While Boracay, Cebu and Palawan are some of the most sought-after destinations in the Philippines, Batangas is an amazing alternative for travellers looking for stunning seaside views closer to Manila. Located in the Calabarzon region of Luzon, about a two-hour drive from the capital, Batangas is home to beach destinations such as Nasugbu, Laiya, Lian, Balete, Verde and Calatagan (to name a few), the dive site Anilao, as well as sights like the Taal Volcano and its lake. You can easily reach Batangas City via a rental car or an air-conditioned bus from Manila. From there, you can bounce from town to town via jeepneys, buses, tricycles and boats (for travel to other islands such as Puerto Galera).
And, if you’re still deciding on accommodation, we’re here to help. From luxury resorts to holiday rentals, here are the best places to stay in Batangas. After you decide which accommodation option is right for you, start your flight and rental car search on Cheapflights.co.nz.
Mid-price resorts
Popular as a weekend destination for people living in Manila, Batangas is not short on cheap-to-mid-priced resorts, especially on the coasts of Nasugbu and Lian. In Nasugbu, resorts such as Canyon Cove Beach Club and the White Castle Beach Resort offer clean and comfortable rooms at cheap prices. In Lian, which is famous for the white sand beaches of Matabungkay, you can find affordable beachfront stays at Matabungkay Beach Hotel and Coral Club. The latter also offers timber rafts called “balsa”, where you can enjoy barbeques and beers while floating on the sea, which is the best way to experience sundown in Batangas, if you ask us.
Luxury resorts
Batangas may be better known as a budget destination for those who want a relaxing weekend by the beach, but the province also offers options for travellers willing to spend a little more for a five-star experience. In Nasugbu, the 49-room Club Punta Fuego is a perfect respite, with its sunset-facing private beach and two restaurants. For those who want to enjoy the cooler temperatures of Tagaytay, Discovery Country Suites, Taal Vista and Escala are great options. The recently opened Escala is definitely worth checking out. Besides its luxurious bedrooms and amazing location, it also features an infinity pool with unparalleled views of the Taal Volcano — it’s very Instagram-worthy.
Holiday rental options
For couples or big groups travelling to Batangas, holiday rentals are a savvy option. Besides the numerous homes on offer, there are also a variety of accommodations — from private bedrooms to entire homes and apartments — offered on rental sites like Airbnb and The Luxe Nomad. On the latter, you can even rent beachfront properties that offer transportation, housekeeping, a driver and an in-house chef. In addition to the potential for significant savings when compared to hotel costs, they allow travellers to feel a bit like a local. As for Airbnb, there are a lot of Batangas listings to match every taste and budget. Our favourites include Narra Hill (a Tagaytay stay with amazing views) and this rustic beachside home divers will love.
Wellness Retreats
Another luxurious place travellers should consider is a wellness spa and resort like The Farm in San Benito. It offers programs and world-class spa treatments. Although its location is a little off-the-beaten path, this retreat is considered one of the best wellness resorts in Asia.
Camping/Glamping
Feeling adventurous? Try camping. Batangas offers a lot of campsites, ranging from beaches such as Burot Beach to mountain sites such as Mount Gulugod in Mabini and Mount Maculot in Cuenca. Always in keeping with the latest travel trends, Batangas is also a famous spot for glamping (glamorous camping). In Calatagan, Casa Antonio offers beachside tents you can rent overnight. If you have a little budget to spare, you can also purchase packages that include meals and tours. Over at Balete, Nayomi Sanctuary Resort provides its guests with comfortable tents (with a fan, private toilet and bath) in the middle of a lush forest. While it doesn’t have a beach or eateries within easy reach, the resort has a restaurant and pool on-site.
Hostels
For those on a budget, hostels in Batangas are a good alternative. If you plan to visit Anilao (known for its dive sites), there’s Anilao Backpackers. A lot of the visitors rave about this humble hostel because, apart from offering clean and comfortable rooms and beds, it doesn’t scrimp on hospitality and services. Meanwhile, Bauan’s USA Town is another notable hostel. Apart from the nice facilities, the hostel aims to give back by sponsoring college students in the Philippines.
Is Batangas on your travel to-do list? Let us know in the comments and start your search on Cheapflights.co.nz.
