When creating to-go-to lists, Batangas should not be missed out.
Of course, we have world-class destinations here that local and foreign tourists are visiting every now and then.
Batangueño hospitality is another reason why non-natives are fond of staying in our province. Oh, don’t forget the food! Batangas cuisine is definitely one of the bests in the country.
And in Gia Recio’s blog yesterday for FemaleNetwork.com, she included the towns of Nasugbu and Anilao (barangay, actually) in the 30 Must-Visit Philippine Towns and Cities list.
Why visit Nasugbu?
Nasugbu is a 1st class municipality in the province and is popular among travelers who love going to the beach, camping, and trekking.
Mt. Batulao is Nasugbu’s pride. The dramatic slopes and land formations you would see when you reach any of the two peaks is, I bet, one of the most exhilarating ways to experience the natural beauty of Batangas.
Here’s a quick note from our resident mountaineer, Alva:
“Masarap maghalo-halo sa camp 6. P25 lang pero pag madami kayo pede na sa bente tapos pede pa humiling ng asukal.. hehehe.. Masarap din ang picturan doon kaya magdala ng camera.. Nobyembre hanggang Pebrero ay medyo malamig at mahangin kaya kasarapan dun umakyat. Balita ko eh sa mga bandang December 8 ay makikita mula sa baba ng Batulao na duon lumulubog ang araw eksakto sa gitna ng twin peaks. di ko pa nakita pero yun yung sabi ng mga locals. Dabest dun.”
This phenomenon which happens in December was where the name “Batulao” originated from. When the sun sets between the twin peaks, the surrounding rocks appeared to be illuminated hence the phrase “bato sa ilao” which they shortened and eventually became “batulao”.
Nasugbu also cradles the posh resort Terrazas de punta Fuego, the Chapel of Transformation in Caleruega which is a famous option for intimate weddings, Sandari Batulao which is the first residential resort situated on a mountainside, and another residential area which is the Kawayan Cove.
Beach bums and island hoppers should not miss Tali Beach, Twin Island and Fortune Island. Aren’t these enough reasons why you should head to Nasugbu anytime soon?
Photo insert shows the statues of Gen. Douglas MacArthur and two of his men located on this Nasugbu beach to commemorate the start of the liberation of Luzon from the Japanese invasion. The local government celebrates its foundation anniversary every 31st of January (and that’s today), the day of the Nasugbu landing.
Why visit Anilao?
Anilao is paradise for divers. It is such a lovely destination both over and under the sea.
Anilao’s marine sanctuary is one of the most precious gems of the province and we hope people would continue to preserve the magnificence under its waters.
Situated in the town of Mabini, Anilao is also a point to be at for mountain climbers. I love the way I say “Mt. Gulugod Baboy”, which you’d never hear here. Haha.
Here’s what Alva has to say about the “climber-friendly” Mt. Gulugod Baboy:
“Napaka climber-friendly na bundok. Relax lang ang akyat.. di masyadong matarik, di masyadong mahaba. Pede ka magsama ng pamangkin. Tapos ang camp site eh parang malaking playground. Malawak na grassland (na madami din nga lang pupu ng cow) wahihihi.. Pero suabe lang. Halos 360 din ang view at suabe pa sa pagbaba dahil sa nakapilang resorts na may mura lang at meron din namang kainaman. Mas magandang umakyat dun kung malaking grupo dahil ang mahirap doon ay ang sasakyan. Kunwari ay ginabi kaya mas maganda kung sisita kayo ng jeep. Kung madami kayo di syempre madaming maghahati-hati kaya suabeng suabe na.”
Did we give you good reasons to visit Nasugbu and Anilao? Don’t just count on the words that excite you here. Go and explore more of Batangas. We guarantee you the best summer adventure here. Winks.
Now, ABS-CBN brings us the Philippine franchise of the said singing competition and is now on its way to finding the best contenders from different parts of the archipelago.
