If you’re looking for camping near Manila, there’s a peaceful mountain escape waiting just a few hours from the city. During a recent trip, We spent a relaxing night at To The Moon Campsite—a quiet retreat surrounded by foggy mountains and overlooking the scenic Sierra Madre.
Spending the night at this campsite in Tanay was a refreshing break from the busy pace of city life. Getting there requires a short hike and a bit of preparation since there are limited stores and electricity in the area, but the peaceful atmosphere and cool mountain air make the experience worth it.
Even though we didn’t get to see the famous sea of clouds, the breathtaking views of the Sierra Madre and the fog-covered mountains still made the trip unforgettable.
For travelers searching for hidden nature spots in the Philippines or planning weekend trips from Manila, this campsite is definitely worth adding to your list.
In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know about getting there, what to expect, and a few tips to help you make the most of your stay.
Getting there
If you’re commuting, reaching this campsite in Tanay from Quezon City takes about three hours. Because of its location in the mountains east of Manila, Tanay has become a popular destination for weekend trips from Manila, especially for travelers looking for nature and fresh mountain air.
Our trip started smoothly, but the weather had other plans. While we were still riding a tricycle, the rain suddenly started pouring.
Luckily, we found shelter at a nearby sari-sari store. These small neighborhood convenience shops are common in the Philippines and are often helpful stops for travelers. The store also had a small parking area where visitors could wait until the rain slowed down.
When the rain eased, we began hiking down toward the campsite. Along the way, we were greeted by stunning mountain views slowly disappearing into the fog.
When we finally arrived, the foggy mountain scenery and cool breeze welcomed us. It instantly gave us the peaceful reset we had been craving.
We reached the campsite at around 3:15 in the afternoon. After settling in, we changed our clothes, unpacked our things, and started cooking the food we had brought.
Just as we finished setting up, the rain started again. But when the rain finally stopped, the mountain views slowly appeared and they were absolutely beautiful.
A Campsite in Tanay Rizal
The next morning, we woke up early, hoping to see the famous sea of clouds.
Unfortunately, the fog was still too thick.
It was almost noon when the fog finally began to clear.
Maybe our timing was just a little off this time.
Even though we missed the sea of clouds, the view of the Sierra Madre mountain range was still breathtaking.
I’m hopeful we’ll catch the sea of clouds on our next visit.
But honestly, no regrets. The fog-covered mountains alone made the trip worthwhile. Moments like these are exactly why places like this are considered some of the best campsites in the Philippines for travelers who love peaceful nature escapes.
Cabin Room
We booked a two-person cabin room with a balcony at To The Moon Campsite for ₱3,000 per night. The check-in time is 3:00 PM, and check-out is at 11:00 AM the following day.
Note: The prices mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of our visit and may change without prior notice.
The balcony was easily my favorite part of the cabin. It’s the perfect place to sit, sip coffee, and watch the fog slowly move across the mountains—especially while sharing the doughnuts we brought with us.
The cabin only uses electric fans since there’s no air conditioning. The campsite runs on limited electricity powered by solar panels, but because the mountain weather is naturally cool, air conditioning really isn’t necessary.
The campsite staff also provides kitchen tools, and guests are allowed to cook their own meals during their stay. Water is available, but bringing extra drinking water is still a good idea.
It’s best to bring everything you need—especially food and snacks. There are no restaurants or food delivery services nearby, so preparing your own meals is part of the camping experience.
Thankfully, the caretakers were very friendly and helpful. They can assist guests who need help buying something from the nearby sari-sari store or have questions during their stay.
How to get to To The Moon Campsite from Cubao
If you’re traveling from Cubao, here’s a step-by-step commute guide:
1. Ride a bus near National Book Store going to Cogeo and ask the driver to drop you off at XentroMall Antipolo.
Fare: ₱40 per person.
2. From XentroMall, ride a tricycle going to Cogeo.
Fare: ₱150 for two people.
3. From Cogeo, ride a jeepney going to Martessem Mountain Resort.
Fare: ₱70 per person.
4. Beside Martessem Resort, go to Mayagay 1 and hire a tricycle going to Tere’s Sari-sari Store.
Fare: ₱200 for two people.
5. From the store, turn left onto the rough road leading to the campsite. If you enjoy a bit of adventure, you can hike for about 20–25 minutes, just like we did.
During our visit, the road was rocky, muddy, and uneven, so many visitors chose to park their vehicles at the sari-sari store before hiking to the campsite.
What to expect at this campsite in Tanay, Rizal
Here are a few things to keep in mind before your trip:
- Limited electricity (solar-powered)
No nearby restaurants or convenience stores
No air conditioning; cabins have electric fans - Basic kitchen tools and utensils are available
- Towels, blankets, and pillows provided
- Shared toilets and bathrooms
- Card and board games are available for guests
Our trip to To The Moon Campsite was definitely tiring—but it was also incredibly fun.
The hike to reach the campsite was a bit challenging, but the views made it worthwhile. The peaceful mountain scenery, cool foggy weather, and quiet surroundings created the perfect break from the busy city.
For travelers looking for camping near Manila, exploring hidden nature spots in the Philippines, or planning relaxing weekend trips from Manila, this campsite is a wonderful place to slow down, breathe fresh mountain air, and reconnect with nature.
FAQs
Where is To The Moon Campsite located?
The To The Moon Campsite is located in the mountains of Tanay, overlooking parts of the scenic Sierra Madre.
How much is the cabin room at the campsite?
A two-person cabin with a balcony costs around ₱3,000 per night (approximately $50–$55 USD). Check-in is at 3:00 PM, and check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Is the campsite accessible by car?
Some vehicles can reach the campsite, but the road can be rough and muddy, especially during rainy weather. Many visitors park near the sari-sari store and hike for 20–25 minutes to reach the campsite.
Are there restaurants or stores nearby?
There are no restaurants or food delivery services nearby. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and cook at the campsite, although a small sari-sari store nearby may have limited supplies.
Is there electricity and air conditioning at the campsite?
Electricity is limited because the campsite relies on solar panels. The cabins have electric fans instead of air conditioning, but the cool mountain weather usually makes air conditioning unnecessary.
