Mt. Batulao, Batangas

I consider Mt. Batulao as one of the most climbed mountains in Southern Luzon because of the following: proximity from Manila, beautiful landscape, and cool and relaxing ambiance.  A two to three hours land travel from Manila, this mountain can reward you with a breathtaking and wide view of its green mountain slopes. You trek can be tiring but your tired muscles will be relaxed as the cool and refreshing wind blows. Since it's in Batangas, you can have a side trip in Tagaytay and have a sumptuous bulalo break.

Taal Basilica, Batangas

I am eager to visit Taal Basilica or the Minor Basilica of St. Martin of Tours because an earthquake hit Batangas and it created a crack on the wall of this church. By the way, it is considered as one of the largest catholic churches in Asia which measures 96 meters long and 45 meters wide, as per taal.gov.ph.

TOP 10 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN THE PHILIPPINES IN 2024

Today, just noticed that the weather is changing from cool to a warm humid air - a proof that summer is almost here. To help you, I listed 14 best and must visit and destinations in the Philippines. First, the world famous Boracay Island. It is listed as one of the best beaches in the world according to the travel agencies, websites, blogs, magazines and other people’s reviews. The shoreline has fine white sand, the waters are crystal clear, cool and fresh air and there's a lot of activities to choose from. READ: BORACAY ISLAND GUIDE | 

Mt. Talamitam, Batangas

Though, no trees are dancing and birds singing, the nude shape of Mt. Talamitam makes it one of the hiking destinations in the Province of Batangas. Considered as a friendly mountain for beginners, this Talamitam can still bring a remarkable hiking experience to those seasoned in this field because of its soil type which is slippery and muddy during the wet season and hot during summer. As you can see on the photo above, this mountain is covered with green which brings a relaxing aura to the eyes.

Mt. Maculot

I'll place Mt. Maculot as the second must climbed mountain in Batangas because of different factors. Can also be one of the best options for day hikes because of its minor trail type and terrains that are covered with trees and surrounded by grass and shrubs, the air is the fresh, cool ambience and a perfect location for a stunning shot with the world famous and most active Taal Volcano on the background. In addition, the Rockies are the best and most famous part of this mountain.

Batangas Tourist Spots

1. Manuel Uy Beach Resort

The top tourist spots in Batangas are easy to visit, so if you're looking for gorgeous places to relax near Metro Manila, I've listed them for you. The province has a collection amazing landscape by the beach, paradise in the middle and top of the mountains, colorful bio diversity  underwater, historical sites, and many more. First on the list, Manuel Uy Beach Resort which is one of the must-visit place in the Calatagan, a 3-4 hours road travel from Manila. Travel time might be tiring but the journey can be unforgettable.

Mt. Gulugod Baboy

Mt. Gulugod Baboy is one of the hiking destinations in Batangas with gorgeous slopes and a relaxing ambiance on the summit. It became famous because of its proximity and beauty. Its name literally translates to "pig's spine" in English and was given because of its slopes and shapes that are similar to the pigs' spine. If you’re starting to explore the richness of the Philippines at a higher altitude then, this mountain is your perfect start. 

Manuel Uy Beach Resort, Batangas

Stunning beaches and resorts near Manila can be found in the province of Batangas in Southern Luzon; Manuel Uy Beach Resort is one of the must-visit places in the Calatagan, a 3-4 hours road travel from Manila. Travel time might be tiring but our journey to our destination was unforgettable. Our journey started after our respective shifts on a Friday. It was a bit challenging because all of us woke up early for work and passing on the roads of Tagaytay added a sleepy feeling due to its cool weather. There was a moment of silence, although most of the time, we killed that "sleepy ambiance" by talking about other people's life. If who those people are? hhmm. No comment. Aside from that, our musicality was also measured by the Whitney Houston and Celine Dion's songs played while the car window's open.

Burot Beach

Looking for a place to relax and at the same time wants to experience adventure? Burot Beach is the perfect place for you. It is situated in the Municipality of Calatagan, Batangas – just few hours travel from Metro Manila. It is another spot that this province can be proud of. History: Burot Beach was formerly known as Elizalde Beach, because it was previously owned by Elizalde family - a wealthy clan in the Philippines and then bought by the SM Group of Companies. Today, it is privately owned by the SM Group and still open to the public.

Mt. Daguldol

Batangas in prominent with their beautiful beaches and outstanding underwater activities but if you want to strike two different destinations in one day, it is possible. Not so  far from the shoreline of San Juan, Batangas, you can find Mt. Daguldol, one of the hiking destinations in the province. This mountain is one of their assets in terms of mountain ranges with beaches on the background. Daguldol is perfect for first time hikers because the trail is simple to moderate, but the beauty on the summit was remarkably beautiful. 

Mt. Manabu, Batangas - an overnight hike guide

Its name is derived from the phrase "Mataas Na Bundok." Mt. Manabu has gorgeous flora and distinct fauna that can be found on the terrain; usually composed of tall hardwood and fruit-bearing trees, coconuts, shrubs and grasses. This type of terrain serves as a paradise for the civet cats that produce expensive coffee. In addition, its summit has a wide view of the mountain ranges from afar and the nearby villages and has a cool and refreshing sea breeze. 

Mt. Malipunyo

Mt. Malarayat is another name given to the Mt. Malipunyo ranges in Batangas, one of the hiking destinations in Southern Luzon. Proximity wise from Manila and nearby provinces, it's a big CHECK. For two to three hours land travel and a whole day trek, you can enjoy the stunning views and extreme experience that can be found on the terrains of this mountain. It is also considered as “first timer friendly,” as it has a simple to moderate trail types. The terrain is abundant with different type of trees and colorful flowers that serve as as paradise of the wildlife. 

Mt. Tibig

Hiking for one to two hours, you can easily reach the summit of Mt. Tibig. This mountain offers a relaxing trek because of its trails and gorgeous picturesque on the summit. With reggae music on the background, the stunning mountain ranges, covered with greens, will definitely make your eyes relaxed while the fresh and cool wind will help your soared muscles recover - such perfect place for bonding. Accessibility from Manila is super check because it is situated in Lobo, Batangas, a two to three hours land travel from the metro. 

Mt. Batulao Dayhike

Mt. Batulao is one of the famous hiking destinations in Batangas for those people searching for challenges and outdoor adventures. This mountain is another gem and pride of Southern Luzon which is 2-3 hours travel from the Manila, very accessible to both private and public vehicles. Batulao is famous because of the breathtaking view of its ranges and slopes. Its surface has an amazing shape covered with luscious and relaxing greens. Since it's just a few kilometers away from Tagaytay, which is the usual side trip, its ambience is really cool.

Mt. Talamitam | BHM on 3rd

Our original plan was Mt. Maculot, but two days before the climb, it was changed to Mt. Talamitam in Nasugbu, Batangas. Night trekking was certainly full of fun since there was no problem with the harmful sun UV rays. Talamitam is covered with cogon grass and shrubs; no hard wood or trees that can protect the hikers from the sun rays. Its highest point measures 630+ MASL with a gorgeous ambiance on top. There's one hundred meters assault to the summit which added an amazing adventure to the hikers. Mt. Batulao and Mt. Pico de Loro were just two of the well known mountains nearby.

Mt. Maculot

Mt Maculot is one of the mountains lying in southern Luzon which is prominent to mountaineers because of its special feature. Maculot is one of the best options for day hikes because of its minor trail type, terrains that are covered with trees and surrounded by grass and shrubs, the air is fresh, cool ambiance and a perfect location for a stunning shot with the world-famous and most active Taal Volcano on the background. The rockies is one of the best and famous part of Maculot.