Batangas Travel Guide: Best Resorts + Diving + Hiking

Batangas is more than just one of the top weekend road trip destinations from Manila. With the many activities and attractions to do and visit, planning a longer stay or multiple returns to fully explore all the wonderful offerings of this province is a must-do. 

Explore the best of Batangas with this travel guide to help you plan all aspects of your trip from going there to plotting all your activities in the province. 

Best Time to Go

Batangas tourist spots are mostly outdoor attractions, that's why it's best to plan your trip around the months where there is less chance of rainfall. 

Dry and Summer Season | November to May 

While you can still find enough window during the monsoon months to enjoy a vacation in Batangas, the best time to visit falls on the months from November to May when the weather is mostly clear and sunny. Please take note that on some major tourist destinations, the crowd may thicken during the summer months of March until May. 

Festivals

There are several Philippine festivals of note that are celebrated in the province of Batangas every year. Some of the most popular include the following:

Parada ng Lechon

Held every Feast of St. John the Baptist on June 24. On this festival, a procession of roasted pigs (lechon) is paraded through the streets. Come nighttime, after a vibrant ceremony, townsfolks and visitors from other places will then feast on the lechon.

Sublian Festival

Held in Batangas City, this is a two-week revelry that starts every 2nd of May. Street dancing and ceremonial worships accompany the celebration honoring the Sto Nino. 

Balsa Festival

A parade of bamboo rafts on the waters of Matabungkay Beach graces the Balsa Festival every 18th of May. 

Ala-Eh Festival

Ala-Eh Festival happens every December 8th and lasts for a week. This festivity commemorates the founding of the province. All cities and towns participate in a colorful street dance competition.

Other noteworthy festivals include:

• Calacatchara Festival (held in the town of Calaca every October)

• Anihan Festival (held in Lobo town every September 27)

• Sigpawan Festival (celebrated in Lemery every August 15)

• Kambingan Festival (in the town of Tuy every August 12)

There are a dozen more festivals that are held in the smaller towns of Batangas every year, making the province one of the best destinations for cultural experiences in the Philippines.

How to Get to Batangas

The main jump-off point to Batangas is Manila in Luzon, which is around 100km away by land travel. Here are your options on how to go to Batangas. 

By Land: Private Vehicles and Public Bus

Traveling by land is the most preferred way of going to Batangas. For private vehicles, you need to pass through the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) going to STAR Tollway before exiting at various towns and cities in Batangas.

For commuters, there are many bus companies bound for Batangas via major terminals in Pasay (Buendia-Taft) and Araneta Center Bus Terminal in Cubao, Quezon City. 

By Sea

The Batangas Port is one of the biggest in the country and is the terminal for RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off) services to and from Calapan in Oriental Mindoro, Abra de Ilog in Occidental Mindoro and ferry services to Romblon and Caticlan Port (gateway to Boracay). 

By Air (Outside of Manila)

The nearest airport to Batangas is the Philippines’ main airport hub of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Metro Manila. The airport’s terminals 1, 2 and 3 and the Domestic Airport Terminal 3 are in Pasay City. Upon arriving at these airports, you will then take a three-hour land trip to Batangas. 

Getting Around Batangas

As a big province spanning several cities and municipalities, the main mode of transportation in Batangas are buses and jeepneys while tricycles serve as secondary transportation in every city and town. 

By Jeepneys and Buses

Jeepneys and buses are the most affordable and convenient way of traveling around Batangas. Bus routes serve all cities and major municipalities while jeepney routes can stretch from one to two neighboring cities or municipalities. All jeepney and buses give senior and student discounts.

By Tricycle

When traveling around a municipality or city, the most common mode of transportation is the tricycle. Tricycle terminals are usually found in downtown areas near the marketplace, churches, residential areas, schools, commercial and government districts. 

By Private and Shared Tours

By availing of private or shared tours, you will have the most hassle-free mode of transportation in the province. You can check Batangas tours that include an all-in package with transfers to and from all the places you want to visit in Batangas.

Where to Stay in Batangas

There are plenty of accommodation choices in the Batangas province. As a major tourism hub and a business and industrial haven, finding a place where to stay in Batangas for your staycation in the Philippines won’t be a problem because of the presence of decent lodgings in every city and municipality in the province.

• Read our article on the best beach resorts near Manila
• Check our article on the best private resorts near Manila
• See our list of the top affordable resorts near Manila

Types of Accommodations

You can find a variety of accommodations in the province of Batangas ranging from high-end resorts to mid-range hotels, budget inns, and vacation house rentals. It is important to choose your place of accommodation before your scheduled trip to Batangas to better plan your travel budget.

Luxury Hotels & Resorts

Since Batangas isn’t only known as a vacation destination, it is also a hub for business travelers, there are many hotels and resorts catering to the high-end market that are located all over the province. This luxury hotels and resorts are good options for those who are planning their honeymoon in the Philippines.

Mid-range Hotels

There are also several bed and breakfast inns, boutique hotels, and other cozy properties offering mid-range options for travelers in Batangas province. 

Budget Accommodations

Backpackers and other travelers on a budget need not worry. There are plenty of affordable Batangas beach resorts and accommodations that fit within a tight budget. 

Vacation Home Rentals

You can also find small and modest vacation home rentals around the province. Vacation home rentals can be rented from a few days to a week or even on a monthly term.

Accommodation Highlights in Batangas

Here is a listing of some of the highly recommended hotels and beach resorts in Batangas province as grouped by their categories of luxury, mid-range, and budget. 

Luxury Accommodations 

If you're willing to splurge, here are some of the best accommodations in Batangas that are perfect for rest and relaxation. 

The Farm at San Benito

Photo by The Farm at San Benito

The Farm at San Benito is one of the wellness resorts in the Philippines that offer an array of services aimed at providing a Zen state of mind to its guests. Modern tropical villas, tree houses, and loft-styled rooms are among its accommodation choices.

Set in the middle of a forest, this resort screaming of countryside vibe is the perfect location to escape and relax. The Farm’s Alive! restaurant serves a wide selection of vegan dishes. 

• Check out our list of the best farm stay resorts in the Philippines

Nayomi Sanctuary Resort

Photo by Nayomi Sanctuary Resort

A secluded hideaway that has earned raves from celebrity guests, Nayomi Sanctuary Resort is every bit of its name—a real sanctuary—thanks to stylish bungalows set in the middle of Batangas' lush tropical palms.

They can also be considered one of the glamping resorts, providing glamping-style accommodations through their spacious tents that come with a veranda and an en-suite bathroom. All that plus an outdoor swimming pool with Taal Lakeside view and more. 

Camp Netanya

Photo by Camp Netanya

Influenced by Greek architecture, this Batangas resort with pool summons a sea-side vibrant Santorini look. Overlooking Balayan Bay and a short distance away from Aiyanar Beach, Camp Netanya provides accommodation with all the amenities one would look for in a luxury property.

• See other Santorini-inspired resorts in the Philippines

Also, Camp Netanya’s Greeka Restaurant is a foodie place you mustn’t miss. It serves a medley of Greek, Mediterranean, and Filipino cuisine.  

Casa Laiya

Photo by Casa Laiya

Casa Laiya is a hacienda mansion-type private resort nestled in a 1-hectare property that offers 7 spacious rooms for a very limited number of guests. 

AniSiam House

Photo by AniSiam House

AniSiam House is a favorite retreat place of both scuba divers and non-divers because of its location tucked away in an isolated part of Anilao. A private resort accepting up to 12 guests only, AniSiam provides 5-star service in an intimate setting. 

Hotel 1925

Photo by Hotel 1925

A boutique hotel showcasing Spanish colonial architecture, Hotel 1925 features a nicely decorated set of rooms: Balcony Suite King, Suite King, and Suite Twin—all adorned with eye-popping interior design and patterns. 

Mid-Range Accommodations

For the best comfort and value for money, here are some mid-range accommodations that you can stay in:

Club Balai Isabel

Photo by Club Balai Isabel

Featuring spacious rooms and cozy suites, Club Balai Isabel situates at Taal Lake side in Talisay and is a short 10 km away from Tagaytay Picnic Grove, this is a good place to unwind and get closer to nature.

• Book a Tagaytay Taal Lake boat ride

Other amenities of the resort include the inflatable Aqua Water Park—a highly recommended day-trip destination in itself, an obstacle course, and a wedding chapel.

Villas by Eco Hotel

Priding itself for its environment-friendly and other sustainable practices, Villas by Eco Hotel offers cozy rooms with a view of the Taal Lake.

Located at the foot of the rolling hills of Batangas and enveloped by lush greens of the countryside, this resort is the ideal place to experience a relaxing escape. 

Paradiso Rito

Photo by Paradiso Rito

Paradiso Rito is an isolated hideaway with 8 suites to choose from in the resort's Art House by the beach and two dorm rooms with 18 beds for sharing. The property situates between a forested part and a shore overlooking the coral-rich waters of Batangas Bay. 

Lima Park Hotel

Photo by Lima Park Hotel

Offering luxurious rooms perfect for both leisure and business travelers, Lima Park Hotel is housed inside the Lima industrial estate and comprises a total of 136 four-star rooms. 

Aquaria Waterpark and Crusoe Cabins

Photo by Crusoe Cabins

This twin property features a water park with giant slides and stylish cabins built-in container vans but comes with a front wooden porch overlooking Calatagan Beach.

Eagle Point Resort

Arguably the most popular dive resort in Batangas, Eagle Point is considered as a one-stop dive resort in the province. Just check-in and bring your scuba diving gear and they will take care of the rest of bringing you to the best dive spots in Batangas. 

What to See and Do in Batangas

From beaches, mountain trails, diving spots, to gastronomic adventures, Batangas has so much to offer that its attractions can easily fill up your travel itinerary. Here are some of the best tourists spots and activities that you shouldn't miss: 

Go Island Hopping and Lounge on Beaches

Batangas is gifted with an abundance of swimmable beaches and islands laden with scenic backgrounds. From white sandy islands to diving spots and quaint coastal towns, there are a myriad of options to choose from if you want to spend your holiday frolicking in the sea waters in Batangas. 

Laiya Beach

One of the most well-known beaches in Batangas is Laiya. Activities here includes swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, and other water sports. People come here to relax and enjoy nature thanks to many amenities and Batangas beach resorts that cater to mid-range and leisure travelers.

Verde Island

Witness and experience the simple island living on this island bare of modern structures. From the rustic and charming setting of the island to the underwater gem of the water surrounding it—the Verde Passage—Verde Island is also a diver's haven.

Calatagan Beach

Another coastal town dotted with cozy Batangas beach resorts and a long shoreline with fine sand, Calatagan Beach is a favorite getaway destination for the weekend, a company outing or a simple family trip. Don’t miss the Calatagan Sandbar which appears during low-tide.

• Book a Little Boracay Calatagan Batangas beach day tour
• Enjoy a Batangas Canyon Cove day tour
• Check out this Stilts Calatagan day tour

If you come here in the morning, you’ll be able to walk through the entirety of its almost 500-meter long sandbar and swim in the surrounding crystal-clear waters. There is another sandbar you can visit near Calatagan called Starfish Island. 

Masasa Beach

On the foot of Mt. Mag-Asawang Bato in Tingloy, one can find the fine sandy beach of Masasa. There's a lot of budget accommodations found on the long stretch of the beach.

Many travelers go here after taking a day-hike at the nearby peak of Mag-Asawang Bato. Activities include beach bumming, island hopping, snorkeling, banana boat, and beach volleyball.

Sombrero Island

Named as such because it is shaped like a sombrero (Spanish word for 'hat') from afar, Sombrero Island is known for its white sandy beach and towering coconut trees.

• Book a Batangas island-hopping tour to Sombrero Island, Portales Beach, & Sepoc Beach

There are plentiful of colorful corals under the waters off Sombrero Island, so make sure you bring your snorkeling gears—or even better, your diving equipment. The island can be reached by a 30-minute boat ride from Masasa Beach.

Sepoc Beach in Maricaban Island

Seen from Sombrero Island is the northwestern tip of Maricaban Island known as Sepoc Beach. This beach located in the municipality of Tingloy is highlighted by rocky cliffs hiding four spectacular coves with caves and white sand beaches.

The four coves are known as Apat na Lagusan. Masasa Beach is also the island-hopping jump-off point for Sepoc Beach.

Fortune Island

Fortune Island off the coast of Nasugbu features replicas of the columns of the Parthenon in Greece overlooking the deep blue waters of Nasugbu Bay.

The structures were the remains of an old private resort on the island. Today, visitors can go to Fortune Island by paying an entrance fee. To go here, you can rent a boat at Fortune Island Resort in Nasugbu or book a tour. 

• Book a Papaya Island Cove Batangas beach day tour

Explore Diving Spots

Batangas is blessed with diving spots that are considered among the best in the world. The many dive-shops and resorts cater to both experienced and beginner divers. 

Surrounded by a body of water teeming with marine resources, underwater caves, shipwrecks and more — specifically the Verde Island Passage— Batangas is a known diving hub not only among divers from the Philippines but also all throughout the world.

Short-listed by many travel magazines in numerous best diving spots in the planet listicles, Batangas is the perfect place to go on a diving holiday.

There are many resorts in the province, especially the one located near the beach, that offers diving trips and even diving certifications. To help you plan your diving trip to Batangas, here are some of the popular dive spots in the province.

Verde Passage

The Verde Passage is a strait separating the island of Luzon in Batangas and Mindoro. It is said to be the "center of the center of marine shore fish biodiversity in the world".

In 2005, marine biologists recorded an astonishing 1,736 marine species flourishing in a 10-kilometer stretch of Verde Passage—making it the site of the highest concentration of marine life in the world.

Anilao

One of the main diving spots in the Philippines and is also renowned throughout the world, Anilao is where you can find many dive resorts and diving schools.

• Book an introductory dive in Anilao, Batangas

The waters off the coast of Anilao teems with colorful coral reef and a healthy underwater eco-system, making the area as one of the best scuba diving spots in the planet. The beaches in Anilao are located at the foot of Mt. Gulugod-Baboy.

Calatagan

Aside from lounging in beaches, visitors to Calatagan can also experience scuba diving thanks to the many dive resorts and diving schools in the area. Dotted with amazing diving spots, you won’t have a problem choosing where to go scuba diving here. 

Culebra Island

Also known as Bonito Island, it is found near Marikaban Island. This small island is surrounded by underwater walls teeming with colorful corals inhabited by plentiful species of fish making it another ideal diving spot. 

Mabalahibong Manok Island

Situated a few kilometers away from Culebra Island also in Batangas Bay, this tiny island is also surrounded by a healthy set of marine life.

Other diving spots in Batangas includes Cathedral Rock, Twin Rocks, Sepok Wall, Mapating Rock, Devil’s Point, Arthur’s Rock, Merriel’s Rock, Secret Bay in Sombrero Island, Beatrice Rock, Pinnacle Island, and Layag-Layag Reef just to name a few. 

Hike the Mountains of Batangas

Gifted with a geographical terrain surrounded by a long shoreline and rugged mountains—said to be a total of 70 mountains—Batangas has become a popular destination for hiking in the Philippines. 

To help you plan a hiking trip to the province, here are some must-hike destinations in Batangas:

Mount Maculot (Cuenca)

One of the most popular hiking spots in the country, Mount Maculot is an easy climb that gifts hikers with a jaw-dropping view of Taal volcano and lake from the "rockies", a ridge part on the side of the mountain.

A spacious campsite is located a few hundred meters from the rockies. Hiking time to the rockies takes an hour or two and another couple of hours going to the peak.

Height: Rockies / Summit: 706 / 930 MASL

Mount Batulao (Nasugbu)

Featuring a wide grassy meadow leading to rolling slopes and surrounded by majestic landscape, the hiking trail of Mount Batulao screams of Instagram-worthy images.

A relaxed hike of 2-3 hours will lead you to its pointed peaks that open to a more breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside of Batangas.

Height: 811 MASL

Taal Volcano (Talisay)

Currently closed for any tourism activities due to the volcano's latest eruption in January 2020, it remains to be seen how the explosion changed the terrain of the volcano.

Prior to its eruption, Taal Volcano is one of the best-hiking destinations in Luzon because of its easy trail that leads hikers to a magnificent view of the crater lake.

Height: 311 MASL

Mount Gulugod Baboy (Anilao)

Named as such because the peak resembles a pig's spine and not because there's a pig farm here. The easy to moderate hiking trail of Gulugod Baboy is perfect for beginners and offers a scenic view of the ocean.

It is one of the many peaks in Batangas where you can also enjoy a side trip to the beach after a day of hiking.

Height: 470 MASL

Mount Talamitam (Nasugbu)

This mountain requires a little harder trek compared to other peaks in Batangas but the view along the trail is worth it. The favorite part of most hikers is the rocky sections of Mt. Talamitan where the ascent takes notches more adventurous.

Height: 630 MASL

Mount Manabu (Sto. Tomas)

At the top of this mountain stands a giant white cross surrounded by a flat meadow resembling a garden in the sky.

Mount Manabu is one of the trio of peaks known as the Malipunyo range—the other two: Malipunyo and Susong Dalaga are also good hiking spots. 

Height: 760 MASL

Mount Daguldol (San Juan)

This mountain seems to have it all: ocean views, mossy and wooden forests, plain meadows, and side trip options to nearby Naambon Falls and Laiya Beach. The trail of Mt. Daguldol is moderate to light difficult requiring 4-5 hours of continuous hiking.

Height: 670 MASL

Mount Masalakot and Nalayag Monolith (Lobo)

How about experiencing forest trekking and rock scrambling in one hiking trip? If the thick woodland of Mount Masalakot isn’t enough to make you fall in love with this great outdoor destination, then the steep ascent to Nalayag Monolith will surely awe you to no end. 

Height: 668 MASL

Set out on a Heritage Tour in Taal Town

The town of Taal is where you can find old houses dating back to the Spanish period. The great thing is, you can enter some of the heritage houses here as some are operating as mini-museums and bed and breakfast inns.

Also found in the town are the two old churches of Taal Basilica and the Our Lady of Caysasay Church. Taal Town is also a popular place to buy locally-crafted Barong Tagalog and other Filipiniana dresses.  Another heritage town can also be found in the municipality of Balayan. 

Do a Visita Iglesia Tour

Even if it isn't Holy Week season, you can still go on a Visita Iglesia tour around Batangas so as not to miss the opportunity of regaling at the marvelous architecture of the many old churches in the province.

Minor Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours (Taal Basilica), San Sebastian Cathedral in Taal, Padre Pio Shrine in Tanuan, Parish of the Immaculate Concepcion in Balayan, Our Lady of Caysasay in Taal, Mount Carmel Church in Lipa and Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Concepcion in Batangas City are just a few of the many churches you can visit.

Visit Malabrigo Lighthouse

One of Batangas' two Spanish-era lighthouses, the Malabrigo Lighthouse stands on the cliffs of Lobo. It was built in 1891 and designed by Guillermo Brockman.

Like other Spanish-constructed lighthouses in the Philippines, it was made of bricks and has a circling metal stair leading to the top. Declared as a National Historical Landmark, it overlooks the stunning scenery of the ocean and the lush countryside.

Marvel at Cape Santiago Lighthouse

Cape Santiago Lighthouse is the other Spanish-era lighthouse in Batangas. It towers over a cliff in the coastal town of Calatagan.

It was constructed in 1890 and designed again by Guillermo Brockman. Overlooking Burot beach and the many diving spots surrounding the shores of Calatagan, the lighthouse is a perfect place to chill and wait for the sunset.

Where to Eat and Drink in Batangas

From refreshing drinks in charming hole-in-a-wall places to feasting over plates of local dishes served in beach boardwalks, quaint towns, and big cities, there’s much to explore and taste in Batangas.

Local Cuisine

Batangas' versions of the bulalo and lomi are what it's known for, but did you know that there's more to Batangas local cuisine than these two? The province's culinary culture is a savory fusion of Filipino cuisine and Chinese influence but is made more sumptuous by a unique local method of cooking. 

Gotong Batangas

Gotong Batangas is a bowl of goodness filled with mouth-watering toppings of tender innards, beef tripe, beef tendons, toasted garlic, chopped green onions and other spices.

Kilawin

While a common dish available everywhere in the Philippines, the Batangas version of the Kilawin—fresh fish cooked by soaking it in vinegar—taste refreshingly good with added tang courtesy of added ingredients.

Kapeng Barako

Never leave Batangas without starting your day with their local Philippine coffee known as Kapeng Barako. Popular in Lipa, a cup of this should give you the extra kick you need to have enough energy to experience all your planned things-to-do in Batangas.

Tapang Taal

Other than the beautiful Basilica, heritage houses and colorful Filipiniana dresses in Taal, the town is also known for its own version of the Tapa. Known as Tapang Taal, it isn't made of beef but of pork.

Marinated with calamansi, soy sauce, ground pepper, garlic and a tangy sauce, the Tapang Taal is fried and served with garlic rice and dipping of vinegar and chili peppers.

Sinaing na Tulingan

This dish cooked inside a clay pot is composed of the main ingredient, the bullet Tuna (Tulingan), kamias, ground pepper, salt, and garlic. It may sound like a simple dish, but it pops a flavorful taste especially its sour soup and tender fish meat when served.

Adobo sa Dilaw

An elevated version of the Filipino dish adobo made more flavorful because instead of using soy sauce, it comes with the additional ingredient of yellow ginger (turmeric)—which also make the dish appear color yellow.

Batangas Lomi

Known for its bowl-full of toppings consisting of boiled egg, lechon kawali, chopped scallions, squid balls, onion leeks, fresh vegetables, chicken meat and pork liver, Batangas Lomi also comes with tender noodles and tasty sauce. One bowl of this Filipino noodle dish is more than enough to fuel you for a day.

Tamales ng Ibaan

While Tamales is prepared in many ways all over the country, the Tamales in Batangas is made of sticky rice (malagkit) wrapped in banana leaves and filled with shredded chicken, eggs, mixed peanuts and annatto (atsuete).

Recommended Best Restaurants and Bars

It's no wonder why there are many fiestas or festivals being celebrated all over the province. This is simply because Batanguenos are fond of cooking the same way they like to revel in their traditions. The result is a culinary-rich culture that gave birth to several food places that adds to the tourism appeal of the province.

Many people visit the province just to go on food tours. Therefore, visiting the province will give you the best of both worlds: of bounteous nature and a satisfying choice of delicious cookery.

To help you fuel up for the many tiring yet thrilling activities in the province, here are some highly-recommended restaurants for you to get a taste of local Batangas cuisine. 

Café de Lipa Origins

Photo by Cafe de Lipa

Kick-off your day by passing by this cafe in Lipa where you can have a cup of Batangas' Kape Barako. For variety, you can also try one of their Mood Coffee selection. Pair it with something from their pastry collection.

Jorjhane’s House of Special Bulalo

Jorjhane's has three branches in Batangas, this one and the ones in Lemery and Bolbok. A local favorite since it opened many years ago, Jorjhane's has become a food institution frequented by visitors to the province because of its satisfying bowl of bulalo. Other must-tries include: lapu-lapu, tanigue fish and samara. 

Don Juan Boodle House

Photo by Don Juan Boodle House

Serving a family feast the Filipino boodle way—on banana leaves—Don Juan Boodle House lets their guests bond over a variety of dishes that include local favorites adobo sa dilaw, tapang Taal, Fried tawilis, longanisang taal, fresh seafood, liempo and more. 

Kainan sa Dalampasigan

Photo by Kainan sa Dalampasigan

Featuring a dining area in a garden, Kainan sa Dalampasigan teems with Instagrammable corners. But what makes it a must-visit dining place is its menu consisting of house favorites like Kare-kare, Bilao sa Dalampasigan, variety of fresh seafood dishes, binalot chicken and pork adobo and local desserts. 

Abadi Restaurant at Cintai Corito's Garden

This restaurant in one of the Bali-inspired resorts in the Philippines serves local favorites such as nilasing na hipon, pork sisig, Batangas bulalo and lomi among many other Filipino fare. 

Practical Information and Tips

For a hassle-free and convenient trip to Batangas province, it's important to read up on these practical tips. These will be very useful especially if it’s your first time in in the province:

Security

Batangas province is generally safe and the people are nice and friendly. If you’re going on a hiking trip it is best to hire a local guide, not for security purposes but to avoid getting lost and to help the local economy.

There are police stations located in every city and municipality and almost every barangay has a tourist office where you can go to report any security concerns. 

Currency

The main currency used in Batangas is the Philippine Peso (PHP). There are many banks and ATM machines located in all cities and municipalities in the province. Many establishments accept credit card payments as well. 

Language

Batangas Tagalog is the dialect spoken in Batangas. It is basically Tagalog but spoken with a strong accent and a grammar construction associated with phrases from old Tagalog (malalim na tagalog).

Here are some samples of old Tagalog words still widely used in Batangas Tagalog:

Old Tagalog - Modern Tagalog - English

• Asbag - Mayabang - Arrogant

• Dine - Diyan - There

• Harot - Landi - Flirt

• Kakaunin - Susunduin - Fetch

• Gahaman - Mataka - Gluttony

• Litar - Pasyal - Stroll

• Atungal - Iyak - Cry

• Ka-pulong - Kausap - Talking to

And here are some common Batangueño expressions and their meaning:

• Anlaa! - an expression of disbelief "Anlaa naman"

• A-re - Usually denotes the word "this". 

• Damusak - expressing a situation that has gone bad "Damusak naman oh"

• Gay-on - "Like that"

• Ganire - "Like this"

• Sya na - "Alright"

Sample Itinerary in Batangas: Hiking, Island Hopping, Heritage Tour

With so much to do, places to see, and food to eat in Batangas, it can be challenging to plan an itinerary to cover everything—unless you will have a week at the least to explore the province.

Here is a sample 3-day itinerary that covers a little bit of everything: hiking, scuba diving, island hopping, and heritage tour. 

Day 1: Arrival + Day-hike at Mt. Gulugod Baboy + Island hopping in Anilao 

• 7:00 AM: Start of hike at jump-off

• 10:00 AM: Reach the peak of Mt. Gulugod Baboy

• 11:00 AM: Start descent

• 1:00 PM: Reach the foot of Mt. Gulugod Baboy

• 2:00 PM: Start island-hopping tour in Anilao (you have the option to check out some of the dive sites in Anilao)

• 6:00 PM: Return to hotel / free time

Day 2: Island hopping

• 7:00 AM: Breakfast

• 8:00 AM: travel to Masasa Beach

• 11:00 AM: Island hopping to Sepoc Beach in Maricaban Island and Sombrero Island

• 6:00 PM: Finish island hopping tour / free time

Day 3: Heritage Tour of Taal Town

• 7:00 AM: Breakfast

• 8:00 AM: Travel to Taal Town

• 10:00 AM: Start heritage tour of Taal (heritage houses, Taal Basilica, Our Lady of Caysasay, food trip, and shopping)

• 3:00 PM: Depart Taal Town and return to Manila

Start Planning Your Batangas Trip!

From summit to sea, there is almost a never-ending choice of places to go when exploring the province of Batangas. Add to the bounteous set of nature existing in the province, are the heritage towns, quaint coastal municipalities and a gastronomic culture that serves a feast to the taste buds.

If you are looking for a place to travel where you will learn more about local culture, experience great nature, and try mouth-watering local dishes, then Batangas province should be on top of your list. Start planning your trip now by checking Batangas tours to add to your itinerary!