Batangas Things to Do

Besides some healing time for the mind and spirit as well as a trip down memory lane courtesy of historical landmarks, Batangas also has tons of opportunities for an action packed adventure.

Mountain climbing

First of all, the province is the go-to place for both novice and expert mountain climbing enthusiasts.

The mountaineers can have their pick from at least 5 mountains starting from the stunning Taal Volcano. Most of these peaks are suitable for beginners and you can opt for a day hike or a night trek.

Registration fees vary but are minimal and usually collected at the base where guides offer their services. If you're doing a solo climb, best to hire a guide. We also recommend bringing lots of water although there are usually plenty of rest stops with locals selling refreshments on a makeshift stall.

Mt. Batulao in Nasugbu is ideal for beginners and can be done in approximately 5 to 6 hours. The trek through its rolling terrain, grasslands, and the boulder formations at the summit makes every drop of sweat worth it.

Mt. Gulugod Baboy Trail in Mabini can also be conquered at roughly the same amount of time. Do not be taken aback if you ran across some cows on your way to the top. The trail is quite easy so you can do it without a guide. What we loved about this the most is that you can do a side trip to Sombrero Island after your hike for some swimming and snorkelling.

Mt. Maculot in Cuenca is mother nature's gift to the daredevils. While the hike is easy to moderate, the climb up the rockies can be challenging. Be careful when taking pictures there, it's a long drop from the cliff to the bay down below. Guaranteed though that your snaps will be the envy of your entire social network.

Often done as a twin day hike with Mt. Maculot, Mt. Manabu Peak in Santo Tomas does not require a lot of mountaineering experience to conquer. It will take just about 2 hours to reach the summit where you can pitch your tent if you're planning to camp for the night.

Lastly, Mt. Talamitam in Nasugbu is also ideal for beginners with lots of open plains and phenomenal views.

Batangas beaches

Since time immemorial, people have been flocking to Batangas to enjoy its seemingly endless coastline, beautiful resorts, superb dive spots, and pristine islands.

Fortune Island in Nasugbu is a popular day tour as it takes only an hour to reach by boat. The water is a beautiful shade of blue and you can go snorkelling as well as cliff jumping. There's also a Greek inspired ruin that serves as a perfect backdrop for an impromptu photo shoot with your friends.

Masasa Beach in Tingloy is another hidden gem for its clear, turquoise-coloured waters and rich marine life which is perfect for snorkelling. The shore is rocky though so we suggest wearing a pair of aqua shoes.

Located in the same municipality, Matabungkay Beach is ideal for kids due to its shallow waters. We enjoyed staying in a floating cottage as well as the various water activities.

Burot Beach in Calatagan and Playa Laiya in San Juan are also perennial favourites of weekenders.

Other water related activities

Besides conquering mountains and getting sun tan in idyllic beach, there are plenty more things to do in Batangas. If you wish to get some diving lessons or join a scuba diving expedition, there's a plethora of diving resorts in Anilao and Bauan.

For some spectacular water fun, spend a day with your families at La Virginia Leisure Park (Barangay Manggahan, Mataas Na Kahoy) or Aquaria Water Park in Calatagan.

You can also go island hopping, there's Sepoc and Sombrero Islands in Tingloy, Verde Island in Batangas City, and Fortune Island in Nasugbu.