Picnic Grove

Background

Picnic Grove is located in the city of Tagaytay in the province of Cavite. It is a well known tourist eating spot in Tagaytay because of its tremendous view of the mesmerizing Taal Lake and Taal Volcano and its a perfect picnic place. Picnic Grove offers tourist, families, couples and groups of friends who want to hang out, unwind, enjoy the cool environment and try various recreational activities such as horseback riding, ziplining, picnic at the open tables or cottage, nature tripping at the eco-trail, riding a ferris wheel and picture taking.

According to its history, the 13 hectares Picnic Grove was constructed in the year 1956 up to 1964 during the presidential term of late Carlos P. Garcia and Diosdado Macapagal as Tagaytay chase to promote a new representation in the country as one of the leading tourist destinations to visit. However in the following years, the Picnic Grove was deserted for various reasons. Nevertheless in the year 1970 up to 1975, there are prosperous families coming from Metro Manila who started to build their residence area or resthouse at the Tagaytay ridge. For this reason, the Picnic Grove was polished and renovated and in the year 1980 the city government of Tagaytay settled to give the Picnic Grove administration to the Department of Tourism (DOT). However after 25 years of administration by the national government, the Picnic Grove was handed back again to the city government of Tagaytay. Presently, Picnic Grove is one of the most famous tourist attraction in Tagaytay and it also provides various recreational opportunities. Visitors can relax by walking the eco trail or simply sit by their huts and admire the beautiful view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano. So if you want a fun conversation with your loved ones, families and friends then visit this Picnic Grove as soon as possible.

Name: Picnic Grove
Location: along Tagaytay – Calamba Road, Barangay Sungay East-End, Tagaytay City, Cavite
Features: lush greenery and incredible view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano

My trip to Picnic Grove

Picnic Grove was the next place we visited here in Tagaytay City because the last time I was in Tagaytay I really wanted to go to the Picnic Grove but I just ran out of time so I’m glad I’m going there now. As soon as I get my ticket and enter the place I noticed the lofty ferris wheel and one of the staff I’ve talked to said that this ferris wheel is among the tallest ferris wheel in the Philippines. As I continue to move forward, I found out that there’s plenty of souvenirs and gifts inside and the sky view here is really nice so I don’t wonder why other visitors keep coming back to this place over and over again. It’s my first time here and mostly I see families spread their blankets on the grass and have picnics because the view here is so refreshing.

I walk along the lengthy eco trail and I have a breath of fresh cool air and the weather is cold which is good for chilling and hanging out. Sometimes walking around seems tiring but nonetheless I can only say that it is worth what I paid for as I enjoy every moment that passes while I’m exploring this notable and lovely place. Without a doubt, Tagaytay always surprises locals and foreigners because of its many wonderful tourist attractions. Then as I continue to explore I can see several tourist enjoying ziplining and horseback riding in a wide and clean space. Indeed it was a lovely weekend and Tagaytay blew me away as the ambient temperature is almost similar to that in Baguio City.

Furthermore I noticed that the Picnic Grove is surrounded with green vegetation and the ambiance here is so peaceful for a laid-back outdoor get-together with nature lovers, friends and families. As I sit on the grass, I have an imposing view of Taal Lake, Taal Volcano and People’s Park in the Sky. For this reason, I take pictures on my cellphone and I embrace the beauty of nature through sightseeing. After resting, I decided to go to the viewing deck to capture more stunning photos. Before I decided to exit the Picnic Grove, I had an afternoon snack at one of the restaurants inside and I buy a medium size t-shirt at the souvenir shop. Overall, my visit to Picnic Grove is super satisfying as my body and mind have a perfect relaxation.

How to Go to Picnic Grove

By commute

Option 1:

1. From Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), ride a bus bound to Tagaytay and tell the bus conductor to alight you at the Olivarez New Terminal and Plaza.
2. Then from the Olivarez New Terminal and Plaza, ride a jeep with a signage of People’s Park and tell the jeepney driver to drop you off at the Picnic Grove.

Option 2:

1. From Tramo bus terminal in Pasay City, ride a passenger bus bound to Tagaytay, Alfonso, Amadeo or Mendez and drop off at the Olivarez New Terminal.
2. Then ride a jeep or tricycle going to Picnic Grove. 

Option 3:

1. From Cubao, walk for a few meters going to Main Avenue bus stop station in front of the SM Hypermarket Cubao. Then ride a bus carousel going to PITX. The travel time is around 50 minutes to 1 hour and the bus carousel fare is 44 pesos.
2. After you enter PITX, go to the second floor and find Gate 2. Then ride a bus with a signage of Tagaytay Mendez and tell the bus conductor to drop you off at the Phoenix Gasoline station in Olivarez Terminal. The travel time is around two hours and the bus fare is 110 pesos.
3. From Olivarez Terminal ride a jeep going to Picnic Grove. The travel time is around 10 to 15 minutes.

By private car

1. Open your Waze app and pin the Tagaytay Picnic Grove.
2. From Olivarez Plaza in Tagaytay, proceed to Tagaytay Rotonda and merge into the Tagaytay – Calamba Road. Then continue driving along the stretch of the road and later you will see a large sign of Picnic Grove on the right side of the road. Note: the Picnic Grove is twelve minutes away from Olivarez Plaza in Emilio Aguinaldo Highway.
   
   
   
   

Reminders and Tips:

• The entrance fee in Picnic Grove is 75 pesos per person. Note: children 4 years old and below are free of charge and senior citizens as well as Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are entitled to a twenty percent discount. Just present a valid ID before the payment to avail the discount. 

• Picnic Grove is open everyday from 6 am in the morning up 10 pm in the evening.

• There are restaurants, eateries and cafes near the entrance area where you can buy meals and varieties of foods and drinks. Also there’s a wide parking space from distance where you can park your car.

• Pets like dogs and cats are allowed inside the Picnic Grove provided they have a diaper.

• Renting a cottage inside the Picnic Grove range from 150 pesos up to 600 pesos depending on the size. Please take note that there’s no electricity in cottages so bringing a Samgyupsal electric grill is not advisable. On the other hand, the rate for the function room at the viewdeck cost 2500 pesos.

• Bringing your own food is allowed inside and you can lay a blanket within the green field. 

• The use of the restroom cost 10 pesos for the maintenance.

• Kite flying costs 50 pesos up to 200 pesos. Meanwhile, riding a zipline for a two way ride with free photos costs 400 pesos per head on weekends and 300 pesos only for weekdays.

• If you have ample time or you stay overnight in Tagaytay, I highly suggest you visit major tourist attraction in the city such as People’s Park in the Sky, Sky Ranch Tagaytay, Tagaytay Highlands and Crosswinds Tagaytay.

• Last but not least, the one hour horseback riding at Picnic Grove is 350 pesos (small horse and big horse) which can be shared by two persons. If you’re going to a long adventure trail back and forth then you need to add an additional 350 pesos to have a close up view of Taal Volcano. Note: the tip or amount you will give to the guide it’s up to you.
  
  
  

There you have it, picnic lovers. Capture significant moments to make lifetime memories along the pleasant Picnic Grove in Tagaytay. Have fun and enjoy life.