Antipolo
Category:Has custom banner Antipolo is a highland city and the capital of the province of Rizal, 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
After being separated from the province to become part of Metro Manila in 1975, Pasig remained the de jure capital of Rizal. Over the recent years, its provincial government center redeveloped into a lifestyle strip. Although the provincial capitol was built in the Ynares Center in 2009, it wasn't until 2020 when it was declared the province's official capital.
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. The main parallel routes leading to Antipolo from Metro Manila are Marcos Highway aka Marilaque Highway from Quezon City and Marikina, and Ortigas Avenue Extension aka Manila East Road from Pasig.
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 circumferential road, L. Sumulong Memorial Circle.
RRCG Transport operates P2P buses bound for Robinsons Galleria in Mandaluyong, Makati, Alabang in Muntinlupa, Fairview in Quezon City and PITX in Parañaque.
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
Antipolo is accessible by Jeepneys, with terminals in the town proper near the Antipolo Cathedral and terminals in lower Antipolo located in front of the Cogeo Town Plaza and the City Mall of Antipolo.
Various terminals in the town proper serve jeepneys bound for Ali Mall in Cubao, Marikina and Starmall EDSA in Mandaluyong. Various terminals in Cogeo serve jeepneys bound for EDSA in Cubao, Marikina and Sampaloc in Tanay. There are also jeeps that pass through Antipolo from Tanay and Siniloan via Robinson mall and jeeps that pass through Cogeo from Paenaan.
By taxi
Taxis and Grab can also be used to access areas of Antipolo directly bordering Metro Manila.
Get around
With over 8,000 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. Navigating downtown Antipolo is slightly easier, as it is surrounded by L. Sumulong Memorial Circle, a ring road which has many junctions with roads leading out of the city.
There are available jeepneys in the town proper that are bound for Cogeo, Antipolo Hills and Sitio Pantay. There are also jeepneys that go inside Cogeo Village and Bagong Nayon.
See
- 1 Pinto Art MuseumCategory:Has map markers, 1 Sierra Madre Street, Barangay San Roque (a few meters away from Rizal Provincial Capitol, turn right at Grand Heights Road then straight ahead to the 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 CathedralCategory:Has map markers (International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage), P. Oliveros Street, Barangay San Jose. 5AM–8PM. A circular Catholic church rebuilt in 1949 following the destruction of its original Spanish colonial building during World War II. Its main draw is a 17th-century wooden statue of the Virgin Mary that attracts pilgrims. The cathedral is popular with travelers who are about to embark on far away trips and other well-wishers and devotees. The actual image is said to have come from Mexico and survived the trip despite a fire erupting on the Galleon and later was evacuated to different locations during World War II, further establishing its popularity among devotees. A small museum behind the main cathedral shows the history of the church, the image as well as the festivals held in the month of May (where lots of devotees flock to visit the cathedral). Below it is a souvenir shop. One can also offer a candle for loved ones or friends who are in faraway lands or about to take a trip out of town or the country. Free.
- 3 Hinulugang Taktak National ParkCategory:Has map markers, Daang Bakal Road, Barangay Dela Paz. 7AM–4PM. National park known for its soaring waterfall in a serene, natural setting, plus hanging bridges. Free.
- 4 Ynares Center ArenaCategory:Has map markers, L. Sumulong Memorial Circle, Barangay San Roque. Ynares Center is a multi-purpose indoor arena located inside the provincial capitol compound. 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 CaveCategory:Has map markers, 25 Masinag, Marilaque Highway, Barangay San Jose. Open 24 hours. Show cave with guided tours through stalactites, stalagmites & other intricate limestone formations. Free.
- 6 Sumulong ParkCategory:Has map markers, M.L. Quezon Street, Barangay San Roque (just outside of the Antipolo Cathedral). Open 24 hours. A paved park hosting vendors, busking mascots and a small weekend farmers market. Free.
- 7 Rizal Provincial CapitolCategory:Has map markers, L. Sumulong Memorial Circle, Barangay San Roque. 8AM–5PM. A neoclassical-inspired building with a dome.
- 8 Welcome to Antipolo ArchCategory:Has map markers, Ortigas Avenue Extension.
- 9 Nuestra Señora dela Annunciata Parish ChurchCategory:Has map markers (Bosoboso Church), Boso Boso Road, Sitio Old Boso Boso, Barangay San Jose. An 18th-century church originally built by the Spanish as a missionary outpost to convert the indigenous Dumagat residents.
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.
- 1 Antipolo Skate ParkCategory:Has map markers, Provincial Satellite Auditing Office, Marcos Highway, Brgy. Inarawan (near the Hall of Justice and Antipolo Institute of Technology). 8AM-8PM. The biggest skate park in the Philippines. Skateboarding, biking and BMX can be done here.
- Category:Do listing with no coordinatesAlay LakadCategory:Has map markers. Maundy Thursday and the first Tuesday of May. Literally means Offering Walk, it is a 17 kilometres (11 mi) penitential walk from Quiapo Church in Manila to Antipolo Cathedral to commemorate the feast of Our Lady of Antipolo. It is a major religious affair, drawing in up to six million pilgrims climbing the heights leading to downtown Antipolo.
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
Malls
- 1 Antipolo Triangle MallCategory:Has map markers, 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 MasinagCategory:Has map markers, Marilaque Highway, Barangay Mayamot (beside LRT Antipolo Station). 10AM–10PM. Has an e-trike terminal for those heading to downtown Antipolo and a minibus terminal servicing Teresa, Morong, Baras, Tanay and Pililla.
- 3 Robinsons AntipoloCategory:Has map markers, Sumulong Highway corner L. Sumulong Memorial Circle, Barangay Dela Paz. 10AM–10PM.
- 4 iMall AntipoloCategory:Has map markers, M.L. Quezon Street, Barangay San Roque. 9AM–9PM. Its lot formerly housed the public market until transferring to Sumulong Highway.
- 5 Victory Park and ShopCategory:Has map markers, P. Oliveros Street, Barangay San Isidro. 10AM–8PM. Beside the Antipolo Cathedral and the Sumulong Park. Includes the Pasalubong Center at the side. Has an e-trike terminal for those heading to SM Masinag and LRT Antipolo Station.
- 6 Super Metro AntipoloCategory:Has map markers, P. Oliveros Street, Barangay Dela Paz. 8AM–8PM. Hypermarket. Its parking lot doubles as the jeepney terminal to Cubao.
- 7 XentroMall AntipoloCategory:Has map markers, Sumulong Highway, Barangay Mambugan. 9AM-8PM.
- 8 WalterMart AntipoloCategory:Has map markers, L. Sumulong Memorial Circle, Barangay San Roque. 9AM-8PM.
- 9 SM Center Antipolo DowntownCategory:Has map markers, Marcos Highway, Barangay Mayamot. 10AM-9PM. Formerly known as Cherry Foodarama and SM Cherry.
Markets
- 10 Antipolo Public MarketCategory:Has map markers, Sumulong Highway, Barangay Santa Cruz (in front of Robinsons Antipolo). 4AM–5PM.
- 11 City Mall of AntipoloCategory:Has map markers, Olalia Road, Barangay Dela Paz. 4AM–8PM. A market serving people from the lower Antipolo area.
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, there are 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 + DrinksCategory:Has map markers, L. Sumulong Memorial Circle. 2PM–midnight. International food restaurant.
- 2 LEON Authentic MexicanCategory:Has map markers, Unit 2, Clean Fuel Ynares, L. Sumulong Memorial Circle. 11AM–10PM.
- 3 Kamayan - Tamerlane's IhawsCategory:Has map markers, 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 CircleCategory:Has map markers, L. Sumulong Memorial Circle. 11AM–10PM. If you want to eat any various Asian cuisine this is a must try too.
- 5 Cafe AgustaCategory:Has map markers, Grand Heights Road. 9AM–midnight. Filipino, Italian food restaurant. ₱400-600.
- 6 Katsu House Japanese Fusion RestaurantCategory:Has map markers, #50 Beverly Hills Drive. 9:30AM–8PM.
- 7 Tazzy Cakes Pastry ShopCategory:Has map markers, #26 6th Avenue, Beverly Hills Drive. 9AM–6PM.
- 8 Mogu Tree Noodle HouseCategory:Has map markers, 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 GrillCategory:Has map markers, Ortigas Avenue Extension. 8AM–2AM.
- 10 Mommy Doloras Pancit Malabon (Antipolo Branch)Category:Has map markers, #41 P. Oliveros Street. 9AM–7:30PM.
- 11 Igan's Budbod HouseCategory:Has map markers, #1 Martinez Street. 7AM–9PM.
- 12 Mister Donut - Antipolo CityCategory:Has map markers, Victory Park & Shop, M.L. Quezon Street. 6AM–9PM.
- 13 Kukis EmpanadaCategory:Has map markers, 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 HillsCategory:Has map markers, L25 B5, Campupot Street, Beverly Hills. 9AM–9PM.
- 2 Juan Cafe - Dela Paz AnitipoloCategory:Has map markers, 23b A. Bonifacio Street. 11AM–9PM.
- 3 Cha Tuk Chak - Antipolo CityCategory:Has map markers, #1 A. Bonifacio st, corner P. Oliveros Street. 10AM–9PM.
- 4 21st Century Girls CafeCategory:Has map markers, #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 NineCategory:Has map markers, #9 M.L. Quezon Street (in Victory Park & Shop). 10AM–midnight.
Sleep
- 1 OYO 185 Seven Suites Observatory HotelCategory:Has map markers, 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 ResortCategory:Has map markers, 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 SuitesCategory:Has map markers, 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 ResortCategory:Has map markers, Barrio Sitio Ibabaw, Eastview Homes 3. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
- 5 Cattleya ResortCategory:Has map markers, Barrio Sitio Ibabaw, Colaique,. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
- 6 Citywalk Suites ApartmentCategory:Has map markers, Manuel L. Quezon Street Extension. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
- 7 Callospa Service ResidencesCategory:Has map markers, #706 Onyx Lane, Cristimar Village,. Holiday apartment.
- 8 Cristina Villas Mountain ResortCategory:Has map markers, Taktak Road. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
- 9 Altaroca Mountain Resort AntipoloCategory:Has map markers, Bankers Village III, 15 Purok Sampaguita, Taktak Road. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
- 10 Cranston Bay Resort - AntipoloCategory:Has map markers, Taktak Road. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM.
- 11 LeBlanc Hotel and ResortCategory:Has map markers, Taktak Road. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. ₱4,500.
Stay safe
Crime rates in the urban areas are comparable to those in Metro Manila. The rural upland areas may still see some New People’s Army guerrillas.
Landslides and floods are a common problem in the rainy season.
Known accident-prone areas include Marcos Highway in its highland portions and the hairpin turns of E. Rodriguez Avenue descending towards Teresa and Morong Junction.
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).
| Routes through Antipolo |
| Katipunan ← Marikina ← | W  E |
→ END |
| Cubao ← Marikina ← | W  E |
→ END |