As new parents to a three-month-old baby, traveling nowadays has to be simple, nearby, and stress-free. We were on the lookout for a quality resort close to Quezon City—somewhere we could relax without the hassle of a long drive, but also a place that offered enough activities for the whole family to enjoy.

That’s why we decided to book rooms at the Timberland Highland Resort in San Mateo, Rizal. Nestled in the hills and just about an hour away from home, it felt like the perfect retreat. And as it turned out, it was the ideal setting for Baby Yomi’s very first outing.

From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed by crisp mountain air and lush green surroundings. The resort strikes a balance between modern comfort and nature’s calm—quiet enough for our baby to nap peacefully, yet lively with activities for both kids and adults.

Spacious, Family-Friendly Rooms

Our room was clean, cozy, and spacious enough to accommodate all of Baby Yomi’s essentials (and there were a lot!). The bed was comfortable, and the soundproofing made a big difference—essential when you’re traveling with a light-sleeper.

Fun for All Ages

One of the things we appreciated most about Timberland resort in Rizal was the wide variety of activities available. While most of our time was spent bonding indoors with our newborn, I was still able to sneak in a few precious moments of fun with the fambam—fun time in the pool, slow walks in the cool mountain air, and lots of shared meals and laughter.

We went with extended family, so it was heartwarming to see my parents, siblings, and in-laws reconnect and enjoy themselves, whether at the badminton and basketball courts or simply hanging out in the open spaces.

Kid-Friendly Spaces

While the rest of the gang enjoyed more grown-up activities, I stayed with the girls—our six-year-old and our baby. I was pleasantly surprised by how kid-friendly Timberland is. They have a well-maintained indoor playground that our eldest loved, and plenty of open, safe areas where kids can run and explore.

Safety First: The On-Site Clinic

As a mom, it gave me peace of mind knowing there’s an on-site clinic with a nurse on duty. When our baby accidentally got a small cut, we brought her there and were immediately attended to. The nurse was kind and gentle, and gave proper first aid. For parents, having this kind of support in case of emergencies makes a huge difference.

Dining at Timberland

The food was good, with a decent variety of meals to choose from.

However, I do hope the resort can address the occasional unpleasant smell in the outdoor dining area. It wasn’t constant, but it did take away from the otherwise relaxing ambiance at times. Still, it didn’t ruin the overall experience.

Bonfire Night

One of our favorite highlights? Bonfire night! We cozied up under the stars, enjoyed s’mores and hot chocolate, and toasted marshmallows with the kids. They even had stargazing gadgets available for guests—something we didn’t expect, but truly appreciated. It was the perfect way to wind down the evening.

Our overnight stay at Timberland Highland Resort gave us everything we were looking for—fresh air, family bonding, good food, and that much-needed change of scenery. Whether you’re new parents like us or simply looking for a nearby getaway that blends rest and recreation, Timberland Highland Resort is definitely worth considering.