2. A province that is famous for excellent dive sites and the world’s lowest volcano,
Batangas is going nowhere but up. It is a thriving tourist destination replete with open
beaches and sheltered coves, subterranean caves and deep harbors, a preserved heritage
and brave men in history.
Found in the province is world-known Anilao and its many dive sites that are ideal for poking
around and observing marine life, and outstanding for macro photography. Multi-hued
crinoids are prolific. The variety of nudibranchs is unmatched. Night dives are especially nice
and often reveal unusual creatures like sea hares, sea goblins, catfish eels, ghost pipe fishes,
blue-ringed octopuses, mandarin fishes, and snake eels. The area’s best known dive site,
coral-covered Cathedral is spectacular at night. One of the prettiest dives in the area, Sepok
has nice coral gardens and a vertical wall.
Taal Lake and Volcano in Batangas is Southern Luzon’s centerpiece attraction. Known to be
the smallest in the world, it is a volcano within an islet within a lake within a crater within a
volcano. The town of Taal reigns as one of the two most culturally preserved sites of the
Spanish colonial era; the other is Vigan in Ilocos Sur. The village in Taal conforms to the old
town layout combining the municipal hall, school, church, and houses.
Among the multitude of popular tourism activities to be had in the province are heritage
tours, pilgrimage tours, scuba diving, shopping, mountain climbing and trekking, swimming,
and snorkeling. Batangas is located only 110 kilometers south of Metropolitan Manila, and is
very accessible from the national capital by land.

3. Founded in 1581, Batangas used to be a bigger province, which was
composed of the present Batangas, Mindoro, Marinduque, and the present
southeastern portion of Laguna. It used to be called Balayan, with the town
of Balayan as the capital.
In the beginning of the 17th century, Marinduque and Mindoro were
made into separate provinces. In 1732, the capital was transferred to Taal.
Finally, in 1754, the capital was transferred to Batangas and the province
was thereafter named after the new capital town.
Batangueños are known for being adventurous, business-minded,
industrious, friendly, and hospitable. They also happen to have a longstanding reputation for bravery, owing to the Balisong, a Philippine
handmade fan-knife native to the province. To add to the perception, Lipa
in Batangas, known as Coffee Granary of the Philippines, produces the
popular Kapeng Barako, strong coffee considered fit only for strong men.

4. The province of Batangas is bounded on the north by the provinces of Cavite
and Laguna, on the south by the Verde Island passage, on the east by the
provinces of Quezon and Laguna, and on the west by the South China Sea. It
has a total land area of 316,580 hectares, 50% of which has a grade of less
than 15 degrees. The terrain is generally rolling while the rest are
mountainous and hilly.
Batangas has a naturally cool climate. It experiences two types of seasons: dry
from November to April and wet for the rest of the year. Mean annual
rainfall is at its maximum in July, at 1.5 to 2.5 meters. March is the driest
month. Mean monthly temperature is 82 degrees Fahrenheit. February is the
coldest month, averaging 69 degrees Fahrenheit, while May is the hottest, at
96.1 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. Batangueños are bilingual, with Tagalog and English as the basic languages used in
business, government, schools, and everyday communication.
The population of the province totals 2,377,395 as of May 2010.
Southern Luzon’s centrepiece attraction is Taal Lake and Taal Volcano in Batangas.
The gateway for most visitors is through Tagaytay City, from the ridge where a
panoramic view of Volcano Island can be seen. The volcano is known to be the
smallest in the world. Surrounded by a lake, it is situated on an 8.8-kilometer islet,
lapped by the 27-kilometer-long lake. Both the lake and the volcano are situated on
the crater of an extinct volcano. Volcano Island is also ideal for trekking.

6. Foundation Day of Batangas Province
A program and the selection of “Mutya ng Batangas City” are the main activities
during the celebration.
History and Culture Consciousness Week
A celebration depicting the history and culture of the Batangueños, it includes a
photo exhibit, on-the-spot painting competition, and “Paligsahan sa Kasaysayan.”
Stations of the Cross/Penetensiyahan
It provides a glimpse of the 14 stations at the foot of the mountain at Poblacion
Rosario, Batangas. Christian devotees hold pilgrimages to this place during the
Lenten Season.
Harana
It is a typical practice of courting a woman in the rural area. The man relays his
message to his beloved through songs.

7. National Arts Month
It is an annual activity aimed at showcasing the talents of Batangueños in singing,
dancing, painting, and photography.
Birth Anniversary of Late President Jose P. Laurel
It is a yearly celebration commemorating the birth of the late President Jose P. Laurel.
Pabasa ng Pasyon
It is a traditional celebration of reading the “pasyon” that depicts the life and death of
Jesus Christ.
Carera de Paso
It is held during Lent, on Holy Wednesday, in the poblacion at Calaca, Batangas. It is
different from the province’s other racing competitions because only local horses from
the different barangays of Calaca may join the competition.
Foundation Anniversary of Lobo
Activities include street dancing, float parade and contest, the selection of Mutya ng
Lobo, and cultural shows.

8. Birth Anniversary of Gen. Miguel Malvar
It is a commemorative event to honor the birth anniversary of the last general to
surrender to the Americans.
Buwan ng Wika
It is a month-long activity to campaign for the use of the Filipino language, as
promoted in streamers and during a short program.
Tapusan Festival (May; Alitatag, Batangas).
It is an impressive festival during which the Holy Cross is honored on the last of May.
Flowers are offered during the afternoon ceremonies, before an old cross in the town
church. The observance peaks on the 31st of May with a colorful procession, during
which the cross is mounted on a gaily decorated float, together with other floats
bedecked with flowers carrying other Marian images. All the floats are radiantly
lighted and drawn along the principal streets of the town.
Paskuhan sa Maraykit
The traditional yuletide celebration at Maraykit, San Juan, Batangas, includes the
“juego de anillo,” lantern making competition, and search for the best decorated
house.

9. Salubong/Holy Cross Festival
It is a festive celebration involving the meeting of the Holy Cross of Bauan and the
Holy Cross of Alitagtag at Binukalan Shrine come 8:00 A.M. The celebration is
highlighted by a program and the singing of praises to the Holy Cross, accompanied
by street dancing. Finally, come 2:00 P.M., the Holy Cross of Bauan is brought back
to the Parish Church of Bauan, where the jubilation culminates.
Subli-an sa Batangas
(July 23; Batangas City, Batangas). It is held in line with the city’s Foundation Day.
The festival, a brainchild of the Batangas City Cultural Affairs Board, aims to revive
the centuries-old tradition of dancing the Subli, a dance indigenous to Batangas. The
festival has evolved to include street dancing.
Parada ng Lechon (June 24; Balayan town, Batangas)
The celebration coincides with the feast of St. John the Baptist. Lechons, or roast
suckling pigs, coming from each barangay of the town are paraded, dressed in
accordance with the theme of the fiesta. The parade is capped with a grand viewing of
the lechons at the plaza. After the parade, the townspeople and guests partake of the
fare as well as engage in water dousing.

10. Anihan Festival
The festival showcases the various products of the different barangays in the town of
Lobo. The barangay representatives go street dancing, dressed in beautiful costumes
made out of the products harvested. A search for the best costume is mounted, with
fabulous prizes at stake for the winner.
Fluvial Procession at Pansipit River (December 8-9)
The Taaleños begin the celebration of their two-day town fiesta by converging at the bank
of Pansipit River, where several bancas are anchored. The image of Our Lady of Caysasay is
carried by the devotees in a fluvial procession on the river, through the streets of Taal, and
finally, to the Basilica of Taal. On the following day, the images of Our Lady of Caysasay
and St. Martin de Porres, the patron of the basilica, join the evening-long procession.
During the procession, girls dressed in white stop at street corners and hail the Virgin Mary
by reciting “luwa,” or praises, until the procession rends at the basilica, where it is
welcomed by spectacular fireworks and different bands.
Coffee Festival
The festival was conceived to showcase the long reign of Lipa as the coffee granary of
the Philippines. It includes a trade fair and tiangge, the Karera ng Tiburin, a search
for the Barako ng Bayan, and parlor games.

11. Taal reigns as one of the two most culturally preserved sites of the Spanish colonial
era; the other is Vigan in Ilocos sur. The village conforms to the old town layout
combining municipal hall-school-church-houses. It consists of a number of tourist
attractions, namely, the Leon Apacible Historical Landmark, Marcela Mariño
Agoncilio Museum and Monument, Basilica of San Martin de Tours, Escuela Pia, and
Church of Our Lady of Caysasay.
Batangueños have a long-standing reputation for bravery, owing to the Balisong, a
Philippine handmade fan-knife native to the province. Balisongs are an excellent buy
from the myriad of shops that litter the province, showcasing the artistry of
Batangueños.

12. It is not only ideal for poking around and observing marine life but also outstanding
for macro photography. Multi-hued crinoids are prolific. The variety of nudibranchs is
unmatched. Night dives are especially nice and often reveal unusual creatures like sea
hares, sea goblins, catfish eels, ghost pipe fishes, blue-ringed octopuses, mandarin
fishes, and snake eels.
The area’s best known dive site, Cathedral, is two large mounds with a cross in
between at 50’. It is a well-established fish feeding station. Covered with corals, the
site is spectacular at night. Sombrero has a shallow wall of about 60’ with some good
coral growth; offshore but nearby are Beatrice Rock and Bajura. Schools of
triggerfishes and sometimes jacks and surgeons swim by, and they appear to have the
market on anthias.
One of the prettiest dives in the area, Sepok has nice coral gardens and a vertical wall.
Devil’s Point Twin Rocks, Coral Gardens, and Mainit are shallow dives with a wide
array of invertebrates, especially nudibranchs. Bonete, Arthur’s, and Koala offer good
dives for novices, with most to see above 50’. There is a good selection of hard and
soft corals, anemones, and clown fishes, and goblin fishes at Arthur’s.

13. General Malvar Museum and Library
A national landmark, it serves as a repository of the memorabilia of the last
Filpino general who surrendered to the Americans. It also houses a collection of
oil paintings.
Apolinario Mabini Shrine
The national shrine is a memorial to the nationalism of Philippine hero
Apolinario Mabini, known as the Sublime Paralytic, whose moral convictions and
political principles illuminated the Filipinos in their search for national identity.
It houses the remains and personal belongings of the late revolutionary hero who
is also considered as the Brains of the Katipunan, the 1896 Filipino revolutionary
movement against Spain. The shrine is located in Barrio Talaga, Tanauan,
Batangas.
Punta de Santiago Lighthouse
Built in 1890, it is one of the earliest lighthouses that still functions to date.

14. Museo ng Batangas at Aklatang Panlalawigan
Not merely a repository of Batangas memorabilia, the museum is also an active
entity engaged in keeping alive the cultural wealth and traditions of Batangas and
the Batangueño spirit that has animated the fields of arts and the sciences,
politics, economics and society in the country.
Batangas Memorial Foundation Museum and Library
Relics of a glorious past are displayed in the 18th century house on V. Ilustre
Street. Taal. The house contains the Batangas Memorial Foundation Museum
and Library. It endured two world wars and underwent two major renovations in
1870 and 1940, before it attained its present form. Its heavy doors, black and
white marble tiles, and hardwood panelling are all reminiscent of 18th century
architecture.
Jose P. Laurel Memorial Library
The personal property of the family of the late President Jose P. Laurel, it was
donated to the Philippine government as a historical site and public library. The
library is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

15. San Sebastian Library of the Arts
The library opened its doors on February 10, 1996 on the ground floor of SLD
Bldg. on P. Torres St., near the Mt. Carmel Convent in Lipa City, starting with a
modest collection of art books donated by Mr. Danilo L. Dolor.
Marcela N. Agoncilio Historical Landmark
The site marks the birthplace of Marcela Agoncilio, who made the first official
Philippine Flag during the Philippine Revolution against the Spanish authorities.
The different flags of the revolution are also prominently displayed on-site.
Casa de Segunda Katigbak
The ancestral home of the Katigbaks, a prominent Batangas family, the Casa is a
typical “Bahay na Bato.” It is Spanish colonial yet tropical in style. It was named
after Segunda Katigbak, reputed to be the first love of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the
Philippine national hero. The Casa has been declared by the National Historical
Commission as a heritage house for having harbored generations of artists, poets,
and persons of learning and distinction.

16. Pastor House
Still a private residence of the Pastor family, it is an example of turn-of-the-century
residential design. It was originally owned by Mr. Alejo Acosta, the Barrio Captain of
Batangas in 1883.
Flights of Steps, Taal
Connecting the Taal Church and Caysasay Shrine is a flight of 123 rough-hewn
marble steps. A path branches off the steps that lead to the Santa Lucia wells, where
water is believed to be medicinal.
Msgr. Clemente G. Yatco Museum
The museum was built in memory of the late parish priest who started to work for the
creation of the museum. It is found within the compound of the Basilica, located at

17. the city proper.
Santa Lucia Wells
About 500 meters off the Flights of Steps past a dried creek and gloomy undergrowth are
the twin wells of Sta. Lucia in Taal. The present wells used to be a brook, the site of which
is said to be one of the places where the Virgin of Caysasay performed her miracles. The
people built a church near the well area but an 18th century earthquake caused the church
to sink, although its façade, half immersed, remained intact. After the quake, spring water
gushed out of the twin doors.
Ilagan Ancestral House
It is a well-preserved residential structure constructed in the late Spanish period. It is still
used by the descendants as a private residence. Visitors are accommodated only by special
arrangement with the present-day owners.
Marcela Mariño Agoncilio Museum and Monument
This ancestral house belonged to Marcela Agoncilio, the distinguished Taaleña matron
who helped sew the first Philippine flag.

18. Leon Apacible Historical Landmark
A national landmark, the ancestral house of Leon Apacible houses the family collection of
relics and memorabilia.
Taal Heritage
Taal reigns as one of the two most culturally preserved sites of the Spanish colonial
era; the other is Vigan in Ilocos sur. The village conforms to the old town layout
combining municipal hall-school-church-houses. It consists of a number of tourist
attractions, namely, the Leon Apacible Historical Landmark, Marcela Mariño
Agoncilio Museum and Monument, Basilica of San Martin de Tours, Escuela Pia, and
Church of Our Lady of Caysasay.
Escuela Pia
This centuries-old Spanish edifice used to be an educational institution in Hispanic
times. It is now an imposing architectural legacy left standing in the plaza compound.
Hugon Beach

19. The white sand of Hugon Beach is one kilometer long. Some parts of the sea floor
have smooth rocks but most are sandy. There is a sudden drop-off of about ten meters
from the beach. The waters of the beach are also good for snorkelling.
Church of Our Lady of Caysasay
This church is one of the province’s distinct cultural artifacts for some of the priceless
relics of the Spanish colonial period. Among the relics are the 27-centimeter image of
the Virgin which was fished out of the waters in 1603, the Augustinian emblems
engraved on the communion rails, the ornately carved holy water receptacle, and the
few baroque motifs which remain on the external frieze. The church has been
renovated but many interesting details of period art can still be appreciated.
Basilica of San Martin de Tours / Taal Church
San Martin de Tours is the patron of Taal, in whose honor a fest is celebrated every
November 11. The church was first built by Father Diego Espina in 1575 in San
Nicolas. It was destroyed when Taal volcano erupted in 1754, rebuilt at the present
site in 1755, and once more destroyed by an earthquake in 1849. Construction of the
present church was started in 1856. Once noted to be the biggest in South East Asia,
the church is unique in its combined patriotic, religious, and artistic influence.

20. Writers point to its theatrical exuberance. Its façade is baroque and consists of a single
mass of stone shaped into rich complex designs. The church, however, is a fusion of
styles with arched openings, alternating segmental canopies and arches of asymmetric
shapes.
Gerthel Beach
Located in the town of Lobo, it is one of the finest beaches of the area. The
approximately one-kilometer stretch of white sand beach has a gradually sloping ocean
floor of up to about two hundred meters before the drop off.
Submarine Garden
The garden consists of living corals near the shore of one of the beaches of Lobo. It
can be clearly seen during the early mornings, when the water is clear and the tide is
low.
Mahabang Buhangin Beach
Located in the town of San Juan, the area has white sand and a living colony of corals.
Tingga Falls

21. The falls is about 30 feet high with a pool made into a swimming area at its base. It is
semi-developed with concrete steps built for easy access.
Munting Buhangin Falls
This small cove has become a favorite haunt of local and foreign tourists, and offers
water enthusiasts with a fine stretch of powdery white sand beach, fringed with foamy
blue waters.
Natipuan Beach
It bears a resemblance to Munting Buhangin, with its off-white sand and refreshing
waters. It is located in another cove, which is similarly accessible.
Tinalunan
This is a spot where wind-tossed waves surge and slam against the rocky cliff
supporting a long plateau. From atop the plateau, one can catch a breath-taking view
of the seascape, especially when the weather is fine.
Mt. Maculot
One of the highest and most prominent mountains in the province, Mt. Maculot is
one of the favorite sites of mountain trekkers. It is said that the mountain was the last

22. stronghold of the Japanese in the province before they were defeated. Several tunnels
built by the Japanese soldiers are present in the area. The name Maculot, meaning
kinky, was derived from the curly-haired aborigines found in the place.
Matabungkay Beach
It is 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.
Mahabang Buhangin
Located on Isla Verde, Mahabang Buhangin has an extensive stretch of shoreline with
a vast ribbon of fine white sand.
Bulalacao Falls
The area has about three small falls enclosed in a canyon, the highest of which is
about 10 feet high, with water coming out of the mouth of a small cave.
Calijon Falls
This tourist attraction consists of two major falls and two smaller ones. One of the
bigger falls is about 10 feet high, with a great volume of clear water gushing down to a

23. shallow pool. The other one, also about 10 feet high, resembles a bridal gown. One of
the two smaller falls is shower-like while the other forms a series of small cascades. All
the falls are located in an area of about 300 square meters.
Mainit Hot Spring
The spring offers therapeutic waters and a refreshing dip for bathers. The spot is
ideally located at the foot of a huge mountain with thick vegetation.
Cueva Sitio
The site is an ideal place for picnics. Its main attraction is a rock shelter that has
always provided a cool shade for visitors.
Taal Lake and Volcano
Southern Luzon’s centerpiece attraction is Taal Lake and Volcano in Batangas. The
gateway for most visitors is through Tagaytay City, from the ridge where a panoramic
view of Volcano Island can be seen. The volcano is known to be the smallest in the
world. Surrounded by a lake, it is situated on an 8.8-kilometer islet, lapped by the 27kilometer-long lake. Both the lake and the volcano are situated on the crater of an
extinct volcano. Volcano Island is also ideal for trekking.

24. Sepok Point
Located on the southwestern part of Maricaban Island, Sepok Point has white sand
and shores typical of a tropical cove. It is a good place for swimming and snorkelling.
Ilijan Falls
It is a unique waterfalls with water coming from a big spring on top of a mountain and
gracefully flowing from one bowl to another. It has seven huge stone bowls carved naturally
out of the mountainsides and beautifully arranged like a flight of stairs.
Basilica of Saint Martin de Tours/Taal Church
Reputed to be the largest in Asia, Taal Church stands 96 meters long and 45 meters
wide on a plateau in the heart of Taal. The Augustinian Missionaries started
construction in 1756, and it took a century for the church to achieve its present form.
The façade resembles that of the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Its tabernacle is made of
silver, the only one of its kind in the Philippines.

25. Church of San Guillermo of Talisay
The construction of the church was begun by the Spanish friars in 1892 but it suffered
heavy damage in 1898. Restoration has enabled the structure to be functional until today.
Church of the Immaculate Conception of Bauan
First constructed in 1700, it was built around neo-classical lines, with its walls broken
by the Gothic lancet windows. The altar has a tri-centered arch, with a niche
containing the statue of the Virgin Mary. The façade of the church features both
geometric and circular forms. It has a bell tower, which is hexagonal, and rests on a
base decorated with coupled columns. Topped by a campanile, the church is arcaded
with capiz shell windows on the upper level.
Church of San Jose
This church was built by the Augustinian friars around 1788. It has a single-aisle
interior, which offers an unobstructed view of the large main altar. The altar is
massive, with six rounded columns encircling the image of St. Joseph. Outside, a
multi-tiered belfry stands, which was built in the later 19th century. A bridge offers
passage to the church over the Malaquing Tubig River.

26. Carmelite Convent of Lipa
This convent of the contemplative order of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel was the site of a
mysterious “shower of petals” to a visionary nun after World War II.
Church of Our Lady of Caysasay
The Caysasay shrine in Taal is a tribute to the image of the Virgin fished out by a
resident from the Pansipit River in 1603. Legend has it that the image enthroned in
Taal Church used to wander through the village, performing miracles. It has
become an object of annual pilgrimage, especially among the Roman Catholic
devotees.
Tanauan Church
This church was built in 1881, along the Romanesque lines of churches in Europe,
but local builders incorporated neo-classic lines, especially along the external sides of
the church. Rounded arches tapering down to the strong pillars harmonize with
uncluttered lines of the central ceilings. The church is remarkable for its wide-open
central naves and circular niches.

27. San Jose Church
This church was built by the Augustinian friar, Fr. Manuel Blanco, in 1812. It has a
large one-aisle interior and is remarkable for its restored main altar, ceiling frescoes,
and flowery capital on the columns. The church is an interpretation of Baroque
architecture in the Philippines, and combines this with the neo-classical lines of the
adjacent convent. The pulpit and canopy are a study in intricate carvings of local flora.
Lipa Cathedral
Built in the Romanesque tradition with a circular dome, massive walls and balconies,
the cathedral is the center of worship in the historic town of Lipa, Batangas. Lipa
Cathedral was originally built to honor St. Sebastian. Its first grand concept was
completed in 1865 but, after the devastation of WWII, it underwent massive
reconstruction. This beautiful church has architecture in which columns and light
play. The domes of the church and the bell tower have intricate moldings and arched
stained-glass windows. The body of the church is barred-vaulted and now illuminated
by modern chandeliers. The church also features a winding stairway to the choir loft.

28. Calatagan Golf Club
Lauded as one of the best international championship courses in Southeast Asia, this
golf club holds another unique distinction: it it located in an arboretum where over
3,000 trees, local and foreign species are planted.
Evercrest Golf Club Resort
This golf club and resort features a deluxe hotel, lavished with world-class amenities,
including stylish shops and restaurants
Punta Baluarte, Calatagan
A nature resort set on the rolling hills of hacienda Bigaa, Punta Baluarte offers firstrate accommodations, world class golf course and facilities.
Mt. Maculot

29. One of the highest mountains in Batangas, Mt. Maculot has always been a favorite among
mountaineers and trekkers alike. The name of the place was derived from “kulot,” meaning
kinky, in reference the kinky hair of the people who lived in the mountains.
Taal Volcano
The lowest volcano in the world is surrounded by a lake. It is accessible by boat from
at least seven towns surrounding the lake. Tour agencies as well as some Tagaytay
resorts offer tour packages to the lake. Jump-off point is Agoncillo, Batangas.
Accessible in less than two hours south of Manila, the small town of Tanauan is the skydiving
capital of the Philippines. The drop zone, between Mt. Makiling and Taal Volcano, showcases
some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. The Skydiving Center in Tanauan has a
1200m airstrip with several aircraft available to take you aloft for jumping. The standard
equipment is state-of-the-art square parachutes, which all have Cypress automatic activation
devices fitted for maximum safety.
Air Sports

30. The Manny Barradas Air Strip is the official jump-off point of the Parachutist Association of the
Philippines. The airfield features a parachuting field measuring a length of 1,800 feet, width of
45 meters, field elevation of 300 feet, and heading of 05 degrees to 23 degrees. Facilities include
11 single engine airplanes, 4 crop sprayers, 2 flying schools, and 5 charter planes. Airplane types
include 6 Cessna 206, 2 Beechcraft Sundowners, and 3 Pipers.
Aquasports
Most resorts offer a wide range of watersports, such as jetskiing, hobbycat, boardsailing,
windsurfing, and the like.