Travel Guide to Batangas Province, Philippines

Discover beaches, heritage, cuisine, and natural wonders in this vibrant destination

Batangas, a province just two hours south of Manila, is a treasure trove of diverse attractions that cater to every kind of traveler. From pristine beaches and volcanic landscapes to historical towns and delectable local cuisine, Batangas offers an immersive experience that blends adventure, culture, and gastronomy. This guide explores the best places to visit, the province’s standout natural and manmade features, and its iconic dishes.

Natural Features: Where Land Meets Sea and Sky

Taal Volcano and Taal Lake

The crown jewel of Batangas’ natural attractions is Taal Volcano, the world’s smallest active volcano, situated within Taal Lake. This geological marvel creates a striking landscape where a volcanic cone rises from the lake’s waters, surrounded by lush greenery. The lake is also home to the tawilis, a critically endangered freshwater sardine found nowhere else on Earth3. Visitors can take boat tours to the volcano’s crater lake or hike around its slopes for panoramic views.

Beaches and Coastal Gems

Batangas boasts some of the Philippines’ most beautiful beaches:

• Laiya Beach: A white-sand haven ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Its calm waters and resort amenities make it perfect for families and leisure seekers.
• Verde Island: A rustic island with crystal-clear waters and the Verde Passage, a renowned diving spot teeming with marine life.
• Fortune Island A hidden gem off the coast of Nasugbu, Fortune Island features Grecian-style ruins, turquoise waters, and stunning cliffs perfect for adventure seekers and photographers.
• Calatagan Beach: Known for its long shoreline and the Calatagan Sandbar, which emerges during low tide. The area is dotted with cozy beach resorts.
• Masasa Beach, Tingloy For those looking for an unspoiled paradise, Masasa Beach on Tingloy Island boasts crystal-clear waters, stunning rock formations, and a tranquil environment away from the crowds.

Waterfalls and Hiking Trails

For adventurers, Batangas offers lush trails and hidden waterfalls:

• Malagaslas Falls in Laurel are secluded gems with crystal-clear waters, ideal for picnics and trekking.
• Mt. Gulugod Baboy: A popular hiking spot with a summit offering breathtaking views of Anilao’s dive sites and the Batangas coastline.
• Mount Maculot For hiking enthusiasts, Mount Maculot offers breathtaking views of Taal Lake and is known for its challenging yet rewarding trail. The “Rockies” viewpoint is a must-visit spot for an epic sunrise or sunset experience.
• Taal Volcano and Taal Lake One of the most famous natural attractions in the country, Taal Volcano is known for its breathtaking caldera and picturesque surroundings. You can take a boat ride across Taal Lake to hike up the volcano for stunning panoramic views.
• Ambon-Ambon Falls – A hidden gem in Laurel, Batangas, this waterfall features a refreshing natural pool surrounded by lush greenery. It’s an ideal spot for relaxation and nature immersion.

Manmade Attractions: Heritage and History

Heritage Towns: Taal and Beyond

Taal Town is a living museum of Spanish colonial architecture, featuring ancestral houses, antique shops, and historic churches like the Taal Basilica (Minor Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours)1. A Visita Iglesia tour allows visitors to explore churches such as Our Lady of Caysasay and San Sebastian Cathedral, showcasing intricate designs and religious significance.

Spanish-Era Lighthouses

Two iconic lighthouses stand as testaments to Batangas’ maritime history:

• Malabrigo Lighthouse in Lobo, built in 1891, offers panoramic ocean views and is a National Historical Landmark.
• Cape Santiago Lighthouse in Calatagan, constructed in 1890, overlooks Burot Beach and is a prime spot for sunset watching.

Batangas’ Farm Tourism Destinations

Visit farm tourism sites like Milea Bee Farm in Balete or the Zoori at Residence Inn in Tagaytay-Batangas for unique eco-tourism experiences.

• Milea Bee Farm (Balete) – A well-known bee farm that promotes sustainable beekeeping, Milea Bee Farm provides educational tours where visitors can learn about honey production, pollination, and organic farming. The farm also produces a variety of honey-based products and herbal plants.
• The Old Grove Farmstead (Lipa City) – Inspired by traditional red barns of the West, this farm is a picturesque destination offering farm tours, organic vegetable picking, and a relaxing countryside atmosphere.

Monte Maria Shrine

Located 20 kilometers from Batangas City, the Monte Maria International Pilgrimage and Conference Center is a prominent religious and cultural landmark. The site is home to the Mother of All Asia – Tower of Peace, an awe-inspiring 98-meter-tall statue of the Virgin Mary, making it one of the tallest Marian statues in the world.

Pilgrims and visitors come to the shrine for prayer, meditation, and spiritual retreats. The complex features beautifully landscaped gardens, a chapel, and a glass walkway, which allows daring visitors to walk over cliffs and admire breathtaking coastal vistas. It is a must-visit for those seeking peace, reflection, and spectacular panoramic views of the Batangas coastline.

Diverse Attractions

Anilao – A Diver’s Paradise

Anilao is globally recognized as one of the best diving destinations in the Philippines. Its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life make it a haven for snorkelers and scuba divers.

The area is particularly famous for macro photography, with rare marine creatures like nudibranchs, seahorses, and frogfish frequently spotted. Anilao is also home to spectacular dive sites such as Cathedral Rock, Sombrero Island, and Secret Bay, making it a must-visit for underwater enthusiasts.

Batangas Cuisine: A Fusion of Flavors

Batangas’ culinary scene is as vibrant as its landscapes, with dishes that highlight local ingredients and cultural influences:

1. Lomi

A hearty noodle soup originating in Lipa City, Lomi is a must-try. It features thick egg noodles, pork, shrimp, kikiam (fish balls), and chicharon (pork cracklings), all bathed in a savory broth. The dish’s versatility allows for creative additions like chicken or ground meat, but vegetables are notably absent.

2. Sinaing na Tulingan

A traditional preparation of tulingan (mackerel tuna), salted and slow-cooked in an earthen pot with pork fat, bilimbi (calamansi), and water. The resulting patis (fish sauce) and tender fish are best paired with tomatoes and onions.

3. Gotong Batangas

A local twist on ox tripe stew, this dish combines tripe, blood, beef, and innards in a garlic-onion broth. Unlike other versions of goto (which include congee), Batangas’ iteration is rice-free, making it a bold, savory treat.

4. Tamales

Inspired by Mexican cuisine, Batangas’ tamales use glutinous rice filled with ground meat, peanuts, or salted egg, wrapped in banana leaves. However, Lipa City’s version resembles suman sa lihiya (lye rice cake), highlighting regional variations.

5. Pakaskas

This buri palm sap delicacy is boiled into a caramel-like consistency, dried in woven containers, and eaten as a sweet snack. Though less common today, it remains a nostalgic treat for locals.

Why Visit Batangas?

Batangas captivates with its diversity: from volcanic landscapes to gourmet dishes, it’s a destination where history, nature, and culture converge. Whether you’re chasing adventure, culinary delights, or cultural immersion, Batangas offers something for every traveler. The province is home to some of the country’s most iconic attractions, including Taal Volcano, Anilao’s diving spots, and heritage towns that transport visitors back in time.

For thrill-seekers, hiking trails like Mount Maculot, water activities in Laiya, and cliff diving on Fortune Island offer unforgettable experiences. Meanwhile, food lovers can indulge in Batangas’ renowned cuisine, including bulalo, lomi, and kapeng barako.

The province’s rich cultural heritage is evident in its Spanish-era architecture, centuries-old churches, and festivals that showcase Batangueño traditions. Whether you seek relaxation in its pristine beaches, spiritual renewal in its pilgrimage sites, or adventure in its diverse landscapes, Batangas provides an unparalleled mix of experiences. Start planning your trip now and immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of this Philippine gem!