The Beauty Of Batangas: This Is What You Should Take Home

A road trip to Batangas is everyone’s ideal getaway from the busy city life. WIth summer just around the corner, everyone is getting all excited for a day under the sun. It’s that time of the season where it’s all about the swimwear, riding the waves, and exploring natural landmarks. For most travellers, they just go for the experience after an exciting road trip.

Known to be one of the largest province in the Philippines, Batangas is what most city dwellers call home or a getaway place. You won’t find that much traffic or polluted areas but going to Batangas can be a haven for you and your loved ones. Visitors have often see the stressful side of Manila but most likely they won’t see that much resemblance in this kind of province.

For a getaway that’s different from most of your road trips, you can find a simple and solitary beach resort in Batangas City. If you haven’t been to Sabangan Beach Resort, then you’re in for a treat. It’s not your ordinary modern resort, but it’s a whole other wonderland you might enjoy.

So when it’s time to head back to the city life, what should you take home from all this? It’s not just the Kapeng Barako, the fruits and veggies you find on the side of the road, or the numerous photo shots of the grand natural landscapes, but the little souvenirs handcrafted by provincial residents. It seems very common to take home from a beach trip, but one day you'll realise how something so simple and small can take you back. Not only will it be a memorable item, but something that marks some highlight of your trip and a generous support for the locals. Now wouldn’t that be nice?

If you’re looking for something different and special, you can reserve a stay in one of the most treasured accommodations in the heart of this wonderful Laiya beach resort. There, you can find a wonderland of your own and it has become a second home for most of our city visitors.

To stay in accommodations like Sabangan Beach Resort, get confirmed reservations when you book directly at http://www.sabangan.com.

A Food Lover's Guide to Batangas

If you happen to find a nice promo for a beach resort in Laiya, Batangas — one of the most private beach enclaves in the Philippines — and will be staying for a few days, make sure you head out of your room and explore the food of the region. There is no shortage of good food here to satisfy the senses of any food lover.

Let this list give you a headstart:

Kapeng Barako – Definitely a Batangas classic, kapeng barako is a strong brand of coffee that definitely packs a punch. The name says it all: barako means strong man or manliness. The beans used to make this coffee are home-grown from Lipa and it is renowned for its bold character and flavor.

Bulalo – One of the best in the country, this hearty bowl of stewed beef bone marrow and shank should not be missed. Many restaurants lining the highways serve it as an instant pick-me-up for travelers but everywhere you go, as long as there is dining, count on it that bulalo is under the house special.

Suman – Lots of places in the Philippines serve their own version of suman, a sweet sticky rice delicacy wrapped in banana leaves. It is prepared by steaming and it is served with a sweet sauce made from coconut milk. The local suman is called Sumang Magkayakap from Tanauan City. It got the named because of its presentation. Two pieces are tied together, resembling an embrace or yakap.

Gotong Batangas – The traditional goto or congee is defined by its rice component. As such, the Batangas version is definitely a far departure as it does not contain any trace of rice. Tripe and other innards take its place, making it more like papaitan than goto. Sometimes meat is added to the mix but the innards always play the main role.

Kilawin – This is as fresh as it gets. Take a freshly caught fish, soak it in vinegar, cook it with a squeeze of calamansi, and toss with a confetti of chopped onions, garlic, and hot peppers. The result is a pickled fish preparation that as light and delicious as it is cleansing to the palate.

Adobong Dilaw – Philippines is well-known as the adobo nation. Interestingly, each region has its own way of cooking the popular dish. It is no different in Batangas. Here it is prepared with yellow ginger instead of soy sauce, giving it a distinct color and taste. If you are an adobo fan, this is definitely a must-try.

Tapang Taal – Wake up to good mornings with a unique Batangas flair each time you have a plate of tapang Taal. Made from pork marinated in soy sauce, garlic, and calamansi, this jerked pork dish is best enjoyed at breakfast served with fried rice and fried eggs. If you want the complete package, have it with hot tablea, the local version of the hot chocolate made from locally produced chocolate. Ask your resort in Laiya, Batangas if they serve it and dig in.

3 Exciting Activities for Short Trips to Laiya, San Juan, Batangas

Right amid the sun, sand, sea, and the lush Mount Daguldol, Acuaverde Beach Resort in Laiya, Batangas offers a perfect weekend of nature escapades. Only about 2.5 hours' drive from Metro Manila, the long stretch of white sand in San Juan is just the place for a day tour for city dwellers in need of immediate distraction and relaxation. Here are but a few of the activities in Laiya that will prove to be a fun inclusion in just about any itinerary.

1. Camping at the beach

Ever thought of being lulled to sleep by the soothing sound of the waves as they caress the shore? How about having a beach barbecue and sleeping under the stars? Imagine no more because the beaches in Laiya have plenty of spots that cater to a perfect night out with nature and just the most essential of human comforts. Welcome the sun as it makes its ascent from the sea and enjoy a whole day of lazing in the beach, bathing in the cool water, and eating a stick of grill-fresh, home-style barbecue. Or a slice of red velvet cake and a cup of hot tea — it's all up to you.

2. Mountain climbing for beginners

Mount Daguldol is a popular venture for beginner mountaineers. For security and safety, all climbers are required to have a local guide who will lead them along the trail. A day trip is 5-hour trek that includes pit stops and restroom breaks at the communities that you will pass by on your way to the top. Once you've reached the summit, you will find yourself rewarded with a 360-degree view of the horizon and the lush slopes of the mountain, and the perfect backdrops for jump shots. After you've come down from this natural high, you can head directly to the beach for a refreshing wind down.

3. Snorkeling

Take a dip into the cold water and prepare to acquaint yourself with fishes of different kinds. You can easily see pufferfish, striped catfish, sea anemones and clownfish, and coral hawkfish. Feel free to invite the sea critters with a bit of bread. Don't worry about bringing a submersible camera since the water is clear enough that you can take pictures of the reef without getting yourself wet.

So are you itching for a quick break from the city? Just remember that a few hours' drive is all it takes to say yes to the exciting activities awaiting for you at Acuaverde Beach Resort in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas.