The Province of Batangas is an awesome road trip destination near Metro Manila. Only 1.5 to 2-hour drive south of Metro Manila, Batangas offers an array of tourist spots and attractions, exciting activities and amazing things to do that families, friends, and adventure junkies will surely enjoy!
Being half Batangueño, I consider Batangas as my second home. When I was young, summers won't be complete without having a vacation at my grandparents' house in Lipa City. Growing up and even until today, Batangas would always be a top choice for me whenever I want to have a quick weekend getaway.
BATANGAS: "All Here, So Near!"
True to their slogan, "All Here, So Near!" Batangas has a lot to offer. Whether basking on the sand of its many beaches, climbing one of its mountains, experiencing adrenaline-pumping water sports, relaxing in its many hotels and resorts, or just enjoying delicious Batangas food and delicacies, the province of Batangas will surely be a good choice to have an awesome getaway near Metro Manila.
But first, how to get to Batangas?
From Metro Manila, you can take a bus to Batangas City. Travel time is around 2-3 hours and bus fare is around $5 USD or 200 pesos.
Top 12 Best Things To Do in Batangas and Tourist Spots 2023
You can find many interesting places and do many things in Batangas. With this, let me share to you my "Top Best Things to do, Tourist Spots and Attractions in Batangas."
Laiya Beach in San Juan
1. Enjoy the Beaches
Batangas is known for its beaches. Having one of the longest coastlines in Southern Luzon, the province of Batangas offers many lovely beaches, islands, islets, and dive spots that are a favorite among city dwellers and weekend warriors. If you're looking for affordable and nice beaches near Manila, Batangas is the place to be!
Here are some of the beaches in the Batangas that you should visit:
Please click on the links for more details.
- Anilao Beaches in Mabini
- Laiya Beach in San Juan
- Stilts Calatagan
- Mahabang Buhangin Beach in Isla Verde
- Calatagan Beaches
- Nasugbu Beaches
- Kay Ukno Beach in Batangas
- Masasa Beach in Tingloy Island
- Lobo Pebble Beach in Lobo Town
- Matabungkay Beach in Lian
- Bituin Cove in Nasugbu
- Fortune Island in Nasugbu
- Sepoc Beach and Sombrero Island in Anilao
- Beaches in Bauan
- Secret Beach in Batangas
With its proximity from Metro Manila, enjoying one of Batangas' beaches is an ideal weekend destination. For more information on these beaches and how to get there, visit: Must-visit Beaches in Batangas
Hiking Mt. Batulao
2. Climb Mountains
The province of Batangas is also home to some mountains that are ideal for "newbie" and seasoned mountaineers. It is also home to the Taal Volcano, which is considered as one of the "world's smallest active volcano." I've been to almost all of the mountains in the province, here are some hiking destinations in Batangas if you want to go hiking.
MORE INFORMATION BELOW:
- Mt. Batulao | Nasugbu, Batangas
- Mt. Maculot | Cuenca, Batangas
- Taal Volcano | Talisay, Batangas
- Mt. Talamitam | Nasugbu, Batangas
- Mt. Gulugod Baboy | Mabini, Batangas
- Mt. Manabu | Sto. Tomas, Batangas
Intro to Dive in Anilao
3. Scuba Diving
For me, if you want to learn scuba diving or just for the sake of trying it, go to Batangas. There are many resorts in Anilao and in Bauan that offers scuba diving lessons for beginners as well as scuba diving expeditions for licensed divers.
In Anilao, Eagle Point Beach and Dive Resort Batangas offers several diving packages for certified divers as well as "Intro to Dive" lessons for those who want to experience scuba diving for the first time. That is why, Anilao is considered as "Luzon's premier dive destination,".
For more information about scuba diving in Anilao, visit Intro to Dive at Eagle Point Beach and Dive Resort Batangas
The Heritage Town of Taal, Batangas
4. Heritage Tour
If you love history, old houses and lighthouses, a visit to Batangas will satisfy your thirst for it. Go to the town of Taal where you could see old Spanish and turn of the century ancestral houses. If you're into lighthouses, Batangas is home to two of the oldest lighthouses in the Philippines, the Cape Santiago Lighthouse in Calatagan and the Malabrigo Lighthouse in Lobo. The town of Balayan is also a good place for history junkies and heritage advocates to explore. The town still has a good number of well-preserved ancestral houses lining up the poblacion.
.jpg)
Cape Santiago in Calatagan
ALSO READ:
- The Heritage Houses of Taal Batangas
- The Well-preserved Spanish Colonial Town of Taal Batangas
- Casa Punzalan, "A Blast from the Past!"
- Cape Santiago Lighthouse in Calatagan
Other popular historical sites in Batangas that you could visit: Casa Segunda in Lipa City, the Apolinario Mabini Shrine in Tanauan, the Gen. Malvar Museum and Library in Sto. Tomas, and the Jose P. Laurel Memorial Library in Tanauan.
Isla Verde in Batangas City
5. Go Island Hopping
If you want to go island hopping in Batangas, you could visit Sepoc and Sombrero Islands in Anilao, Tingloy Island in the Municipality of Tingloy, Fortune Island in Nasugbu, as well as Verde Island in Batangas City which is dubbed as the "Center of the Center of Marine Biodiversity in the World."
 FORTUNE ISLAND DAY TOUR FROM MANILATake a break from the busy Manila with a scenic trip to Fortune Island, a resort island in Batangas province that is simply perfect for a relaxing day outdoors. For comfort and convenience, you can book a Fortune Island Day Tour via Klook.com! With this join tour, you will enjoy the beautiful Fortune Island, savor a sumptuous lunch on the island, and benefit from a comfortable transfers from and back to Metro Manila. |
OTHER RECOMMENDED ISLAND HOPPING TOURS IN BATANGAS:
Please click on the links for more details.
- Kay Ukno Beach in Batangas
- Island Hopping in Masasa Beach in Tingloy Island
- Bituin Cove Island Day Tour in Nasugbu
- Sepoc Beach with Sombrero Island Tour in Anilao
- Island Hopping at Secret Beach in Batangas
Marian Orchard in Balete Batangas
6. Pilgrimage Tour
A pilgrimage tour is a must-do when visiting Batangas. There are many must-visit old and historical churches, seminaries, and pilgrimage sites in Batangas. This includes the Minor Basilica of St. Martin de Tours in Taal, San Sebastian Cathedral in Lipa, Our Lady of Caysasay Shrine in Taal, Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Batangas City, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Lipa, Montemaria in Batangas City, Parish of the Immaculate Conception in Balayan (A National Cultural Treasure), Padre Pio Shrine in Tanauan, and Marian Orchard in Balete, to name a few.
ALSO READ:
- Churches in Batangas to Visit for Visita Iglesia
- Visiting 7 Churches in Batangas (Bisikleta Iglesia)
Vivere Azure Resort in Anilao
7. Relax in Hotels or Resorts
Staying for a night or two in Batangas is the best way to truly experience what the province has to offer. Batangas is host to a vast array of nice hotels and resorts. Whether it's a lovely beach resort in Batangas, a business hotel, or affordable inns and pension houses, you'll certainly find a perfect accommodation in Batangas that will suit your needs. Here are some of my suggestions:
Please click on the links for more details.
- Pico Sands Hotel in Nasugbu
- Villas by Eco Hotel Hotel in Mataas na Kahoy
- Crusoe Cabins in Calatagan
- Aquaria Water Park in Calatagan
- Calinisan Resort in Laurel
- Villa Jovita in Agoncillo
- The Farm at San Benito in Lipa City
- Palm Beach Resort in Laiya San Juan
- Buceo Anilao Beach Resort in Mabini
- Matabungkay Beach Hotel in Lian
- The Stilts Resort in Calatagan
- Eagle Point Beach and Dive Resort in Anilao
- Cintai Corito's Garden in Balete
- Lima Park Hotel in Malvar
- Vivere Azure in Anilao
- SanTomas Suites in Sto. Tomas
- NDN Grand Hotel Sto. Tomas
- Microtel by Wyndham Batangas in Sto. Tomas
- La Virginia Leisure Park and Amusement Resort in Mataas na Kahoy
- Isla Verde Tropical Friendly Resort in Batangas City
- Nayomi Sanctuary Resort in Balete
- The Greenhive Hotel in Ibaan
- La Luz Beach Resort in Laiya San Juan
- Casa Punzalan in Taal
- Click here to search for other hotels and resorts in Batangas
For more information, visit: Top Best Hotels and Resorts in Batangas
ALSO READ:
- Nasugbu, Batangas Beach Resorts, Hotels and Vacation Houses for Rent
- Anilao, Batangas Beach Resorts (Luxury & Affordable Resorts)
- Laiya, San Juan Batangas Beach Resorts, Hotels, Transient and Vacation Houses for Rent
8. Team Building
A lot of companies and organizations go on trips or "outing" to build a solid team, to take a break from work, and to promote camaraderie among its employees thru team building activities. If you are looking for team building venues near Metro Manila to hold an ideal getaway or vacation for your employees, the province of Batangas is also a good choice to have your company's team building activity. There are many hotels and resorts in Batangas that offers team-building facilities that you could utilize for such event.
Check out La Virginia Leisure Park and Amusement Resort in Mataas na Kahoy, Lima Park Hotel in Malvar, La Luz Beach Resort in Laiya San Juan, and Eagle Point Beach and Dive Resort in Anilao Mabini, Batangas.
To know more, kindly visit: Recommended Team Building Venues Near Metro Manila
9. Enjoy Water Sports
Banana boat ride, kayaking, jet ski, speed boat, flying fish, wake boarding, and many more. If you love the adrenaline-pumping water activities, there are many resorts in Batangas that offers these exciting water sports.
ALSO READ: New Water Sports Activities to Try in Balete, Batangas
Eagle Point Resort's Bulalo
10. Food Trip
When in Batangas, must-try are their Batangas Bulalo, Lomi, Sinaing na Tulingan, Tawilis, Halo-halo from CasaRap, Lechon Balayan, and of course the very strong flavor and aroma of Kapeng Barako. Don't leave Batangas without trying these.
Also a must-try (as suggested by my friends) are: Chami, Tapang Taal, Maliputo from Taal Lake, Bonete from Taal and San Juan, Bagoong Balayan and Gotong Batangas.
11. Attend a Fiesta or Festival
Almost every town (or even barangay) has their own fiesta or festival. One of the best times to visit Batangas is during a fiesta when the town comes alive with many activities. But I guess the most popular festival in Batangas is the "Parada ng Lechon Festival" in Balayan which is held every June 24th in celebration of the feast day of St. John the Baptist. Also one of the most celebrated festivals in Batangas is the province-wide Ala Eh Festival. Held every December 8th, it is participated by different contingents from the municipalities and cities of Batangas.
Here are the other Festivals in Batangas:
- Mahaguyog Festival in Sto. Tomas (Last week of Feb-March 7)
- Dagit (Holy Week) in Ibaan (March/April)
- Yamang Dagat Festival in Mabini (April 23)
- Pabitin Festival in Balete (May 1)
- Sublian Festival in Bauan (May 2)
- Piyesta ng Tinapay in Cuenca (May 16)
- Pastulan Festival in San Pascual
- Balsa Festival in Lian (May 18)
- Regatta Maria Paz in Tanauan City (May 30)
- Tapusan Festival in Aligtagtag (May 31)
- Grand La Paz in Agoncillo (Last Sunday of May)
- Sinukmani Festival in Rosario (June 9)
- Sublian Festival in Batangas City (July 23)
- Maliputo Festival in San Nicolas (August 9)
- Kambingan Festival in Tuy (August 12)
- Sigpawan Festival in Lemery (August 15)
- Bancaton in San Nicolas (September 10)
- Lomi Festival in Lipa City (September 23)
- Anihan Festival in Lobo (September 27)
- Eggstravaganza in San Jose (1st Friday of October)
- Calacatchara Festival in Calaca (Every October)
- Kabakahan Festival in Padre Garcia (December 1)
- Mardi Gras in Nasugbu (December 2)
- Lambayak Festival in San Juan (December 12)
Kapeng Barako
12. Pasalubong and Souvenir Shopping
Before going home, be sure to buy some souvenirs and food items that you could bring back home for your family, friends, and loved ones. The most popular pasalubong are: Kapeng Barako, Panutsa, Bagoong Balayan, and Balisong (fan knife).
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN BATANGAS, TOURIST SPOTS & PLACES TO VISIT
Here are other interesting places to visit and tourist spots in Batangas that you may include in your itinerary.
 Island Hopping at Masasa Beach in BatangasJust 2 hours away from Metro Manila is Masasa Beach, a hidden gem in Tingloy Island in Batangas with crystal clear waters, perfect for your beach getaway! |
 Fun Dive Session in BatangasDive deep into the waters of Anilao and enjoy this fun dive session and swim alongside sea turtles, schools of fish, and corals. | ||
 Sepoc Beach with Sombrero Island Tour in BatangasEnjoy a day of island hopping in Anilao, with a visit to Sepoc Beach and Sombrero Island! |
 The Farm at San Benito Day PassGet as much as 40% off on a a day pass at The Farm at San Benito, a top-rated eco-luxury and medical wellness resort in Batangas. | ||
 Aquaria Water Park Day PassGet as much as 45% discount on all-day access pass and enjoy an exciting tropical getaway of pure water fun at Aquaria Water Park in Calatagan, Batangas! |
 Villa Jovita in Agoncillo, Batangas + Tagaytay TourJourney down south and experience Bali and New Zealand at the same time in one resort with a side trip to Tagaytay City! |
AWESOME DEALS! Hotels and Resorts in Batangas (Discounted Stay Packages 2023)
Here are some of the recommended hotels and resorts in Batangas that you should consider for your next trip to Batangas this 2023. Ideal for couples, families and group of friends, these hotels and resorts offer stay packages that comes with huge discounts, awesome deals and exclusive perks. Whether for overnight stay or just a day tour, availing these stay packages will definitely save you a lot on travel expenses.
Please click the links below to see the full details.
- The Farm at San Benito in Lipa City (up to 40% off!)
- Pico Sands Hotel in Nasugbu (up to 40% off!)
- Crusoe Cabins in Calatagan (up to 25% off!)
- Aquaria Water Park in Calatagan (up to 45% off!)
- Calinisan Resort in Laurel
- Palm Beach Resort in Laiya San Juan (up to 35% off!)
- Buceo Anilao Beach Resort in Mabini (up to 30% off!)
- Matabungkay Beach Hotel in Lian
- The Stilts Resort in Calatagan
- Villa Jovita Resort in Agoncillo
- Cintai Corito's Garden in Balete (up to 10% off!)
- Vista de Fuente in Batangas City (up to 10% off!)
Indeed, there are just so many things that you can do and enjoy in Batangas that will surely make your trip memorable. Go pack your bag and experience #BeautifulBatangas!
ALSO READ: Top Best Beach Resorts in Batangas
FOLLOW MY ADVENTURES ON YOUTUBE @PinoyAdventurista
Thank You For Sharing!
|
The Tinapayan Festival in Cuenca is held every 15th of May, in celebration with the feast of their patron saint San Isidro Labrador.
ReplyDelete