Things to Do in Batangas

GalaTayo PickActivity · Anilao, MabiniAnilao (Diving and Snorkeling)Day trip to 2D1N·₱1,500/head

Ang 'birthplace of Philippine scuba diving' - and still one of the world's best macro dive spots, just about 2.5 hours from Manila. Anilao, in Mabini, Batangas, faces Balayan Bay at the edge of the Verde Island Passage, often called the center of the center of marine shorefish biodiversity. Divers come for nudibranchs, frogfish and colorful reefs; non-divers can snorkel, try an intro dive, or island-hop to spots like Sombrero Island. Dozens of locally run dive resorts line the coast, with no big hotel chains in sight. Make it a weekend: dive or snorkel by day, then chill with a sunset view of the bay.

GalaTayo PickHeritage · Poblacion (around Taal Basilica)Taal Heritage TownHalf day·₱100/head

Isang buong bayan na parang open-air museum! Taal is a hilltop heritage town in Batangas, crowned by Taal Basilica, considered the largest church building in the country at 88.6 meters long. The town grew rich on coffee in the late 1800s, and that wealth shows in its streets of bahay na bato, many now house museums, cafes and B&Bs. Walk from the basilica to the Marcela Agoncillo house, linked to the maker of the first Philippine flag, then down to the Caysasay shrine. Eat Taal longganisa, tapang Taal and Batangas lomi, and take home burda embroidery or a balisong. Best moment: a cool weekday morning, before the midday heat and weekend tour groups.

GalaTayo PickActivity · Off Nasugbu coastFortune IslandDay trip·₱800/head

Greek pillars on a cliff above a turquoise sea - Fortune Island is Batangas' Acropolis moment. Owned by former Batangas governor Jose Antonio Leviste, the island once hosted a resort club that opened in 1995 and was later abandoned, partly because the island has no fresh water. What remains are dramatic Grecian columns and statues on the cliff edge, plus old cabanas and a pool. Around them are white-sand coves and clear water that are great for swimming and snorkeling. Visits are by boat from Nasugbu, and most people join group tours to split the cost. Go on a calm dry-season day for the bluest water and best photos.

GalaTayo PickActivity · Evercrest (Km 87, Tagaytay–Nasugbu Road)Mount Batulao5–7 hrs·₱200/head

First akyat? Batulao ang sagot! This 811-meter mountain in Nasugbu, Batangas is one of the most popular beginner day hikes near Manila, rated 4/9 in difficulty. The trail rolls over open grassy ridges and rocky peaks with wide views of Taal Lake, the Tagaytay ridge and Balayan Bay. Pick the gentler New Trail through a forest patch or the steeper Old Trail with a rope-assisted final push. Sari-sari stops along the way sell buko and cold drinks. Start at dawn, because the open trail gets very hot by mid-morning, and you will be back in time for lunch.

Activity · Laiya-Aplaya, San JuanLaiya BeachDay trip to 2D1N·₱300/head

White sand, no flight needed - Laiya is the barkada and family beach escape on Batangas' eastern coast. Facing Tayabas Bay in San Juan, about 150 km from Manila, this long stretch of fine, light sand is lined with resorts from budget-friendly to upscale. In summer the water is calm and clear, perfect for swimming, kayaking and banana boat rides, and most resorts offer day-use passes if you only have one free day. Overnight stays turn it into a proper weekend: grill by the beach, karaoke at night, sunrise swim in the morning. Go on a weekday or book early for summer weekends, when Laiya gets packed.