Stand on the ridge along Sumulong Highway after dark and the whole of Metro Manila spreads out below you in lights, with the road itself lined by restaurant-pubs where you can stop for a drink and take it in. That view is the reason many travellers break their journey here, but it is only the beginning of what Antipolo offers.
The city sits higher than Manila and the rest of Rizal, which is what gives it those vantage points, and it has long been a place of pilgrimage, drawn by the image of the Virgin of Antipolo in the cathedral. It suits travellers based in Metro Manila looking for a day out, devotees and history-minded visitors, and anyone who wants gardens, a waterfall and local food without travelling far.
This guide covers the sights and experiences worth your time, followed by a plan for a single day and answers to the questions travellers ask most often.
Top things to do in Antipolo
1. Pinto Art Museum
A museum gallery on Sierra Madre Street in Barangay San Roque, showcasing paintings and sculptures by local artists. It is a sprawling property with well-manicured gardens and fountains, and the gallery has a commanding view of Metro Manila. It works as a backdrop for reflection and learning as much as for looking at art.
From Rizal Provincial Capitol it is a few metres away; turn right at Grand Heights Road and continue straight ahead to the museum. The café catered by Bizu is open during weekends, so plan a weekend visit if you want to eat there.
2. Antipolo Cathedral (International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage)
A circular Catholic church on P. Oliveros Street in Barangay San Jose, rebuilt in 1949 after its original Spanish colonial building was destroyed during World War II. Its main draw is a 17th-century wooden statue of the Virgin Mary that attracts pilgrims, and the cathedral is popular with travellers about to embark on long trips, along with well-wishers and devotees.
Behind the main cathedral is a small museum showing the history of the church, the actual image (the one inside the cathedral is a replica) and the festivals held in May, when many devotees visit. Below the museum is a souvenir shop, and you can offer a candle for loved ones who are far away or about to travel.
3. Hinulugang Taktak National Park
A national park on Daang Bakal Road in Barangay Dela Paz, known for its waterfall in a serene natural setting, plus hanging bridges. It was once a popular summer getaway and is being restored as one of the city's primary attractions.
It is open from 7AM to 4PM, so come earlier in the day rather than late afternoon. Entry is free.
4. Sumulong Park
A paved park on M.L. Quezon Street in Barangay San Roque, just outside the Antipolo Cathedral. It hosts vendors, busking mascots and a small weekend farmers market, and it is open around the clock.
Because it sits directly outside the cathedral, combine the two in one stop: visit the shrine, then walk out into the park. The weekend farmers market is the reason to time your visit to a Saturday or Sunday.
5. Mystical Cave
A show cave on the Marilaque Highway in Barangay San Jose, with guided tours through stalactites, stalagmites and other intricate limestone formations. It is open 24 hours and entry is free.
Take the guided tour rather than wandering on your own, since the formations are the point of the visit. It sits along the Marilaque Highway, which makes it a natural stop if your day takes you out that way.
6. Nuestra Señora dela Annunciata Parish Church (Bosoboso Church)
An 18th-century church on Boso Boso Road in Sitio Old Boso Boso, Barangay San Jose, built by the Spanish as a missionary outpost to convert the indigenous Dumagat residents. It is the oldest of the city's religious sites and rewards the trip out to the barangay.
Pair it with Mystical Cave, which is also in Barangay San Jose, to make the journey out worthwhile.
7. Rizal Provincial Capitol
A neoclassical-inspired building with a dome, on L. Sumulong Memorial Circle in Barangay San Roque. It is open from 8AM to 5PM.
It is close to Pinto Art Museum, which sits a few metres away, so the two fit naturally into the same part of your day.
8. Ynares Center Arena
A multi-purpose indoor arena inside the provincial capitol compound on L. Sumulong Memorial Circle in Barangay San Roque. It is a popular venue for sports events, concerts, exhibitions and other large-scale gatherings, and entry is free.
Check what is on before you go, since the arena is only worth a stop when an event is running. Otherwise, note it as you pass through the capitol compound on the way to the Rizal Provincial Capitol.
9. Antipolo Skate Park
A skate park on Marcos Highway in Barangay Inarawan, near the Hall of Justice and Antipolo Institute of Technology. Skateboarding, biking and BMX can all be done here, and it is open from 8AM to 8PM.
Bring your own gear if you intend to ride, and go earlier in the day if you want cooler conditions.
10. Welcome to Antipolo Arch
The arch on Ortigas Avenue Extension that marks your arrival in the city. It is a quick stop rather than a destination, but it makes a natural first photograph of the trip.
You will pass it on the way in along Ortigas Avenue Extension, so keep your camera ready rather than making a separate journey.
11. Overlooking views along Sumulong Highway
The highway is where you take in the Manila skyline, particularly at night, thanks to the city's higher elevation. You can stop for a drink at one of the restaurant-pubs on the roadside while you enjoy the view.
Go after dark for the full effect, and treat the stop as a meal or a drink rather than a quick pull-over.
12. Alay Lakad
A penitential walk from Quiapo Church in Manila to Antipolo Cathedral, held on Maundy Thursday and the first Tuesday of May to commemorate the feast of Our Lady of Antipolo. The name means Offering Walk, and it is a major religious affair.
If you plan to join, prepare for a long walk up to downtown Antipolo and expect large crowds of fellow pilgrims. If you would rather avoid the crowds, plan your visit to the cathedral outside those dates.
If you only have one day
Morning. Start at Antipolo Cathedral on P. Oliveros Street, seeing the image and the small museum behind it, then step outside into Sumulong Park next door. If your visit falls on a weekend, the park's farmers market is worth a look before you move on.
Afternoon. Head to Pinto Art Museum on Sierra Madre Street for the galleries, gardens and the view over Metro Manila, stopping at the Rizal Provincial Capitol nearby on the same loop. If you have time left, continue to Hinulugang Taktak National Park before it closes at 4PM.
Evening. Drive along Sumulong Highway for the overlooking views of the Manila skyline and stop at one of the roadside restaurant-pubs for a drink or a meal as the lights come on.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Antipolo Cathedral?
The cathedral is open from 5AM to 8PM. If you want to avoid the largest crowds, avoid May, when festivals draw many devotees, and avoid Maundy Thursday and the first Tuesday of May, when the Alay Lakad pilgrimage arrives from Manila.
Do I need to pay to visit the main sights?
Several of them are free, including Antipolo Cathedral, Hinulugang Taktak National Park, Mystical Cave, Sumulong Park, Ynares Center Arena and the Antipolo Skate Park.
How do I get around Antipolo?
Local travel depends on tricycles, jeepneys, taxis, UV Express services, buses and AUVs. Note that these contribute to the heavy traffic of Metropolitan Manila, so allow generous time between stops.
What local food should I try while I am there?
Antipolo's locally grown mangoes and cashews are popular among tourists, as is suman, a local delicacy made from glutinous rice.
Pick your dates, decide whether you are walking the Alay Lakad or simply visiting the cathedral, and start planning your trip to Antipolo.