25+ Batangas Tourist Spots to Visit for a Weekend Getaway 2-3 hours from Manila

First on our list are the well-known churches that can be found and visited in Batangas:

Monte Maria Shrine

Situated against the stunning backdrop of Batangas Bay and encompassing views of Verde Island, Tingloy, and parts of Oriental Mindoro, the Montemaria International Pilgrimage and Conference Center, known as the Montemaria Shrine, stands as a vast religious sanctuary honoring Mary, Mother of All Asia. This expansive complex not only serves as a revered pilgrimage site and retreat venue but also as a prominent city landmark and a draw for tourists. Developed by MONTEMARIA ASIA PILGRIMS, INC. (MAPI), a non-profit organization registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the 8-hectare project showcases the organization’s dedication to spiritual enrichment and community engagement.

Monte Maria Shrine

At the heart of the Montemaria Shrine rises the imposing Statue of Mary, Mother of All Asia, a monumental figure representing spiritual unity and devotion. The statue’s design incorporates symbolic elements, such as its 12 foundations representing the tribes of Israel and a crown adorned with 12 stars symbolizing the apostles of Jesus Christ. As the tallest statue of Mary globally, towering at 98.15 meters or 322 feet from the ground to the tip of the cross atop her crown, it stands as a testament to faith and serves as the ninth tallest statue worldwide, inviting pilgrims and visitors alike to marvel at its magnificence.

Montemaria Mass Schedule:

First Friday of the month: 4:00 PM

Every 8th day of the month: 9:00 AM

Saturdays: 8:00AM, 9:30AM, 11:00AM, 12:15PM, 3:30PM

Sundays: 7:00AM, 8:00AM, 9:30AM, 11:00AM, 12:15PM, 3:30PM

Location: Brgy. Pagkilatan, Batangas City, Batangas (3-4 hours from Manila)

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily

Entrance Fee: FREE

Parking: Fee is based on gratuity

Caleruega Church

Caleruega Church is one of the historical churches in Batangas. It is ideal for wedding ceremonies, retreats, recreation and it is also a great spot to get away from the bustling city, relax, enjoy, and reflect on one’s life. 

The church is located on top of a hill in a quiet village in Nasugbu with an overlooking view of the mountains, rice fields, and the beautiful sunset. Going there will bring you closer not only to God but also to nature.

For mass schedules and wedding packages, visit my complete guide for Caleruega Church.

Location: Barangay Kaylaway, Nasugbu, Batangas

Visiting hours: 08:00 am to 05:00 pm. (Please note of the break times from 12:00 nn to 01:00 pm (Monday-Saturday) and 10:30 am to 01:00 pm on Sunday)

Entrance Fee: P30 per person

Parking: There’s a designated parking area near the entrance for FREE

Parish and National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio

The National Shrine of St. Padre Pio is a pilgrimage site dedicated and inspired by Saint Padre Pio. After his canonization as a saint in June 2002, Padre Pio’s already massive following grew even bigger, especially here in the Philippines.

St. Padre Pio Shrine

Devotees come to him for healing, miracles, and peace of mind. A view of the dome-like shrine from the entrance, this church has an eco-friendly and tropical-inspired structure as it is made from wood, stone, bamboo and sasa (bamboo plant) that provide a relaxing atmosphere inside. “Pray, Hope and Don’t Worry”, this is the phrase that you will encounter almost everywhere even before reaching the actual shrine. An overwhelming phrase that will surely set your mood. 

Healing Mass is held only on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month. Also held every 23rd day of the month at 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, and the last Saturday of the month at 7:00 AM

Location: Barangay San Pedro, Santo Tomas, Batangas

Contact number: 0977 803 4197 , (043) 784-3568 , (043) 455-0894

Email: padrepio.shrine@yahoo.com.ph, info@padrepiobatangas.com

Taal Basilica

Taal Basilica, canonically known as the Minor Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours, is Asia’s largest church. Taal Basilica is 96 meters long, 45 meters wide, and 96 meters tall. This colossal Baroque structure was made of coral stones and adobe. The church is one of the 19 Basilica Churches in the Philippines.

Taal Basilica

It’s amazing and astounding church stood up the test of times. Restored for how many times yet became a living testimony of Christian faith. Sitting on top of a hill, is a visible and very dominant structure, travel back in time at Taal Heritage Village and marvel at the well-preserved ancestral houses. 

Address: St. Martin St., Taal, Batangas

Entrance Fee: FREE

Parking: Fee is based on gratuity

Aside from its historical places, Batangas is also one of the top destinations for adventure seekers! The province is a home to some of the most hiked mountains in the Philippines. Here are some of the mountains and peaks you should go for a hike and camp in Batangas.

Mount Maculot

Mount Maculot is famous destination for hikers at all levels. The trail has three destinations: the famous Rockies (706m), the summit (930m) and the Grotto (510m). The mountain can be the perfect weekend getaway when you just want to explore, go on an adventure, connect with Mother Nature or unwind.

Mount Maculot

Maximum time to complete the traverse trail is 5 to 6 hours. All the sweat is worth it once you have reached Rockies and you see the breath-taking view of Taal Lake and the cool breeze. 

Mount Batulao

Mount Batulao

Mt. Batulao has a total trail length of 12 kilometers and it will take around 5 to 6 hours to finish the climb depending on your pace. The trail is an up and down pattern with moderately steep terrain and open slopes. You can choose between the Old Trail and New Trail of which path you’ll take, but most hikers traverse to experience both trails. It has Scenic view of the coastal towns of Batangas.

Location: Nasugbu, Batangas

Taal Crater (Taal Volcano)

Taal Volcano

Location: Taal, Batangas

Batangas is also a home to old lighthouses in the Philippines. Here are the lighthouses you shouldn’t miss to visit in the province:

Cape Santiago Lighthouse

The lighthouse is also well known in the Philippines as Punta de Santiago or Faro de Punta Santiago. However, some call it Cape Santiago. So whatever name they call it, all of these names refer to the lighthouse in Calatagan, Batangas that stands on top of a cliff by the shore. Inside the tower one can establish how old it is.

Cape Santiago Lighthouse

The interiors are made of bricks and hard wood panels. A spiral staircase made of cast iron with 65 steps leads you on top of the lighthouse. Although only a few were able to reach the top, the magnificent sight of the shore with the blue sky was fantastic. Behind the lighthouse, is an open rectangular yard, which has a stunning landscape of Balayan Bay. A good place for some fine pictures. The Calatagan Lighthouse has withstood typhoons, earthquakes and other calamities. And it has even withstood the Spanish, American and Japanese wars. Even today, one can catch a glimpse on the scars of war on its gate’s grills. It is said to be the oldest structure in Calatagan today.

Location: Calatagan, Batangas

Malabrigo lighthouse

Faro De Punta De Malabrigo, commonly known as the Malabrigo Lighthouse is one of the 24 lighthouses erected in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. This century-old lighthouse can be found at the top of a cliff in the town of Lobo, Batangas. The Malabrigo Lighthouse was completed in 1896. It was built under the supervision of Jose Garcia and was designed by Guillermo Brockman. Malabrigo Lighthouse provides an extravagant view of the Verde Island and Mindoro in the distance.

Malabrigo lighthouse

The focal plane (height of the lamp above sea level) is at 184 feet (56 meters). It also has a single-storey keeper’s house and a pavilion made of wood and bricks. It was built primarily to guide the ships traversing Tayabas Bay and the eastern end of Verde Island Passage. The lighthouse stood the test of time. It has survived countless storms, earthquakes and even wars. It was heavily damaged during World War II when the American Forces machine-gunned the lighthouse thinking that it was used by the Japanese as a garrison.

Malabringo Lighthouse is now a national heritage, declared as National Historical Landmark in November 27, 2006 by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines to commemorate it significance in maritime history of the Philippines.

Address: Lobo, Batangas

Being a coastal province, there’s an endless line of beaches you can find in Batangas. But besides these beautiful white sand and pebble beaches, the province is also visited because of its secluded yet famous islands. Here are some of the islands you should visit in Batangas:

Fortune Island

Back in 1995, Fortune Island was a 27-hectare private luxury island resort located 14 kilometers off the coast of Nasugbu. It is famous for its collapsing Grecian statues and the iconic pillars overlooking the sea, inspired by the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. Aside from the beauty of its abandoned structures, the island has a 20-meter stretch of pristine white-sand beach. 

Fortune Island

Remember that Fortune Island Resort is not a functioning resort. Fresh water, food, accommodation and (civilized) toilets are non existent on the island, so better get your supplies with you when you hop on the boat. Fishermen sometimes offer their catch to you but do not rely on that for your food as sometimes no one goes to the island and sell their catch. At the moment, there is a family that lives on the island along as its caretakers. 

There is so much natural beauty and interesting architecture and history that you will have plenty of things to choose from. You can take pictures with the Island Monument and Ship Wrecks, Camping, Swimming, Hiking (there is a medium lighthouse on Fortune Island), Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Cliff Jumping and Relax! Regardless of which activities you decide to partake in when visiting Fortune Island, you are guaranteed to have a memorable time and will want to return over and over again!

Location: Nasugbu, Batangas

Isla Verde

Also known as Verde Island, Isla Verde boasts of beach attractions that are almost untouched including the beautiful Mahabang Buhangin and Cueva Sitio and some stunning Isla Verde Batangas resorts. This island also sits in the middle of Verde Island Passage, which is described as the “center of the center” (it’s in the middle of Batangas and Mindoro) of the world’s marine biodiversity citing the high concentration of marine species.

Isla Verde

Be prepared before arriving in the island, as there is no consistent supply of electricity in this Island. Residents rely on generators, which are run from 6pm-10pm only and some resorts use solar panels. Verde Island is not a huge place so there’s not really much to do except for enjoying the beach and water activities. If you’re going island-hopping, here are some of the places you can visit: Mahabang Buhangin Isla Verde Beach, Abandoned Verde Island Resort Batangas, Sawang Dive, Snorkeling Spots, Kuweba (Cave and Lighthouse), Pulong Bato, Rock Formations and San Antonio Beach. Its beaches are carpeted with coarse beige sand, mixed with corals pieces and seashells.

Location: Brgy. San Agustin Kanluran Isla Verde, Batangas City

Pulo Island

Known to locals as Pulo Island or Pulo-pulo, Loren Island is like that one person who is easy to get along with yet still retain some kind of mystery; she will intrigue you. The cove part is welcoming with its mixture of fine and course beige sand, but the sloping beach just beside the cove and the beach behind will either intimidate you or challenge you with their rugged appearance highlighted by the rocky shores and unspoiled islet.

Pulo Islands

The island is a private property, said to be owned by Loren Legarda, but tourists are welcome here for a minimal fee. The island has two beaches and what looks like a sandbar that links to another rocky islet. There’s a white sand area enclosed in a cave-like formation. It looked amazing together with the crystal clear, turquoise water. 

Location: Calayo, Nasugbu, Batangas

ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA 

Laiya Beach, San Juan

Acuatico Beach Resort & Hotel

A premium leisure resort, Acuatico Beach Resort offers you the perfect sanctuary to reset and recharge. Enjoy swimming in their  famous infinity pool and witness its merge with the azure waters of the adjacent seas and and get to enjoy the facilities including watersports rides while at the beach.

Acuatico Beach Resort & Hotel

Address: Laiya, San Juan, Batangas

Contact number: 0928 854 3849

Email: reservations@acuaticoresort.com.ph

Cocoons – Club Laiya

A unique and unconventional resort hotel experience. The Cocoons, a Millennial Resorts project, can be found in CaSoBē (Calatagan, Batangas) and Club Laiya. Cocoons are designed to merge intimate stays and engaging plays in one Instagram worthy space for guests. Rest yourself in the Garden Cocoons that will recharge your spirit and make you feel one with nature.

Cocoons – Club Laiya

Address: Club Laiya, Brgy. Laiya Aplaya, San Juan, Batangas

Contact number: +632 88365055 / 0999 225 3333

Email: info.clublaiya@millennial-resorts.com, reservations@millennial-resorts.com

Calatagan Beaches

Calatagan is known for its epic coastline dotted with seafront gems that would satisfy any beach lover. Here, paradise stretches beyond the shores. Flanked by Balayan Bay, Pagaspas Bay and Verde Island Passage, this peninsula’s waters are among the most biodiverse in the world. This means that snorkeling and scuba diving are exciting options when you head out into the sea. Here are top resorts you can book in Calatagan, Batangas:

Stilts Calatagan Resort

Often called “the Maldives of the Philippines”, just 3-4 hours away from the busy capital, the resort offers the much needed getaway in the best of tropical traditions. At Stilts, you have the option of staying in a beach cottage, villa, campsite, treehouse, or even in one of their iconic “floating” cottages hovering above the sea.

Stilts Calatagan Resort

Address: Barangay Sta Ana, Calatagan, Philippines

Contact number: 0917 580 7653 / 0917 5863343

Email: stilts.sales@gmail.com

Instagram: @stiltscalatagan

Sunrise Cove

Sunrise Cove Calatagan Beach Resort is a private beach resort, nestled among hills and wooded forests, for the most part, is a tranquil and perfect place to de-stress and be one with nature.

Sunrise Cove

Address: Bagong Silang Calatagan, Batangas 

Contact number: 0920-8400-534  

Lobo Beaches 

The town of Lobo also boasts fine and enchanting beaches, though only a few have unearthed the beauty of its shorelines. Spend your days swimming in the azure waters of Malabrigo Beach and Sawang Beach, or get that instant adrenaline rush by hiking the Bangkalan and Nagpatong Peaks. Here are top resorts you can book in Lobo, Batangas:

Punta Verde Resort

Punta Verde Resort Lobo, Batangas

Secluded in pristine nature, Punta Verde Resort can accommodate a total of 116 guests in three accommodation classes: Superior, Deluxe, and Premium. Each class is perfectly suited for guests with different needs. Aside from this, our campsite can accommodate an additional 75 guests, perfect for those who like the rustic, “roughing it”-style experience.

Nasugbu Beach Coves

Nasugbu is known for its array of beaches with azure blue waters. Its proximity to the metropolis is one of the reasons it is popular, but Nasugbu’s beaches are already so well-known by themselves that the place makes a compelling case as a summer destination. If you want a nice and luxurious place to stay, you’ll easily find one in Nasugbu. Here are top resorts you can book in Nasugbu, Batangas:

Canyon Cove Hotel and Spa

Offering breathtaking views of the West Philippine Sea, Canyon Cove Hotel and Spa is known to be one of Nasugbu’s premier beach resorts. With rooms adorned in an elegant blend of neutral colors and wood that exude calm and comfort, guests can be ensured of a relaxing stay.

Canyon Cove Hotel and Spa

Most rooms also offer a generous view of the sea which makes it a welcome sight to wake up to. However, Canyon Cove’s main attraction is its inflatable water park which is said to be the largest in the country. Dipping into Canyon Cove’s pool is definitely one of the experiences you will look forward to. Guests may also opt to book other water sports activities such as snorkeling, jet-skiing, kayaking, banana boating and so much more.

Address: Far East Road, Piloto Wawa 4231 Nasugbu, Batangas

Contact number: 0908 812 0955

Email: canyoncoveres@canyon.ph

Instagram: @canyoncoveofficial

RSAM Beach Resort by Cocotel

RSAM Beach Resort by Cocotel is a hotel in a good neighborhood, which is located at Nasugbu. The hotel is located only 3.45 km away from Hamilo Coast Terminal. Not only well positioned, but RSAM Beach Resort by Cocotel is also one of hotels near the following Taal Lake within 48.74 km and St. Benedict Parish within 47.54 km.

RSAM Beach Resort by Cocotel

Address: Barangay Calayo, Nasugbu, Batangas

Contact number: 0917 307 7462

Email: csr@cocotel.com.ph

Other Nasugbu Beach Resorts, Hotel, Transient and Vacation House for Rent

• Layag-layag Beach
• La Althea’s House Papaya Beach
• Tali Beach
• Munting Buhangin Beach Camp
• Pulo Island
• Bituin Cove
• Club Punta Fuego 
• Amara Residences 
• Calayo Beach Resort 
• Calayo Green Terrace
• Hillcrest House at Tali Beach
• Casitas de Victoria
• Papaya Beach Cove Nasugbu Batangas
• The Shade Beach and Resort

ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA

The Farm at San Benito

The Farm at San Benito—a proud member of CG Hospitality, the hospitality arm of CG Corp Global—is an eco-luxury holistic medical wellness resort located in Lipa, Batangas, just a 90-minute drive south of Manila. It rests on a 48-hectare lush green jungle, with a stunning view of the majestic mountains, fresh air with pristine and uplifting life-giving energy radiating around the property. 

The Farm at San Benito

The Farm has been honored with over 80 prestigious international awards including “Best Medical Wellness Resort in the World” from SENSES Germany which made its mark as one of the leading medical wellness destinations in the Asia-Pacific region. There are the man-made waterfalls and swimming pools for those who want to cool off, the meditation salas for those who want to reflect and take in the serene surroundings, the free fitness and meditation activities for those who want to stay fit physically and mentally, and there’s even a 300-year-old mango tree in the middle of the property for those who just want to appreciate nature.

Instagram: @thefarmatsanbenito

The Old Grove Farmstead

Experience the bliss of country living and the wonder of nature with your loved ones. The Old Grove Farmstead, located in Lipa, is a romantic farm famous for its Netherlands-inspired windmill, barn, and sheep farm. As a matter of fact, the landscape of this farm featuring a pond enjoyed by friendly white ducks overlooking a sheep farm and barn makes this place an excellent venue for weddings.

The Old Grove Farmstead

Guests can enjoy a sumptuous lunch and dinner at its cabin-inspired restaurant. The restaurant is surrounded by a “swoon-worthy” landscape of small hills adorned with pockets of herb gardens, a children’s playground, and a nearby private pool.

Location: Purok 5, U. Mojares Street, Barangay Lodlod, Lipa City, Batangas

Contact number: 0917 895 2829

Instagram: @theoldgrovefarmstead

Nayomi Sanctuary Resort

Nayomi Sanctuary Resort is located at Barangay Alangilan, Balete, Batangas where one of the best views of Taal Lake is seen. Surrounded by nature, Nayomi offers a relaxing atmosphere that will make anyone feel right at home. 

Nayomi Sanctuary Resort

Cintai Corito’s Garden

Cintai Corito’s Garden is a Balinese-inspired sanctuary tucked in the heart of Balete, Batangas. The resort is 1-1.5 hour drive from Manila and is easily accessible via the STAR Tollway.

Cintai Corito’s Garden

Noni’s Mountain Resort

Noni’s Resort is a true hidden gem in Batangas, boasting unparalleled views of Taal Lake, Tagaytay ridges, and the very majestic, Mount Maculot. This is a place to spend your vacation so you can relax in peaceful and serene surroundings on a farm and resort while enjoying the amenities of urban living. 

Noni’s Mountain Resort

The resort offers spacious standard rooms but claim to fame is our private villas for big groups and our original concept, a-framed, next-level glamping units. Enjoy privacy at its finest while basking on the beauty of mother nature!

Villa Jovita

Villa Jovita

There’s no need to fly to Bali to get an instagrammable photo. In fact, with all the beauty surrounding the resort, you’ll feel like you’re in Bali. Enjoy their non-chlorinated swimming pools located beside a river and surrounded by bamboo trees. It’s a great place if you want to feel relax and spend a day for a vacation.