Overlooking Forest Cabin, Tagaytay

“Don’t do what you want. Do what you don’t want. Do what you’re trained not to want. Do the things that scare you the most.” Despite writing quite disturbing novels like “Invisible Monsters”, Chuck Palahniuk surely does entertain, even offering some nuggets of wisdom for his avid readers to digest. He also penned “Nothing of me is original. I am the combined effort of everyone I’ve ever known” and “The one you love and the one who loves you are never, ever the same person.”

I’m glad I found a copy of the book, along with “In My Father’s Room” and “Stranger in the Forest” at Overlooking Forest Cabin. The latter is somewhat apt to read since the cabin is situated in a protected forest area of Tagaytay. One of the many prime Airbnb listings of Ian Castanares, the cabin is serene and isolated but also very convenient because it is just 2 kms. away from the roundabout of Tagaytay, where shopping malls, supermarkets  and restaurants are located.

The cabin is built on a slope and is more than 20 steps down from the main road. This makes it interesting because it appears to be a secret vacation place, since it is not visible from the highway.

A cobbled pathway leads to a gate, and finally to the cabin.

Aside from the lush surroundings and bougainvilleas in bloom, I immediately noticed the solar panels on the roof. There is no power grid line within the vicinity, and their solar electricity can only produce 12 volts DC system (no 220 volts, which is needed for appliances like refrigerator, air-conditioning, and laptop or DSLR). But they provide car charger outlets (with USB ports) for media devices like smartphones and tablets, and electric fans (in case the weather gets hot).

The big common area neatly adorned in bohemian style and earth colors, serves as the living room, dining area and could also be converted as sleeping quarters. The interiors are well thought of and elegantly designed. I like its mosaic stone wall, wooden furniture and decorations, hanging lanterns, and the numerous flamboyant bean bags surrounding a daybed, that give an eccentric, old-world character to the place. It really is an ideal place for intimate, small group gathering.

The indoor toilet and its adjoining outdoor shower inspired by nature, is another showcase. A kawali was ingeniously transformed into a wash basin.

The main bedroom has a double bed with clean, crisp sheets and net (since house was built in nature, insects are expected). It looks romantic and maaliwalas with all the big glass windows overlooking the forest. It also has a huge wooden cabinet that holds a safety deposit box to store valuables.

A small kitchen has basic but complete dining wares and amenities for cooking such as stove, pots and pans, cooking utensils, knives, water kettle, coffeemaker, and box cooler (as alternative to refrigerator). For those who prefer not to cook, better to just bring take-way food.

The outdoor area is consist of three levels – the balcony area with lounging outdoor furniture, the lower balcony area with seating for four people, and lastly my favorite spot, the viewing deck under a talisay tree. The garden may not be manicured but it blends with the wild and virgin forest upfront.

Since there is no TV or wifi in the cabin, I was able to appreciate more the unspoiled beauty of the surroundings, savor fresh air, read some books and magazines, and watch “Arctic” and “Journey to west Monsters” on my mobile phone. Honestly I didn’t like the ending of the latter. I mean, could you ever forgive someone who killed the person you love.

From Manila, take Tagaytay bound bus from Lawton, Buendia or South Terminal in Pasay. Get off in Olivares. From the Police outpost of Tagaytay Rotonda, take a tricycle going to Overlooking Forest Cabin. It is about 1 km. after Enclave.

Overlooking Forest Cabin
Tagaytay-Talisay Rd.
Tagaytay City