Antipolo
Antipolo is a city in Rizal Province, Philippines. Sitting above a plateau 200 m (660 ft) above sea level, Antipolo is a respite from Manila's chaos, allowing a scenic view of an otherwise crowded and bustling metropolis.
Understand
While Pasig remains the de jure capital of Rizal (despite being separated from the province to become part of Metro Manila in the 1970s, and the provincial government center there redeveloped into a lifestyle strip), Antipolo is the de facto capital of the province, and despite what the law says, the provincial capital has been relocated into this city since 2009. Antipolo is planned to be converted into an independent city, but a plebiscite has not been held to completely ratify its autonomy from the rest of Rizal. Even when a vote occurs, the city will remains part of Rizal practically for travel purposes.
Most visitors go to Antipolo for pilgrimage as the city's cathedral houses the image of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Spanish: Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje, Tagalog: Birhen ng Kapayapaan at Magandang Paglalakbay). There is continuing local following; devotees to the Marian image customarily undertake a 23 km (14 mi) trek, Alay Lakad, from Quiapo Church to the cathedral, which is a 5-hour sacrifice, when it is possible to reach it within a half hour without Manila's perennial traffic snarls.
Get in
Antipolo is around 25 km away from Manila, you can drive from Manila to Antipolo around an hour by car.
By bus
Antipolo is directly served by Metro Manila's city bus network, with routes running from Cubao or Quiapo, either via Marcos and Sumulong Highway, or Ortigas Avenue. Buses terminate at the Robinsons mall at the city's ring road. RRCG Transport operates luxury express buses from malls in Makati and Mandaluyong.
Robinsons Mall Place Provincial Bus Grand Terminal Antipolo:
- Mega Bus Lines Corporation
- Elavil Travel and Tours Philippines, Inc
- RMB Transit (via Tanay Rizal-Mabitac in Laguna Province or Lucena City in Quezon Province)
Eastern Visayas, Bohol Province and Bicol Bus Terminal on Robinsons Place Mall Antipolo During Local Christmas New Year & Lenten Season Holiday is Fully Booked Ticket.
- Jac Liner Bus Garage Official Bus Deport is located in Sumulong Highway Antipolo City Rizal Province Since 1987.
- RRCG Transport
- EMBC in Partnerships under RRCG Transport bus driver
- G Liner
- Green Star Bus Corporation
By train
LRT Line 2 (LRT-2) directly serves Antipolo, with a station near SM Masinag. There are plans to extend the line to downtown.
By van
Antipolo is accessible by UV Express van shuttles, with terminals in Metro Manila including one around Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City and around Shangri-la Plaza in Mandaluyong.
By jeepney
Jeepneys, while made redundant by buses, serve Antipolo from Taytay and Cubao, with terminals closer downtown. Beware of "patok" jeepneys – known for their loud stereo playing EDM and techno, and drivers speeding and doing dangerous maneuvers – on the Cubao-Antipolo route, though increased traffic police presence and direct bus service to Antipolo have largely forced such vehicles out of service.
Get around
With over 8000 tricycles in the town center alone, you will have no problem looking for a ride to nearby destinations. Places along the main roads are accessible by jeepney. It is advisable to travel by car to other destinations as jeepneys do not cover every corner of the city, especially the mountains.
See
- 1 Pinto Art Museum, 1 Sierra Madre St., Antipolo City (a few meters away from Rizal Provincial Capitol, turn right at Grand Heights Rd then straight ahead to Pinto Art Museum), ☏ +63 2 697 2460. 10AM–6PM. A museum gallery showcasing works of art from paintings and sculptures of local artists. It is a sprawling property with well manicured gardens and fountains. A perfect backdrop for reflection and learning. The gallery also has a commanding view of Metro Manila. The café catered by Bizu is open during weekends.
- 2 Antipolo Cathedral (International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage). 5AM–8PM. Catholic church with a 17th-century wooden statue of the Virgin Mary that attracts pilgrims. Free.
- 3 Hinulugang Taktak National Park, Daang Bakal Road. 7AM–14PM. National park known for its soaring waterfall in a serene, natural setting, plus hanging bridges. Free.
- 4 Ynares Center Arena, L. Sumulong Memorial Circle. Ynares Center is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Antipolo City, Philippines. It is named after the Ynares family, who are prominent politicians in the province of Rizal. The center is a popular venue for various sports events, concerts, exhibitions, and other large-scale gatherings. Free.
- 5 Mystical Cave, 25 Masinag, Marikina-Infanta Highway. Open 24 hours. Show cave with guided tours through stalactites, stalagmites & other intricate limestone formations. Free.
- 6 Sumulong Park, M.L. Quezon Street (just outside of the Antipolo Cathedral). Open 24 hours. Free.
- 7 Rizal Provincial Capitol, L. Sumulong Memorial Circle. 8AM–5PM.
- 8 Welcome to Antipolo Arch, Ortigas Avenue Extension.
Do
- Enjoy the overlooking views of the Manila skyline along Sumulong Highway. One could even stop for a drink at one of the restaurant-pubs on the roadside.
Buy
- Roasted cashew nuts: Hot from the vendors outside of Antipolo Cathedral (the vendors will most likely come to you, rather than you come to them)
- Filipino rice cakes: The most famous form of which, "kalamay", is another popular "pasalubong" that visitors carry away from Antipolo
- 1 Antipolo Triangle Mall, L. Sumulong Memorial Circle. 8AM–8PM. The place has government offices, (PSA,SSS,Pag-ibig) banks, ATM, and medical facilities; parking is good.
- 2 SM City Masinag, Marilaque Highway. 10AM–10PM.
- 3 Robinsons Antipolo, Sumulong Highway, L. Sumulong Memorial Circle,. 10AM–10PM.
- 4 iMall Antipolo, M.L. Quezon Street. 9AM–9PM. Clean mall but do not expect complete types of shopping area as it looks small. However nice to buy some stuff and just to experience eating out.
- 5 Victory Park and Shop, P. Oliveros Street. 10AM–8PM. This is the mall that is nearest Antipolo Cathedral. There are lots of people coming here. It is always a busy place, mostly the McDonald's restaurant. You really need a little patience when you are ordering there. There are lots of stores inside to choose from.
- 6 Super Metro Antipolo, P. Oliveros Street. 8AM–8PM. Hypermarket.
- 7 Antipolo Public Market, Sumulong Highway. 4AM–5PM.
Eat
There are a lot of fast food chains located at the town center (Upper Antipolo) and in Cogeo area (Lower Antipolo) such as Jollibee, McDonald's, KFC, and Pizza Hut, and convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Ministop.
Also, these includes numerous restaurants and bars located at OL (Over-Looking) at Sumulong Highway wherein you'll have the best view of Metro Manila, seeing Ortigas Buildings, and residential areas.
- 1 Harvest Kitchen + Drinks, L. Sumulong Memorial Circle. 2PM–midnight. International food restaurant.
- 2 LEON Authentic Mexican, Unit 2, Clean Fuel Ynares, L. Sumulong Memorial Circle. 11AM–10PM.
- 3 Kamayan - Tamerlane's Ihaws, Manuel L. Quezon Street Extension. 10AM–9PM. The place gives a feel of typical and homey Filipino canteen. Like everyone's welcome to enter and just eat good food. Their food is also really good.
- 4 Sakura Circle, L. Sumulong Memorial Circle. 11AM–10PM. If you want to eat any various Asian cuisine this is a must try too.
- 5 Cafe Agusta, Grand Heights Road. 9AM–midnight. Filipino, Italian food restaurant. ₱400-600.
- 6 Katsu House Japanese Fusion Restaurant, #50 Beverly Hills Drive. 9:30AM–8PM.
- 7 Tazzy Cakes Pastry Shop, #26 6th Avenue, Beverly Hills Drive. 9AM–6PM.
- 8 Mogu Tree Noodle House, Beverly Hills Drive corner First Avenue. 11AM–9PM. The place is small very basic seating, but the food is good! Must try their noodles, with toppings and noodles of your own choosing, and 3 different types of soups.
- 9 Kamayan sa C2H Restobar and Grill, Ortigas Avenue Extension. 8AM–2AM.
- 10 Mommy Doloras Pancit Malabon (Antipolo Branch), #41 P. Oliveros Street. 9AM–7:30PM.
- 11 Igan's Budbod House, #1 Martinez Street. 7AM–9PM.
- 12 Mister Donut - Antipolo City, Victory Park & Shop, M.L. Quezon Street. 6AM–9PM.
- 13 Kukis Empanada, M.L. Quezon Street (in Victory Park & Shop). 10AM–8PM. Highly recommended empanadas.
Drink
There are also numerous places to drink in the mountainous city, along Marcos Highway you can find several spots for drinking like 22nd St. Comedy Bar, X Factor Bar, Dampa sa Antipolo to name a few. In the Sumulong Highway you can also find classy places to drink like the Padi's Point and Cloud 9 bar.
- 1 DKpress Coffee & Company Beverly Hills, L25 B5, Campupot Street, Beverly Hills. 9AM–9PM.
- 2 Juan Cafe - Dela Paz Anitipolo, 23b A. Bonifacio Street. 11AM–9PM.
- 3 Cha Tuk Chak - Antipolo City, #1 A. Bonifacio st, corner P. Oliveros Street. 10AM–9PM.
- 4 21st Century Girls Cafe, #23 A. Masangkay Street. If you are a BTS fan/army, you'll really love this place. The design, services, foods are all great. Though the place is small, but it made them more Instagramable.
- 5 Cafe Two for Tea Nine, #9 M.L. Quezon Street (in Victory Park & Shop). 10AM–midnight.
Sleep
- 1 OYO 185 Seven Suites Observatory Hotel, Hollywood Hills Subd, Sumulong Highway, ☏ +63 2 217-5443. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. An interesting hotel option with a powerful roof deck telescope for observing the stars. In-house astronomer on hand to give lectures about the stellar night sky.
- 2 Loreland Farm Resort, Sitio Loreland, Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo City (from the town of Antipolo, you can take the tricycle going to Loreland. Landmark is Unciano Medical Center & McDonalds, turn on that road that lead to Loreland), ☏ +63 2 696 0101. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Loreland Farm Resort is an 8-hectare property overlooking the scenic Laguna De Bay and Metro Manila. The resort caters to family and corporate outings, teambuildings and events venue. It has 8 swimming pools, over 50 room accommodations, indoor and outdoor function areas, sports and teambuilding facilities. It is open for weekend, daytours and long stays.
- 3 Luljetta's Garden Suites, Loreland Farm Resort. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. In a leafy residential area, this relaxed hotel is 4 km from the Pinto Art Museum and from the contemporary Antipolo Cathedral, and 6 km from Radial Road 5.
- 4 Marabella Palace Resort, Barrio Sitio Ibabaw, Eastview Homes 3. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
- 5 Cattleya Resort, Barrio Sitio Ibabaw, Colaique,. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
- 6 Citywalk Suites Apartment, Manuel L. Quezon Street Extension. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
- 7 Callospa Service Residences, #706 Onyx Lane, Cristimar Village,. Holiday apartment.
- 8 Cristina Villas Mountain Resort, Taktak Road. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
- 9 Altaroca Mountain Resort Antipolo, Bankers Village III, 15 Purok Sampaguita, Taktak Road. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
- 10 Cranston Bay Resort - Antipolo, Taktak Road. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM.
- 11 LeBlanc Hotel and Resort, Taktak Road. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. ₱4,500.
Connect
Go next
Come down into other lower-lying towns of Rizal, one of the most interesting of which is Angono (named the Art Capital of the Philippines) and host of two National Artists. In the backdoor entry to Angono from Antipolo (through the Eastridge Country Club), visitors can stop by to take a visit at the famous Angono Petroglyphs (now managed by the National Museum).
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