When you think of Antipolo you must automatically think of the hills, the provincial-esque beauty of it all. While it does feel like you’re in the province, what with the cool breeze and seeming lack of pollution, there are things about it that just bring you to reality. Like how there are more and more supermarkets and malls being built yearly making Antipolo more of an urbanized mountain.

Since Antipolo is elevated, the temperatures are a bit colder than it is on the city. It does have a lot of sights that can’t be found in our stressful metro, no wonder people love to spend their weekends here. So before Antipolo looks like an overcrowded nearer version of Baguio, it’ll be good to spend at least a weekend getaway there.

Don’t know where to go? How about..

1. Get high at Cloud 9

But not the ‘high’ you’re probably thinking. Since Antipolo has a higher elevation than the city, it has one of the most spectacular views of the metro.

Cloud 9 lets you in on a 360-degree view of the city but only after you’ve scaled the 5-foot high hanging bridge to get to the viewing deck. The terrifying moment (for some) is surely worth seeing the afternoon sun being swallowed by the horizon. You could have a meal later at the restaurant if you want.

Entrance fee to access the bridge and the viewing deck is P50/head but you could also buy something from the restaurant first so you can get a free pass.

2. Go hiking

Mt. Daraitan summit

Rizal always has a new mountain in store for you, especially if you’re a beginner.

Mt. Daraitan in Tanay is one of the most famous mountains to climb for beginners. The view at the summit is beautiful but the journey to it, even more. You will get to see limestone formations, hike 70-degree inclines, and bathe in the clean waters of Tinapak River if you fancy.

If you’ve seen photos circulating on the internet of people looking like they’re precariously propped on a rock on top of a mountain, chances are those are taken at Mt. Pamitinan. A short drive from Antipolo, this mountain is another one for beginners. It boasts of amazing landscapes, the Pamitinan cave, and a view of Wawa Dam which you can swim in afterwards. If you’re feeling pretty adventurous you can opt for a twin hike at the nearby Mt. Binacayan.

Mt. Pamitinan

If you say mountains isn’t your thing, Antipolo still has a few tricks up its sleeve for you. You can visit Inday Nelly Deles Mystical Cave and see the stalactites, stalagmites, and natural columns. The entrance fee is only P40/head and it includes a mini climb to the top of a hill (not a mountain) where there’s a cross at the summit.

3. Relax at Loreland Farm Resort

Get to spend a weekend relaxing at Loreland Farm Resort amid the hills and landscapes of Antipolo. You could lounge by their pools, try the various sports and recreation activities, or get a massage at the spa.

Located inside Loreland is Camp Tipolo Adventureland, one of the resort’s outdoor amenities. It’s mostly used as a venue for corporate teambuilding and includes activities such as mud slides, Tarzan jump, balancing bridge and log, and a low rope activity called the spider web.

4. Eat your fill

Crescent Moon Café and Studio Pottery

Café Lupe

If you’re into pottery and art, and of course food, you’ll love Crescent Moon Café and Studio Pottery.. Their buffet lunch ranges from P450-P600 per person, although it depends on the date so check out their page beforehand.

Café Lupe Hotel and Restaurant located along Sumulong Highway gives you a view of the Ortigas city skyline while you dine. On the weekends, they hold gigs at the bar, and if that’s not your thing and you’d rather hear your own voice, you can opt to rent a Family KTV room.

For an entirely Filipino menu, Tipulo also located along Sumulong serves good food at a good price.

5. ATV Adventures Rizal

Treat yourself to an off-road adventure with ATV Adventures Rizal! You can man your own vehicle and drive through the forest and river trails. The rates are P2500/person for the forest trail and P3500/person for the river trail, each last from an hour and a half to two.

6. Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa

A getaway just hours from Manila, Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa will be a sight for sore eyes and a rest for a sore body. Relax on mountain side pools with views of Antipolo and Laguna de Bay, feed your body with their selection of healthy meals, and have a full body massage. One night wouldn’t be enough! Check out their rates here.

7. PACEM Eco Park

PACEM stands for Peace and Care for Earth Ministry and is an eco park in the middle of Assumption College. Attractions include a wildlife sanctuary, butterfly garden, aviary, and a mini-forest, among others. There’s also an organic farm if you want your fill of leafy greens.

8. Get artistic

What would a trip to Antipolo be without visiting the famous Pinto Art Museum? The name Pinto (which means door in Filipino) suits it because this secluded museum will make you feel as if you’ve stepped into another country, Greece perhaps, with its white washed architecture. Inside the beautiful building are exhibitions of Philippine contemporary art. And if you ever get tired, there are mattresses scattered all over the place you could rest on.

That must have made you long for a weekend in Antipolo, right? If you’re still debating whether to try all the things listed above here’s my advice for you: book a 3-day vacation leave and drive to Rizal. Don’t look back! After all, there’s only now.

Do you have anything else to add? Share it with us in the comments below!