Batangas Easy Travel Guide
Batangas province is known for its beautiful beaches, islands, mountain hiking trails, diving destinations, heritage towns, and delicious local cuisine. It is a great province to visit for a weekend getaway. It’s about 2 hours drive from Manila (around 100km) and has a lot to offer.
Batangas is a beautiful province with plenty of natural attractions, heritage towns, and quaint coastal municipalities. The gastronomic culture is an added bonus, and there’s no shortage of things to do and see. This guide will help you plan the perfect trip to Batangas, from travel logistics to plotting out all your activities in the province.
Guidelines and Protocols
Batangas is now open to all domestic tourists! All you need is a valid ID and proof of reservation at a Batangas beach resort or hotel. Some municipalities may have additional requirements, like registration with s-pass.ph, a vaccination card, or a negative RT-PCR test.
But don’t worry, you can easily check with the LGU of your destination or check this post for more details. And if you’re planning on staying at an accommodation that has age restrictions, just contact them directly to find out what their specific requirements are.
Dining
While tourists hope for things to go back to normal soon, right now people have to play it safe when it comes to dining out. Many food establishments in Batangas are open for dine-in service but with a limited number of guests to help comply with health and safety regulations.
And it’s not just the restaurants that have to adhere to these guidelines – travelers are expected to do their part as well by following protocols like wearing face masks and observing social distancing.
Hotel
If you’re looking to stay in Batangas, there are a number of hotels that are allowed to operate at the mandated capacity, subject to the hotel management’s decision and compliance with safety guidelines. To make sure everything goes smoothly, it’s best to contact the property before heading to Batangas. That way, you can have a stress-free and enjoyable stay.
Diving
In order to operate under full capacity, you must have a certificate of authority from the Department of Tourism (DOT). This means that you will have to follow certain public health protocols, such as sanitizing your dive boat before passengers get on and off. Everyone on the boat – crew and passengers – must wear face masks at all times.
Perfect Time to Visit
The best time to visit Batangas falls in the months from November to May when the weather is mostly clear and sunny. However, you can still find enough windows during the monsoon months to enjoy a vacation in Batangas. Please take note that some major tourist destinations may be more crowded during the summer months of March to May.
Festivals
Every year on the Feast of St. John the Baptist, the town of Balayan celebrates with a parade of roasted pigs, called lechon. Come nighttime, after a vibrant ceremony, townsfolk and visitors from other places will then feast on the lechon.
The Sublian Festival is held every year in Batangas City, and it’s a two-week celebration that starts on the 2nd of May. During the festival, there are street dances and ceremonial worships to honor the Sto Nino.
The Balsa Festival is a yearly event that celebrates bamboo rafting on the Matabungkay Beach. It’s a great opportunity to see traditional rafts up close, and the festival usually falls on the 18th of May.
Every December 8th, the Ala-Eh Festival commemorates the founding of the province with a week-long celebration including a colorful street dance competition. This is just one of the many festivals that are held in the smaller towns of Batangas throughout the year, making it an excellent destination for anyone interested in experiencing different cultures.
Beaches and Islands
There are plenty of great beaches and islands to choose from if you’re looking to spend your holiday swimming in the sea waters around Batangas. Whether you’re looking for white sandy beaches, diving spots, or quaint coastal towns, there’s sure to be an option that’s perfect for you.
Laiya Beach
Laiya beach in Batangas is a top spot for swimming, scuba diving, and other water sports. Many people visit to enjoy the natural surroundings and take advantage of the resorts that cater to mid-range and leisure travelers.
Fortune Island
Fortune Island, located off the coast of Nasugbu, is a must-visit for those interested in Greek culture. The island features replicas of the Parthenon’s columns, which overlook the stunning Nasugbu Bay.
Although the structures are now just ruins, they offer a glimpse into the island’s rich history. Today, visitors can access the island by paying an entrance fee. To get there, you can either rent a boat at Fortune Island Resort or book a tour.
Diving Spots
There are many reasons why Batangas is considered a top destination for diving, both for experienced and beginner divers. The Verde Island Passage, specifically, is home to an abundance of marine resources, underwater caves, shipwrecks and more.
This makes it a popular spot not only among divers from the Philippines but also all over the world. When you visit Calatagan, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the beaches and take part in scuba diving. The area is home to many dive resorts and diving schools, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a diving spot.
Key Takeaway
If you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway from Manila, Batangas province is the perfect place to go. With its beautiful beaches, islands, mountain hiking trails, diving destinations, heritage towns, and delicious local cuisine, there’s plenty to keep you busy. And at just 2 hours away by car, it’s the perfect distance for a short trip.