Villa Tortuga Colonial Experience
Villa Tortuga Colonial Experience
Villa Tortuga Colonial Experience
3.5
Speciality Museums
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This location was reported permanently closed
About
Villa Tortuga is an events space in the heart of Taal, Batangas. From intimate themed gatherings to dinner parties, to curated shows featuring local musicians, and artists—we have the space to accommodate any event you dream of.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
3.5
20 reviews
Excellent
5
Very good
6
Average
4
Poor
3
Terrible
2
L T
San Pedro, Philippines358 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
Entrance fee is 50 pesos . About the costumes 250 per head including the entrance . You can try the old costumes and take pictures
Written 21 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jun_barnes
Paranaque, Philippines1,609 contributions
May 2017 • Family
We visited Villa Tortuga with just one thing in mind- to have our pictures taken garbed in traditional Filipino costumes. When we arrived at the place, we were unsure if the place was open because there was no staff in sight and no signage to inform guests if it's open or not. Good thing we knocked until someone from the second floor peeped through the window and opened the door for us.
When we came in, I was disappointed to see how dirty and messy it was inside. It was also dark so it appeared creepy with all the old pictures on display. We were informed that each person needs to pay P250 for the picture taking which was rather expensive considering that most of the costumes were damaged and old. I got a barong with Chinese collar and loose pants for my costume. What was worst about the experience was how hot it was inside with only two wall fans installed to cool us down during the entire time we were having our photo shoot. The staff attending to us looked unprofessional wearing only house clothes and a towel to cover her body.
What made up for the experience was how nice the backdrop looked in our pictures. The costumes, even though they were damaged, also looked nice because of the lighting. It's a good thing I brought my Fujifilm camera which takes clear pictures. For guests who want to experience this attraction, make sure to bring a good camera and a really good photographer friend to enjoy the experience. I wouldn't recommend this for those with allergic rhinitis because it's quite dusty inside.
There's a lot of potential for this place. For an attraction where guests pay P250 each, I think the guests deserve a cleaner place, more presentable costumes, and better service.
When we came in, I was disappointed to see how dirty and messy it was inside. It was also dark so it appeared creepy with all the old pictures on display. We were informed that each person needs to pay P250 for the picture taking which was rather expensive considering that most of the costumes were damaged and old. I got a barong with Chinese collar and loose pants for my costume. What was worst about the experience was how hot it was inside with only two wall fans installed to cool us down during the entire time we were having our photo shoot. The staff attending to us looked unprofessional wearing only house clothes and a towel to cover her body.
What made up for the experience was how nice the backdrop looked in our pictures. The costumes, even though they were damaged, also looked nice because of the lighting. It's a good thing I brought my Fujifilm camera which takes clear pictures. For guests who want to experience this attraction, make sure to bring a good camera and a really good photographer friend to enjoy the experience. I wouldn't recommend this for those with allergic rhinitis because it's quite dusty inside.
There's a lot of potential for this place. For an attraction where guests pay P250 each, I think the guests deserve a cleaner place, more presentable costumes, and better service.
Written 21 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
eunsoohuang
Taguig City, Philippines421 contributions
Feb 2016 • Friends
We visit this place along with other heritage / ancestral house at Taal.
The main door is locked, so we have to knock and call the attention of the " people inside", it's kind of creepy. Because at 2nd floor, there is someone peeking on the 2nd Floor window.
There's a lot of colonial things inside the house.
P250 per costume if you wanted to try wearing those old clothes. A bit pricey for "dusty" clothes.
We roam around, we ended up in area where they hang around their everyday clothes, and a room with used bed. Later we know, the care taker and his family lives at said place.
Dusty and messy, but still you will gather a bit of information.
The one who guide us is wearing " pambahay", shorts with matching worn out shirt and slippers. Maybe next time they see to it that they are presentable enough to represent the place since it is in heritage street and open for public viewing.
The main door is locked, so we have to knock and call the attention of the " people inside", it's kind of creepy. Because at 2nd floor, there is someone peeking on the 2nd Floor window.
There's a lot of colonial things inside the house.
P250 per costume if you wanted to try wearing those old clothes. A bit pricey for "dusty" clothes.
We roam around, we ended up in area where they hang around their everyday clothes, and a room with used bed. Later we know, the care taker and his family lives at said place.
Dusty and messy, but still you will gather a bit of information.
The one who guide us is wearing " pambahay", shorts with matching worn out shirt and slippers. Maybe next time they see to it that they are presentable enough to represent the place since it is in heritage street and open for public viewing.
Written 27 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ezarra101
Alhambra, CA124 contributions
Nov 2015 • Solo
I visited this house thinking this is a museum but its more of an inn and restaurant with arrangements of a heritage house. The administrator is friendly enough to tell me history about the whole town. Anyway the house is famous for its sea shell laden stair case and Turtle statue thats where its name came from. This house could be a lot better attraction if you decide to dress 18th century costume with your family. Not recommended if you are just roaming around for an entrance fee is 80 pesos without a costume deal.
Written 30 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
rdmd16
Quezon City, Philippines163 contributions
Jan 2016 • Friends
If you want to get into this old Filipino clothes to get a feeling of being a part of history since you are in a historical place, this place is for you. You can get to wear clothes, which by the way, you get to choose what clothes you want to mix and match since there are a lot hanging from the rack. The clothes smelled like it hasn't been cleaned for centuries. You get what I mean. It hasn't been cleaned for years. I feel so dirtier after wearing it. The photo shoot area is hot since there are huge lights facing you. There's no air-conditioner there. I did not feel it if ever there was one. The photographer is an amateur. Bring a friend who produces great shots for you since a friend can take photos of you while the photographer there takes a photo of you too. Unlimited pictures of you in your phone!
The place is old, I feel that the floor from the second floor is going to fall anytime. But the place is beautiful.
The place is old, I feel that the floor from the second floor is going to fall anytime. But the place is beautiful.
Written 1 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Meryl_Jill
Manila, Philippines74 contributions
Feb 2016 • Family
So simple ~ you go to Villa Tortuga, pick a costume, have your photo taken, for P250/person. Too much for a 5-minute photo shoot. There were 3 of us, and the money we paid is good enough for a boodle meal for 3 at Don Juan.
Can skip this tour.
Can skip this tour.
Written 2 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Belle G
Metro Manila, Philippines157 contributions
Jan 2016 • Family
We visited Villa Tortuga only because we are interested to have our picture in period costumes. The clothes are dusty and smells like obviously have been used by other people. I am just disappointed that the staff there did not know how to take photos properly. You can take as much photo as you want to though.
While waiting, you may look around. The place feels creepy. It has not been really maintained well unlike the other ancestral houses.
While waiting, you may look around. The place feels creepy. It has not been really maintained well unlike the other ancestral houses.
Written 29 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChiaraGavish
Pasig, Philippines59 contributions
Nov 2015 • Family
If you fancy dressing up in period costumes and have your shots taken, then go to Villa Tortuga. Entrance is on the side near the river. they don't have a conventional doorbell, look for a rope on the side of the wooden gate and pull hard. it's attached to a bell.
Written 15 December 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pete G
Manila, Manila, Philippines24 contributions
Jul 2015 • Friends
This was very recommended by our obviously biased guide. We had to pay entrance. Once in we were wondering what the payment was all about. It has dangerous holes in the floor. Messy and super dusty, god give me a pressure cleaner!! Bad smelling costumes. I got an allergic reaction and we regretted being there and having had to pay for the horrible experience!!!
Written 17 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Emilio T
Metro Manila, Philippines2 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
Yesterday after the Awana World Lead Conf in Tagaytay, friends Jerry and Janette came by to see us (my wife Ritchell and I) at CCT. As planned, we proceeded to the town of Taal to visit its budding Heritage village. The town is about 45 kms away from the Conf venue. It took us about an hour drive to get there without any hassle at all. Traffic is light and roads are in good condition. The view along the way that overlooks the lake exhibits its alluring beauty. We reached our destination after a short while. Seeing the town for the first time gave me a relaxing and peaceful feeling as I gazed upon the town folks. We continued traversing the streets and observed the quiet and clean surrounding. This somehow reveals a truly historical and cultural landmark. It was made more evident by the colonial structures (Casas de Taal). It's good that they were able to preserve this, just like what Vigan did. The architectural design of the Basilica of St. Martin is truly amazing. Our ascent to the belfry made us see the whole town from above, with the lake as its backdrop. For our final destination, we headed to Villa Tortuga which offers a direct colonial experience complete with costume and topped with a sumptuous early dinner. One of the servants was already waiting for us in the main gate as we arrived. They all made us feel like 'ilustrados" and narrated that the big house had its name originated from turtles which were flourishing by the river just beside the house. This made the temperature in the house cool and comfy. Dinner was served and we did a lot of tell-tales while enjoying our time together. It was almost dusk after dinner and it was time to bid goodbye. We had our final chit chats and were then politely assisted as we exited, filled with good food and fond memories. Undeniably, it was truly a unique and unforgettable experience.
Emilio L. Tacata, Jr.
Emilio L. Tacata, Jr.
Written 31 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
