Batangas Sights and Landmarks Guide, Philippines

What's more exciting than catching a sight of man-made parks, volcano's beauty that once made a boom, and historical landmarks that make sense to why tourists come by. Find nature's splendor yourself by heading your way to Batangas.

The city is known for its well-landscaped parks where you can relax without any pretensions. The Plaza Mabini in Poblacion has double life-size statue of the Philippine's so-called Sublime Paralytic and Katipunero Apolinario Mabini. Noticed for its artistic form, the park won first prize in the National Beautification Project Contest in 1969. Another attraction is the Laurel Park at the Provincial Capitol Site in Barangay Kumintang Ibaba that features a multi-purpose center that is useable as a basketball court, volleyball venue or dormitory for seminars and conferences. Here, you can see an artistic work made of bronze and steel by famous sculpture Ed Castrillo entitled 'Diwa ng Batangueno'. It illustrates the virtues of diligence, decency and wisdom.

Historical and religious landmarks are a must-see, or you miss three-fourth of your trip. Drive yourself to an eye-catching Basilica of Immaculada Conception built from 1851-1857 and the Batangas Church Museum that was constructed in honor of the late Msgr. Clemente Yatco. Valued relics and 100-year-old literatures are fascinating stuff displayed inside. On your way, you might be curious to get off the van and photograph the façade of Batangas Provincial Capitol built in 1926, the gates of Batangas National High School constructed in 1902, the medical facilities of Batangas Regional Hospital put up in 1928, and school grounds of St. Brigits College.

To appreciate nature largely, you must head your way up to the famous Taal Lake and Volcano View Deck. It maybe be located not in the city proper but tourists usually go to spot Taal Lake and Taal Volcano that has erupted countless times. Known as a 'volcano inside a volcano', it's been chosen to be a Decade Volcano to be studied for future prevention of natural disasters.

After your Taal experience, you can hop to some famous beaches in town. A & V Tatlonghari Beach Resort in Barangay Cuta encloses a 50-seater pavilion ideal for seminars, two swimming pools, cottages, 30 gazebos and 20 picnic tables. Though still not completely developed, you can check out Mahabang Buhangin Beach in Isla Verde that's potentially an alternative spot for sea adventurers.

A waterfall journey also awaits you at Tingga and Ilijan Falls that flow all year round in a pretty countryside ambience. Some tourists go for a short swim. Just before you can call it a day, you might want to trek to Matoco Point to spot the Batangas Bay and Mt. Banoy to enjoy a 300-degree view of the city.

Whether you're viewing nature or understanding a landmark's importance account, everything is worth your time touring Batangas. The world knows that more of its potentials will be highly enhanced in time. Trek up the mountains to appreciate ahead of the others.