Home of Adventure: 15+ BEST Tanay Rizal Tourist Spots

Located just about 2 hours away from the metro, the municipality in Tanay Rizal is perfect for weekend trips. Known for its beautiful mountain and hilly landscapes, this haven offers a number of outdoor adventures, including mountain climbing, chasing waterfalls and rivers, spelunking, camping, and more. Those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city can also book relaxing Tanay Rizal resorts and campsites.

Here we’ve compiled the best Tanay Rizal tourist spots and other things to do in Tanay, Rizal.

1. Tanay Church

One of the landmarks of Tanay, Tanay Church (formally known as Saint Ildefonsus of Toledo Parish Church) is one of the top Tanay Rizal tourist spots that you shouldn’t miss. Built in the 1770s, this historical church features a beautiful traditional baroque architecture and is home to several important religious artifacts.

Take time to appreciate the church’s exterior and head inside for a short time of reflection.

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

2. Daranak Falls

Among the top tourist attractions in Tanay Rizal, Daranak Falls is the most popular, receiving thousands and thousands of visitors annually.

This beautiful waterfall is a great place for a relaxing swim, especially during the summer. Located at the foot of the Sierra Madre mountain range, this waterfall stands 46 meters high with a wide basin where you can enjoy cold, refreshing water and floaters where you can idly spend the afternoon. The water basin ranges in color from light blue to jade green, depending on the weather.

Daranak Falls is especially popular among the locals and is often part of day trips from Manila. Families often come here for short picnics and settle in one of the tables or at the huge dining hall with a view of the waterfall. Day tour visitors make a stopover here for a quick swim and photos 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

Up for some spelunking adventure? Calinawan Cave is a beginner-friendly cave where you can see natural rock formations, explore tunnels, and even crawl through narrow spaces.

Casual tourists can visit the first two levels of Calinawan Cave. Further levels are accessible on good weather, but these are considered more difficult and may require more experience.

Aside from the activity it offers, this cave is also a historical site in Tanay, Rizal. This is where the Filipinos and Americans agreed to “end” the Spanish rule during the Spanish Colonial Era. As per the guides, the cave stretches from Tanay to Montalban which entails a 9-day journey, although today these passages are impassable.

4. Nagpatong Rock Formation

Tanay offers a number of beginner-friendly hikes, and one of the best ones include Nagpatong Rock.

Nagpatong Rock features unique rock formations, with two rock towers facing each other. The towers look as if they are made of blocks of rocks piled on top of each other, hence the name “nagpatanong.”

Climbing the summit of Nagpatong Rock takes about 3-4 hours, depending on your pace and 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’ll be rewarded with a great view of the surrounding mountain forests.

5. Mount Mapalad

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Next up on our list of Tanay Rizal tourist spots is Mount Mapalad, a beginner-friendly hike known for the wooden hand-shaped viewing deck at the summit. There you can take IG-worthy photos, enjoy the surrounding forest views, and rest and relax.

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.

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 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 and Legacy Trail. 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 hiking along 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.

Masungi Georeserve is located in Baras, which is located close to Tanay and its numerous tourist attractions.

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) offers a relaxing escape from Manila. Currently, it’s mostly popular for its IG corners, consisting of bird nests and giant swings, inspired from similar features in 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.

11. Regina RICA

This pilgrimage site is one of the most popular Tanay Rizal tourist spots, receiving thousands of visitors especially during Holy Week.

Regina Rica is a 14-hectare sanctuary featuring a statue of the Queen of the Holy Rosary. It’s visited not only by religious people who want to pray and reflect, but also by leisure tourists who want to explore the trails within the site. 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

Tanay is home to various restaurants offering local dishes, some of which also offers mountain views. If you’re simply looking for good food, one of the best choices is Pico de Pino.

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

This restaurant is located along the highway, which makes it easily accessible for people traveling in the area.

16. Pililla Windmills

Just a short drive from Tanay, you’ll find Pililla Windmills — a set of 27 turbines built on top of hilltops, presenting a beautiful sight especially against a backdrop of verdant landscape and blue sky. From here, you can also see Laguna de Bay from afar.

Tourists exploring Tanay often drive here to take photos and appreciate the view. There is also a café and viewing deck at the foot one of the giant fans, where you can rest and enjoy snacks.

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 in Tanay Rizal

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:

Planning to visit Tanay, Rizal soon? Don’t forget to read these guides:

• Tanay Rizal Tourist Spots and Things to Do
• 10 Best Tanay Rizal Resorts and Campsites
• 10 Nature Staycations in Tanay, Rizal
• Day Hike to Nagpatong Rock Formation
• Tanay Rizal day tour itinerary