Living in the metro is stressful, as one is constantly bombarded with noise, pollution and traffic. Sometimes one just wants to drop everything and go somewhere quiet to unwind. Tagaytay is the usual day-trip destination; there’s Baguio, if one opts to go north—but has anyone of us ever thought of going to Rizal province for a weekend getaway?

Filinvest Premiere recently gave a tour to its long-time development, Timberland Heights. Whether one’s idea of a relaxing sojourn is to just stay indoors to read a book in a comfy bed, or go on a camping trip on top of a hill, Timberland Heights has it covered.

The property is at the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range in San Mateo, Rizal. The expansive development is a nine-kilometer drive from Quezon City. The breathtaking view of the development’s townscape is unparalleled. Timberland Heights offers a 360-degree view of Metro Manila.

From different high points of the development, one can see Manila Bay, Bataan Peninsula, Tagaytay Ridge and the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. The wind is cool in the early hours and well suited for morning jogs, brisk walking or sporting activities.

If one just wants to stay indoors and relax, there’s a new condotel in Timberland Heights. The Leaf is a shared investment hotel development open to outside guests as well. The interiors are decidedly chic with a motif of white and crisp green.

The rooms are well-appointed, with modern conveniences at hand. The condotel also has views of the Manila skyline. The hotel is worth visiting just to see the metro skyline, bright lights twinkling in the evening.

Aside from opening its doors to non-members, Filinvest Premiere has added many attractions for homeowners and visitors. The rolling hills of the development are known far and wide to be an excellent bike trail. Hardcore biking enthusiasts and newbies go to Timberland Heights to test their mettle in the many bike trails.

‘Mountain biking capital’

Timberland Heights is the only development in the country whose natural biking trail is certified by the International Mountain Bikers Association (Imba).

Every May, mountain bikers from around the country gather in Rizal to test their skill, spirit and determination. Foreigners and locals named Timberland Heights the “mountain biking capital of the Philippines.”

Off-road riding enthusiasts have also found a home here. Timberland Heights’ The Glades subdivision doubles as an off-road driving park; the rough and muddy roads make a perfect playground for excellent 4×4 track action. We got to try out some four-wheel driving with the new Nissan Navarra.

Guests can do a bit of “glamping” (glamorous camping) in the development’s Adventure Farm area. Atop a hill, with a beautiful view of the mountains surrounding the area, visitors can set up camp and experience nature, but within reach of modern conveniences.

Outdoor brand Coleman is set to have its first glamping event in the Adventure Farm this month.

Guests of the development can also try a bit of organic farming. Local volunteers, subdivision staff, and eco-volunteers tend an organic farm complete with butterfly nurseries, hydroponics, free-range animals fed with probiotic feeds, vermiculture and compost pits.

The farm is open to everyone, especially children—an effective way to teach kids the value of work, food, health and organic farming.

After the plethora of activities in Timberland Heights, one can count on the buffet spread at The Ridge which satisfies the most exacting palates. The Ridge has been the mainstay restaurant of the Timberland Sport and Nature Club for many years since the opening of the development.

If the beauty of nature and the ease of access afforded by Timberland Heights proves too attractive to resist, then the many subdivisions might just be the ideal investment for new families, including yuppies looking for an urban oasis.

Filinvest Land’s project development officer, Noel Advincula, said it best when summing up his introduction: “Timberland Heights is a place where you can play for the day, escape for the weekend, or stay for a lifetime.”

Timberland Heights is at Barangay Malanday, San Mateo, Rizal. Call 9188188; visit www.timberlandheights.com.