Featuring Rizal (Attractions, Itinerary, Guide)

Bakasyunan Resort in Tanay.
A photo of Bakasyunan Resort in Tanay.

About Rizal

The Province of Rizal is part of Region 4A commonly known as the CALABARZON. Due to its proximity to Metro Manila, the province became one of top tourist destinations. There are mountains with stunning views on the summit, rivers and waterfalls with crystal clear waters, lakes surrounded by amazing landscapes, historical sites that reflects its past, and colorful festivals that show craftsmanship and talents. With that in mind, you must include Rizal on your next trip; I've listed some of the recommended attractions in the province.

List of Tourist Spots in Rizal:

  1. Pinto Art Museum
  2. Angono Street Murals
  3. Masungi Georeserve
  4. Avilon Zoo
  5. Wawa Dam
  6. Hinulugang Taktak
  7. Daranak Falls
  8. Windmill Farm
  9. Calinawan Cave
  10. Balaw-Balaw
  11. Tanay Adventure Camp


List of Mountains in Rizal:

  1. Mt. Binacayan
  2. Mt. Maynuba
  3. Mt. Pamitinan
  4. Mt. Hapunang Banoi
  5. Mt. Daraitan and Tinipak River
  6. Mt. Tagapo


Historical Sites in Rizal:

  1. Angono - Binangonan Petroglyphs


List of Hotels/Resorts in Rizal:

To book, click the hotel name above. 👆 If you're looking for other hotels, reviews from other tourists, updated prices for comparison, or you want book them, Trip.com made it easier for you, just click HERE while the price starts at 510 pesos.

List of Festivals in Rizal:

  1. Higantes Festival
  2. Maytime Festival
  3. Binalayan Festival
  4. Giwang-giwang Festival
  5. Tanay Hane Festival
  6. Caru-caruhan Festival


How to Get to Rizal:

  1. You can hop and drop to public utility vehicles like jeepneys or FX Taxis (AUVs) with terminals located in Crossing and SM Mega Mall in Mandaluyong City and in Cubao, Quezon City.
  2. City Buses like RRCG, G-Liner, and EMBC are also available with routes from Manila (Quiapo and Divisoria particular) going to Rizal Province.


Below are Recommended Activities in Rizal:

1. Team Building at Bakasyunan Resort

Bakasyunan Resort is a tourist attraction in the Municipality of Tanay, Rizal. This resort is perfect for team buildings because it has a wide area with amazing facilities like wall climbing, mudslides, and other fun outdoor activities. Rooms and cottages are built on top of the mountain, with amazing sceneries from afar. Not only that, one of the pride of this resort is the swimming pool on top of the mountain with cool and crystal clear water. The design of the landscape is really stunning.

Mt. Pamitinan
Photo of Mt. Pamitinan.

2. Hiking Mt. Pamitinan

There's an amazing view on the summit of Mt. Pamitinan in Montalban, Rizal. The trail is difficult, because most of the time, hikers need to hop on and off the sharp boulders. But on top, the air is cool and fresh plus there's a 360-degree amazing view of the nearby villages. The surroundings are covered with relaxing greens - such a great view!

Mt. Hapunang Banoi
A photo of Mt. Hapunang Banoi.

3. Hiking Mt. Hapunang Banoi

Mt. Hapunang Banoi is a dwarf and a hiking-friendly mountain in Montalban, Rizal which can give you a tantalizing view of nature's beauty. Together with Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Binacayan, this mountain is one of the must hiked mountains in the area because it is also surrounded by luscious green trees which makes the area look relaxing. Plus the exhilarating terrains added an adventure to hikers. In the center of these mountains is Wawa Dam, a water reservoir built by the Americans. This area was chosen because it's a catch basin of the three mountains.

Higantes Festival
A photo of Higantes Festival.

4. Higantes Festival

If you're looking for colorful festivities, the Higantes Festival is perfect for you. It is one of the most awaited festivals in the Philippines linked to the history of Angono. During this festival, residents create colorful giants being used during the procession. After the parade on the streets, it is followed by a fluvial parade, and in the evening the public plaza is flooded with people to witness different talents on stage. Not only that, since it's a fiesta, expect more food and happiness on the streets. By the way, this is a wet event so waterproofing is advised.

Balaw-Balaw Restaurant
Photo of Balaw-Balaw Restaurant.

5. Balaw-Balaw

I am not into cooking, but I love eating! One thing that I would like to share was an amazing encounter with exotic foods at Balaw-Balaw Restaurant in Angono. So, after enjoying the famous Higantes Festival, while our clothes were wet, we proceeded to this exotic restaurant, which is actually one of the prominent restaurants outside Manila. I consider it one of the must-visit, the best place to dine, and the best restaurant serving exotic foods.
 
Tanay Adventure Park
Photo of Tanay Adventure Park.

6. Tanay Adventure Camp

If you're looking for extreme outdoor activities near Manila, maybe you can find something interesting at Tanay Adventure Camp. They offer outdoor activities for team buildings such as wall climbing, mudslides, zip-line, and many more. They also have an Olympic-sized swimming pool, with cottages built on the side. Management can also arrange paragliding and other similar activities for you.
 
Mt. Daraitan
A photo of Mt. Daraitan.

7. Mt. Daraitan

Nowadays, Mt. Daraitan is one of the most visited mountains in Rizal because of its simple trail, cool ambiance, and beautiful landscape, everywhere is green, and the campsite by the river is just unforgettable. During summer, the cool and crystal-clear water of the Tinipak River replenishes tourists tired muscles. If you're looking for an extreme or challenge, river crossing and caving are the must-have.
 
3B Resort and Rest House
Photo: 3B Resort and Rest House.

8. 3B Resort and Rest House

Looking for a place for an overnight stay for your team? 3B Resort and Rest house is recommended. Its area has the perfect view of the bright skyline of Metro Manila during the evening. They have a swimming pool, space for your team activities, videoke, and clean rooms with toilet and bath.

Cattleya Resort
Photo: Cattleya Resort.

9. Cattleya Resort

We got Isabel swimming pool, one of the best spots in Cattleya Resort, Antipolo City because it is facing the vibrant lights of the metro. I love the ambiance here; the breeze is cool, the air is fresh, everything is calm, and has a homey feeling. The area is also surrounded by plants with an artistic landscape and the pool has a unique shape filled with crystal clear waters. The sound of the lashing water on the pool added a relaxing feeling during our stay.

Tanay Church
Photo: Tanay Church.

10. Tanay Church

The Tanay Church was established in 1573 by two Franciscan missionaries. The construction started in 1773 and was finished in 1783. It was declared the National Cultural Treasure Church by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. I was really speechless while standing by the facade and looking at the stunning dark bricks. I did my research and found out that it was designed by a native Tanay artist.