Manila & Tagaytay Day Trip: Jeepney Ride, Intramuros & Taal Views

Summary

Jeepney rides, old churches & Taal volcano from Manila in one day

You’ll ride through Manila’s lively streets and climb into Tagaytay’s cool hills for sweeping Taal Volcano views. Expect laughter on a classic jeepney ride, fresh buko pie from local stalls, and quiet moments inside historic Intramuros churches before heading back with new stories (and maybe a few crumbs on your shirt).

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is our driver cracking a joke about Manila traffic — “Welcome to the world’s slowest parade!” he said, grinning in the rearview. We’d barely left Makati when he pointed out how the city changes block by block: street vendors selling taho, sudden pockets of Spanish-era walls, then skyscrapers again. It was humid but not heavy that morning, and there was this faint smell of roasted corn drifting in through the window. I tried to snap a photo of a jeepney painted like a disco ball but missed it — too slow. So yeah, that’s Manila for you.

Tagaytay felt like another planet after all that city noise. The air got cooler as we climbed; you could actually breathe here. Our guide, Ate Liza, handed me a piece of buko pie from a roadside stall (still warm) and told us about her childhood trips up these hills. The jeepney ride up to the highest point was loud and bumpy — everyone laughing whenever we hit a pothole — but when we stopped and stepped out, there it was: Taal Volcano just floating on its lake under this weirdly clear sky. I didn’t expect it to look so small from up here. Kind of surreal.

Later, walking through Intramuros back in Manila, Liza led us into this old stone church where someone was lighting candles in total silence except for distant tricycle engines outside. She showed us carvings on the walls from Spanish times — some half-erased by weather or maybe just time itself. My legs were tired by then but I still wanted to linger. There’s something about old stones and echoes that sticks with you longer than photos do.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Manila and Tagaytay sightseeing tour

• Visit historical cemetery
• See large church in Intramuros
• Explore beautiful Intramuros scenery
• Ride jeepney to Tagaytay highest point
• Relax in Tagaytay highland city

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Manila to Tagaytay day trip?

Yes, free pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Makati, Taguig, Ermita (Manila), Malate (Manila), and Pasay.

Do I get to see Taal Volcano during the tour?

Yes, on clear days you’ll see Taal Volcano from Tagaytay’s high points.

What kind of vehicle is used for the tour?

An air-conditioned vehicle is provided for most of the trip; you’ll also ride a jeepney in Tagaytay.

Are entry fees included in the price?

Yes, all fees and taxes are included.

How long does this sightseeing tour last?

This is a full-day trip covering both Manila and Tagaytay highlights.

Is lunch or food included?

No lunch is listed as included; you may buy snacks like buko pie at local stalls during stops.

What historical sites will we visit in Manila?

You’ll visit Intramuros including one of the biggest churches and an old Spanish-era cemetery.

Is this day trip suitable for people with limited fitness?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within central Manila areas (Makati, Taguig, Ermita, Malate, Pasay), all entry fees and taxes covered along the way, comfy air-conditioned transport plus that classic jeepney ride up in Tagaytay—so you can just focus on soaking up city buzz and mountain air without worrying about logistics.