Batangas: Taal Heritage Village

BEAUTY OF BATANGAS

Natural Tourist Attractions

http://www.philtravelcenter.com/philippines/travelinfo/batangas-natural.php

Gerthel Beach

Gerthel Beach which is located in the town of Lobo is one of the finest beaches of the area. The approximately one kilometer stretch of white sand beach has a gradually sloping ocean floor of up to about two hundred meters before the drop-off.

Location : Lobo

How to get there : The beach can be reached by taking a jeepney towards Lobo. Several tricycles can also be hired upon reaching the town proper. The distance from Batangas City to Lobo is about 37 kilometers.

Travel time : 2 1/2 hours from Manila.

Submarine Garden

The garden consists of living corals near the shore of one of the beaches of Lobo. It can be clearly seen during the early mornings when the water is clear and the tide is low.

Location : Lobo
How to get there : To reach the spot, a banca may be hired either in Batangas City or in Lobo town.
Travel time : Approximately 45 minutes by boat.

Mahabang Buhangin Beach

Located in the town of San Juan, the area has white sand and a living colony of corals.
Location : Laiya, San Juan
How to get there : San Juan town is about 45 kilometers from Batangas City. A bus company (Supreme Bus Co.) offers services from Batangas City to San Juan. Another alternative is via the town of Candelaria in Quezon Province. Upon reaching the town of Candelaria in Quezon Province. Upon reaching the town proper of San Juan, several jeepneys travel to Laiya but only up to a certain point, after which, one has to walk a kilometer before reaching the beach. The strecth of the road from the town to Laiya is 19 kilometers of very rough roads.
Travel time : 2 1/2 hours from Batangas City via the towns of Ibaan and Rosario.

Hugon Beach

The white sands of Hugon Beach is one kilometer long. Some parts of the sea floor have smooth rocks but most are sandy. There is a sudden drop-off about ten meters from the beach. The waters of the beach are also good for snorkelinh.

Location : Barangay Hugon, San Juan

How to get there : Barangay Hugon is about 24 kilometers from the town proper of San Juan. The roads are very rough and can only be reached by high axled vehicles. An alternative is by motor boat from Batangas City.

Travel time : The boat ride takes about 3-5 hours depending on the type of the engine of the boat.

Munting Buhangin Beach
This small cove has become a favorite haunt with locals and tourists, and offers water enthusiasts with a fine stretch of powerdy white sand beach fringed with foamy blue waters

Location : Nasugbu

How to get there : Take a banca ride from the coastal barangay of Wawa in the town of Nasugbu. An alternative is a short drive through at the private road in the town proper.

Travel time : The beach can be reached in 10 minutes by car.

Natipuan Beach

Natipuan Beach bears a resemblance to Munting Buhangin, with off-shore sands and refreshing waters. It is located in another cove which is similarly accessible.
Location : Nasugbu
How to get there : Nasugbu can be reached from Manila Via BLTB and Batangas-bound buses. 
Get off at Nasugbu Port for a brief ride to the point.
Travel time : About 12 minutes by boat from the prier of Nasugbu.

Mabuhay Beach
   
It is a two-kilometer long white sand beach situated in the town of Lian facing the China Sea. The are is deal for water sports, such as swimming, boating, yachting, fishing, and skin diving. Dotting the shoreline are several summer cottages.
Location : Matabungkay, Lian
How to get there : From Manila, the place can reached by car through Tagaytay City.
Travel time : About 2 to 3 hours' drive passing Tagaytay City.


Mt. Maculot

One of the highest and prominent mountains in the province, Mt. Maculot is one of the favorite sites of mountain trekker. It is said that the mountain was the last stronghold of the Japanese in the province before they were defeated. Several tunnels built by the Japanese soldiers are present in the area. The name "Maculot" (meaning "kinky") derived inspiration from the curly-haired aborigines of the place.
Location : Cuenca
How to get there : Buses bound for the town of by taking tricycles from the town proper.
Travel time : By car, Cuenca is about 1 1/2 hours away from Manila.


Calicon Falls
 
The attraction consists of two major falls and two smaller ones. One of the bigger falls is about 10 feet high with a great volume of clear gushing down to a shallow pool. The other one (also about 10 feet high) resembles a bridal gown. One of the two smaller falls is shower-like, while the other one forms a series of small caswcade. All the falls are located in an area of about 300 square meters.
Location : Barangay Calijon, Malavar
How to get there : The spot is accessible from Manila by buses bound for Batangas City or Lemery Pass by Malvar town. Although jeepneys service Barangay Calijon from the town proper, it is better to ride a private vehicle. Also, most parts of the about five-kilometers strech of road is rough. Upon reaching the area, a series of concrete steps (300 steps) will have to be taken.


Mainit Hot Spring
 
Mainit Hot Spring offers therapeutic waters and a refreshing dip for bathers. The spot is ideally located at the foot of a huge mountain with thick vegetation. 
Location : Barangay Pulang Bato, San Juan 
How to get there : Mainit hot spring is about 15 kilometers of very rough road from the town proper. It can
be reached by private vehicles with high axles.
Travel time : About 10 kilometers south of San Juan town.


Tinalunan
 
This is a spot where wind-tossed waves surge and slam against the rocky cliff supporting a long plateau. From atop the plateu, one can catch a breath taking view of the seascape especially when the weather is calm.
Location : Isla Verde


Cueva Sitio

The site is an ideal place for picnics. Its main attraction is rock shelter that has always provided cool shade for visitors.
Location : Isla Verde








Ilijan Falls

Ilijan is a unique waterfalss with water coming from a big spring at the top of a mountain gracefully flowing from one bowl to another. It has seven huge stone bowls carved naturally out of the mountainsides and beatifully arranged like a fl flight of stairs.
Location : Barangay Ilijan, Batangas City
How to get there : It is best to travel by boat from Batangas City port to reach the place. 
Travel time : The trip takes about an hour. Upon arrival at the beach of Ilijan, a three- kilometer hike will have to be taken.


Sepok Point


Located on the south western part of Maricaban Island, Sepok Point has white sand and shores typical cove. A good place for swimming and snorkeling
Location : Maricaban/Tingloy Island
How to get there : Bancas which can be hired for the travel to this Island are found in Batangas City.
Travel time : 30 minutes' boat ride.


Bulalacao Falls

The area has about three small falls enclosed in a canyon, the highest of which is about 10 feet hugh with water coming out of the mouth of a small cave.
Location : Bulaklakan, Lipa City
How to get there : To reach the spot, from the main highway and coming from Manila, turn right (which leads to the town of Cuenca) at the junction in Lipa City After about 500 meters, turn right again to the road which leads to Barangay Bulaklakan. 
Travel time : The distance covers two kilometers of rough road plus another kilometer from Barangay Bulaklakan.

Taal Lake and Volcano
 
Taal Lake and Volcano in Batangas is Southern Luzon's centerpiece attraction The gateway for most visitors is through Tagaytay CIty from the ridge of which can be seen a panoramic view of volcano island. The volcano is known to be the smallest in the world. Surrounded by a lake, the volcano is situated on an 8.8 kilometer islet, lapped by the 27-kilometer long lake. Both the lake and the volcano are situated on the crater of an extinct volcano. The volcano island is also ideal for trekking.
Location : Taal
How to get there : It is accessible by boat from at least seven lakeshore towns surrounding the lake. Several buses servicing the province can lead to any town encircling the lake. The preferred towns where there are support facilities like accomodation and bancas for hire are Talisay, Agoncillo, Laurel, Balete, and San Nicolas.
Travel time : Approximately 2-3 hours from Metro Manila.

RESORTS and HOTELS

Canyon Cove

Canyon Cove

Residential Beach Resort in Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines

 http://www.bfhomes.net/canyon-cove.htm

 

Blue Choral Beach Resort

Blue Coral Beach Resort is located in the white sand beachfront area of San Juan Batangas.  It offers uniquely designed tropical spacious rooms and suites furnished and equipped with basic amenities that will give you a feeling of total relaxation! Blue Coral Beach Resort is the closest relaxing ambience place for a great escape from urban life. 

Blue Coral Beach Resort offers 31 solely furnished rooms and suites equipped with modern amenities designed to make your lodge comfortable and extraordinary.  The air-conditioned rooms are all provided with television, dvd player, mini bar, native sala set, hot and cold shower, complimentary toiletries, and 24-hour supply electricity.

Acuatico Beach Resort

ACUATICO is a tourist’s haven. A traveler’s and a vacationist’s ideal refuge.  Soak your moments of leisure under its magic charms and exotic beauty. Its balmy tropical setting and the deep-blue crystalline waters of the sea. Enjoy the majestic Mt. Daguldul whose lush virgin forest remains undefiled by human exploitation. 

And because of Laiya’s unique climate, characterized by less rainfall, ACUATICO is an excellent getaway for beach and nature lovers, even for those who simply want to spend a brief moment of relaxation, anytime of the year.

Palm Beach Resort

  

Palm Beach (La Frondosa) is a family resort located in Bo. Hugom, San Juan, Batangas, running along the same coastline of the now popular LAIYA. The Resort is designed to be a private retreat for those who prefer the tranquility and peace of a place with a well preserved natural setting as an alternative to other overdeveloped destinations. It is a combination of privately owned homes and resort facilities to serve the needs of its residents and guests. Visitors can enjoy beach activities amidst lush natural landscaping and charming tropical beach homes. These could range from a wonderful snorkeling experience only a few meters from the shoreline or exploring the corals aboard a kayak or a boat.

Parents can enjoy watching their children while building sand-castles and experiencing the rushing of waves on their feet for the first time. Perhaps, others may simply choose to serenely lounge on a deck chair and be mesmerized by the view and the sound of the lapping waves. Here, the only traffic is the multitude of fish navigating their way around corals and the only rush hour is the early morning rush to get to the water. The only noise and clatter are the lapping waves, rustling leaves and the occasional call of the local fishermen to partake of the catch of the day. Other than these, everything else that surround you seem to slow down the pace of time, quiet the senses, and bring to light the created wonders that can be found in this tropical seaside paradise. We invite you to come and experience a difference! Have a pleasant and enjoyable stay!

Estrellas De Mendoza

An exquisite Laiya Beach Resort especially designed for distinctive recreation experience.

Retreat and Recreate. Get the most relaxing sensation from one of the newest and grandest vacation spots in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas.

Take a deep breath and feel the paradise embraced with serene atmosphere. Walk around the splendid site of the long strip of fine sand beach and hang around the cozy shelter of Estrellas de Mendoza Hotel and Resort.

Indulge and experience stress-free living with its first-class accommodation combined with elegance and personalized service. Perfect spot for romantic escapades, a bonding trip with circle of friends or corporate events.

Have a glimpse of Estrellas de Mendoza Playa Resort (EMPR).

EMPR warmly welcomes you to its Mediterranean - inspired beach front paradise hotel. Doze off in one of its 83 fully-furnished Superior rooms and feel at home with its 14 Cabanas complete with amenities and spacious floor plan.

In the center lies its crowning glory, 800 sqm. state -of-the-art infinity pool, a wonderful landscape of ocean blue waters boundlessly flowing, taking your bathing experience to the next level.

Right next to it defines EMPR as a perfect family vacation spot. A kiddie wading pool built for your children's safety and enjoyous experience.

Sola Luna Resort Inc., owner of EMPR, offers all these and more as it lives by its vision and mission of sharing the excellent beauty of nature and providing people moments of pure recreation.

Pontefino (Holtel and Residences)

Pontefino Residences offers Condotel and Townhouse properties for people seeking added investment to their portfolio and a beautiful, classy home and comfort in Batangas City. Curious buyers and investors maybe  wondering how this luxurious real estate became a smart investment. Let me  elaborate on this:
1. Pontefino, situated in Batangas City, a Regional Growth Center in southern Luzon.
2. Adjacent to SM Batangas, St. Patrick Hospital, and Stonyhurst International School.
3. Business wise, local and foreign investors flocked in Batangas City because of the Batangas International Port.
4. Star Toll Batangas Exit, makes travelling time to Laguna and Manila shorter.
5. Monte Maria (pilgrimage site), for catholic devout. It is famous for its healing priest, Father Suarez.

Beach Residencia De Riego

Residencia De Riego is a new getaway place located in Alitagtag, Batangas Philippines. Residencia De Riego is a must-visit resort. Experience fun and relaxing enjoyment in this newest addition to Batangas resorts. The resort has its own bar and restaurant. The design is very Filipino. Tables and chairs, as well as the bar, are made of wood which are all scrap materials of old houses from different places. Each room is airconditioned, has refrigerators, flat screen TV with satellite, and hot and cold shower. Residencia De Riego boast about their pools that are like huge painter’s palette filled with water and tinted with paint. They have 12 color logic lights on the three swimming pools. Residencia De Riego & Resort is not just a pool resort that would magnetize you with its swimming pool color logic lights feature. The resort brings in urban entertainment to an otherwise rural vacation spot. It has its own night life.

    

OTHER TOURIST SPOT

Anilao

image captured by Bren Buenaventura for TravelFactor

A world famous dive site, the coastal village of Anilao has many sites worthy of any discriminating diver. Facilities for diving, snorkeling, wakeboarding, windsurfing, jet-skiing and island hopping are available at many resort establishments.

Batangas: Taal Heritage Village

Taal reigns as one of the most architecturally preserved sited of the Spanish colonial era in the Southern Tagalog region. The quaint and picturesque town showcases beautiful Antillean and art deco period home, as well as old churches and historical landmarks associated with many key events of the Philippine Revolution of 1896-1898. It is also the embroidery capital of the region, with many skilled artisans producing delicately embroidered native cloth in fine, intricate designs.

Taal Heritage Village, Batangas

(image captured by Ivan Henares) 

    

Basilica of San Martin de Tours, Taal

Basilica of St. Martin de Tours, Batangas
(image captured by Claire Raborar)

Reputedly patterned after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the Basilica was constructed in 1856 to honor the town patron whose feast is celebrated every November. The church, with its theatrically baroque facade, silver tabernacle and richly complex design features, is an interesting study for architectural enthusiasts.

Casa de Segunda

The ancestral residence of one of the most notable families in Lipa City – the Katigbak clan. Probably the most prominent member of the family was Segunda Katigbak who was claimed to be our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal’s first love. The house was transformed into a museum and was declared by the National Historical Commission as a heritage house.

Casa de Segunda is located at 198 Calle Rizal, Lipa City.

Mabini Shrine

This cradles the memories of Sublime Paralytic, Apolinario Mabini. His personal belongings which all became part of his childhood days are showcased in the museum. This is also where his remains were put to rest. The Mabini Shrine can be found in Barrio Talaga in Tanauan, the hero’s hometown.

Punta de Santiago

This lighthouse in Calatagan offers a panoramic view of the Balayan Bay. The construction was started by Magin Pers y Pers in December 15, 1890 and was continued by Guillermo Brockman later on. Sometimes it’s called Faro de Punta Santiago or simply Cape Santiago.

The lighthouse had withstood the past wars and colonization periods from the Spanish to American to Japanese invasion. And right now, it is one of the famous destinations in Calatagan.