Vacation Idea: Best Places in Batangas to Visit on Your Next Trip
The Philippines is a beautiful country, and it is filled with stunning destinations that you can explore. One place you shouldn’t miss is the city of Lipa Batangas. Batangas is a place that is steeped in Philippine history and culture.
Why Visit Lipa, Batangas?
Lipa City has developed from a humble municipality into an urban landscape, but it still holds its cultural heritage and historical charm. All around Batangas, you will see sites of cultural importance, as well as the latest establishments for your comfort, dining, and entertainment.
Within the city, you will find several tourist attractions that you can explore. But travel even further into Batangas and you will find some of the country’s most beautiful beaches. The best beaches in Batangas will have you feeling relaxed and refreshed in no time. What’s even better is that you can access these amazing beaches in Batangas just a couple of hours away from the Metro.
Food is also a big attraction in Batangas. The cuisine of the city highlights hearty dishes that are filling and nourishing. Most famous for Batangas Lomi, this is a must-try dish you should have. Make the trip to the restaurants that serve the best lomi in Batangas to taste authentic lomi that is favored by the locals. Coffee is also a highlight of Batangas City cuisine, so make sure to grab a cup of authentic Barako coffee, and maybe purchase a bag of beans for you to take home as well.
If these reasons are enticing to you, continue reading to find out the best places in Lipa Batangas to add to your road trip itinerary.
Best Batangas City Historical Sites to Visit
If you are a history buff or a fan of cultural architecture and heritage sites, then Batangas is a must-visit place. You can explore several sites and locations that highlight the city and the country’s rich history.
San Sebastian Cathedral
For people who love art, architecture, and culture, as well as religious destinations, the San Sebastian Cathedral should be on your list of places to visit. It was built in the 19th century and is currently the center of the Archdiocese of Lipa.
Within the cathedral, you will find lavish baroque paintings and sculptures. The cathedral also houses a depiction of the Virgin Mary that is said to be miraculous. The main attraction of San Sebastian Cathedral is the grand baroque pipe organ, the only pipe organ in all of Batangas.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church
Founded in 1946, the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church serves as the home of Carmelites who left Manila. The church is tucked away in a more secluded area of Antipolo Road, making it a conducive place for devotees to pray in.
The church has also reported miraculous apparitions of the Lady Mediatrix of All Grace. Aside from these apparitions, devotees also report that unexplained petal shower have also occurred several times since the church was established.
Casa de Segunda (Luz-Katigbak House)
Batangas City is also famous for its heritage homes, one of which is Casa de Segunda. This ancestral home was completed in 1863, and it belonged to the municipal governor Norberto Calao Katigbak. He gifted this house to his daughter Doña Segunda, who was Jose Rizal’s first love.
The estate features architecture and design preeminent of that period, including a fountain, orchard, and pond within the estate grounds. The house was restored in 1956 to erase traces left by WWII. The house is currently managed by Doña Segunda’s great-granddaughters. Touring the house and the grounds, you will see traditional furniture and even some of Doña Segunda’s clothes lovingly preserved and maintained for future generations to appreciate.
Best Beaches in Batangas
For beach bums in search of a beautiful tropical paradise to enjoy for a quick weekend getaway, Batangas beaches are just the thing for you. You will find your next favorite sandy beach or pebble beach in the heart of Batangas City. With some of the country’s most developed beaches and beach resorts, you will have a lot of options for your next beach outing.
Laiya Beach in San Juan Batangas
Laiya beach in San Juan is one of the most popular and beautiful beaches in Batangas. This stunning beach has fine sand and crystal-clear blue waters. Some areas of Laiya Beach also have crushed shells, similar to Boracay’s Puka Beach.
Aside from spending a day tanning on the sand, beach bums can also enjoy swimming, kayaking, and jet skiing.
For beach resort accommodations, your best options would be Acuaverde Beach Resort and Acuatico Beach Resort.
Matabungkay Beach Resorts
Located in Lian, Batangas is the gem that is the Lian Matabungkay Beach. This place is perfect for fans of powdery beaches in Batangas. The beach features a long stretch of sand, and the water is calm and shallow. But about 50 meters from the shoreline, you will find spots that are perfect for snorkeling. Matungkay has vibrant aquatic and marine life, and you are sure to see vibrant corals and several species of fish.
Floating bamboo cottages are also available for guests. For accommodations, your best pick would be the Matabungkay Beach Hotel.
Fortune Island
If you want to visit Batangas beaches that are also an excellent cliff diving destination, Nasugbu Fortune Island is the place for you. Located 14 kilometers from the coast of Nasugbu Batangas, Fortune Island was designed taking inspiration from ancient Greek architecture.
To get to Fortune Island, one will have to pay an entrance fee at the Fortune Island Resort. Booking a day trip will grant travelers access to a boat that will take them to Fortune Island. Once there, you can snorkel, swim, trek the limestone cliff, or simply relax at the beach on Fortune island.
Where to Find the Best Lomi in Batangas
No trip to Batangas City is complete without sampling the best authentic Batangas lomi you can find. If you didn’t know, lomi is a thick noodle egg soup that is loaded with slices of pork, pork offal, and kikiam. To top this hearty dish, Batangas lomi is also sprinkled with crispy chicharon on top, adding a nice texture to the dish.
Make your trip worthwhile by sampling only the best lomi in Batangas from the locals’ favorite food spots.
Liam’s Lomi House
One of the best places to find lomi is Liam’s Lomi House in Lipa City Batangas. Their lomi recipe has won the championship of the Lomi Festival and Legacy Awards twice. That’s how you know that their lomi is the best of the best.
Each flavorful serving of Batangas lomi comes with generous toppings of meatballs and kikiam. They also have other items on their menu that can satisfy your Filipino food cravings.
Corcolon Lomi House
Another must-visit place for delicious Batangas lomi is Corcolon Lomi House in Lipa City Batangas. Located a stone’s throw away from SM City Lipa, it is a convenient place to visit, especially for weekend warriors who are taking a quick Batangas road trip.
What sets Corcolon Lomi House apart is their unique take on the famous Batangas lomi. Aside from the usual toppings, their family recipe also calls for the addition of lechon to this noodle dish. Aside from lomi, they also serve other pancit dishes such as pancit bihon and miki.
Lomi King
If you are looking for the best lomi in Batangas, you might also find it in Lomi King. This restaurant was founded by the son of To Kim Eng. He was regarded as the city’s lomi pioneer and the result of his dedication to the dish is an extensive lomi menu that features different types of lomi dishes for you to try. This restaurant is a favorite of the locals, but also of several celebrities.
Mr. Topsi Lomi and Bulalo
Of course, Mr. Topsi Lomi and Bulalo makes the list of places where you can find the best Batangas lomi. If you want to dine in a place that has a very cozy vibe, then this lomi place is the one for you.
Aside from the classic traditional lomi, they also serve a unique sisig lomi that is also beloved by foodies.
Make Batangas Your New Home
While Batangas City beaches and lomi houses are a favorite of city dwellers taking a quick road trip, Batangas can also become your next luxury home. Living in Batangas will give you unfettered easy access to the area’s many beaches and restaurants. Make Pievana Batangas your nature-inspired luxury home with Brittany Corporation.
If you enjoy staying in Batangas beach resorts, a home in Pievana will feel like your very own luxury private rest house. Located in Santo Tomas, Batangas, Pievane is envisioned to have the perfect balance of serenity, nature, and world-class luxury amenities.
Make Batangas City your home, and inquire about Pievana today at Brittany! Experience the perfect blend of luxury and nature with your new luxury home at Pievana Batangas.
