The Twin Lakes – A favorite stop-over spot in Tagaytay City

The Philippines is known to be a tropical country. That being said, hot weather, resorts, and beaches are most commonly found in the country. But what about cooler places and clear blue skies? Of course, to Filipinos, Baguio and Tagaytay City are the first to come to mind. Temperature in both Cities usually ranges from 11-25 Degree Celsius due to their high altitude. They have breathtaking overlooking views and unique food places people love to flock to. I have been to both places and I can attest how relaxing and calming tourists spots they are. In this, I’ll tell you first about my favorite spot in Tagaytay City – The Twin Lakes. We went to this place for a stop-over when we came to Batangas and I wished we had more time. The Twin Lakes is along the Nasugbu-Tagaytay highway, it’s very easy for people passing by to see the place.

The Tagaytay City

Tagaytay City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Luzon including the Twin Lakes. It has stunning scenery and a colder climate, much like the well-known Baguio City. Filipinos and tourists alike flock here to escape the warmer temperatures of Metro Manila. Furthermore, Tagaytay is relatively close to Manila, being only about 59 kilometers away, making it easily accessible to nearby cities. According to local legend, the name Tagaytay is derived from the words “taga,” which means “to cut,” and “itay,” which means “father.” According to rumor, a father and son were on a wild boar hunt when the animal they were attempting to pursue turned on them and attacked them. “Taga, itay!” exclaimed the son. ” was repeated several times and echoed through the ridge’s alleyways. His cries were heard by the residents and became the topic of conversation in the countryside for several days. Isn’t it a little gruesome?

The Twin Lakes

The Twin Lakes is the first vineyard community in the Philippines and Tagaytay’s first master-planned ecotourism estate. It has an expansive 1,300-hectare diversified leisure and resort community, raises the bar for Tagaytay living. Twin Lakes also has a one-of-a-kind lush community development called The Vineyard. The Vineyard spans 177 hectares of natural landscape and offers a perfect view of the famous Taal Volcano as well as a view of the estate’s man-made lake. There are several foodplaces you can go to such as the famous Starbucks. We went for a morning coffee while also feeding our views with lush green overlooking scenery. The cold breeze of air and the calming perspective wraps the experience well with my hot whitechoco-mocha Starbucks drink. It was a moment I will never forget. Indeed, it is a magnificent retreat on Tagaytay–Nasugbu Road. A relaxing, natural landscape not far from the bustling Metro.

Foods and Attractions

Of course, the Twin Lakes wouldn’t be a favorite top stop-over spot if not with all the things you can find in and nearby the vicinity. If you happen to be on a long ride and pass by the area, you should grab some snacks and take a few minutes of rest here. They allow dine-in for fully people that are vaccinated long as they show their vaccination cards. If not yet and forgotten, you may still enjoy the alfresco dining option. The place is family and pet friendly. You can bring your loved ones and furry babies long as you keep the area neat and clean. Here are the lists of food stores and attractions you can find at Twin Lakes:

Also, If you’re looking for more places and things to do in Tagaytay, check out these articles we created just for you:

• Top 5 stops to go in Tagaytay City
• Fruit and Flower Market in Sta. Rosa – Tagaytay City

Tips and Guides on visiting Twin Lakes

• There are ATMs available. So if you need cash, you can withdraw from their BPI and Unionbank ATMs.
• They open from 8 AM – 9 PM everyday. Schedule might change so check their official facebook page prior to visitation.
• Two public restrooms are available nearby the stairs (Bag of Beans side) and along the “garden walk”.
• Best time to visit is during the slow hours of weekdays. Morning if you plan to go on weekends.
• You can park your car along the façade, basement, and on empty spaces across the Twin Lakes. If you want to park on the side of the road, you can trust the “parking boys” to watch over. Just don’t forget to give them tips as a token of gratitude.
• Bring your vaccination card if available.
• Wear facemasks all the time unless you’re eating or drinking.
• Maintain 6-feet social distancing.
• Buy some pasalubong at the nearby Amira’s Buco Tart Haus.
• Visiting the vicinity is free. There’s no entrance fee needed.

How to get there

Via Train

• Take a ride from any point of LRT Station going to Gil Puyat LRT station. Then ride a bus going to Tagaytay City. Ask the driver if he will pass by the Twin Lakes. If not, tell him to drop you off the nearest public transportation point going to Twin Lakes.

Via Bus

• From Taft Ave, ride a night bus going to Starmall Alabang. Then ride another bus going to Tagaytay City. Ask the driver if he will pass by the Twin Lakes. If not, tell him to drop you off the nearest public transportation point going to Twin Lakes.
• The majority of buses from Manila to Twin Lakes stop in Pasay City. Always keep an eye out for buses bound for “Nasugbu-Twin Lakes.”

Via Private Car

• First, proceed to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) bound to Mamplasan Exit or the Santa Rosa Exit. However, if you want to avoid traffic and have EasyTrip RFID, take the Mamplasan Exit, which is connected to CALAX. When you exit CALAX, continue driving along Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road. Go to the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road to the right. Drive through the roundabout (rotonda). Finally, keep going on your journey until you reach Twin Lakes.
• First, proceed to Cavitex and continue driving along Emilio Aguinaldo Highway. Then, when you reach the roundabout, take the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road (rotonda). Finally, keep going on your journey until you reach Twin Lakes.

Via Taxi/GrabCar

• Ride a taxi or book a GrabCar from any point of Metro Manila or nearby Cities. This might be just a little expensive.