Treehouse by Taal Lake (Kapusod)

Room in Mataasnakahoy, Philippines

  1. 1 bed
  2. Shared bathroom
Rated 4.57 out of 5 stars.246 reviews
Hosted by Maripaz
  1. Superhost
  2. 13 years hosting

Listing highlights

Dive right in

This is one of the few places in the area with a pool.

Lake view

Soak up the view during your stay.

Room in a treehouse

Your own room in a home, plus access to shared spaces.
Some info has been automatically translated.
Breathtaking views of lake, volcano island, & sunset from a one-room bamboo treehouse that fits two comfortably in a single queen-sized bed. Lots of surrounding plants & trees, with fruits & vegetables harvested locally. Solar-powered property is embedded in friendly fishing community & small town. Natural pool only meters away. Feels remote but nearest mall is only 30 min away by car. A favorite place for marriage proposals. Taxes are withheld up to P400/night, hence the price increase.

The space
Treehouse made by a master craftsman rests solidly on two trees (one ficus and one mahogany), buttressed by steel pipes with clamps that are adjustable as the trees grow. Fireflies, small birds and sometimes bats are occasional visitors inside. Quirky sink with running water. Outdoor shower hidden in plants under the treehouse. Twist the bamboo pole to turn on the shower. Indoor toilet/shower is 30 meters away with a water recycling system so that graywater is cleansed for watering the garden. Biodegradable soap only please, available on site. The property has its own deep well and nearly 100 percent of electricity comes from the sun. View changes by the season as the mood of the lake and river changes the shoreline. Please bear with occasional celebrations in the neighborhood when residents channel torch singers on karaoke. There is a rich biodiversity on the property – birds, bats, frogs, fireflies, dragonflies, lizards, lots of plants and trees, harmless bugs, in addition to a horse and the resident friendly Lab, Howser – all bark, no bite. He has gotten his shots. Don't be afraid of the bats, they are frugivores (eat fruits) and have no rabies. Mosquitoes are few and seasonal; we have mosquito nets.

Guest access
The main house is private but if the sociable owners are in, you are likely to be invited in (living and dining room has no walls, after all). We have on request mattresses, umbrellas, mosquito nets, and blankets as well as biodegradable soap and shampoo. Native Batangas fare can be ordered from the locals such as barako coffee, tawilis, pako salad, sinaing na tulingan, crispy biya and suman. They also have vegetarian or vegan options available. Kayaks can be rented at the Pusod conservation center next door for PhP300/half day for the tandem, P250/half day for the single. Look for Warren.

During your stay
Locals/neighbors are often on hand to chat. If the treehouse is occupied, curtained huts with fans are also for rent for a little less. Since it is a treehouse, there may be encounters with harmless geckos or lizards and at night, bats. Wildlife may leave traces; please inform staff for prompt cleanup. Alternatives to Ka Betty's 5-course meals (P250) are a few minutes walk away in Balete town across the bridge.

Other things to note
These are rustic accommodations, and you might find other Taal Lakeshore lodgings with more amenities. But we like to think our place makes up for it in charm and new knowledge about the natural world and the way people can interact with it. Right next door is the Pusod Taal Lake Conservation Center.

Please note that the food is not integrated with the place, it is served by the locals and you have a choice to walk into town for other options.

We have biodegradable soap in case you forget yours. We take containers back for recycling.

This is a treehouse that kids can enjoy but please ensure you watch your kids at all times. The windows do not have screens in order to optimize the view. There are guard rails but remember that active kids can climb these or explore areas where they may slip. Booking with us indicates that you will be responsible for your children and will watch them closely as we do not have staff to do so. Do not leave them alone in the water garden. We have CCTV cameras on the grounds for your security.

We do not recommend taking public transport to the site at night so if you are travelling to the treehouse at night or if a delayed flight causes you to travel there in the dark, kindly call us so we can arrange for private transport (P500 from Lipa or Mataasnakahoy).

Please turn off all unnecessary lights and delight in moonlight that may reflect on the lake. And only in the dark can you truly appreciate the enchanting flashing of fireflies around the balete and talisay trees.

What this place offers

Lake view
Free parking on premises
Shared outdoor pool - available all year, open specific hours
Pets allowed
Unavailable: Lock on bedroom door
Unavailable: Carbon monoxide alarm
Unavailable: Smoke alarm

Select check-in date

Add your travel dates for exact pricing

4.57 out of 5 stars from 246 reviews

Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 68% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 24% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 5% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 2% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 1% of reviews

Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for accuracy

Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars for check-in

Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars for communication

Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars for value

Guest reviews mention

Where you’ll be

Mataasnakahoy, Calabarzon, Philippines
Exact location will be provided after booking.

Neighborhood highlights

This is NOT on the same side of the lake as Tagaytay; you'd need to go around the lake if coming from there (about 1.5 hours travel barring traffic). Also when taking your own vehicle and asking for directions, ask for Balete town, not Taal or Mataasnakahoy towns, whose town centers are farther away. We are on Waze as Kapusod treehouse. We serve meals and get very good reviews but if you wish to vary your eating, the closest recommended places are 15 20 minutes away by car -- Casa Marikit at Lipat (through the Mataasnakahoy Road) or Dubai Shawarma in Levitown (across SnR Lipa)

Meet your host

Superhost
352 reviews
4.57 out of 5 average rating
13 years of hosting
Born in the 60s
Speaks English and Tagalog
Lives in Silang, Philippines
I’m happy to spend time with my guests or give them space
We are a family of three, husband and wife are interested in books, nature, bikes, arts and culture, history and sometimes even politics. The 20 year old is interested in these things as well but remains in a constant state of denial. :-)

Maripaz is a Superhost

Superhosts are experienced, highly rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests.

Co-hosts

  • Lita

Host details

Response rate: 90%
Responds within a few hours
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.

Things to know

Cancellation policy
House rules
Check-in: 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Checkout before 12:00 PM
2 guests maximum
Safety & property
Carbon monoxide alarm not reported
Smoke alarm not reported
Not suitable for infants (under 2 years)