Anton Segismundo
Batangas Lakelands is a place of many firsts, just a “Netflix” Movie away from Manila.
Batangas have always been synonymous with quick beach getaways. Honestly, as someone who is just a casual fan of beaches, the land of “ala eh” is rarely on top of my list for some brisk R&R—until last November 23 when Batangas Lakelands launched their “Great Getaway Adventures”. Apparently, there is so much more to do in Batangas besides swimming on beaches and eating lomi and goto.
Often overlooked by many because of the sheer size of the province, Batangas houses an easy entryway to the serene lake of Taal through the Amore point—which is just 90 minutes away from the city (this was true on a Saturday morning, by the way, so travel time may change should you decide to head there on a weekday). What’s more is that Batangas Lakelands, a collection of adventure and activity-filled properties, now offers multiple ways to enjoy Batangas in a new light.
Now, I’ve been to many destinations this year, but I don’t think I’ve ever been to one that has bestowed so many “firsts” in just two days—and again, this is just an episode and a half of “Peaky Blinders” away from the taxing concrete jungle of Metro Manila. I say this because Batangas Lakelands offers visitors the chance to go on a lakeside adventure through the land, water, and air tours.
Go on a Batangas Lakelands Land Adventure
The most steady (and cheapest) tour offered is a land tour. Those who avail of this bang-for-your-buck package will hop on the “artsy” Amore bus at the Lima Park Hotel. The bus will transport you to a glorious 5-hectare sanctuary called the Marian Orchard. You’ll truly feel in touch with nature and spirituality in this well-planned pilgrimage site—I would seriously spend an entire day here. The site has numerous religious sculptures and prayer sites, fruit-bearing trees, and colorful flowers, plus a perfect view of Mt. Maculot as you go on a reflective journey should you choose to take on a full-on station of the cross experience.
After a pilgrimage that will clear your mind and heart, the Amore bus will take you to the Amore point (a pier serving as the landing and staging point for the Taal Lake Cruise). Here, you’ll catch a beautiful sun slowly setting on a magnificent Taal Lake.
The Batangas Lakelands land tour offers a PHP 2,200 and PHP 3,180 package per person. Both packages include a Marian Orchard and Amore point tour with snacks and dinner (the former package offers snacks and dinner at Amore Point while the latter offers snacks and dinner at the Lima Park Hotel Garden Room).
Cruise into the sunset at a beautiful Taal Lake
For a more romantic vibe (whether you’re with someone else or by yourself—nothing wrong with a little self-love), go on a cruise tour. The tour begins at Amore Point, where you can take “wallpaper-Esque” panoramic photos of Taal Lake. After taking stunning photos, you will hop on a “fancy” cruise ship that will bring you to Lakepoint Manakah—a well-maintained lakeside area overlooking the lake.
At Lakepoint Manakah, you can enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and archery (Imagine kayaking while seeing peaceful waters, taal volcano on one side, and Mt Maculot on the other—unforgettable). There are also numerous “kubos” and a treehouse offering a stunning 360-degree view of the area, all while you feast on a delicious Binalot meal. Finally, should you opt for the sunset cruise package, you can end your day with a golden view as the majestic sun turns taal lake into golden waters.
The Batangas Lake Cruise offers two variants: A sunset cruise and a morning cruise. The sunset cruise is priced at 4,200 pesos and includes snacks and a steak dinner at Lima Park Hotel’s Garden Room. The morning cruise is priced at 3,240 pesos and includes snacks and lunch at Amore Point.
Be in awe as you go on a fascinating helicopter ride.
For adventure and thrill-seekers, an aerial tour is also offered. Guests can enjoy a breathtaking view via a state-of-the-art Bell Helicopter. Bell Textron, Inc. is an innovative aerospace manufacturer that produces high-quality and technologically advanced helicopters for the US military and commercial use—safe to say that this is as top-of-the-line and luxurious as you can get in terms of helitouring.
The exhilarating ride will bring you above Batangas, offering an aerial view of the luscious Marian orchard, followed by the calming waters of Taal Lake. The tour’s climax is when the helicopter approaches the Taal Volcano crater. I remember my heart beating rapidly as we neared the crater, and upon seeing it, I saw unparalleled beauty I wish I could see for days on end.
The exhilarating sky adventure costs 9,600 pesos. The aerial tour includes a Lunch or Steak Dinner at Limapark Hotel’s Garden room.
Oh, since you’re already there and all, why not check in to Lima Park Hotel, the only 4-star hotel in Batangas? From its comfortable rooms, luxurious design, and For more information, visit www.batangaslakelands.ph.
Searching for the best hotels and affordable flights? Check out our complete list of affordable hotels and resorts via Agoda, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
Want more updates about new resorts in Calatagan, Batangas? Please follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.
Read:
- Top 17 Best Batangas Tourist Spots (Popular Things to do + Best Places to Visit)
- One for the books: El Nido Island Hopping
- Cadlao Island: El Nido Island Hopping Tour D
- Cruising around Taal Lake
