Batangas has long been a go-to for travelers who need a quick out-of-town trip. Despite being only two hours away from Manila, the province boasts of numerous attractions—too many, perhaps, that it can be overwhelming for travelers planning out their first visit to Batangas.

The province, after all, is rich in natural and historical sites. This is thanks to its variety of physical features like elevated lands, rolling hills, flat lands, and mountains as well as a storied past involving Catholicism, patriots, and artists.

If you’re ever visiting Batangas any time soon, make the most out of your first trip to the province and drop by these places.

World-Class Vacations at Acuatico Beach Resort
Laiya, San Juan

Established in May 2008, the Acuatico Beach Resort is a locally and internationally-recognized destination due to its high-end amenities and pleasing aesthetics. In both 2019 and 2020, it received the Traveler’s Choice award by the traveler review platform TripAdvisor.

Unwind in your room’s balcony or at the poolside. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

Guests can choose accommodations between the resort’s main and La Prima wings. Both have rooms facing the sea, which allows the sea breeze and golden sun rays inside. While the La Prima wing is farther from the beachfront than the main wing, the nearby facilities make up for the distance.

Amenities are plentiful, which allows you to choose exactly how to spend your vacation. For active individuals, you’ll find great pleasure in water activities such as boating and snorkeling, along with access to the game and fitness rooms.

The poolside bar lets you bond with your family or friends. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

Those looking for a quiet vacation will enjoy the spa, which offers massages and has a sauna.  The Azul Bar and Cafe is also open to serve drinks ranging from coffee to cocktails.

Booking can be done through direct calls to the resort or contacting them through either Facebook or email. Rates start at Php 7,000. To get there, take a San Juan-bound bus at Buendia, then ride a jeep going to Laiya and tell the driver to drop you off at Acuatico.

Day tours cost Php 2,700, while accommodations start at Php 7,000.

Exclusivity and Luxury at Club Punta Fuego
Brgy. Balaytigue, Nasugbu

Located west of Batangas, Club Punta Fuego in Nasugbu was developed in the late 90s to establish an exclusive area for its homeowners and members.

The club’s stone path leads to a stunning view of the ocean. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

It changed its policy in the mid-2000s and opened its doors to the greater public. While parts of the club experience remain exclusive to members, a wide range of facilities can be availed by guests.

The club’s non-members are welcome to experience its once-exclusive offers, including this beachfront view. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

Active sports enthusiasts can access their tennis and squash courts, swimming pools, and a special infinity pool, while more laid-back individuals can play billiards, darts, and golf. Guests can also try water activities such as water skiing, jet skiing, snorkeling, wakeboarding, kayaking, and riding a banana boat.

When you’re done enjoying the outdoors, fill up your tummy at the club’s San Diego Restaurant, which serves Filipino and Spanish specialties. Finish your meal off at the T and C Bar Lounge, where you can choose from their selections of red and white wine.

On top of the observation of minimum health standards and protocol, a resident nurse, a doctor, and a medical administrator are present for immediate assistance should certain medical circumstances arise.

Club Punta Fuego can be reached through the Ternate-Nasugbu Highway or SLEX. When you reach Brgy. Balaytigue, drive to the gate of Peninsula de Punta Fuego.

Room rates in Club Punta Fuego start at Php 6,230.

Website: https://www.clubpuntafuego.com.ph

Soothe Your Soul at Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort
Brgy. Sta. Ana, Calatagan

Imagine the tranquil sound of waves whispering into your ear, sand beneath your feet, a cool breeze, and the gentle kiss of the sun. This is exactly what you can experience at Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort.

The resort is part of a 24-hectare land home to a developed beach, garden, aviary, and ATV trails. A one-kilometer beach area is divided into two—one for recreational purposes and a quieter area popular for photoshoots.

Stilts’ specialty water cottage provides an atmosphere ideal for relaxation. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

The resort specializes in creating a relaxing atmosphere through its accommodations of water and beach cottages, villas, treehouses, and specialized tents. Though the staff likes to experiment with the dishes they serve, Filipino comfort food like Bulalo and Kare-Kare remain popular choices.

The resort also offers adrenaline-pumping off-road adventures on ATV trails. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

If you’re a thrill seeker, you can proceed to trying exciting activities such as snorkeling, fishing, diving, and ATV adventure trails.

Stilts can be reached by taking a van bound for Calatagan at Pasay. The trip ends at the Calatagan town proper, from where you can take a tricycle to Stilts.

Travel safely!

All tourist destinations in Batangas have health and safety protocols in place to protect locals and visitors alike. Everyone must comply by wearing face masks, regularly washing their hands, and practicing physical distancing.

To check out up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel or the Google Playstore.