Choose Philippines, Choose Batangas Province

Philippines are one of the countries who are gifted with beautiful sceneries and attractions that the archipelago can offer. Being a tropical country, we are blessed to be tourist destinations not just for the locals but also with the foreigners. Our country can offer a lot of fun things to do especially during the summer. It’s really worth your time, money and effort if you will be given the chance to explore the hidden beauties of our country.

As a local of the province of Batangas, I want to share few of the tourist’s spots our province can offer. I’m proud to be living here in Batangas because the province as one of the famous destinations when it comes to swimming, outings, mountain climbing and nature tripping. Our province, as I can say can give you experiences that you will really treasure for the rest of your life.

So, here are few of the beaches and places for nature tripping where you can enjoy and have fun with your family, friends all year round. Have fun under the sun…

Matabungkay Beach

A two-kilometer long white sand beach situated in the town of Lian facing the China Sea, the area is ideal for water sports such as swimming, boating, yachting, fishing and skin diving. Dotting the shoreline are several summer cottages.

How to get there: On private transportation, take the South Luzon Expressway, exit in Sta Rosa, and drive to Tagaytay. From Tagaytay, take the road going to Nasugbu. Follow the signs and take note of the junction where the road forks: to the right is Nasugbu proper, and to the left is Lian, going to Matabungkay. When you get to the Lian town proper, just go straight ahead until you find yourself in the junction going to the Matabungkay Beach area. The prominent sign to follow is “Matabungkay Beach Club”.

Buses to Nasugbu and Lian can be taken from terminals in Buendia, Pasay City. Travel time from the Nichols toll gate to Matabungkay is approximately 2 hours.

Munting Buhangin Beach

Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is created for the great outdoors – an idyllic setting big enough for families, clubs and companies. The whole area can easily suit 2,000 people and you have a choice of semi-exclusive or exclusive for accommodations.

Munting Buhangin has an extensive sports and recreational facilities for guests.

The sand in Munting Buhangin was light brown and it was pure. No pebbles or corals to prick your feet. The sun was in perfect supply, kissing our skin golden; and the Sea wasn’t too salty, it didn’t hurt the eyes much.

Aside from the clear, unspoiled beach and warm camp, Munting Buhangin Beach Camp’s 24-hectare property features a more active, challenging and fun-filled nature-based learning experience.

The nature trail gives access to the world of plants, flowers and other forms of wildlife. Further exploration of the forest familiarizes one with the generic names of the existing floras and faunas and interesting treks will lead to new discoveries that only nature can offer.

Munting Buhangin is one of the most affordable places in Batangas that one could visit.

How to get there: Commuting to Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is not easy by public transportation. To get there, board buses to Nasugbu, Batangas (or vans at EDSA Rotonda or Buendia corner Taft Avenue) then a tricycle to Munting Buhangin Beach Camp.

Driving directions to Munting Buhangin Beach Resort Nasugbu, Batangas: From SLEX, take Sta. Rosa exit all the way to Tagaytay and turn right after Tagaytay Public Market (and Tagaytay Econo Inn). Follow the highway, passing by Alfonso (Cavite) and until you reach kilometer marker 93, the so called Likuan, where you turn right (left turn leads to Balayan town). You will pass by Nasugbu town proper, Cawayan Cove, Tali Beach, Munting Buhangin and Terrazas de Punta Fuego.

 

Calijon Falls

This falls is located at Barangay San Gregorio (formerly Barangay Calijon) about 4.5km east of Malvar, Batangas. Its waters come from natural springs just right above it which is reputed to be a very good source of fresh, sparkling drinking water. A well-known national distributor of bottled drinking water actually taps the springs above as its source of mineral water.

The water from the falls is interestingly warm and pleasant to bathe in. The falls can be reached by taking a short hike from the barangay road and about 300 steps down the concrete pathway built by the barangay.

How to go there: From Manila, take the South Luzon Tollway all the way to the south end. At the end of the tollway, take the exit that points to Lucena and drive along this national road until you reach the Calamba boundary. About 1.5km from the boundary of Calamba, turn right and take the Star Tollway (Batangas Expressway) and exit at Bulihan/Malvar. At the exit, head southwest toward Bulihan. A short distance from Bulihan, there will be a junction. Turn right then head for Calijon (San Gregorio). Road distance from Bulihan exit to Calijon is about 3.3km. At Calijon, you can ask around where the pathway that leads to Calijon Falls is.

Acuatico Beach Resort

The Acuatico Beach Resort is located 140 km south of Manila and lies on a brief stretch of Laiya’s famous 4 km beach in San Juan, one of the Philippines’ most popular vacation destinations. Roughly about a 4 hr drive from Manila, it is the only exclusive luxury resort of its kind in Laiya. In 2009, it became the third most searched “local travel destination” according to the 2009 Year-End Google Zeitgeist, which compiles billions of Google searches.

How to get there: From Manila, take the South Luzon Expressway all the way to the new South Luzon Toll Way (otherwise known as the Alabang-Calamba-Sto. Tomas Toll Way) then straight ahead to the Star Toll Way entrance. Please be advised that you do not have to exit SLEX because the two highways are now connected.

You may choose to take the Lipa Exit or Ibaan Exit.

1. Drive all the way (approximately 20 km) on the Star Toll Way and turn right to the Lipa Exit. Follow the road towards Lipa City. Drive past La Salle Lipa toward a rotonda where you will see a Mc Donald's on the corner.

2. Take the road to the right of Mc Donald's (C.M. Recto Ave.). This road will lead you to make a right immediately after. After the first block, make a left to re-enter CM Recto Ave. Traverse C.M. Recto Ave. then turn right at the corner of the Mercury Drug store, which is P. Torres St.

3. Drive 8.5 km towards Padre Garcia town. Make a left turn at the road sign pointing to Padre Garcia. Turn right after passing the Padre Garcia town market.

4. Drive 4.5 km and merge with the road coming from Rosario. This road leads all the way to San Juan, which is approximately 19 km. When you see the sign leading to the Batangas Racing Circuit turn left and head straight for San Juan town proper.

5. After entering San Juan town proper, drive past the Dunkin Donut and Park n’Go stores at your right and head for the Municipal Hall of San Juan. Turn right immediately after the Municipal Hall of San Juan. This is the main road of Laiya. Drive approximately 23.5 kms. (25 minutes).

6. Drive past Playa Laiya. This is about 3 km away from Acuatico. On the left side will be an empty parking lot immediately after which is a narrow access road to Acuatico. Turn left here. Follow the road. About 100 m from the main road is the Acuatico entrance on your right.

Route from Ibaan Exit

1. About 45 kilometers drive on the Star Toll way (STAR), you will see San Jose-Ibaan Exit (after the Lipa exit). After passing the tollbooth, turn left and drive 2.5 kilometers. You will reach an intersection with a sign pointing to Rosario, please turn left at this intersection. After turning left, the Municipal Hall of Ibaan will be on your right while a church will be on your left. After passing the church on your left you will reach a forked road. Turn right at the road sign pointing to San Juan. Drive 8 kilometers along this road to Rosario town proper.

2. Once you reach the Rosario town proper, drive past the Jollibee and South Star drug store outlets at your left. This road leads all the way to San Juan town proper, which is about 23 kilometers away. When you see the sign leading to the Batangas Racing Circuit turn left and head straight for San Juan town proper.

3. After entering San Juan town proper, drive past the Dunkin Donut and Park n’Go stores at your right and head for the Municipal Hall of San Juan. Turn right immediately after the Municipal Hall of San Juan. This is the main road of Laiya. Drive approximately 23.5 kms. (25 minutes).

4. Drive past Playa Laiya. This is about 3 km away from Acuatico. On the left side will be an empty parking lot immediately after which is a narrow access road to Acuatico. Turn left here. Follow the road. About 100 m from the main road is the Acuatico entrance on your right.

Punta Fuego

Punta Fuego, meaning "point of fire", is composed of high-end residential beach front properties located at the Batangas area only a couple of hours away from Manila.

Peninsula de Punta Fuego, an 88-hectare world-class residential beach resort, was developed by Landco Pacific Corporation and Roxaco Land Corporation and was fully operational in 1999. The Punta Fuego community consists of Spanish-Mediterranean-inspired villas, a Beach Club, a Marina, a nine-hole golf course, a Country Club.

10 minutes away is Terrazas de Punta Fuego. It boasts of 800 meters of fine white sand and pristine clear waters making this the best swimming beach in Nasugbu, Batangas. The 61 hectares of prime seafront property is home to three seaside condominium projects: Amara en Terazas, The Peak and The Ridge.

Over at Calatagan Batangas is the Playa Calatagan beach community. It's the country's first tourism estate designed around a beach community. Exclusive seaside residences. Hotels. Retail stores. And a host of other shopping, dining, and entertainment venues in addition to a variety of recreational options.

How to get there: Via South SuperHighway, exit at either Carmona or Sta. Rosa. When you reach Tagaytay, turn right and head towards Nasugbu. Just drive along that provincial highway for another 30-45 minutes or so.

Punta Baluarte

Situated along the coastline of Calatagan, Batangas, overlooking Balaybay Bay and South China Sea, Punta Baluarte is a pleasant 3-hour drive south from Metro Manila, passing through towns, plantations and open fields.

How to get there: There are two alternative routes to Batangas: via South Superhighway through the Sta. Rosa Exit or via the Coastal Road, then on to the scenic Tagaytay. From Tagaytay, drive down towards the Sugar Central junction in Nasugbu, proceed through the town of Lian, continue to Calatagan until you reach Punta Baluarte which is nestled throughout sprawling hillsides.

Mainit Hotspring

Bokal Na Mainit Hot Springs is a tourist spot in Tayabas, Quezon. We invite you to take a dip in our pools with natural warm water. Some of our pools have roofs so you can relax and enjoy swimming with family and friends without worrying about getting sun burned. This is a very nice place for family gatherings and reunions. Mainit Hot Springs is nestled at the foothills of Barangay Silangang Palale, Tayabas, Quezon, located along the road going to Mauban, Quezon.

How to get there: Mainit Hot Spring Resort is 9.5 km down the track from Malagonlong Bridge to Mauban.

Mountain Climbing/Volcano Trekking

Mt. Maculot

Mt. Maculot is one of the famous destinations for hikers here in Batangas. Located at the heart of Cuenca Batangas, this mountain has been featured in several magazines and TV shows countrywide.

The climb is actually not that easy but it is worth the effort because the mountain’s summit promises a breath taking vista of the famous Taal Lake. The calm and serene surroundings when on the top of Maculot is certainly a complete getaway from the stressful environs of the city.

The campsite is located atop the shoulders of Mt. Maculot. Acoording to campers and hikers, winds could go from strong to moderate depending on the wheather. At night, blankies could keep hikers safe and warm from the blow of chilly cold winds. 

Near the campsite is one of the mountain’s attraction called “rockies”. It’s a popular vantage-point for viewing the Taal lake. The other side of this “rockies” is a 500 meter vertical wall, which leads all the way down to the lake.]

The summit is another hour away from the campsite (located at the mountains’ shoulder), although an alternative trail (the grotto trail) can be taken, traversing the mountain from the other side and then descending to the shoulder campsite. 

All your tiredness will surely be blown away as you reach this point. The spectacular view of Taal lake and all the luscious green forest will make you forget the difficult and probably exhausting climb.

How to get there: From Manila, take a bus bound to Lemery Batangas and get off at Cuenca town proper. The jump off point is just near the town’s municipal hall where you can register for only P5 (per hiker).

Taal Lake and Volcano

Fresh water beach, also known as the lowest volcano in the world, surrounded by a lake, the volcano is situated on an 8.8 Km. isled lapped by the 27 km long lake. Both the lake and the volcano are situated on the crater of an extinct volcano. The Volcano Island is also ideal for trekking. The volcano is the smallest in the world. The lake holds four interesting features: two smaller lakes of hot water, one green and the other almost red: a gas vent; and a triangular obelisk of hard rock. It is a focal point of the province! A must see!!

How to get there: Taal Volcano and Lake are entirely located in the province of Batangas. The northern half of Volcano Island is under the jurisdiction of Talisay, and the southern half to San Nicolas. Talisay, Batangas is much popular place for gateway to Taal Volcano.

The best way to get to Talisay, Batangas is to rent a van or self-drive. Drive through South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) and Star Toll Way then take Tanauan City exit. Turn right and from then it would take about 15 to minutes drive to reach Talisay.

For those on a budget and doesn't like to drive, you may take a bus to get to Talisay, Batangas. Take any Lipa or Batangas bound bus via Tanauan. Tell the driver to drop you off at Tanauan Bus Stop. From there, there would be jeepneys that would take you straight to Talisay.

It took us roughly 2 hours to reach Talisay, Batangas from Metro Manila. We headed straight to Taal Lake Yacht Club where we'll be renting our boat to the volcano island.

Hope you will come and visit the province of Batangas and be awe by the beauty you can’t resist. See you and enjoy your fun-filled stay here in Batangas. It’s more fun in Batangas!!!Go to this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gATzQplTmco

Falling In Love

When you think of your past love, you may view it as a failure.  But when you find a new love, you view the past as a teacher.  In the game of love, it doesn't really matter who won or who lost.  What is important is you know when to hold on and when to let go!

You know you really love someone when you want him or her to be happy, even if his or her happiness means that you're not part of it.  Everything happens for the best.  If the person you love doesn't love you back, don't be afraid to love someone else again, for you'll never know unless you give it a try.

You'll never love a person you love unless you risk for love.  Love strives in hurting.  If you don't get hurt, you don't learn how to love.  Love doesn't hurt all the time.  Though the hurting is till they're to test you, to help you grow.  Don't find love, let love find you.  That's why it's called falling in love because you don't force yourself to fall.  You just fall.

You cannot finish a book without its chapters.  If you want to go on, then you have to leave the past as you turn the pages.  Love is not destroyed by a single failure or won by a single caress.  It is a lifetime venture in which we are always learning, discovering and growing.

The greatest irony of love is letting go when you need to hold on and holding on when you need to let go.  We lose someone we love only when we are destined to find someone else who can love us even more than we can love ourselves.  On falling out of love, take some time to heal and then get back on the horse.  But don't ever make the same mistake of riding the same one that threw you the first time.  To love is to risk rejection, to live is to risk dying, to hope is to risk failure.  But risk must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing!  To reach for another is to risk involvement, to expose your feelings is to expose true self, to love is to risk not to be loved in return.  

How to define love: fall but do not stumble, be constant but not too persistent, share and never be unfair, understand and try not to demand, hurt but never keep the pain.

Love is like a knife.  It can stab the heart or it can carve wonderful images into the soul that always last for a lifetime.  Love is supposed to be the most wonderful feeling.  It should inspire you and give you joy and strength.  But sometimes the things that give you joy can also hurt you in the end.  Loving people means giving them the freedom that they choose to be and where they choose to be.  For all the heartaches and the tears, for gloomy days and fruitless years, you should give thanks, for you know, that there were the things that helped you grow.

Loving someone means giving him the freedom to find his way, whether it leads towards you or away from you.  Love is a painful risk to take but the risk must be taken no matter how scary or painful, for only then you'll experience the fullness of humanity and that is love.  Only love can hurt your heart, fill you with desire and tear you apart.  Only love can make you cry and only love knows why.  If you're not ready to cry, if you're not ready to take the risk, if you're not ready to feel the pain, then you're not ready to fall in love.

There was a time in our lives when we became afraid to fall in love because every time we do, we get hurt, then I figured that's why it's called falling in love...