Batangas is a province of the Philippines located on the southwestern part of Luzon in the CALABARZON region. Its capital is Batangas City and it is bordered by the provinces of Cavite and Laguna to the north and Quezon to the east. Across the Verde Island Passages to the south is the island of Mindoro and to the west lies the South China Sea.

Batangas is one of the most popular tourist destinations near Metro Manila. The province has many beaches and famous for excellent diving spots only a few hours away from Manila. Some of the more notable ones are Anilao in the Municipality of Mabini, Matabungkay and Punta Fuego in the Municipality of Nasugbu, the Municipality of Calatagan and Laiya in the Municipality of San Juan.

Found in the province is world-known Anilao (Mabini) and its many dive sites that are ideal for observing marine life, and outstanding for macro photography. Located only 110 kilometers south of Metropolitan Manila, it is very accessible by land or by sea.

Batangas is also where Taal Volcano, one of the Decade Volcanoes is located. The volcano has a water-filled crater and sits on an island in the center of Taal Lake, which geologists believe is an ancient caldera.

The town of Taal is famous for its hand embroideries, knives, and sausages; and it reigns as one of the two most culturally preserved sites of the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines.

Batangas is also generally accepted by linguists as the ‘Heart of the Tagalog Language’. Poetically, Batangas is often referred to by its ancient name Kumintang. (”Batangas.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 30 Jul 2007, 01:41 UTC. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 7 Aug 2007 .)

Getting In, and getting around Batangas

• Batangas City is 2 1/2 hours away from Manila. Tanauan City is about 1 1/2 hour away and in between Tanauan City and Batangas City, one will find Lipa City.
• Travellers can take air-conditioned buses in going to Batangas City. Those who want to go to Nasugbu, Calatagan and Lian towns (Matabungkay) can pass via the Tagaytay route.
• When driving one’s own vehicle to Tanauan-Lipa-Batangas City, travelers will pass through the South Luzon Expressway, then the STAR Tollway and can just follow the directional signs along the highway.
• For short trips in the desired destinations, passenger jeepneys abound, and then tricycles.

To get around you can use jeepneys to go to different parts of the province, but you can use tricycles for short trips, tricycles takes you to the exact place that you want to go because jeepneys have routes like buses do.

Things to see and do in Batangas

• Swim. The reef is carved to create small swimming areas at the foot of the ladders.
• Kick back, relax, and soak up the tropical ambiance. That’s what this place is all about!
• St. Martin de Tours Church, located in the Taal section of Batangasa, one of the biggest catholic churches in all of southeast asia.
• lots of beaches, resorts with swimming pools, and restaurants.
• Swimming and snorkeling around Sobrero island to see the corals. Beautiful colors!
• There are caged tigers you can see (but don’t get too close because they have a tendency to spray their territory frequently!).
• Taal Volcano at Taal Lake

What to buy in Batangas

• The Barong Tagalog, one of philippines trademarks, as it is worn during special occasions.
• The Balisong, butterfly knives, one of Batangueno’s trademark, as shown by Dencio Padilla in his movies. Theres a lot of imitations of Balisong, but the authentic ones are made in Barangay Balisong, in Taal town, Batangas, hence the name balisong…
• Batangas is famous for its panutsa (Peanut Brittle), Sinaing na Tulingan (small tuna in vinegar), suman (rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves), and the longganisa and tapa made in Taal Town, the achara of Calaca, and Bagoong of Balayan towns.
• Sweets like macapuno, ube and pastillas are famous in the town of Malvar, particularly the John & Janine Candies in San Gregorio Malvar Batangas.
• For Batangas Souvenirs and products, you may get in touch with the Batangas Province Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

What to eat and drink in Batangas

• Ask the locals about their “kilawin”, it is fresh fish soaked in vinegar and acidic juices like lemon, lime, or the local kalamansi, with lots of tiny chopped onions, fresh garlic, and hot peppers, its really good when the fish is still very fresh, as in just caught and straight ahead to the chopping board.
• Fried longganisa and Tapang Taal with Achara
• Beef Kaldereta and Beef Tadyang at the A & M Restaurant
• Hamburger at the Hungry Hippo in Batangas City
• Crispy Pata at The Only Place / The Other Place Restaurants
• Pritong Tilapia caught fresh from Taal Lake
• Maliputo is a delicious fish found only at Taal Lake
• Tawilis is another delicacy - small fishes caught only in Taal Lake
• Red Pancit from Letty’s in Batangas City

If you’re in the mood for a drink, Red Horse beer and Colt 45 are very popular for beers. if you want refreshing drink, try the mura juice with mura meat. its is young coconut juice with the fruit’s meat, really good when served very cold mixed with condensed milk for sweetness…

Try Lambanog from San Juan town. It’s a local brew from Cane.

Where to stay in Batangas

Days Hotel Batangas -  The Days Hotel Batangas is located in the Pallocan district of Batangas City, Philippines. more…

Microtel Inn Suites Batangas - Located on First Phillipine Natl Rd. Sto Tomas Ba, Philippines

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