4 Things You Should Know About This Mountain Resort Just 30 Minutes from Quezon City
The Filinvest Group’s hospitality unit is well-known for its flagship properties: the Crimson Resort brands with locations in Alabang, Boracay and Cebu; and Quest Hotels that is present in Tagaytay, Clark, and Cebu City. It’s soon launching a new brand called Grafik Hotel Collection, whose first property is currently under construction in Baguio City.
But the group has one other property brand that might not be as talked about but definitely also worth visiting. Timberland Highlands Resort (THR) stands on Filinvest property in the mountains of San Mateo, up winding roads just 30 minutes from Batasan Hills in Quezon City. It was built in the late 2000s initially as a private clubhouse for residents of the Timberland residential development in the area, but became fully operational as a hotel and resort open to the public soon after the pandemic, in 2021. It’s a mountain resort hideaway built for a wide variety of guests seeking a quick and relaxing weekend retreat away from the city.
Here are four things you should know about THR:
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1| It has a world-class bicycle park
The Timberland Mountain Bike Park features a professionally designed mountain bike trail system built for riders of every skill level. Beginners can ease into the sport on smooth, rolling trails, while intermediate cyclists can test their endurance on slightly more technical paths. Advanced riders, meanwhile, will find a thrilling challenge in the park’s more aggressive terrain, complete with sharp turns, climbs, and descents that demand both skill and nerve.
In fact, the bike park just celebrated its first anniversary by unveiling three new trails: Parabellum is a fast and flowy downhill trail through forested areas; Skyline, which is a scenic trail offering breathtaking views of Metro Manila; and Short Circuit, a quick trail that gives riders another option to get to Launch Pad from the Skills Zone. Officials say more trails are planned in the future.
2| It has state-of-the-art sports and gym facilities
For those who don’t really bike, THR also has a fully equipped gym with top-tier strength and cardio machines, and other amenities for an active lifestyle. There’s an indoor climbing wall both for beginners and experienced climbers, as well as facilities for tennis, badminton, pickleball, and basketball.
Of course, the resort has a swimming pool for a more refreshing workout, or just for a quick dip.
3| It offers al fresco movie nights during the weekends for the whole family
Despite offering a bike trail and sports facilities for adrenaline junkies within its property, THR is actually also a family friendly resort. There is a play area for young kids, and a unique family offering: al fresco movie nights. Every Friday and Saturday nights, the resort sets up an outdoor movie screen in the garden where they show family-friendly fare. They also offer popcorn, drinks, and candy for a small fee.
Further down, there’s also a bonfire pit, where guests can roast marshmallows and swap stories, the way people did before smartphones and social media replaced campfire conversations.
4| It has fresh air and unbeatable views
Because it’s located up in the mountains, THR offers something not all resort hotels so close to the city can offer: fresh, cool and clean air. There’s also panoramic views of Metro Manila. Sunsets are always an event, but keep your eye out on the horizon, when the city’s skyline transforms into a twinkling sea of lights. It’s the kind of view that reminds you just how close, yet how wonderfully far, you are from the urban jungle.
