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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Tanay's lowland nature views draw tourists this summer

Tanay's lowland nature views draw tourists this summer

Published Apr 9, 2026 02:00 pm

At A Glance

  • Summer getaways need not be far, as Tanay, Rizal is less than a three-hour drive from Metro Manila, offering staycation facilities with natural landscapes close to the town proper.
The landscapes of the lowland villages in Tanay, Rizal, known as the province's "home of nature and adventure," are offering tourists many options for a quick summer getaway without the need to travel far or spend much on fuel cost.
The view of the ricefield during sunset in Barangay Tandang Kutyo in Tanay (photo by Nel Andrade)
The view of the ricefield during sunset in Barangay Tandang Kutyo in Tanay (photo by Nel Andrade)
The Tanay Municipal Tourism office said both local and foreign visitors seeking an escape from the metro’s busy and chaotic scenes can enjoy weekend staycations in several facilities after touring the  attractions in the town's lowland areas.
Another side of the garden at Melinda's Garden and Private Resort (photo from Melinda's Garden FB page)
Another side of the garden at Melinda's Garden and Private Resort (photo from Melinda's Garden FB page)
Dr. Jeff Pino, Tanay’s municipal administrator, highlighted Melinda’s Garden and Private Resort, located at 28 Manila East Road, Tandang Kutyo, as one of the budget-friendly staycation spots for groups or couples.
The garage area infront of the rooms at Melinda's Garden (photo by Nel Andrade)
The garage area infront of the rooms at Melinda's Garden (photo by Nel Andrade)
Plants make the landscape at Melinda's Garden and Private Resort (photo by Nel Andrade)
Plants make the landscape at Melinda's Garden and Private Resort (photo by Nel Andrade)
Pino said the private resort offers the scenic views of rice fields, cows gracing on the grasslands, and flock of birds hovering over the entire area, making guests feel nature all day and night.
The rice field view from the balcony of the private resort (photo from Melinda's Garden FB page)
The rice field view from the balcony of the private resort (photo from Melinda's Garden FB page)
The garden’s caretaker said even foreign tourists have found Melinda’s Garden an ideal retirement spots, as the village is peaceful and has a nice view of the night sky, with the sound of birds and insects chirping nearby.
Nightsky view from the pool of Melinda's Garden (photo from Melinda's Garden FB page)
Nightsky view from the pool of Melinda's Garden (photo from Melinda's Garden FB page)
The resort features with a jacuzzi and underwater lights, a huge function hall for special occasions, and rooms enough for large group and even small rooms for couples who just want to stay overnight.
The indoor function area of Melinda's Garden (photo from Melinda's Garden FB page)
The indoor function area of Melinda's Garden (photo from Melinda's Garden FB page)
The two pools at daytime (photo from Melinda's Garden FB page)
The two pools at daytime (photo from Melinda's Garden FB page)
The outdoor function area of the garden resort (photo from Melinda's Garden FB page)
The outdoor function area of the garden resort (photo from Melinda's Garden FB page)
The two lighted pools with jacuzzi at night (photo from Melinda's Garden FB page)
The two lighted pools with jacuzzi at night (photo from Melinda's Garden FB page)
Its garden area has gazebo with benches and tables where one can relax and spend the day minus the noise of city life.
Garden area at Melinda's Garden and Private Resort (photo by Nel Andrade)
Garden area at Melinda's Garden and Private Resort (photo by Nel Andrade)
Visitors can enjoy cool breeze and the fresh scent of rice fields and grasslands, with cows wandering nearby.
Seasonal fruits such as star apple, pineapples, and coconuts, can be bought at several roadside stalls just a few steps away from the garden resort.
Tourists drop by in one of the fruit stands on Manila East Road in Tanay (photo by Nel Andrade)
Tourists drop by in one of the fruit stands on Manila East Road in Tanay (photo by Nel Andrade)
Pineapples and star-apples at a fruit stand on Manila East Road (photo by Nel Andrade)
Pineapples and star-apples at a fruit stand on Manila East Road (photo by Nel Andrade)
Fast food chains are also nearby, while the town’s public market -- offering freshly harvested fruits and vegetables and meat and poultry products -- is only a tricycle ride away.
Tourists and locals visit the public market for farm to market goods (photo by Nel Andrade)
Tourists and locals visit the public market for farm to market goods (photo by Nel Andrade)
Close to the garden resort is the San Ildefonso Parish Church, and the Parola, which is the lighthouse that used to be the guide of boatsmen in the early years prior to the advancement of navigational and directional apps on mobile phones.
San Ildefonso Parish Church in Tanay, Rizal (photo by Nel Andrade)
San Ildefonso Parish Church in Tanay, Rizal (photo by Nel Andrade)
The Tanay's Parola (photo from Rizal Provincial Government's webpage)
The Tanay's Parola (photo from Rizal Provincial Government's webpage)
The office of Mayor Rex Manuel Tanjuatco said tourists may reach the municipal government and other government agencies through the contact numbers posted on the town government’s social media pages.
Melinda’s Garden and Private Resort: 0939-143-8053 / 02-8704-2996
Tanay Tourism Office: 0968-556-5335
Tanay Police Station: 0907-827-9401
Tanay Public Safety Office- 0948-5821797
Coast Guard Sub-Station Tanay- 0956-433-8218
Tanay MDRRMO- 0963-473-3333
Tanay Emergency Contact Numbers
Tanay Emergency Contact Numbers
Administrator Pino said tourists are encouraged to contact the municipal government for assistance to check on their desired destination's availability, directions for them to have an enjoyable experience while in Tanay.   
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