10 Top Tourist Attractions in Batangas Philippines ( Best Things To Do in Batangas)
Batangas is located in CALABARZON region that sits on the southern coast of Luzon. The most famous weekend, holiday or vacation getaway to those tourists and local travelers who wants to relax from their long week of work. It is a 108 km away or a 2 – 2.5 hours of drive from Manila. You will experience some of the historical sites, recognizable architecture, and outdoor attractions like beaches, camping grounds, mountains, waterfalls, farms, hiking trails and diving sites.
Here are the best tourist attractions in Batangas Philippines.
1. Taal Volcano
Taal Volcano – is the most noticeable mark of Batangas standing at 3 meters above sea level. One of the smallest volcano in the world and one of the most active volcano in the Philippines. The hole lies the amazing Taal Lake inside of it, which is nearby more than 40 cones and craters. Volcano Island is in the middle of the lake and at the center of it is another lake called the Main Crater Lake. This volcano has been erupted many times all around history. The main visitor activity around Taal is the hike to the crater on foot or a horse. In the lakeshore of Talisay and San Nicolas has restaurants, cafes, and small resorts can outlook from viewpoint of the Taal.
2. Anilao Diving
Anilao Diving – is another attractions in Batangas Philippines. It is the top most diving spot in Batangas that rests on the northern coast of Calumpang point which is the municipality of Mabini. It is rich and very colorful underwater world which is the protected shelter of marine. It is considered as the birthplace of scuba diving in the Philippines because it is the springboard to more than 20 dive sites like Twin Rocks, Veatrice Rocks, Mainit Point, Secret Bay, Eagle Point and Devil’s Point. From November to May is the months for diving season that beginner and up to date divers are possible to dive all year round here. The best place for macro underwater photography in the Philippines.
3. Fortune Island
Fortune Island – it is located in Nasugbu, Batangas that facets the white sandy beach, cliff diving point and clear turquoise water. You will ride on a boat for 1 to 1.5 hours to get to the island. You can relax and swim on the beach and do some activities like trekking the island, visiting the lighthouse and snorkeling. If you want to spend the night on the island, there are cottages available for rent and you can also camp on the island.
4. Mt. Maculot
- Mt. Maculot – is one of the best hiking spot in the Philippines that takes about 5 to 6 hours to reach this mountain that nestle at 930 meters above sea level. Some parts of the mountain trails are slippery, bluff and muddy that a firm person can do the safari. It is located in Barangay Cuenca, Batangas facets 14 resting camps or stations that symbolize Jesus Christ’s crucifixion journey on Mount Calvary. It has three main destinations which are “The Grotto”, the Rockies” and “The Summit”. The shrine of Lady of Lourdes and the popular viewpoint of this mountain is called The Grotto while The Summit provides the view of Taal Volcano Island, Labangan Bay and Mount Makiling. The third viewpoint that picturesque of rocky bluff along the Lake Taal.
5. Taal Basilica
- Taal Basilica – is also called Basilica of St. Martin de Tours that stands on peak of a hill at the middle of Taal Town. The largest Catholic Church in Asia that is enormous, it is 96 meters high and 45 meters wide. It was reconstructed in the 19th century. The extravagant look today is attributed to the architect who redesigned the church in 1856. The silver habitation and exterior is similar to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome that has 26 traditional columns at the entrance are very stunning sight. It is best-loved destination for devotees especially during Lenten Season and also the most desired wedding site. You can see the most impressive altar that measures 10 meters wide and 24 meters high with the statue of Jesus Christ at the center.
6. Monte Maria Shrine – it is formerly known as Montemaria International Pilgrimage and Conference Center. It was built in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary that has range of 8 hectares and it is located outside Batangas City about 20 kilometers away. This distinctive spot was both religious and tourism site that devotees and pilgrims are very much captivated. Virgin Mary Shrine was the main landmark and it was officially named Mother of All Asia-Tower of Peace. This tower is the tallest statue in the world that sits on top of a plateau about 148 meters above sea level. You can see two chapels, a souvenir shop, a restaurant and the beautiful architectural designs. It is also served as a retreat and retirement center, workshops and conferences.
7. Caleruega Church – is perched on the top hill of Nasugbu Town and it is one of the favorite churches in Batangas. The named Caleruega was after a Spanish municipality. This church has a stunning architecture and a beautiful natural environment that makes it ideal for religious activities, spiritual retreats and a wedding venue. The Tranfiguration Chapel is the main building, it has an old design and a peaceful ambiance that most couples choose to wed. You can also visit the zfountain Compass, the Tent Chapel of Transfiguration, St. Dominic’s Point, Kampo Terraces and Amphitheater and the Dominicum’s grand stairway. There are also outdoor areas like koi pond, a Japanese Garden, plant nursery, worm farm, a hanging bridge and various walkways. It has cottages, large balls and campsite to choose from if you want to stay overnight or a couple of hours to explore the place.
8. Fantasy World – the largest and superb theme park in the country that was denoted to be the Philippine version of Disnyeland. It is located along DioknoHighway in Lemery, Batangas. This amazing park was still a favorite tourist spot even if this aspiring project has never been opened because of financial problems. Regardless of being failed project, it became a constant filming location because of its large fairytale castle, medieval themed structures and sad story that enchant many tourists. You can walk around and enter the fairytale like buildings and take some photo of it. It has also hanging bridge connected to two houses, can climb on top of the treehouses and see the beauty of Batangas.
9. Sombrero Island – is located off the coast of Anilao and one of the most look in on Batangas because it looks like a dark hat jutting on the sea. It named “sombrero” which means “hat” in Spanish. The island is serene of white sand and crushed shells. From Anilao’s shoreline, you can take a boat tour/boat ride that takes 15 to 20 minutes to reach the mainland. You can snorkel, swim, picnic on the beach and walk around the island to explore the beauty of it. You can bring foods and drinks in the island but make sure to clean it up after.
10.
- Mt. Butalao – one of the most reachable mountains near Manila and also the summit hiking destination that is located in Nasugbu, Batangas. Most of the mountain climbing fanatic loves to go to this mountain because of its many peaks, stone formation, grass hill and scenic views. Its peak is about 811 meters above sea level and it has 12 peaks that offers view of Taal Lake, Cavite, Nasugbu, Tagaytay highlands, Balayan Bay and Mt. Maculot. The mountain has two main trails, “Old Trail” and “New Trail”. The Old Trail has 10 campsites/stations and is located in the mountain’s eastern section. And the New Trail has one large campsite and located on the west side of the mountain.
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