Explore Batangas: Top Things to Do for a Fantastic Getaway

For a destination modest in size, Batangas, Philippines can sure spoil a tourist. It has it all: a vast coastline of resorts in San Juan, Batangas' upscale beach hub, colonial architecture lending antiquity to the urban landscape, and natural beauty splayed in mountains, volcanoes, and hot springs. Seriously, what more can you ask? Only a couple of hours away from Metro Manila, Philippines, Batangas sure has a lot to offer those seeking pleasurable travel adventures. Here is a short list of what is in store:

Beaches – Instead of flying all the way to Boracay or Palawan for a lovely sun-drenched getaway, Batangas provides a more accessible and budget-friendly alternative. A wide selection of beaches are located here. Whatever kind of beach experience you fancy, you won't be disappointed in the available options. The more famous white sand beaches are located in Laiya, San Juan, like Acuaverde Beach Resort. Then in Anilao, the popular diving sites can be found. Nasugbu and Calatagan are two more towns that provide a good selection of resorts both fit for the adventurous and the laid back types.

Churches – Pious or otherwise, the churches built during the Spanish era are should not be missed for their stunning architecture. There are several worth mentioning standing in Batangas. First is the largest in Southeast Asia, the Basilica of Martin de Tours in Taal. The Lipa Cathedral is a thing of beauty too, displaying Romanesque architecture in its ascending and descending columns and arches. Make sure to visit the Church of San Juan in San Jose, too. You need to cross a 19^th century bridge across Malaquing Tubig River to reach it. Other interesting details include its massive altar and a multitiered belfry.

Mountains – Get a lovely countryside view once you reach the top of Mt. Maculot. It is one of the highest peaks in Batangas found in the town of Cuenca. It is a favorite stop of mountain trekkers. But more than the sub-alpine scenery, there is a bit of history to the mountain, too. During the Japanese occupation, it served as the last Japanese stronghold in the region and tunnels they built still remain to this day. In Nasugbu, another good climb can be had at Mt. Batulao. It is important to wear warmer clothes when climbing between December and February because it can get particularly chilly up top.

Hot Springs – Prepare for a relaxing treat. For the stressed, Mainit Hot Springs in San Juan is exactly what you need. Soak your bones in the natural hot spring set at the foot of a mountain and surrounded with lush vegetation. The mineral springs have only been slightly developed to retain its natural charm and a nice dip surely brings you back to your senses. It takes a bit of a travel to reach it though as it takes 10 miles of rough roads to get here but it is very much worth it, particularly when you are trying to escape the crowds from your accommodation in a resort in San Juan, Batangas.