Batangas is known as having one of the best diving spots in the Philippines. It is also the place where mountain climbers and trekkers love to visit since this is where you can find the Taal Volcano and Mount Maculot. An hour and a half away from the city center of Metro Manila, Batangas is a favorite weekend getaway of locals and foreigners alike.
 |
| Stilts Calatagan Resort (photo credit: pilyotres) |
This place is considered as a first class province due to high literacy rate, strong tourism facilities and strong economic factors. Here you can find the second largest international seaport of the country, next only to Manila. Inhabitants of the province are known for being friendly and they are more than willing to show you their beautiful province, rich culture and amazing heritage.
When people in Manila have long weekends or think of a quick getaway, they often decide in going to Batangas. Here you can find the convenience of the city with the laid back atmosphere of the province. You have here breathtaking dive spots in Anilao, Sombrero Island and Ligpo Island. For those of you who just want to lie in the sand and have a dip by the sea, you can do so by the beaches of Nasugbu, Matabungkay, Calaca, Calatagan, Lemery and Laiya. Trek the trails of Mt. Maculot , Mt. Pico de Loro, Mt. Batulao and Taal Volcano, known as a volcano within a lake within a volcano. If you are tired from trekking, you can take a leisurely walk around Taal Heritage town and see for yourself the wonderfully preserved ancestral houses that date back to the 19th century.
 |
| Anilao (photo credit: caron_wong) |
Since it is in close proximity to Manila, Batangas share the same climate. It is dry season during June to February and rainy season in the months of March to May. The best time to go here is during the summer months.
History
Batangas has been a thriving province long before the Spaniards came due mainly to its port. Trades were done there by the inhabitants with the Japanese, Chinese and Indians. When the Spaniards came, they introduced Christianity to the locals. In fact some of the churches that were built in the 17th and 18th century are still standing there such as Taal Basilica, Caysasay and Carmel Church. Batangas has its share of battles since Batanguenos are known for their bravery and nationalism. The second place McArthur visited, after Leyte, when he returned to the Philippines to liberate us is Nasugbu, Batangas.
Festivals
- Tinapay Festival (Cuenca) – February 7 to 13
- Salubong Festival (Alitagtag/ Bauan) – April 16
- Kinulob Festival (Mabini) – April 21 to 25
- Tinapahan Festival (Lemery) – April 29 to May 1
- Tapusan Festival (Alitagtag) – May 31
- Parada ng Lechon (Balayan) – June 24
- Sublian Festival (Batangas City) – July 23
- Anihan Festival (Lobo) – September 24 to 29
- Paskuhan sa Maraykit (San Juan) – December 2
- Fluvial Procession (Taal) – December 8 to 9
- Coffee Festival (Lipa City) – December 11 to 16
Tips
Buses and jeepneys have routes so check the routes first before you get in on one. Tricycles take you wherever you want to go around town but it costs a minimum of 20 pesos even if you are alone. If you are six foot tall, you might just want to rent a car or van for you or your group since the tricycle is small and cramped. For your Batangas shopping essentials, do not forget to buy Barong Tagalog, kapeng Barako, Balisong knife and peanut brittle.
0 comments:
Post a Comment