Tagaytay City, at elevation 2,500 feet above sea level, is known as the summer capital of Southern Luzon because of its cool highland weather. Only 56 kilometers south of Manila, it is situated on the scenic Tagaytay Ridge that has a spectacular view of Taal Volcano (reputed to be the smallest active volcano in the world) right in the middle of Taal Lake and the mountains of Makiling, Banahaw and
Macolot beyond. Rendered even more charming are the multicolored flowers, bonsai trees and ornamental plants being sold by numerous stalls and sheds. Tagaytay City is famous not only for the awesome view of Taal's lake-within-a-volcano¬within-a-lake-within-a-volcano but also for the vegetables, fruits and Batangas beef on sale in its market, native coffee from nearby Mendez municipality, and the panutsa (peanut soaked in hardened sugar), shrimp paste and tulingan (a native fish) from the nearby Batangas towns of Nasugbu and Balayan. Tagaytay City is also a gateway to Taal Volcano and Taal Lake via a winding road that leads to Talisay town below. The road, although steep, is good and lined with trees and bushes and undergrowths speckled with wild sunflowers in bloom. In Talisay, boats can be hired for cruising the freshwater lake and in going to the little volcano for a trek to the Daang Kastila view deck for a look at the still steaming crater walls and placid crater lake. With cool highland weather and Baguio-like sceneries, Tagaytay City is a major attraction for couples and families who go there for the awe-inspiring views, picnic spots, restaurants, resort and recreational facilities. The tranquil ambience and fresh mountain air make it a perfect setting for health spas and wellness centers, retreat houses and conference venues and its terrain is ideal for hiking, jogging and mountain biking. The more adventurous can trek down to the edge of Taal Lake.
