolibee in Crossing.

Rizal - Daraitan Exploration, Sosyal Klaymers' "Kalayaan Climb"

The "Kalayaan Klaymb" that turned out to be an exciting adventure... The Sosyal Klaymers and the Bomba Boys enjoyed 2-days of Camping, River Trekking, Rock Climbing, Swimming, Cam Whore-ing and Spelunking.

THE PLACE:
Daraitan is a trekking destination nestled within the Sierra Madre mountain range in Tanay Rizal. Getting there will take you a 2-hour trip from Shaw Boulevard to Tanay Rizal and another 1 hour going to Barangay Daraitan. Upon reaching the Barangay Hall, have yourselves registered in the barangay logbook by paying Php 10.00 each. Dito na rin namin kinuha ang aming guide na si Christopher, which costs Php 250.00.