15 BEST Tanay Rizal Tourist Spots + Things to Do

Located just about 2 hours away from Manila, the municipality of Tanay, Rizal, is perfect for weekend trips. It offers a multitude of outdoor adventures, including mountaineering for beginner and experienced hikers, swimming in waterfalls and rivers, spelunking, and more. It also has numerous mountain resorts and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy the view.

Here we’ve compiled the top tourist attractions in Tanay, Rizal + things to do in Tanay, Rizal.

1. Tanay Church

Tanay Church (formally known as Saint Ildefonsus of Toledo Parish Church) is one of the landmarks of Tanay. It’s a historical church built in the 1770s, featuring a traditional baroque design. The church also holds several antique artifacts.

If you’re going on a day tour in Tanay, it’s ideal to stop by Tanay Church first in your itinerary.

2. Daranak Falls

Daranak Falls is the top tourist attraction in Tanay. It’s a 46-meter waterfall located at the foot of the Sierra Madre mountain range. It has a wide basin where you can swim. The basin ranges from light blue to jade green in color, depending on the weather.

Daranak Falls is a popular weekend destination especially by locals living in the area. Families often come here for short picnics, as there are tables available for rent and a huge dining hall with a view of the waterfall. Younger visitors tend to stop here for a quick swim before visiting other destinations in Tanay.

Note: If you trek further, you may also visit Batlag Falls. Batlag Falls is in a private property so you will need to pay additional entrance fee per person.

Also Read: Waterfalls near Manila you can visit on a weekend

3. Calinawan Cave

Calinawan Cave is a historical cave where the Filipinos and Americans agreed to “end” the Spanish rule. The cave stretches from Tanay to Montalban which entails a 9-day journey, although today these passages are impassable.

Tourists can visit the first levels (levels 1 and 2) of Calinawan Cave. Further levels are accessible as well on good weather. However, these are considered more difficult. Narrow tunnels will require you to crawl on your stomach to get through.

4. Nagpatong Rock Formation

Nagpatong Rock is one of the most unique rock formations you can find in the country. It consists of 2 towers facing each other. The towers seem to be made of blocks of rock piled on top of each other, hence the name “nagpatong”.

Trekking to the top of the Nagpatong Rock takes about 3-4 hours, depending on the trail condition. During rainy season, expect the path to get muddy so the trek takes a little longer.

Once you reach the summit, you will be rewarded with a great view (and photos taken from the other tower).

5. Mount Mapalad

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Mount Mapalad is an one of the best day hikes for beginners. It’s recognizable for the wooden hand-shaped viewing deck at the summit, where successful hikers take a photo and enjoy the surrounding forest view.

There are 2 trails to Mount Mapalad, an easy trail for beginners and a steep trail for experienced hikers. The trek only takes 2-3 hours.

6. Treasure Mountain

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Treasure Mountain is an insta-famous spot due to its view of the “sea of clouds.” It’s one of the most popular tourist spots in Tanay, Rizal, since it is easily accessible. In fact, it’s ideal for those who love scenic mountain views but want to skip an actual trek.

To get to the viewdeck at Treasure Mountain, you only need to take a short walk from the entrance. From here, you can witness a sea of clouds on early mornings. You can also order silog meals for about P150 so you can enjoy breakfast with a view!

Aside from witnessing the sea of clouds, you can also do other activities in Treasure Mountain including ATV ride or swimming in the pool. Day trips and overnight camping are also available.

Book a Treasure Mountain tour via Klook.

7. Martessem Mountain Resort

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Martessem Mountain Resort is another popular location for its view of the sea of clouds in the mornings and the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. Sitting 2000 feet above sea level, this resort offers rooms and cottages, as well as dining area for those on a day trip. You can order delicious local meals while admiring the surrounding views.

This resort also has a swimming pool, although it is exclusive for checked-in guests. They also offer fish feeding and horseback riding activities.

8. Masungi Georeserve

One of the best ecotourism spots in the Philippines, Masungi Georeserve is an eco park that aims to preserve natural landscapes and wildlife in this part of Tanay and, at the same time, offer a memorable outdoor experience to its guests. It’s ideal for those who love nature adventure. It also makes for a great bonding activity for families and groups of friends.

Masungi Georeserve offers different trails which will let you explore the area, including Discovery Trail, Legacy Trail, and Garden Picnic. The trails include foot trails, rope courses, and hanging bridges — the famous of which are the Sapot (Cobweb) and Duyan (Hammock) where you can take amazing pictures.

While doing the trails, you can also appreciate the rock formations, karst cliffs, limestone caves, and surrounding rainforests, as well as majestic views of the mountains and Laguna de Bay.

9. Ten Cents to Heaven Leisure Camp

Ten Cents to Heaven Leisure Camp is a popular family getaway and team-building events venue in Tanay, Rizal. It offers various types of accommodation as well as activities.

One of the things you can do in Ten Cents to Heaven is take on the 1.2-km zipline, which is considered the longest zipline in Luzon. You can choose to ride the zipline sitting down or superman-style. There is also a shorter zipline available for kids.

10. Bakasyunan Resort

Bakasyunan (or more formally Bakasyunan Resort and Conference Center) is a relaxing escape from Manila. Currently, it’s most popular for its IG corners consisting of bird nests and giant swings, which is inspired from Bali.

Aside from this, Bakasyunan also has other facilities you can enjoy including a swimming pool and team-building activities.

Bakasyunan accepts day tours and overnight stays. Book a discounted overnight stay here.

11. Regina RICA

Regina RICA is a popular pilgrimage site in Tanay, often visited during the Holy Week. It’s a 14-hectare sanctuary featuring a statue of the Queen of the Holy Rosary.

Regina RICA is visited not only by Catholics who want to pray and meditate, but also by casual tourists who want to explore its trails. Aside from the church, you can also find a creek and three waterfalls inside the sanctuary.

12. Mount Daraitan

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Mount Daraitan is a medium-difficulty trail mountain in the heart of Sierra Madre in Tanay. It’s a popular option among mountaineers especially those living in Manila.

The trail in this mountain requires continuous ascent (assault). It takes 1.5-2 hours to reach the heart peak summit, where you can find an installed heart-shaped nest with an overlooking view of the river and surrounding mountains. It takes 3-4 hours to reach the proper summit.

After the trek, you can proceed to the Tinipak River below for a refreshing swim and wash-up.

13. Tinipak River

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Tinipak River is a mountain river flowing below the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. It’s usually visited as a stop over during the hike to Mount Daraitan. The water here is cool and refreshing, just the right place to swim after a tiring hike!

There is also a small cave beside a river where you can find a small stream that flows down into a natural pool.

14. Tanay Lakeshore

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Before finishing your tour of Tanay, don’t forget to drop by Tanay Lakeshore. Tanay Lakeshore has a lighthouse (locally referred to as parola). It offers an impressive view of the lake and surrounding mountains and landscapes, specifically Sierra Madre Mountain Range, Mt. Makiling, Mt. Banahaw, Talim Island, and Tagaytay City.

Tanay Lakeshore is a great spot for sunrise and sunset photography.

15. Stop for a merienda at Pico de Pino

Pico de Pino is a local restaurant in Tanay. It’s located along the highway, which makes it a good stop for people traveling in this area.

Pico de Pino offers indoor and outdoor dining where you can enjoy the mountain breeze. The menu consists of Filipino dishes including lomi, pansit, fresh lumpia, and more.

How to get to Tanay, Rizal

Tanay is located about 2 hours away from Manila.

There are various ways to get here, the most common is via EDSA:

• From EDSA Shaw, head to the terminal in front of Starmall and ride a van to Tanay (about P70 per person). Alternatively, you may also ride a jeep (about P50 per person).

If you plan on visiting several attractions, it’s best to bring your own car or form a group and then rent a van.

Where to stay

Here are the recommended accommodations in Tanay, Rizal:

• Balay Tanay Bed and Breakfast. A bed & breakfast surrounded by tropical garden. It is close to major attractions in Tanay including Daraitan, Daranak Falls and Masungi Georeserve. Book via Agoda.
• Bakasyunan Resort. Modern resort with pools and IG-worthy corners. It is often called The Bali of Tanay. Book via Agoda.
• Ten Cents to Heaven Resort. A relaxing resort with outdoor pool and garden. This is ideal for those who want to de-stress and unwind. Book via Agoda.

Here’s a separate guide on the Best Resorts in Tanay, Rizal.

How to book tours in Tanay

There are various travel agencies offering tour packages in Tanay. For other questions, you may also contact the Tanay Tourism Office via Facebook.

That concludes our list of the best Tanay Rizal tourist spots + things to do in Tanay, Rizal! Do you have other recommendations? Let us know in the comments below!

What to read next:

Visiting Tanay Rizal soon? You might also be interested in these:

• Day Trip in Tanay, Rizal
• Top Outdoor Adventures in the Philippines