Antipolo’s Hidden gems

—FACEBOOK.COM/MOUNTPURRONATURERESERVE

Antipolo City in Rizal offers the aesthetic and appeal you need, whether you’re up for an exciting getaway, or looking forward to the promise of a relaxing vacation.

Like Baguio City in Benguet and Tagaytay City in Cavite, the cool climate of Antipolo is especially inviting during the summer months. Many establishments and cafés, like those along the ridge on Sumulong Highway, offer not only a refreshing breeze but panoramic views of Metro Manila. On top of these, a visit to this upland city will allow you to commune with nature, have a taste of adventure, immerse yourself in arts and culture, or simply just stay for a quick getaway to rest, heal and see beautiful sights.

Mount Purro Nature Reserve

Mount Purro Nature Reserve is a family-owned and -operated forest farm and eco-retreat facility tucked in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range.

It’s not your typical resort. It doesn’t offer luxuries like airconditioning, free WiFi, television sets, free toiletries and room service. There’s also intermittent mobile signal in the area. But with its comfortable accommodations and variety of activities like forest hiking, tree planting, picnics, candlelit dinners or mini bonfires, Mount Purro offers a different kind of vacation—it allows you to temporarily disconnect from the frenzy of the outside world and spend quality time with family, friends and nature. It’s a perfect getaway for those who want rejuvenation, wellness or a moment to reconnect.

Loreland Farm Resort—FACEBOOK.COM/LORELANDFARMRESORT

Loreland Farm Resort

For leisure and fun, Antipolo City is home to many resorts that offer a fun mix of relaxation and adrenaline-pumping activities. One of these is Loreland, a recreational complex that offers different kinds of adventures and experiences.

The Loreland Farm Resort covers both the Luljetta’s Place Garden Suites, a scenic hanging garden resort and spa with carefully planned design that boasts of picturesque views of the metro skyline and Laguna Lake while you laze on an infinity pool or get a hydromassage; and Camp Tipolo Adventureland, an outdoor team building park that offers exciting activities such as the Tarzan Jump, Spider Web, Balancing Log, Mudslide, Hanging Bridge, Tight Rope and X-trail.

Pinto Art Museum

Pinto Art Museum

Aside from resort hotels, retreat centers and team building facilities, Antipolo City is also worth a visit for an arts and culture experience.

With its white-washed walls, charming architecture, lush gardens, and collection of renowned artworks, the Pinto Art Museum is a beautiful gallery of modern and contemporary arts. The sprawling compound that houses the Pinto Art Museum is also home to the Pinto Museum of Indigenous Art, a showcase for Pinto founder Dr. Joven Cuanang’s extensive collection of cultural artifacts; the Pinto Academy of Arts and Sciences, a learning center devoted to the convergence of science and the humanities; and more recently, the Pinto Arboretum of Philippine Plants, with nearly a hectare of lovingly curated and cultivated green space that Cuanang describes as “a rescue center for endangered indigenous Philippine plants and trees.”