When you visit Rizal Province, you open yourself up to a myriad of activities and tourist spots (from museums to hiking trails) that will make your trip memorable.
Rizal Province is nestled in Southern Luzon and plays host to the country’s art capital and favorite weekend getaway, Antipolo City. It is also very close to Metro Manila.
Named after the Philippine national hero Jose Rizal, Rizal province boasts a rich tapestry of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and thrilling adventures.
With a land area of 1,191.94 sq. km and a population of over 3.3 million, Rizal province is home to 13 municipalities, with Antipolo City serving as its capital.
Home to Antipolo City: Host to well known tourist destinations
Antipolo City is a gateway to various tourist spots, natural wonders, and activities that cater to different tastes.
Antipolo Rizal is renowned for its natural resources, including the famous Hinulugang Taktak waterfall, now a protected landscape and popular picnic site, the Mount Purro Nature Reserve, and its cultural and historical sites like the Antipolo Cathedral. Another popular tourist spots, the Daranak Falls in Tanay, Rizal is also close by.
The Antipolo Cathedral, a national shrine, is a spiritual haven, especially during Holy Week when pilgrims flock to seek blessings.
If you plan a day tour or a weekend getaway, you will never run out of things to do. This blog explores the best activities to do in Rizal province.
Things to do in Rizal Province
Riding an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)
If you are an adrenaline junkie trying to get your fix, riding an ATV should be on your list of activities when visiting Rizal.
ATV Adventures Rizal will cater to your needs if you want to ride an ATV through the trenches and muddy trails of Rizal. If this is your first time riding an ATV, it is best to go on a short trail.
A short trail from ATV Adventures Rizal costs around PHP 1500, including a two-hour ATV ride to flat concrete roads.
If you want to take it to the next level, you can go for a long trail, forest trail, river trail, campsite day tour trail, jungle trail, and overnight trail. Trail prices range from around PHP 2500 – 6000, depending on your trail.
To book an ATV adventure today, contact 0908 894 0771 or visit their Facebook page.
Dominate the Paintball Battlefield
Another attraction offered by ATV Adventures Rizal is the Paintball Battleground.
For only PHP 350, you have an action-packed hour of playing paintball with your friends and family, including 50 bullets, gear, a vest, masks, and a paintball gun. You should have at least eight members in your group to reserve a time slot.
An extreme sport such as paintball has rules you should follow. Paintball guns can cause injury if you are shot without wearing proper equipment, so you should never take your mask off unless the game is over. Close-range and blind firing is also extremely prohibited inside the paintball field.
Before playing paintball, you should engrave in your mind that paintballs can cause pain and never intend to hurt someone.
Visit Hinulugang Taktak
A protected landscape
Hinulugang Taktak Protected Landscape is one of the most famous Rizal tourist spots. It was initially a recreational area before being declared a national park by virtue of Republic Act 6964.
Now, the waterfall has become a protected landscape. The area surrounding the waterfalls is currently a picnic site, and there is an area designated for tourists who want to swim.
Today, new facilities have been installed in Hinulugang Taktak. Some of these facilities include a wall-climbing facility, a hanging bridge, and cottages you can rent.
The trails going to Hinulugang Taktak-Antipolo have been made accessible to Persons With Disabilities (PWD) and senior citizens. Most tourists quickly tour the nearby Pinto Art Museum after going to the falls.
Hinulugang Taktak is open from 8 am to 5 pm every day. The entrance fee costs around PHP 30 for adults, PHP 15 for students, and PHP 100 for foreigners, and it is accessible for children, PWDs, and senior citizens.
Reach Mt. Daraitan’s summit
Breathtaking views of Tinipak River and Sierra Madre Mountains
Climbing Mt. Daraitan is a challenging but fulfilling experience. The mountain’s summit will take you to a breathtaking view of the Tinipak River and a thrilling adventure to the Sierra Madre mountain range. There are two trails in Mt. Daraitan: the short but challenging and the long but relaxing. It is up to you to choose which trail you’ll go on.
Once you climb the mountain, you will notice the limestone formations and lush forests surrounding the trail. Mt. Daraitan also has a nearby cave where you can check if you still have time. It usually takes climbers three to four hours to reach Mt. Daraitan’s summit. After the trek, you can swim in the Tinipak River.
Angono Mural Street
Angono Mural Street stands out as one of the best activities to indulge in when visiting Rizal province. It offers a vibrant and immersive experience that reflects why Angono is dubbed the “art capital” of the Philippines.
This captivating street is adorned with various murals that showcase local talents’ rich cultural heritage and artistic prowess.
Each mural tells a unique story, depicting scenes from folklore, history, and everyday life, making it a living canvas that vividly brings the town’s artistic identity to life.
Walking through Angono Mural Street, visitors are treated to a visual feast and gain a deeper appreciation for the community’s dedication to preserving and celebrating its artistic legacy.
The experience is inspiring and educational, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and cultural explorers.
Cardona Rock Garden
An enchanting escape for nature lovers
Nestled in the picturesque town of Cardona, the Cardona Rock Garden offers an enchanting escape for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
This unique geological wonder is characterized by its striking rock formations. As visitors traverse the winding trails of the rock garden, they are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines, which shimmers like a sapphire jewel in the distance.
The serene ambiance and the garden’s natural beauty make it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat or a moment of reflection amidst nature’s grandeur.
Whether you’re an avid photographer, a geology buff, or simply looking for a serene spot to unwind, the Cardona Rock Garden promises a memorable experience with Laguna de Bay as its stunning backdrop.
Pililla Wind Farm
The Pililla Wind Farm is a testament to the Philippines’ commitment to sustainable energy.
This awe-inspiring installation, comprising 27 wind turbines from Gamesa of Spain, harnesses the powerful breezes sweeping through the Sierra Madre mountain range to generate clean, renewable electricity.
The project contributes to the nation’s energy needs and offers visitors a scenic and educational experience.
As the blades gracefully spin against the backdrop of lush landscapes and Laguna de Bay, the wind farm symbolizes a harmonious blend of technological advancement and environmental stewardship.
Pililla Wind Farm is a beacon of green energy and a growing tourist attraction, drawing curious minds eager to witness the transformative power of wind.
Calinawan Cave
A plunge into the mysterious beauty of nature
Calinawan Cave is a testament to the area’s rich natural beauty and historical significance, making it one of the best activities to experience in the province.
With its intricate limestone formations and fascinating chambers, this multi-level cave system offers an adventurous escape for spelunkers and curious travelers alike.
As you venture deeper into the cave, you’ll be mesmerized by the play of light and shadow on the ancient rock formations, each turn revealing a new wonder.
The cave is a geological marvel and a historical site, having served as a hideout during World War II and a backdrop for numerous local films and TV shows.
Exploring Calinawan Cave is more than just a physical journey; it’s a step back in time and a plunge into the mysterious beauty of nature, making it a must-visit destination in Rizal.
See the Higantes Festival
The Higantes Festival is celebrated every year in the town of Angono. This festival is known for the giant paper-mâché mascots paraded by the locals.
Before, the Higantes Festival was a mockery of the evil landowners during the Spanish period. Still, over the years, the festival was dedicated to celebrating the feast of Pope St. Clement I.
The mascots being paraded during the Higantes Festival represent the barangays surrounding Angono. Many of these mascots symbolize the specialty a barangay offers.
For instance, a village known for balut might create a mascot with a duck-shaped head. Currently, hundreds of mascots are being paraded each year.
Aside from giant mascots, people sprinkle each other with water during the Higantes Festival to symbolize St. Clement being the patron of the fisherfolk. If you will attend the festival, be sure to bring extra clothes.
Why Live in the Province of Rizal
Aside from these tourist destinations, there are advantages to living in Rizal. For instance, the province of Rizal is now more accessible because of recent infrastructure developments.
With the rise of the Metro Manila Expressway, motorists will now have easy access to Rizal from Metro Manila and CALABARZON.
Another reason to consider living in Rizal is its location. Rizal is rich in natural resources and tourist spots, sitting on the foot of the Sierra Madre mountain range.
Living in Rizal can give you the luxury of working in Metro Manila and relaxing in the best tourist spots in the Philippines.
Where to live in Rizal province?
If you are looking for a house and lot in Rizal, you should consider Camella Meadows, located in the hills of Angono and Binangonan.
Having your real estate property in Camella Meadows allows you to live in a secure, safe, loving community. With more than 45 years of experience, Camella guarantees you would want to come home.
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