15+ BEST Batangas Tourist Spots and Things to Do
Ah, Batangas! This vibrant gem in the Philippines is nestled between the verdant mountains and the serene waters of the West Philippines Sea. It’s not just a place, it’s an experience! Batangas is truly a tropical paradise, a stone’s throw from bustling Manila, making it a popular choice for both quick getaways and longer vacations.
Batangas is known for its stunning beaches, dive spots, and lip-smacking local dishes such as bulalo, not to forget the enriching culture and history seeping through its each corner. But that’s just scratching the surface. Let’s dive deeper and discover the vibrant tapestry that is Batangas. In this article, we’ll tell you the best Batangas tourist spots and things to do in this province.
Contents
- 1. Visit the beaches in Batangas
- 2. Anilao
- 3. Taal Volcano
- 4. Caleruega Church
- 5. Taal Heritage Town
- 6. Verde Island
- 7. Mount Maculot
- 8. Fortune Island
- 9. Sombrero Island
- 10. Mount Gulugod Baboy
- 11. Mount Batulao
- 12. The Farm at San Benito
- 13. Cintai Corinto’s Garden
- 14. Old Grove Farmstead
- 15. Monte Maria Shrine
- 16. Milea Bee Farm
- What to read next:
1. Visit the beaches in Batangas
Batangas beaches have it all! Imagine lounging on warm, golden sands, the sun kissing your skin, and the tranquil azure sea before your eyes. Batangas is your tropical paradise, home to some of the most pristine and beautiful beaches in the Philippines. Each beach has its own distinct charm.
Laiya Beach is one of the best beaches in Batangas with its white-sand, clear waters, and abundance of resorts that cater to families (including pets)! Matabungkay Beach is also a classic with its grayish sand and calm waters, not to mention its famous floating cottages. In terms of beauty, Masasa Beach is certainly worth mentioning for its white sands often compared to Boracay. Meanwhile, Bituin Cove offers a budget-friendly camp-by-the-beach experience for those who are looking for an affordable yet quiet place to swim and snorkel. Finally, for those who want to feel like a castaway on a deserted island, Fortune Island is your place!
See also: Best Batangas Beach Resorts
2. Anilao
You can’t talk about the best Batangas tourist spots without mentioning Anilao, the birthplace of diving in the Philippines. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a newbie, Anilao’s colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life are a sight to behold!
Anilao has over 20 dive sites that you can explore. Some of the best dive sites in Anilao include:
- Sepoc Wall — a beautiful wall dive with abundance of corals, nudibranchs, and various fish species
- Sombrero Island — a hat-shaped island with intricate coral gardens and deep walls covered in sponges, anemones, and a kaleidoscope of fish
- Twin Rocks — one of Anilao’s signature dive sites where you can spot turtles, barracudas, and, if you’re lucky, a reef shark or two!
- Beatrice Rock — a muck diver’s paradise where you can spot rare critters like flamboyant cuttlefish, mimic octopus, and blue-ringed octopus
- The Cathedral — situated near Sombrero Island, this site is famous for a large cross erected under the water.
Search for the best resorts in Anilao:
- Budget: Paradiso Rito
- Midrange: Camp Netanya | Eagle Point Beach and Dive Resort
- Luxury: Vivere Azure Resort
3. Taal Volcano
Often touted as a “volcano within a lake within a volcano,” the Taal Volcano is the country’s second most active volcano and definitely worth a visit. The picturesque view of the volcano, surrounded by the serene Taal Lake, is simply breathtaking.
Before its eruption, tourists are allowed to set foot in the volcanic island and ride a horse up to the summit, which offers an unobstructed view of the lake and the surrounding landscape. This tour has temporarily been suspended, but you can still visit bed-and-breakfasts and resorts along the lake to enjoy a staycation with a view of the volcano.
4. Caleruega Church
Get ready to be spellbound by the ethereal beauty of Caleruega Church! Nestled in the highest hill in Nasugbu, this place of worship is more than just a spiritual retreat. It’s a feast for the eyes and balm for the soul. With its stunning architecture — including its red brick exterior — and serene surroundings, it’s no wonder Caleruega Church is a popular spot for quiet reflection and even destination weddings.
Don’t forget to explore the manicured gardens and pathways that surround the church. Whether you’re seeking divine inspiration or just a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Caleruega Church is one of the best Batangas tourist spots that you should visit.
5. Taal Heritage Town
Step back in time as you walk along the cobblestone streets of Taal Heritage Town. This historical gem in Batangas is a real treasure trove, brimming with well-preserved Spanish colonial architectures, ancient churches, and ancestral houses. Wander through its quaint, cobblestone streets and soak up the rich history and culture around every corner. Don’t miss out on the iconic Taal Basilica, the largest Catholic church in Asia, or the Casa Villavicencio, a peek into the elegant Spanish-era lifestyles.
A visit to Taal Heritage Town isn’t just a trip; it’s a journey through the Philippines’ past. So, buckle up, history buffs, this is one of the best Batangas tourist spots that you shouldn’t miss.
6. Verde Island
Next stop, Verde Island — one of the emerging tourist spots in Batangas and a must-visit for every underwater aficionado out there. Revered as the “Center of the Center of Marine Shorefish Biodiversity,” this island packs a punch with its vivid, teeming underwater life and coral gardens. Explore the island’s white-sand beaches and take a boat tour for snorkeling and diving sites, where every glance reveals a spectacle of colorful fishes, turtles, and even the occasional reef shark.
This island is home to various types of casual resorts and even pitching tents and is a perfect destination for a long weekend.
7. Mount Maculot
https://www.instagram.com/p/BptyqbggN0P/Mount Maculot is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Batangas. Known for its challenging trails and stunning views, this mountain is a haven for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. From the jump-off point in Cuence, Batangas, it will take 5-6 hours to reach the summit. The climb might be tough with a steep and rocky ascent to the viewpoint, but it is doable for beginner hikers.
From the summit, enjoy the breathtaking panorama of Taal Lake and Volcano from the “Rockies.” And let’s not forget the sense of accomplishment once you’ve conquered the mountain!
8. Fortune Island
Ahoy, adventure seekers! Fortune Island is your perfect getaway in Batangas, giving you a taste of Greece without leaving the Philippines. Located several minutes away from the town, this island is known for its exquisite Grecian pillars and statues standing majestically against the horizon. But that’s not all!
Soak up the sun at its pristine white beaches, cliff jump straight into the sea, and dive into the island’s clear waters for a shipwreck exploration. Whether it’s catching the breathtaking sunrise or camping under the starlit sky, Fortune Island promises a fortune of unforgettable experiences.
9. Sombrero Island
We’re making waves with the next item in our list of top Batangas tourist spots! Say hello to Sombrero Island, another aquatic jewel in Batangas’ crown. Named after its hat-like appearance, this island is a veritable haven for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts. Its underwater terrain, adorned with a spectacular array of coral formations and bustling with a vibrant marine life, will leave you awestruck. A spectrum of reef fishes, rays, and even barracudas are your companions here. And the best part? The gentle sea currents make for a relatively easy dive, ideal for both newbie and seasoned divers.
Sombrero Island is located off the coast of Anilao. The island is small and uncommercialized, so there are no resorts or other establishments here. You can rent a boat for a day tour to get here.
10. Mount Gulugod Baboy
Mount Gulugod Baboy is Batangas’ very own hill of happiness! This beginner-friendly hike will take you to the summit, where you can enjoy the stunning views of the Balayan Bay and the Mindoro Province far away. You can go here on a day hike or spend the night in a camping tent to enjoy the outdoors.
This Batangas tourist spot is also close the some of the best snorkel and dive spots in Batangas.
11. Mount Batulao
Say hello to an adventurer’s paradise — Mount Batulao! This is one of the best beginner-friendly hikes near Manila, known for its rolling landscapes and cool climate. The trails are well defined, offering a mix of easy to moderately challenging routes — a perfect spot regardless of your hiking process. It takes 2 hours to reach the summit, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the mountain landscape.
So pack your bags, lace up your boots, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure with nature at Mount Batulao, one of the best tourist spots in Batangas for nature enthusiasts.
12. The Farm at San Benito
Take a refreshing detour from the aquatic adventures of Batangas and immerse yourself in the serene embrace of The Farm at San Benito. One of the most established resorts in Batangas, this holistic medical wellness resort is all about rejuvenation of the body, mind, and spirit. From detoxifying vegan cuisine and invigorating yoga sessions to therapeutic spa treatments and peaceful meditation spots, everything here is designed to help you unwind, heal, and replenish your energy.
So, if you’re yearning for a blissful retreat that’s a world away from your bustling everyday life, The Farm at San Benito is a tranquil paradise you simply can’t miss.
Book discounted rooms at The Farm at San Benito.
13. Cintai Corinto’s Garden
One of the best Batangas tourist attractions, Cintai Corinto’s Garden is a Bali-inspired resort and spa offering a perfect getaway for solo tourists, couples, and families. It is famous as a day trip destination, but it also has beautiful rooms that you can book overnight.
This resort is known for its intricate Bali-inspired sculptures. It also has four swimming pools, a restaurant, and spa and massage services.
Whether you’re strolling through the beautifully landscaped gardens, spotting peacocks, or just sitting back and soaking in the serenity, Cintai Corinto’s Garden offers a rejuvenating retreat right out of a storybook.
Book discounted rooms at Cintai Corinto’s Garden. Or book a day pass via Klook.
14. Old Grove Farmstead
Old Grove Farmstead is one of the most snap-worthy tourist spots in Batangas. Located in Lipa City, this farmstead is known for its iconic red barn, a favorite spot for picture taking and events venue. It also features a windmill, a lake, a mini zoo, and lush surroundings that will make you feel like you’re in a real farm abroad.
You can book a day tour to the Old Grove Farmstead, which includes a set meal. Or book an overnight cabin to have enough time to explore all the facilities, including the swimming pools.
15. Monte Maria Shrine
All over the Philippines you will find remarkable religious sites and one of them is Monte Maria Shrine in Batangas.
This isn’t just any ordinary shrine, it’s one of the biggest in Asia, towering over Batangas with an 8-story tall statue of the Virgin Mary. The panoramic views here are nothing less than breathtaking, and the peaceful aura is soul soothing. Locals come here to pray and do pilgrimage, while others visit to see the sheer scale and beauty of the statue.
Within the complex, you can also visit two chapels, a retreat center, a souvenir shop, and a restaurant.
16. Milea Bee Farm
Milea Bee Farm is one of the most underrated tourist spots in Batangas. Nestled in the heart of Batangas, this vibrant sanctuary serves as a home to numerous stingless bees. You can book a guided tour to explore the farm, see the bees up close, learn about the vital role these little critters play in our ecosystem, and taste of the most delicious raw honey you’ve ever had.
This bee farm also offers pick-and-pay on fresh produce and organic products such as cold-pressed soaps.
With its stunning flower gardens and peaceful ambiance, the farm is also a perfect spot to unwind and reconnect with nature. So, are you ready for a sweet adventure? Let’s bee off to Milea!
There you have it, a snapshot of the best Batangas tourist spots! From its beaches and underwater treasures to historic towns and beautiful resorts, this province ha something to satiate your wanderlust. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, get your cameras ready, and let’s fall in love with the charm of Batangas!
Do you have anything else to add to our list of the best tourist spots in Batangas? Let us know in the comments section below!
What to read next:
Visiting Batangas soon? Read these essential travel guides!
- Best Batangas tourist spots
- Best Batangas beaches
- Batangas delicacies you need to try
- Best Batangas beach resorts
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Katherine Cortes is a long-time backpacker and a freelance writer/editor. She likes beaches, snorkeling trips, and relaxing staycations (preferably with bath tubs!).
