What to Do in Antipolo: Top Activities and Attractions

Antipolo, a city located in the province of Rizal, is one of the most frequented destinations among locals and tourists alike due to its close proximity to the bustling Metro Manila. Known for its serene atmosphere, fascinating cultural spots, and delectable culinary offerings, there’s certainly no shortage of activities to indulge in while visiting this picturesque city.

We’re eager to share some of the top attractions that Antipolo has to offer, ranging from remarkable art museums to nature reserves that provide a tranquil escape from the daily grind. Whether you’re hoping for a rejuvenating retreat or an adventurous escapade, Antipolo has got you covered.

Join us as we experience what to do in Antipolo, exploring its popular tourist spots, thrilling outdoor activities, and gastronomic delights that will surely captivate your senses and leave you craving for more.

Exploring Antipolo City

Antipolo City, situated in the province of Rizal, is a popular destination for locals and tourists seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of Manila. The city offers a variety of attractions, from historical sites and museums to nature parks and other recreational spots. In this section, we’ll cover some must-visit places in Antipolo City.

Antipolo Cathedral

One of the most visited sites in Antipolo is the Antipolo Cathedral, which is dedicated to Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees journey to this beautiful church to seek blessings and attend mass, especially during the holy week and festive occasions.

Pinto Art Museum

We recommend a visit to the Pinto Art Museum for art enthusiasts. Housed in beautiful Mediterranean-style villas, this museum features a vast collection of contemporary Filipino art. Strolling through the galleries, lush gardens, and open-air patios will leave you feeling inspired and refreshed.

Casa Santa Museum

If you’re looking for a unique museum experience, the Casa Santa Museum is worth a visit. This charming museum has over 3,000 Santa Claus figurines and ornaments from all over the world. During the Christmas season, it’s magical to wander through the rooms full of twinkling lights and festive decorations.

Hinulugang Taktak Falls

For those craving some outdoor adventure, head to Hinulugang Taktak Falls. This 70-ft waterfall is a famous landmark and a great place to escape the city heat. You can unwind and relax with a picnic or cool off with a refreshing dip in the pools below the falls.

Mount Purro Nature Reserve

For nature lovers, a visit to Mount Purro Nature Reserve offers a chance to connect with the environment. This ecotourism park offers hiking, bird-watching, and tree-planting activities. Plus, it’s a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Pacem Eco Park

Another spot to immerse yourself in nature is Pacem Eco Park. This peaceful sanctuary aims to promote environmental awareness and sustainability through educational exhibits, tree planting programs, and eco-friendly workshops. It’s an ideal place for visitors seeking tranquility and inspiration.

Inday Nelly’s Mystical Cave

Explore the depths of Antipolo’s hidden gem, Inday Nelly’s Mystical Cave. This natural wonder features fascinating rock formations, which are believed to hold sacred powers. Venturing into the illuminated cave is a captivating experience that will leave a lasting impression.

Jardin De Miramar Events Venue

Jardin De Miramar is an enchanting events venue perfect for celebrating special occasions like weddings, birthdays, and corporate gatherings. The lush gardens and elegant architecture transport you to a fairytale-like setting, making it a memorable place for your event.

Nuestra Señora De La Annunciata Parish Church

Visit the historic Nuestra Señora De La Annunciata Parish Church, which is known for its rustic charm and unique architecture. This centuries-old stone church bears witness to Antipolo’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Boso-Boso Church

Lastly, don’t miss the opportunity to see the picturesque ruins of the Boso-Boso Church. This historical site is a testament to the resilience of Antipolo’s people as they’ve rebuilt their community throughout the years. It’s an awe-inspiring place to reflect and admire the beauty of Antipolo’s past.

Outdoor Activities

Exploring Antipolo offers a variety of outdoor activities for those looking to experience the beauty of nature and have some adrenaline-pumping experiences. Let us share our recommendations for the best outdoor activities you can try in Antipolo.

Hiking and Trekking

Antipolo is located near the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, which is an ideal spot for hiking and trekking enthusiasts. One destination we highly recommend is the Mount Purro Nature Reserve, a preserved forest located in the Sierra Madre Mountains. With its lush greenery and scenic views, it provides an excellent escape from the city.

Embarking on a trek through the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges allows you to enjoy the fresh air, tranquility, and idyllic landscapes that nature has to offer. This activity perfectly suits those looking to have a peaceful yet invigorating day outdoors.

ATV Adventure

For those seeking more thrilling adventures, Antipolo offers ATV rides at Sierra Madre. This is a great way to explore the beautiful landscapes of the mountain range while satisfying your adrenaline cravings. We recommend trying the ATV adventure to have an unforgettable time amidst the picturesque environment of Antipolo.

Team-Building Activities

Antipolo also caters to those looking for team-building activities. A perfect example is Phillip’s Sanctuary, a game and entertainment center that offers various challenges and activities tailored for groups. With obstacle courses, ziplines, water-based activities, and more, there is a wide range of opportunities to bond, collaborate, and have fun with your friends, family or colleagues.

Whether it’s hiking in the Sierra Madre Mountains, embarking on an ATV adventure, or participating in team-building activities, Antipolo has something for everyone seeking outdoor excitement.

Pilgrimage and Spirituality

Antipolo is a great destination for those seeking spiritual rejuvenation and connecting to their faith. We found the city offers many opportunities for pilgrimage and meditation which we’ll explore more below.

Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage

The Antipolo Cathedral, also known as the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, is one of the most visited tourist spots for its spiritual significance. Every year, a large number of devotees and pilgrims come here especially during Holy Week and the Pilgrimage Season in the month of May. The Alay Lakad, a walking pilgrimage from Quiapo Church in Manila to Antipolo, takes place from April 30th until the end of May, attracting even more pilgrims to this beautiful Cathedral.

Meditation Areas

Besides the Antipolo Cathedral, Antipolo City has more to offer for those looking to find moments of calm and reflection. Here are a few meditation areas that we discovered:

PACEM Eco Park – A serene retreat located in Assumption Antipolo, the PACEM Eco Park promotes a love for nature and an appreciation for the environment. This eco-friendly park provides a perfect setting for spirituality and relaxation.
Boso-Boso Church – Another historic gem, the Boso-Boso Church, also known as Nuestra Señora de la Annunciata Parish Church, has stunning architecture and is surrounded by lush greenery. It is an ideal location to seek solace and reconnect with your spirituality.
Mount Purro Nature Reserve – Antipolo’s Mount Purro Nature Reserve offers not only breathtaking views of the Sierra Madre mountain range but also provides quiet corners for meditation and introspection.

So whether you’re seeking spiritual enlightenment, a place for reflection or a spot to reconnect with nature, Antipolo City has you covered. We hope that visiting these sites helps you find the peace and tranquility you’re searching for.

Fun and Relaxation

Resorts and Swimming Pools

When it comes to resorts, Antipolo boasts a variety of options to suit everyone’s needs. Among our favorites are the Antipolo Star Resort and Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens and Spa. These resorts offer exceptional swimming pools, perfect for beating the summer heat, accompanied by stunning overlooking views.

For those who love thematic experiences, Casa Santa Museum might spark your interest. This unique place offers a year-round Christmas celebration, bringing festive joy even during non-holiday seasons.

Bar Hopping on Marcos Highway

Marcos Highway offers a lively nightlife for those who enjoy bar hopping. It’s an excellent place to unwind with friends or make new acquaintances while enjoying the local music scene. This stretch of road is lined with various bars and pubs, so you’ll never run out of options to explore.

Some of our favorite places include cafes that serve exquisite food, such as Cafe Lupe Bed and Breakfast and Crescent Moon Cafe, providing an unforgettable dining experience to cap off our night.

Culinary Adventures

Antipolo offers a variety of culinary delights that we can’t wait to share with you. If you’re a food enthusiast in search of good food, Antipolo will not disappoint. This city boasts a diverse array of dishes that cater to different palates and preferences.

One of our favorite local delicacies is Suman. This traditional Filipino rice cake, made from sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves, is a must-try when in Antipolo. There are various flavors of suman, from the most basic, which is plain rice cakes, to those mixed with or topped with sweet fruits and coconut.

Aside from suman, there are many other mouthwatering dishes and desserts that Antipolo has to offer. For breakfast, we recommend checking out Eggs for Breakfast, a charming and rustic restaurant that serves delicious dishes in a cozy environment.

When it comes to pasalubong, or take-home gifts, Antipolo has plenty of options to choose from. Some popular pasalubong items include:

Cashew nuts
Fruit preserves
Crispy flavored peanuts
Various rice cakes

If you’re in the mood for an Antipolo food trip, don’t forget to visit some of the city’s most popular spots like 456 Taktak Road, which offers a cozy ambiance and an array of delectable dishes. And if you’re looking for a taste of nature along with good food, head over to Phillip’s Sanctuary or Pacem Eco Park for a unique dining experience amid lush greenery.

Accommodation Options

When visiting Antipolo, we definitely recommend taking a look at these excellent hotel options that cater to a variety of preferences and budgets.

One of the top choices is the Altaroca Mountain Resort and Convention Center, which is perfect for both leisure and business travelers. Another popular option is the Bosay Resort, known for its beautiful surroundings and great amenities.

If you’re looking for a place with a unique twist, consider staying at the Seven Suites Hotel Observatory, which features its very own observatory and breathtaking views of the night sky. Additionally, LeBlanc Hotel and Resort offer a luxurious escape tucked away in the mountains, making it an ideal staycation spot for both small groups and large families.

For nature enthusiasts, we suggest looking into Mount Purro Nature Reserve, which provides a tranquil environment and a unique opportunity to connect with nature. A more budget-friendly option is Phillip’s Sanctuary, offering basic accommodations with great value for your money.

With these fantastic accommodations available, we know your stay in Antipolo will be nothing short of memorable!

and fun, we highly recommend visiting these Christmas attractions in Antipolo.

Local History

Antipolo, located in the Rizal Province, is a city rich in history and cultural heritage. As we explore the city, it’s important to understand how it came to be the fascinating destination it presents today.

Antipolo’s early history dates back to the arrival of the Franciscan missionaries and the Jesuits, who played significant roles in the region’s development. The missionaries brought with them their faith and knowledge, which helped shape the foundation of this vibrant city.

During the Spanish era, Antipolo served as a stronghold of the Catholic Church. As a result, many historical churches and religious sites can be found in the area, like the Antipolo Cathedral, which attracts numerous pilgrims yearly.

Over the years, the local government tirelessly worked to improve and maintain the city’s infrastructure, eventually transforming it into the thriving urban center we know today. And with its close proximity to Metro Manila, visiting Antipolo has become a popular getaway for both locals and tourists looking for a quick escape from the bustling metropolis.

One of the greatest attractions in Antipolo is the stunning view of the Metro Manila skyline that can be enjoyed from several vantage points around the city, like Cloud 9 or the Pacem Eco Park. This combination of city life and natural wonders makes Antipolo an ideal destination for leisure and adventure-seekers.

Speaking of adventure, if you’re looking for a thrilling experience, we highly recommend trying the ATV Adventure Rizal in Sierra Madre. Get up close and personal with the picturesque landscape as you navigate rough terrains and explore hidden paths. It’s an exhilarating activity that showcases the beauty and richness of Antipolo’s surrounding area.