Antipolo – The Hidden Gem of the East
In the East of Manila lies a city considered to be a hidden gem for its many unexpected offerings. It is in fact deemed as the next ultimate destination in the East. Recently, Antipolo City was named as the “Most Competitive City in the Philipppines” in the Competitive City Category of the 7th Regional Competitiveness Summit.
Sitting on top of a plateau, Antipolo City is a breath of fresh air for travelers looking for a great adventure just outside the city. Antipolo City, the capital of Rizal Province, is an explorer’s haven. Found in the outskirts of Metro Manila, this place offers tons of activities to unwind from the city life. The lush greenery and the cool fresh air of the mountainside makes Antipolo the perfect getaway to take a pause, breathe, and appreciate the gifts of nature.
Antipolo is also a known religious sanctuary that is home to the famous Antipolo Cathedral. Considered as a Catholic pilgrimage site, thousands of devotees flock in the month of May to pay homage to its patroness, Nuestra Senora de la Paz y la Buen Viaje (Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage).
In the recent years, Antipolo city has grown into a booming city with a high demand for residential and investment properties. It has seen the rise of many establishments which greatly aids the city’s tourism. Those planning to invest here may consider owning a real-estate property like an affordable condo in Antipolo because of its fast growing market value.
Whether you’re planning for a quick getaway or a long stay, check out the list below for the best things to do in Antipolo City!
Be one with nature with these tourist spots
Just a 30-minute drive from Manila, Antipolo City offers the ultimate nature experience for any traveler. Gifted with many natural wonders, you can commune with nature and enjoy its relaxing benefits in the various locations listed below.
Hinulugang Taktak National Park
Hinulugang Taktak must be the most significant landmark of Antipolo. When you think of Antipolo, this popular tourist destination often comes to mind. The waterfalls which was once neglected and tarnished has been rejuvenated back to its old glory and is now a national park. The area around it has a swimming pool, picnic groves, and large green spaces that visitors can enjoy.
Pamitian Cave and Mystical Caves
Pamitian Cave lies in the foothills of the Sierra Madre and is made up of limestone. It is believed that it was where Andres Bonifacio initiated the Katipuneros and declared Philippine independence from the Spaniards. The words “Viva la Independencia Filipinas” can still be seen in the cave walls up to this day.
Another popular cave in Antipolo is the Mystical cave. It is believed that this is a healing place because of the holy images found inside the cave. Sick people visit the place to get water dripping from the cave which is said to be miraculous.
Mount Purro Nature Reserve
Nature lovers will surely fall in love with the rustic setting and relaxing ambience of Mount Purro Nature Reserve. This ultimate destination offers the perfect getaway to experience inner peace brought forth by the tranquil atmosphere.
During this time of pandemic, Mount Purro Nature Reserve can only be booked by reservation.
Masungi Georeserve
An award winning destination, Masungi Georeserve is popular among mountain trekkers for its outstanding view of nature around its exciting trails. Adventure seekers will find it a fun and exhilarating experience to hike in this place. It offers a number of trails based on the activities you want to do. Masungi has won the prestigious Global Water Changemakers Awards at Climate Adaptation Summit.
Trips to Masungi are only upon reservation. Guests are encouraged to book in advance, at least four days prior the day of visit.
Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa
Luljetta’s Place Garden Suites is a beautiful garden spa that brings a romantic and healing atmosphere for guests. The place has a panoramic view of the Laguna de Bay and Metro Manila. With its Asian inspiration, visitors can enjoy three infinity pools and an in-house restaurant that serves as array of international and local cuisine. This instagram-worthy spot offers numerous amenities including a spa, hotel accommodation, events place, restaurant, and many more. It is the country’s first and only hanging gardens spa.
Luljetta’s Place Garden Suites is open daily from 9AM to 6PM.
PACEM Eco Park
This butterfly garden was built by Assumption Antipolo to build awareness on nature and the environment among students and the school community. PACEM stands for Peace And Care For Earth Ministry. Kids will surely love this place because of the many live butterflies in the area and other amenities like a mini-zoo, herbal garden, and a museum of seashells, butterflies, and moths.
Experience spiritual healing through a religious pilgrimage
Considered a top destination for religious pilgrimages, Antpolo is home to many beautiful churches and cathedrals. Whether you are seeking spiritual guidance or fervently praying for an intention, a visit in Antipolo’s churches will give you the peace and hopefully, the answer you’ve been looking for.
The Antipolo Cathedral
The Antipolo Cathedral is a huge church with a dome-shapedarchitecture which is the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. Most visitors of Antipolo start their journey with a mass or say a little prayer in this cathedral. The influx of parishioners goes fever-pitched as the pilgrimage season starts in the month of May. Pilgrims walk their way from the metropolis to this church to pray for their personal intentions.
Boso- Boso Church
Popularly known as Boso Boso Church, Nuestra Senora de la Annunciata Parish Church was built by the Franciscan missionaries in 1669. The church was damaged by an earthquake in 1930 and was rebuilt and completed in 1995.
Via Dolorosa
Pilgrims visit this place during the Lenten Season to commemorate the sufferings of Christ on the cross. Via Dolorsa is popularly known as the White Cross.
Feed your artistic soul
If you are looking for a nice museum to visit, Antipolo is one great destination to feed your artistic soul. From museums to cafes, art enthusiasts can spend the day marveling at unique art pieces proudly made by Filipino artists.
Pinto Art Museum
The Pinto Art Museum is a must see place for art lovers. It is a mixture of modern contemporary art and traditional art made by local artists. The museum is artistically designed in its interior and has a wide range of art collections. Outside the gallery is a big botanical garden that compliments the awesome sight. It opened in 2010 to showcase the collection of Dr. Joven Cuanang, a neurologist and a patron of the arts.
Fun fact: The Pinto Art Museum is one of the 25 most Instagrammed museums in the world.
Pinto Art Museum is located at 1 Sierra Madre St. Grand Heights Rd, Antipolo City. It is open every Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 6pm.
Angono Mural Street
Angono, a neighboring town of Antipolo, prides itself as the art capital of the Philippines and the hometown of National Artist Francisco “Botong” Francisco. You can see murals lined up in the streets of Dona Aurora and most houses have their own art pieces as this is home to many contemporary artists.
Munch all you want
Probably the most favorite activity of many, Antipolo offers a lot of good places to stuff yourself after a tiring day of exploration. Aside from good food, many restaurants are decorated with interiors perfect for your social media posts. Below are some of the popular restaurants and food joints enjoyed by many.
Monte Café
This café has a wide range of coffee concoctions and blended drinks as well. If you fancy a cup of frappe, Monte Café is famous for its bestselling Java Chip Frappe. The stylish and colorful interiors also complement the hipster ambience of the café. Pair your frappe with their nachos, which is another crowd favorite. For the meals, the Chicken Alfredo, and Lengua are highly recommended.
Café Lupe Bed and Breakfast
Enjoy the best view of Antipolo and its surroundings in this hotel and restaurant located in Brgy. Mambugan along Sumulong Highway. They offer Filipino Mexican cuisine. Other features of the place are an outdoor entertainment, Family KTV, bed and breakfast hotel, private functions, and a boxing gym.
Crescent Moon Café and Studio Pottery
Crescent Moon Café is a favorite among visitors of Antipolo because of its outstanding Southeast Asian dishes. Alongside is the owner’s pottery and art studio which invites guests to participate and learn the art of pottery making.
Cloud 9 Hanging Bridge
True to its name “Cloud 9,” this restaurant is an ideal place for thrill seekers and adventurers who would want to cross the Sky Bridge. It is a hanging bridge made of steel with a breathtaking view of the Metropolis. This is the highest point in Antipolo located along the Sumulong Highway. It also has room accommodations, a bar and restaurant, private functions, and a heritage museum.
Celebrating “Sumakah” Festival
Held every first of May, Antipolo holds the famous “Sumakah” festival, which stands for Suman, Mangga, Kasoy and Hamaka. These products are considered to be the city’s special delicacies. Similar to other festivals, Sumakah also features street dancing, drum and lyre bands, a beauty pageant, and other entertaining activities. The highlight of this event is the street dance competition that uses the local anthem “Tayo na sa Antipolo.”
Buying treats for your loved ones
Speaking of Sumaka, Antipolo is known for its native delicacy, suman or sticky rice. Visitors can find plenty of suman and other local delicacies just outside the Antipolo Cathedral. If you are looking for the perfect pasalubong, you can never go wrong with suman, kasoy /roasted cashews, coco jam, and sweet.
Looking for an affordable condo in Antipolo?
Explore life in the East with Camella Manors Antipolo.
This is where lifestyle meets exclusivity.
Camella Manors Antipolo is the first mixed-use type of condo living in Antipolo City. It features four residential towers with a 7-storey building, 23 units per floor. This affordable condo has many amenities including a pool area, clubhouse, fitness gym, jogging path, and play court. Safety and security is a top priority. The place is equipped with CCTVs, fire alarm and a sprinkler system, perimeter fence, and back up power. It also prides itself as a pet-friendly community.
Located along Manuel L. Quezon Ext. Bgy. Dalig, Antipolo City, Camella Manors Antipolo is less than 15 minutes away from the metro. It is situated in a prime location that is near essential establishments like shopping malls, schools and universities, medical centers, and infrastructure development.
