Rizal Road Trip Guide: Scenic Mountain Drives & Best Car Rental Options

Did you know that Rizal province is named after the Philippines’ national hero Jose Rizal? He was a symbol of Filipino nationalism and reform, and his legacy continues to shape the country's history and identity. Thus, a Rizal road trip offers more than scenic views; it’s an opportunity to explore the province’s cultural heritage, natural attractions, and landscapes.

But how do you move conveniently from one destination to another?

Renting a car with Trip.com gives you the freedom to explore Rizal at your own pace. Most attractions across the province are spread across different towns, making self-driving a more practical way to travel. With a rental car, you can plan a 1-hour escape, a 2-hour scenic drive, or a full-day adventure within 3 hours.

Rizal Road Trip | What Rizal destinations are 1 hour away?

With just one hour to get to a trip destination, you’ll need to drive to places that are nearby. Renting a car helps you maximise time by giving you the flexibility to travel directly to your destination without relying on public transport schedules. You can plan your routines and target attractions and drive there with minimal inconveniences.

Pinto Art Museum

Pinto Art Museum’s white Mediterranean-style buildings surrounded by lush gardens and tropical trees

One of the best ways to learn about a country’s culture and history is through art. The Pinto Art Museum is a gallery with exhibits both indoors and outdoors that allows you to enjoy art while also learning about the country. It will take you about one hour to get there. But the drive will be worth it because you can do so much, from exploring the museum galleries, walking through the sculpture gardens, or even visiting the chapel and viewing decks.

Note: There is an entrance fee of about ₱250 per person, ₱125 for students (with valid school ID), and ₱200 for senior citizens & PWDs (with valid government ID).

Hinulugang Taktak National Park

Hinulugang Taktak waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and riverside scenery in Antipolo, Rizal

Hinulugang Taktak is one of the most famous natural attractions in Antipolo due to its cascading 70-foot waterfall. It's just approximately one drive from Rizal, making it easy to access within a short time. Hinulugang Taktak is an ideal location for you if you love nature, picnics, walking, and adventures like rappelling. You can enjoy sightseeing, photography at the waterfall, picnics at shaded huts and tables, or walk along the paved walkways.

Antipolo Cathedral

Interior of Antipolo Cathedral featuring worshippers, an ornate altar, and distinctive domed architecture in Rizal

The Antipolo Cathedral is also known as the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. It is the home to the 17th-century statue of the Virgin Mary, known as the Black Madonna. The cathedral serves as one of the country’s most important pilgrimage sites, attracting visitors who both seek spiritual connection and historical understanding. While there, you can visit the Pilgrim's Memorial dedicated to the traditional Alay Lakad or explore local souvenir shops at Kalamay and Suman Stalls.

Rizal Road Trip | What mountain getaways are nearby Rizal?

If you have a little more time to explore, a 2–3-hour drive opens up access to a wider range of destinations beyond Rizal. For example, with a rental car, you can travel between provinces or attractions such as lakes, heritage sites, mountain retreats, and nature. This improves your overall experience throughout the Rizal road trip.

Daranak Falls

Daranak Falls surrounded by lush forest and clear natural pools in Tanay, Rizal

Daranak Falls is one of Rizal’s most popular natural attractions located in Tanay. It is known for its cascading waters, lush surroundings, and picnic-friendly setting. If you’re travelling during warm weather, take this 2-3-hour drive and go swimming and cool off in this natural pool. Daranak Falls is a great destination for outdoor activities, enjoying nature, or just the beautiful scenery.

Pililla Wind Farm

The view from Pililla Wind Farm overlooking Laguna de Bay and the rolling hills of Rizal

Pililla Wind Farm offers panoramic views of Laguna de Bay and rolling hills lined with towering wind turbines. But the limited public transport to the Pililla wind farm makes it difficult to get to the destination. A rental car helps you overcome this challenge, making this place accessible with 2-3 hours of driving. Once you get there, you can check out the mini-museum at the foot of the turbines, the view deck with a 360-degree view of Laguna de Bay, and Souvenir shops.

Regina RICA

Regina RICA pilgrimage site in Tanay featuring the iconic statue of Our Lady Regina Rosarii

Regina RICA is a popular pilgrimage and retreat destination in Tanay that takes only 2 hours from Rizal. Most people know it for its peaceful surroundings, gardens, and the towering image of Our Lady Regina Rosarii. It is a good Rival road trip destination if you’re looking for a quiet, spiritual retreat. Regina RICA pilgrimage grounds, stations of the Cross trail, and Saint Ildefonsus of Toledo Parish Church (Tanay Church) are some attractions you can visit during your Rizal road trip.

Rizal Road Trip | How to Choose the Best Road Trip from Rizal

The places you can visit during your Rizal road trip will depend on how much time you dedicate to this trip. If you have a few hours, you will only explore a few places within a shorter geographical location. But if you have a full day or week, you can explore and discover more.

If You Only Have Half a Day

With just half a day, your travel time is limited. Thus, you should target short Rizal road trip destinations, such as Antipolo Cathedral and Pinto Art Museum.

If You Have One Full Day

A full day gives you more flexibility. For instance, you can opt to drive from Manila to Danarak Falls and stop by Batlag Falls and explore the municipality of Tanay.

If You Have a Weekend

For an overnight getaway, consider driving from Manila to Pililla Wind Farm. While you can’t stay overnight at the farm itself because it closes in the evening, there are local campsites, resorts, and accommodation options nearby.

Rizal Road Trip | Where Can I Pick Up a Rental Car for Rizal Road Trip?

Rizal Road Trip | How to Book a Car for a Rizal Road Trip

Now you’re probably wondering, “How do I actually book the car?” While the process can seem intimidating, especially for first-time travellers, Trip.com makes it very easy. All you need is an account and an understanding of what you want.

Step 1: Visit Trip.com and sign in

Trip.com gives you access to globally recognized car rental brands. Once you’re ready to start the process, visit the platform and sign up or log in.

Step 2: Fill in your trip details and search

Add your pickup and drop-off locations and trip duration. This helps you see only the cars available on the day you plan to start your Rizal road trip.

Step 3: Filter the search results

Here you will need to think about the type of car you’re looking for. Then use that information to filter the results. For example, what supplier do you want to work with? Or how many seats do you need? Other things to filter by include insurance coverage, transmission, price per day, and car specifications.

Step 4: Review the rental details

Scroll through the filtered results and identify your ideal car. Then click View deal to see more details about the rental vehicle and supplier’s requirements and expectations. This part will contain details about what you will need to rent the car and the policies you’ll need to follow. So, pay attention to details.

Step 5: Complete your book and save confirmation

Once you’re sure you understand all the requirements, click Book Now to complete the process. Enter all the required information and pay the deposit. After that, Trip.com will send you a voucher that you will need to present to the car rental company on pickup day.

Rizal Road Trip | What's needed for driving in Philippines?

Before picking your rental car for the Rizal road trip, ensure you have all the proper documents and meet the requirements for driving in the Philippines. Preparing these documents in advance helps ensure a smooth rental car pickup process and allows you to enjoy your trip without unnecessary delays.

Required Document Checklist

Before you start driving in Australia, ensure you have these documents:

• A valid passport for identity verification
• The main driver and other additional drivers must present physical copies of their driver’s licenses held for at least 24 months
• An international driving permit (IDP) issued by a member of the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic.
• A credit card under the name of the main driver. Note that the names on the card must match the driver’s passport
• A digital or printed copy of the booking confirmation issued by Trip.com upon confirmation of the booking.

Young Driver Rules

If you are a young driver aged below 25 or travelling with one, confirm the age requirements with your rental company. Most companies charge a young driver fee for drivers aged between 21 and 24, which varies across suppliers.

Rizal Road Trip | What Safety Tips Help With Rizal Drives?

• While driving is on the left side in Australia, in Rizal you’ll need to drive on the right side of the road
• Rizal Province has different roads with varying speed limit requirements. For example, highways are 60-80 kph, while busy city/municipal streets are restricted to 30-40 kph. Always check the posted signs.
• Assess your travel plan and plan your fuel stops to ensure you have enough for the trip.
• Avoid starting your Rizal road trip during peak traffic hours, such as afternoons, evenings, weekends, or public holidays.
• Check the weather and sea conditions before heading to your travel destinations to avoid extreme weather changes

Rizal Road Trip | Rizal Accommodation

Rizal Road Trip FAQs

1. Can I visit Rizal attractions during the rainy season?

Yes. Cultural attractions such as Antipolo Cathedral and Pinto Art Museum can be visited year-round, although outdoor activities may be affected by heavy rain.

2. Are entrance fees required at Rizal's tourist attractions?

Many attractions charge admission fees. Check official websites or social media pages before travelling, as prices and operating hours may change.

3. Is a day trip enough to explore Rizal?

Yes, but an overnight stay allows more time to visit multiple attractions, enjoy scenic drives, and avoid rushing between destinations.

4. Can I visit Rizal and return to Manila on the same day?

Yes. Many visitors explore Rizal as a day trip from Metro Manila and return the same evening.