Itching to get some fresh air and a patch of greenery? A quick trip to Antipolo is always a good idea! Exactly how far is Antipolo from Manila? For perspective, it takes just about 47 minutes by car to get there from Manila — even less when you’re coming from bordering areas of Quezon City or Pasig. Not bad, right? It’s a popular weekend cycling destination, too — that’s how close it is to the metro!
If you’re planning to head on over to Antipolo, might as well visit other equally breathtaking sights in Rizal and nearby Marikina! Whether you’re looking for a staycation in Antipolo, places to visit in Tanay, restaurants to dine in and fun activities to do in that area, we’ve got you covered!
Where to Eat
Habagat Coffee & Outdoor Lifestyle
Who could go sightseeing in Antipolo, Rizal without grabbing a cup of coffee? No one, because that’s just ridiculous! Habagat Coffee, which has become a favourite for many, especially bikers on their scenic route, is a perfect spot to get your caffeine fix. They’re a small outdoor coffee shop serving locally-grown coffee. Some of their drinks include Caramel Macchiato, Vietnamese Style, and Double White.
For directions, click here.
For updates, you can follow their Facebook page and or Instagram.
Tahanan Bistro
True to its name, this is one of the coziest restaurants you can find in Antipolo — and with the best views to boot! Tahanan Bistro uses locally-sourced ingredients and serves dishes made from purely organic produce. The place itself is built with reclaimed wood and salvaged pieces from all over the country, so that’s another reason to love this place.
But take note: they’re strictly by reservation only, so make sure to call up before you drop by!
You can find them at 22 Loresville Drive, Lores Farm Subdivision, San Roque, Antipolo.
For reservations, you can visit their website.
For more updates, you can follow them on Instagram.
Yellow Bird Cafe x Kitchen
Yellow Bird has quite a reputation of serving up some to-die-for cheesecakes (Dulce de Leche, Homemade Berry, Homemade Matcha, and Oreo, hello!) and main entrees (oh, the steaks!), but you’ll definitely be missing out if you don’t try their coffees! But just in case you’re not big on caffeine, they also have an array of fruit coolers and even yogurt-blended drinks.
You can find them at Mission Hills Subdivision, Antipolo.
For more updates, you can follow their Facebook page and or Instagram.
What to Do
Crescent Moon Cafe
Apart from their Asian-inspired cuisine, Crescent Moon Cafe also houses a pottery studio (hence, the unique ceramic on which they serve your food orders!) and hosts creative workshops for those who want to learn it as a hobby. If you’re looking for ceramic pieces to breathe new life to your kitchen, Crescent Moon Cafe is filled with the best ones from artist Lanelle Abueva-Fernando’s ceramics studio.
You can find them at Sapang Buho Road, Bgy. Dalig, Antipolo.
For updates, you can follow their Facebook page and or Instagram.
Masungi Georeserve
Masungi Georeserve is a haven for those who love and respect nature. It’s a conservation area filled with hundreds of plant and animal species, which you’ll get to see when you go on a trek on their amazing nature trails! It’s a unique eco-tourism destination where you can really immerse yourself in nature.
Plus the fees you pay for the tours will go directly to the Masungi Georeserve Foundation, the non-profit organization that manages Masungi Georeserve. They oversee the restoration and conservation of the place, and also protect it from ongoing threats — so visiting there is one way you can contribute to both local tourism and ecological conservation!
You can find the Masungi Georeserve at Marcos Highway Marikina-Infanta Road, Baras, Rizal.
For reservations, you can head on over to their website.
For updates, you can follow their Facebook page and or Instagram.
The Apiary Mountain Camp & Farm
Become a next-level Plantito/Plantita (and no, we don’t just mean the altitude, okay?) at The Apiary Mountain Camp & Farm by harvesting your own fruits and veggies while you’re there! The place has a campsite for more seasoned hikers, but for those who are just looking to chill in the heart of nature, they’ve got nipa huts you can book, too.
For more updates, you can follow their Facebook page and or Instagram.
Pinto Art Museum & Pinto Cafe
By now, The Pinto Art Museum has become synonymous with Antipolo. The contemporary art pieces created by some of the country’s most talented artists, set against the backdrop of Pinto’s homey grounds, make for an incredible experience no matter the weather. And if you get hungry while appreciating the art, their cafe offers modern takes on classic Filipino dishes that you wouldn’t want to pass up.
For updates, you can follow their Facebook page and or Instagram.
Where to Sleep
Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens & Spa
If you’re thinking of where to unwind in Rizal, your first stop should be Luljetta’s. You’ll get a great view of Laguna de Bay while you enjoy delicious food from their in-house caterer, Verde Restaurante. And while you’re there, book yourself a nice, relaxing massage to knead away all the city life stress in you, so you can head back home the next day feeling amazing.
You can find them at Sitio Loreland, Loreland Farm Resort, San Roque, Antipolo.
For more updates, you can follow them on Facebook and or Instagram.
Mount Purro Nature Reserve
It’s hard to believe that Mount Purro Nature Reserve is crazy close to Metro Manila, but it is! This family-run eco park offers one of the best hideaways for when you just need space from the chaotic city life. They offer both day trips and overnight stays.
For more updates, you can follow their Facebook page and or Instagram.
The Grounds Resort
Easily one of the best Antipolo resorts, The Grounds Resort’s rustic charm gives pure coziness complemented by lush greenery. If you’re looking for a place to stay for the ‘gram, this is it!
For more updates, you can follow their Facebook page and or Instagram.
We know you’re excited to experience any one of the places on this list, but if you’d rather wait a bit longer before you leave the house, then get your new experience fix online on SHOOR experiences for now, right here!
