Batangas (city)

Batangas, the capital of Batangas province, is a major seaport, second to Manila among the ports on Luzon, and a gateway to the rest of the archipelago. With a population of over 300,000, Batangas is seeing fast growth, but its prominent sights like the city's religious sites and heritage homes are yet to have a mention to the tourist trail.

Understand

The name "Batangas" can be ambiguous; it can either refer to the city, the minor metropolitan area, Metro Batangas, or the province. The term is far more used to refer to the province, but "Batangas" is also the original name of the town before it became the city it is today. Media will use "Batangas City" to disambiguate it from the province, but in ordinary speech, the city is just referred to as "Batangas", the same as the eponymous province.

Though considered their own government units, this article covers also municipalities that belong to the larger area called Metro Batangas:

• Batangas city proper (329,874)
• San Pascual, to the west (65,424)
• Bauan

Alongside the towns of Bauan and San Pascual, Batangas City forms a minor metropolitan area, Metro Batangas. The two municipalities has seen major growth in industry and real estate and commercial developments are on the rise. Many residents of those towns commute to Batangas City to shop, study and work.

The city is home to the Philippines's second most important seaport, the Batangas Port, making this an important entry point to Luzon and the rest of the Philippines. Batangas City is also the educational capital of Batangas and a university town on its own, hosting major universities in the province like Batangas State University, Lyceum Philippines University and University of Batangas. There is a small expat community in the city, composed of Chinese business owners, some Nigerian students, and a few Caucasians. Life in the city is rather laid back and living costs are cheaper.

The city is continuing to grow, but it is yet to grow its skyline, and growth remains horizontal, leading into urban sprawl until this day. You can travel around by jeepney, tricycle, or car, but driving on your own is not for the faint-hearted. Many travellers taking the land and sea route from Manila to the beaches in the south will have a layover in Batangas, and there is an oversupply of hotels to accommodate travellers making a stop in the city or avoiding overbooked seaside resorts.

History

The area served as the center of the ancient barangay of Comintang (Kumintang) long before Spanish colonization. Spanish settlement began in 1572 and the original town center was founded in 1581, on the present-day area of sitio Hilltop in barangay Kumintang Ibaba. After the destructive eruption of Taal Volcano destroyed the original capital at Bonbon (present-day Taal), the settlement became the new administrative center and capital of Batangas, then called the province of Bonbon.

The current local government was set up by the American military in 1901. During World War II, the town served as a landing point by the Japanese, and dive bombers devastated most of the original town and its air field. The town was rebuilt after the war. The current city, originally intended to be named Laurel City after Philippine president Jose P. Laurel, was chartered in July 14, 1969. The completion of STAR Tollway in 2007 further boosted Batangas City's status as an international port, alongsides the expansion of it port complex. In 2017, the city was affected by an earthquake swarm that originated off Balayan Bay

Climate

Batangas City
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D       23     30 22       16     32 22       21     33 23       35     35 24       117     34 25       229     33 25       330     31 24       287     31 24       255     31 24       218     32 24       145     31 24       92     30 23 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation+Snow totals in mm Source: PAGASA, via Data.gov.ph (data from Ambulong weather station)
Imperial conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D       0.9     87 72       0.6     89 72       0.8     92 73       1.4     94 75       4.6     93 76       9     91 76       13     89 75       11     88 76       10     89 75       8.6     89 75       5.7     89 74       3.6     86 73 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation+Snow totals in inches

The city has a dry and wet climate, but it greatly influenced by the monsoon climate that cause frequent rainfall to the east. Temperatures can be as high as 34.5 °C (94.1 °F) or as low as 22.1 °C (71.8 °F), with little difference by month, as in tropical countries. The dry season is very short, running only between January and April, but sporadic thunderstorms still occur. The rainy season starts as early as May or late as June. Batangas City is not as rainy as its nearest large city, Lipa or even Manila, but it is relatively hotter than the two.

Location

Batangas City is surrounded by of San Jose and Cuenca to the north, San Pascual and Bauan to the south, Ibaan, Taysan and Lobo to the east, and Verde Island to the south. The city covers 283 square kilometers (109 sq mi) of lowland, mountains, and the island of Isla Verde. Most parts of the city remains rural, and the population is largely concentrated on the mouth of the Calumpang River.

Batangas City is prone to typhoons, but the city is less prone to earthquakes. The last recorded earthquake was an earthquake swarm in 2017 that damaged some buildings, especially its historic Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Typhoons frequently pass through the city, especially from June to September. Some of them made major damage, especially on crossings between the Calumpang River.

Economy

Much of the rural areas of the city relies on agriculture, but the urban areas rely on trade and an expanding industrial base. Real estate developments are also part of the local economy. The city is also the educational center for Batangas, and the city is home to many major colleges and universities in the province.

The city center, in the Poblacion area, is a fast growing central business district, with new and larger buildings and establishments being constructed. Most shops, offices, and schools are in this area.

People

Batangas City has about 329,874 inhabitants according to the 2015 census.

The locals are mostly Tagalogs, with a large Visayan (especially Cebuano) and Chinese minority. There is also a small Muslim minority as well, mostly settled in Cuta and Malitam. The city also has a growing African, especially Nigerian, community, mostly living to study in the universities, and a few have formed their families in the city. There are a few who leave for Metro Manila for work and study.

Orientation

Poblacion

The city is divided into 105 barangays, ranging from an urban neighborhood to a rural village.

Most barangays can then be grouped into districts, but most barangays are not very important, many being rural communities with nothing of interest for the common traveler. To simplify matters, we lumped most barangays or barangay groupings into 8 districts for travel purposes.

• Poblacion - The city proper, and the old downtown; has most of the shopping and higher education institutions. Batangas City Hall, Plaza Mabini, and the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception lies in this district. Various ancestral houses, most notably the Pastor Mansion, have Poblacion their home.
• East of Poblacion - Rather a clumping of five suburban barangays east of the Calumpang. You can find most food and shopping at SM City Batangas, but there are also scattered local food destinations.
• Eastern Batangas City - Rather mountainside country, but hosts some activities off the beaten path, like biking and mountain climbing.
• North of Poblacion - Includes barangays Alangilan, Balagtas, Kumintang Ilaya and Kumintang Ibaba. It has the capitol and government offices, growing nightlife, mid-class subdivisions, and another major university, the Lyceum of the Philippines University Batangas. Along the Diversion Road are ongoing commercial developments surrounding the new central terminal.
• Northern Batangas City - Largely agricultural lands with scattered barangays.
• Pier Area - Low to mid-class area west of Poblacion, composed of barangays Cuta, Malitam, Santa Clara, and Wawa. This district hosts the Philippines' second major seaport, Batangas Port. Not far from the port are low-cost hotels, guest houses, recreation, and the city's second major market, Julian Pastor Memorial Market (Bagong Palengke or simply, Bago).
• Southern Batangas City - More of seaside and foothill communities. This area houses new industrial developments, Pilipinas Shell's refinery, and Monte Maria.
• Western Batangas City - Coastal suburbs, with inland barangays to the north. There is not much any food destinations here, but you can find places to relax not too far from downtown.

The towns of San Pascual and Bauan form their own districts for Wikivoyage purposes.

Calumpang River

The Calumpang River serves as an important reference point: everything west is highly urbanized, and everything east is generally rural, save for Gulod, Pallocan, and Libjo areas.

The Poblacion is the old downtown, with P. Burgos Street dividing the district into a commercial area and residential district. The western part is the classic commercial center, while the eastern part of Poblacion is largely residential. Most accommodations within Poblacion are east of P. Burgos.

Tourism information

• Batangas City Tourism Office, City Hall Complex, P. Burgos. (updated Dec 2018)
• The city's official website also provides an overview of destinations in town, and maps for transportation in the Poblacion.

Get in

Batangas's nearest airport is in Manila, but the city is a major sea transport hub, with good connections to the rest of the archipelago through frequent ferry and boat services. You will most likely to have a layover in Batangas if travelling from Manila to Mindoro and/or Visayas through a combination of land and sea travel; most travellers from either way stop at Batangas before continuing onward in either direction.

By bus

Batangas City Grand Terminal

There are multiple bus operators operating routes to Batangas City from Metro Manila. Bus trips usually take the STAR Tollway or Jose P. Laurel Highway, or both, with the turning point at Lipa, and trips may take 1½-2 hours via STAR Tollway, or even 5 hours via Jose P. Laurel Highway. Bus tickets approximately range from ₱160-210 to the Grand Terminal or ₱170-222 to the Grand Terminal one-way. You can avail for a 20% discount if you are a student, senior citizen, or a person with disability (just provide a valid ID to the conductor or ticket seller). Tickets can be bought inside the bus, or at the terminal. Buses are congested during the weekend and holiday periods (Holy Week, All Saints Day, Christmas, New Year), and it is inadvisable to travel by bus at those periods.

Bus fares by origin (including discounted fare)

Origin	to Grand Terminal	To Batangas Port
Alabang	₱160 (₱128)	From South Station: ₱170 (₱136) From Starmall Alabang: ₱172 (₱138)
Cubao	From Araneta Center Bus Terminal: ₱210 (₱168) From EDSA Kamuning (Jam): ₱212 (₱170) From Ermin Garcia (ALPS The Bus, DLTB): ₱212 (₱170)	From Araneta Center Bus Terminal: ₱220 (₱176) From EDSA Kamuning (Jam): ₱222 (₱178) From Ermin Garcia (ALPS The Bus, DLTB): ₱222 (₱178)
Pasay-Buendia	₱194 (₱155)	₱204 (₱163)

Terminals

From about 2013, all bus services share a common terminal at Diversion Road, with connections to local jeepney services to downtown. Bus companies used to have their own terminal within the urbanized area.

• 🌍 Batangas City Central Terminal (Batangas Grand Terminal), Diversion Road, Alangilan. Buses to and from Metro Manila and Lucena. Some buses boarding RoRo ferries also stop here. Jeepneys and UV Express are available. Terminal has food stalls, pay restrooms, a 7-Eleven and a Super BP Mart convenience store. (updated Nov 2018)

By car

Balagtas toll plaza on STAR Tollway

Batangas City serves as the southern terminus for the STAR Tollway, and a drive from Metro Manila may take 1½-2 hours. Tolls are required to be paid upon entry and exit, so a toll-free option is the parallel but congested Jose P. Laurel Highway. Another option is to drive through STAR Tollway and exit at Lipa, then head for Jose P. Laurel Highway.

Because of new economic developments and plans by the provincial government for the area, new expressway-grade bypasses has begun construction since 2018, that will further make access by car travel easier.

By boat

Port of Batangas

Batangas City is a major seaport serving ferry and shipping services to and from the rest of the archipelago. There are roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ferry service connecting Calapan in Mindoro, and interisland ships that call at Batangas Port. The port becomes congested during major holiday periods (Holy Week, All Saints' Day, Christmas and New Year), so better avoid travel by sea during those times.

Shipping companies

• 2GO Travel - Caticlan (Boracay), Odiongan (in Romblon)
• Montenegro Shipping Lines - Odiongan
• Supercat - Calapan
• Super Shuttle - Calapan, Roxas (Mindoro), Caticlan, Odiongan, Dumaguit, Culasi, Masbate City, Iloilo City, Bacolod, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro

By rail

Philippine National Railways once operated rail service to Batangas City, but it has been closed, and its former tracks now part of slum communities. Rail service is now being revived under the government infrastructure program, with support from the provincial government, and Batangas City can be accessed by rail once again when completed. Construction of the railway, however, is expected to begin in 2019 or 2020, and will involve extensive right-of-way clearing, including removal of many existing houses and roads.

By plane

The only nearby airport is Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Metro Manila, but there are proposals to construct a new airport as a redevelopment of the Fernando Airbase in nearby Lipa. From NAIA, you can either bring your rental car or take the airport bus to Alabang or Pasay and transfer to provincial buses.

Get around

Jeepneys and tricycles are the economical ways to get around Batangas City and its suburbs. When getting to the other towns, jeepneys are the most efficient way to travel without bringing a car, though buses might be another alternative, which is however best advised for longer distances.

The downtown areas follow the Spanish-era grid system, providing easy navigation on foot or by car, but one-ways are the enemy if you travel by car. Batangas City and Bauan has numerous one-way streets, and it is advisable to use navigation apps or paper maps if you choose to drive. Public transport is still the well-advised option, as parking spaces are scarce, and traffic is hectic.

By jeepney

A jeepney in Batangas City

The easiest way to go around Batangas City is by jeepney, which follow a numbered network divided into 5 color-coded sectors:

• BE (orange) - eastern barangays, Dagatan in Taysan, Lobo
• BN (red) - northern barangays, San Jose, Lipa, Rosario
• BP (yellow) - urban barangays (Poblacion, Alangilan, Kumintang Ilaya/Ibaba)
• BS (green) - southern barangays (e.g. Pallocan West, Libjo, San Isidro, etc.)
• BW (blue) - western barangays, San Pascual, Bauan, Mabini, Lemery

Routes are numbered, but they are not used as reference, and routes are called by their destinations instead.

Jeepneys travel on the major thoroughfares of the city, as well to some destinations in the rural areas. You may find jeepneys in the terminal once you alighted the bus. Just ask for the destination or look at the signs. As of 2017, fares cost at least ₱8 for the first 4 km (2.5 mi), with an additional ₱2 for each kilometer added. In rush hours, jeepneys can become crowded, with students and workers filling almost all room inside, and some passengers hang themselves already on the rear end or ride on the roof (which are common but dangerous and illegal practices). Beware of pickpockets and other criminals which locals, especially students and workers, may fall victim to.

By tricycle

Tricycles in a line near Plaza Mabini

Tricycles are a common mode of transport in Batangas City, and is generally a motorcycle with a sidecar with a roof and windshield, as in most parts of the Philippines. Tricycles do not only serve as a kind of taxi: many also serve as school buses during school days and some are used to carry goods from marketplaces to homes and vice versa. Foreigners will not generally fit into the sidecar, which is designed for the smaller locals. Tricycles will practically find detours as some roads ban them outright. The fare is generally ₱3 per kilometer, and it becomes expensive when travelling farther away. Beware of dishonest drivers who tout unwary passengers, especially at night, and of unlicensed tricycles, where safety is uncertain (and is banned by the city). Haggling is practical when going to far-away spots away from the city proper.

By car

Jose P. Laurel Highway, STAR Tollway, Palico-Balayan-Batangas Road, and Batangas-Quezon Road are the major highways in the area, but only STAR Tollway is free-flowing and limited access (with toll payment required) All the other highways are generally undivided, and they will pass through residential barangays.

Traffic is very awful in Batangas City and the suburbs of San Pascual and Bauan, and be prepared for unending traffic jams on busy days. Traffic is pleasant on the towns of San Jose and Ibaan, but watch out for careless drivers, especially at night. Motorcycles, tricycles, and trucks are perhaps the worst offenders in the roads, as they will try their way all over other traffic. Drunk driving is very common, especially on the weekend where locals get together for a drink.

Expressway-grade bypasses are under construction since 2018, but are currently on the right-of-way clearing stage, and they will not open until 2022.

See

Batangas is a major midpoint for travel between Manila and the rest of the Philippines, and the city does have some spots that remains untouched to travellers with the common layover in the city. The city has much squalor as most Philippine cities, but it is a little laid back, and exploring some spots in the city may provide an overview of the Batangueño life and culture.

The city dates back to colonial times; the Poblacion area houses architectural and cultural heritage from both the Spanish and American colonial periods. Most cultural options lie in the area east of P. Burgos Street.

Churches and religious sites

• 🌍 Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Basilica de la Immaculada Concepcion), M.H. del Pilar Street (In front of Plaza Mabini). A historical church in the center of the downtown area, it dates back to the late 16th century. The church was damaged by an earthquake swarm in March 2017, and was closed for over ten months. It has been since renovated. (updated Aug 2018)
• 🌍 Monte Maria Batangas (half-hour travel by road). Constructed in 2013, it includes chapels and an ongoing construction of the largest statue of the Virgin Mary in Asia as Mary, Mother of All Asia. The location in the coast also provides views of Puerto Galera and Verde Island. (updated Aug 2018)

Parks

• 🌍 Plaza Mabini, P. Burgos Street, Poblacion (Near City Hall). The classical downtown plaza in Poblacion, renamed in honor to revolutionary Apolinario Mabini. Inside the plaza is a monument to Apolinario Mabini, and a souvenir shop, Pasalubong Batangueño. The park hosts a giant Christmas tree, Nativity scene and mock white Christmas scenes during Christmas season. Free WiFi available. (updated Nov 2018)
• 🌍 Laurel Park (Historical Park), National Highway corner Telecom Road. Little circular park, now part of the Batangas Provincial complex. Park hosts busts of important historical figures from the province, a burned Hummer where Luisito Icaro and Eric Landicho were killed in 2006, and a monument written in Baybayin to honor the Filipino language. Entry to the capitol complex needed. (updated Nov 2018)
• 🌍 Batangas Provincial Community Park, Tolentino Road, Kumintang Ibaba (behind the Provincial Capitol complex and beside Lyceum Philippines University Batangas). Provincially-maintained park, with wide grassy spaces and mini-amphitheatre (updated Nov 2018)

Museums

• 🌍 Acosta Pastor House. Heritage house built in 1883, now a museum. (updated Dec 2018)
• 🌍 Museo Puntong Batangan (Museo ng Lungsod Batangas), City Hall Complex, P. Burgos (Near the PHLPost post office). Presents the city's cultural heritage and history. (updated Dec 2018)

Other sites

• 🌍 Batangas Provincial Capitol, Jose P. Laurel Highway, Kumintang Ibaba (Past Telecom Road). Though found inside a gated government complex, the Provincial Capitol building is resplendent of American-era Neoclassical architecture. It hosts a museum of Batangas history, and also art from various local artists. (updated Oct 2018)
• 🌍 Bahay Pamahalaan, Lungsod ng Batangas (Batangas City Hall), P. Burgos Street. Historic city hall, housing the city local government. (updated Dec 2018)

Do

Travelers to the rest of Batangas Province use Batangas City as a jumping off point, but the city serves also as a starting point for travelers to Puerto Galera. There are few any unpolluted beach areas around the city, and one beach in the Santa Rita area near the port complex, while popular with some locals, is badly littered with waste from seaside residential areas. In-city beach resorts can be found in Pagkilatan, just south of the Monte Maria pilgrimage site. Nearby seaside resorts are found in Mabini and San Juan. Inland resorts are also numerous, but access is mostly poor in many of them.

Festivals

See also: Festivals in the Philippines

Subli dancers on Batangas City Founding Day

• Feast of the Holy Child (Santo Niño) - Held every January 16. Though a cultural import by Visayan migrants, it is widely celebrated in the city, with colorful parades. The festivities start with the fluvial parade of the Santo Niño on Calumpang River. Residents invite everyone into lavish feasts they prepared for that day. Major streets in the Poblacion are closed, causing traffic jams outside. The city is heavily packed, making the local festivities an alternative to the ones in Cebu and Iloilo, but not as lively as the celebrations in Visayas.
• Good Friday procession - A solemn procession where various Catholic religious images are paraded through the Poblacion and is returned to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Devotees hold candles throughout the parade. Major streets are closed to traffic.
• Sublian Festival - A week-long festival reviving the old Batangas Tagalog tradition of subli, a rain-making dance. Festivities last a week, culminating with the Batangas City Founding Day. Various schools and companies send groups to compete in dance competitions, with winning groups parading in Batangas City Founding Day.
• Batangas City Founding Day - July 23 - The most colorful of the local festivities in Batangas City, commemmorating its cityhood since 1969. Various local businesses are also promoted in the festival.

Sports

• 🌍 Batangas City Sports Complex (Beside Batangas State University. Accessible by jeepney from Bago.). Has a 20 by 50-meter 8-lane swimming pool, running track and basketball courts. (updated Nov 2018)
  • Batangas Coliseum (Beside Batangas State University. Accessible by jeepney from Bago.). Multi-purpose arena, sometimes hosts professional league games held in Batangas, as well as local sports events and concerts. (updated Nov 2018)

Learn

Batangas City is the education center of Batangas, and hosts the province's major higher education institutions. Major higher education institutions include the Batangas State University (including annex in Alangilan), Lyceum Philippines University Batangas, St. Bridget College and University of Batangas, and a number of colleges and vocational schools. There are a few international schools that cater to children of foreigners. There have been an increase in foreign students, especially Nigerians, in local universities.

Buy

The major shopping area is found on the area in Poblacion approximately bordered by P. Burgos to the east, Rizal Avenue to the south, and D. Silang to the west and northwest.

Inside Poblacion

• 🌍 Bay City Mall. 10:00-21:00. Owned by a local retail company, it is a local favorite. It houses a Citimart department store and supermarket, a National Book Store, numerous ukay-ukay outlets, Jollibee and Chowking, and other local businesses. (updated Oct 2018)
• 🌍 Citimart, Rizal Avenue (Beside Jollibee). 10:00-21:00. Owned also by the retailer owning Bay City Mall, this is a large department store building with a supermarket below. The department store remains closed, but it hosts a Greenwich and a Chowking restaurant. (updated Nov 2018)
• 🌍 Unitop, A. Evangelista Street (Beside Novo.). A local favorite, with its own supermarket, in the basement. It sells household items, clothes, and groceries. (updated Nov 2018)

Outside Poblacion

• 🌍 Puregold, Calicanto Road (beside Caedo Commercial Center). Has a Mang Inasal and a BDO ATM. (updated Nov 2018)
• 🌍 SM City Batangas, National Highway, Pallocan West (Behind Days Hotel), ☎ [phone]. 10:00-21:00. Opened in 2005, it hosts a large department store, hundreds of shops, and movie theaters. It underwent expansion that added more restaurants, and a Kidzoona children's play area. Also has a SM Supermarket. (updated Oct 2018)
• 🌍 SM Hypermarket, National Highway, Balagtas. 09:00-21:00. This branch of this nationwide chain used to be a Makro store, and has large parking space, perfect if you bring a car with you. Prices are expensive compared to the others downtown. Has a BDO ATM, food court and a Watson's pharmacy, everything you need in one place. (updated Dec 2018)
• 🌍 Xentro Mall Batangas, Diversion Road, Alangilan (Beside Batangas Grand Terminal). 10:00-21:00. Opened May 2018. Shopping destination not far from the bus terminal. (updated Dec 2018)

Public markets and talipapas

There are also public markets and talipapas (wet markets) in the downtowns and some major barangays, and are good for local fruits, vegetables, meat and fish. Batangas City has two major public markets, with a number of talipapas in key barangays. The other towns also have one public market.

• 🌍 Batangas City Public Market (Lumang Palengke), D. Silang Street (reachable by jeepney from almost all routes on Poblacion). 05:00-19:00. An important marketplace for the city for years since the 1900s, it hosts small services, clothing stalls, and local meat, fish and produce. It also has some small restaurants specializing in the regional cuisine and a McDonald's ice cream stall. Parking is also available at a fee of ₱10. (updated Nov 2018)
• 🌍 Julian Pastor Memorial Market, DJPMM Access Road, Cuta (served by numerous jeepney routes through Poblacion, except for the Batangas-Capitolio-Hospital route). 06:00-15:00. A newer public market built to the south. Has a wet and dry section. A dry section to the west is under construction and almost complete, but still unopened. (updated Nov 2018)

Eat

Batangas City has its share of ubiquitous restaurant chains, like Jollibee, KFC, Mang Inasal, McDonalds, etc., but there also a lot of unique local food destinations. You can also find lots of eateries which serves lutong bahay dishes at cheap prices.

Poblacion

The downtown has many restaurants, not limited to fast food chains, and you can also find the Filipino-style eateries, which are plain but they can provide cheap and local food.

West of P. Burgos

• 🌍 Bafoo's (B & A Foods), Ricardo Building, Rizal Avenue (near the traffic light with DJPMM Access Road 2). Specializes in the Batangueño favorite, lomi, but also serves other regional dishes. It now has branches in Pallocan West (near Calumpang Bridge) and Kumintang Ibaba (near University of Batangas). (updated Nov 2018)
• 🌍 Ng Wanam Food House, 20 A. Evangelista Street (beside Lumang Palengke). 06:00-12:00. Best noted for their affordable pancit, but only open during the morning. Location is also not too far from downtown shopping areas. (updated Dec 2018)
• 🌍 Johanna's Grill, ☎ [phone]. 10:00-21:30. Retro-themed restaurant specializing in baby-back ribs. (updated Dec 2018)

East of P. Burgos

• 🌍 Eat n' Be Well Vegetarian Haven, 25 C. Tirona Street (near the corner with P. Canlapan). 07:00-19:00. Cooperative-owned restaurant serving vegetarian dishes. (updated Dec 2018)
• 🌍 Ho Tsai, A. Evangelista Street (at the corner with P. Dandan). 08:00-20:00. One of the first Filipino-Chinese restaurants in the city. Serves Filipino-Chinese fast food like pansit, lomi and mami, as well as common Filipino favourites, like Filipino-style spaghetti, fried rice and pulutan dishes. From ₱50. (updated Dec 2018)
• 🌍 Hungry Hippo, National Highway (on commercial building outside University of Batangas). Small hamburger restaurant with stall below and tables above. (updated Nov 2018)
• 🌍 Mirellis Diner, Lt. Col. D. Atienza Street (beside Golden Gate Colleges Integrated School), ☎ [phone]. 08:00-20:00. Little sit-in restaurant serving Filipino and Western meals, including burgers, sandwiches, pancit, silog, and others. (updated Dec 2018)
• 🌍 Nung Ru Thai, M.H. Del Pilar Street (beside Zenaida Arcade), ☎ [phone]. 17:00-24:00. Owned by a Filipino who lived in Thailand, this is only one of a few restaurants that serve Thai and Indian cuisine in Batangas. (updated Dec 2018)
• 🌍 Purple Beetle Cafe, 69 P. Burgos Street (below World Trade Hotel). Small, but nice and chic place to hang out and eat if you stay on the hotel just above. (updated Dec 2018)
• 🌍 Mr. Kimchi, The Plaza, P. Dandan Street (behind Plaza Mabini). 11:00-22:00. Korean dining, complete with hot pot, barbecue, and soju, within the downtown at a reasonable price. (updated Dec 2018)
• 🌍 Taza Mia!, P. Dandan (behind Plaza Mabini). 07:00-23:00. Part of local coffeeshop chain, serving coffee and pastries. (updated Dec 2018)

East of Poblacion

• 🌍 Big Mike's Grill House, 5 Pastor Avenue, Pallocan West (in front of Ford Batangas). 10:00-22:00. Serves sizzling favorites like sisig, bangus and gambas. You can also try their house style baby back ribs, fried rice, and burger. (updated Dec 2018)
• 🌍 F. Baylosis Crispy Pata, G.C. Berberabe Subdivision, Pallocan West, ☎ [phone]. 10:00-22:00. Houses the city's favorite crispy pata and chicken, for locals and tourists alike. There is also a wide variety of Filipino dishes and sides, starting at ₱190. The restaurant has an ambient atmosphere and friendly staff, and prices of meals are reasonable. You can eat with the sounds and voice of an acoustic guitar player. Private karaoke rooms are available for rent for those who want a feast with eating, drinking and singing. There is also a function hall, "Hall of Fame" for large events and meetings. ₱499. (updated Dec 2018)
• 🌍 Wanam sa Bukid, Doña Romana Building, National Highway, Gulod Labac (near Gulod Labac Barangay Hall, just past Santisima Trinidad Parish). 07:00-21:00. Serves various Filipino favorites, such as chop suey, miki noodles, fried chicken, fried lumpia (spring rolls), and crispy pata. ₱100-999. (updated Nov 2018)
• 🌍 Jocas Lomi Haus, ☎ [phone]. Open-air eatery specializing in lomi, Batangas's major contribution to the Filipino cuisine. (updated Dec 2018)

North of Poblacion

• 🌍 A&M Village Restaurant, Arce Subdivision, Kumintang Ibaba. Serves a variety of Filipino dishes, but its specialty is its beef caldereta and tadyang (updated Nov 2018)
• 🌍 Al Goto King, Diversion Road, Balagtas (near the bus stop in front of Talipapa), ☎ [phone]. Open 24 hours. Small and often crowded restaurant, specializing in bulalo and goto. The restaurant has parking spaces beside. (updated Dec 2018)
• 🌍 Brand X Burgers, National Road, Balagtas (in front of the Epic Center), ☎ [phone]. 10:00-02:00. Restaurant serving a fusion of Filipino breakfast and American fast food. From ₱140. (updated Dec 2018)
• 🌍 Cafe de Alps, Ciudad Food Avenue, Diversion Road, Alangilan (past Batangas Grand Terminal). 09:00-22:00. Bus-themed restaurant and cafe, serving Western and Filipino dishes From ₱185. (updated Dec 2018)
• 🌍 Hinomaru, Diversion Road, Alangilan (1 km (0.62 mi) away from Batangas Grand Terminal, near Honda Cars Batangas). (updated Nov 2018)
• 🌍 Jhorjanes, National Highway, Balagtas (beside 7-Eleven near Balagtas Rotonda; annex beside car repair shop). Specializes in the lomi and bulalo recipes, but they also serve local seafood, chicken, and vegetable dishes. (updated Nov 2018)
• 🌍 Kainan sa Sawali, Antonio Carpio Road, Kumintang Ibaba (after Arceo and Santuray Road). (updated Oct 2018)

Port Area

• 🌍 Jovita Cafe, DJPMM Access Road, Santa Clara (in front of RLR Travellers Inn). 09:00-21:00. Casual restaurant not far from 3 nearby hotels, and another branch near SM City Batangas. They serve coffee, pasta, pastries, and other. This is the only place in town that serve bagel sandwiches. From ₱90-150. (updated Dec 2018)
• 🌍 The Other Place, Rizal Avenue Extension, Santa Clara (near the traffic light with DJPMM Access Road), ☎ [phone]. Filipino-themed restaurant serving common local fare. From ₱290. (updated Dec 2018)

Food parks or food courts

Drink

There are rather a few bars found in town, in contrast of Lipa, but if you are seeking a drink for the night, you can find some bars scattered around the city proper.

• 🌍 8th Avenue Restobar (The Ultimate Party Hub), Pastor Avenue, Pallocan West (beside Ford Batangas. Jeepney routes: Batangas-Libjo, Batangas-San Isidro), ☎ [phone]. 16:00-02:00. Perfect place to jam and drink through the night, also near to hotels. No WiFi is available in-restaurant. (updated Dec 2018)
• 🌍 D' Brothers Sports Bar, G.C. Berberabe Subdivision, (between F. Baylosis Crispy Pata and St. Therese of the Child Jesus Multiple Intelligence School annex). 10:00-02:00. Sports-themed restaurant and bar, perfect place to talk, drink, and watch sports. Popular among locals and foreigners alike (updated Dec 2018)

Sleep

Batangas City hosts many hotels and guest houses, many of which are not listed. Guest houses are increasing in demand as students flock the city. DJPMM Access Road near the port is home to hotels popular for travellers who will stay in the city for the night before going to board. Many of the available accommodations are found in Cuta, Santa Clara, and Sorosoro Karsada.

This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room:
Budget	under ₱1000
Mid-range	₱1000-2000
Splurge	over ₱2000

Budget

• Avenue Pension House 1, now the PGR Travelers Inn, 30 JP Rizal Avenue Batangas city. [phone]. from ₱490 per night.
• 🌍 City Star Travel Lodge, Jose P. Laurel Highway, Sorosoro Karsada (near SIDC Feed Mill), ☎ [phone]. (updated Oct 2018)
• 🌍 Yellowbell Country Inn, P. Panganiban Street. Clean, has parking, cold water shower, TV, free Wi-Fi, generator. They also have some 2-bedroom 2-storey apartments with kitchen at ₱2000 a night. Tricycles can usually be found parked right outside. double ₱900. (updated Feb 2019)
• 🌍 Mac-Ro Lodge, P. Panganiban Street (at the corner with Lt. Col. D. Atienza Street), ☎ [phone]. Air-conditioned rooms with cable TV and backup generator. from ₱650 for 12 hours. (updated Dec 2018)

Mac-Ro and Yellowbell are on the same street a short block apart, and their signs are visible from the other, so if one is full it will be convenient to try the other.

• 🌍 RGR Traveller's Inn, DJPMM Access Road, ☎ [phone]. Air-conditioned rooms, but without cable TV or Wi-Fi. You can board a jeepney if you are going to Mabini once you check out. (updated Dec 2018)
• 🌍 Hotel Quinio, P. Burgos Street, ☎ [phone]. Cheaper option downtown, but lacks most frills. Has no Wi-Fi or elevator (updated Dec 2018)
• 🌍 La Tropicana Motorists' Lodge, Jose P. Laurel Highway, Sorosoro Karsada. (updated Oct 2018)
• 🌍 RLR Travellers Inn, DJPMM Access Road, ☎ [phone]. AC rooms with cable TV, hot water shower and free Wi-Fi. No free breakfast and swimming pool. ₱950. (updated Dec 2018)
• 🌍 Meaco Royal Hotel Batangas City, 7 A. Evangelista Street (at top of Novo Department Store). Relatively new mid-range choice not far from cheap shopping spots at Poblacion. You can either stay in a single or twin room, or family rooms, all with air-conditioning, cable TV, and Wi-Fi. Refreshments are available just on the third floor. Free parking available. ₱950. (updated Dec 2018)

Mid-range

• 🌍 D' Mariners' Hotel, Arceo Road, Kumintang Ibaba (turn left from National Highway before Kainan sa Sawali), ☎ [phone]. Air-conditioned rooms, with an option of Deluxe (single or twin) and Family, with cable TV, telephone, and room service. Has WiFi, free breakfast and swimming pool. From ₱1100. (updated Oct 2018)
• 🌍 The Alpa Hotel and Restaurant, Tolentino Road, Kumintang Ibaba. Under new management and ongoing refurbishment. Air-conditioned rooms with cable TV, but without much of the frills carried over by the old management. Has swimming pool. ₱1590. (updated Dec 2018)

Splurge

• 🌍 Batangas Country Club, Bolbok Road, Bolbok. Classy hotel and resort within 5 km (3.1 mi) of Batangas Port, mostly serving travellers to Mabini or Puerto Galera. A/C rooms with cable TV, Wi-Fi, laundry, coffee or tea makers, and restaurant. Has amenities like swimming pool, billiard hall, and gym. From ₱3210. (updated Dec 2018)
• 🌍 Days Hotel Batangas, Pastor Avenue, Pallocan West (from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, car rentals are readily available in the form of taxi cabs that are waiting outside the airport; the hotel is in the Pastor Village), ☎ [phone]. Tours to churches and communities in Taal, Lipa, Malvar and Tanuan can be arranged. ₱5507. 
• 🌍 Hotel Pontefino, Pastor Village, Gulod Labac, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone]. A/C rooms equipped with internet access and cable TV. Some of its facilities and services are business center, fitness room/ gym and recreational room. From ₱3445. 
• 🌍 Luks Lofts Hotel, Juaning Road (beside the IntegrityNet call center and near Days Hotel Batangas and SM City Batangas), ☎ [phone]. Though housed in a small 3-story building, it is the most luxurious in town, having air-conditioned rooms with cable TV, free Wi-Fi, living room and kitchen. Amenities include indoor pools, sauna, billiard room, café, and spa. ₱14000 and up. (updated Feb 2019)
• 🌍 SM Travelodge, Batangas-Quezon Road, Tinga Labac, ☎ [phone]. Luxury traveller's hotel, with air-conditioned bedrooms with cable TV, living room, and hot tub bathrooms. You can also arrange tricycle services to Poblacion or to the port once you check out. From ₱2060. (updated Dec 2018)

Stay safe

Batangas City has its problem of crime, with illegal drug trade and gun possession being the major concern. Some areas in the Poblacion area are haven of criminals and drug dealers, and it is best to avoid them. Beggars can be spotted in the streets, and pickpockets can be a major concern, especially if you bring valuables with you. The city remains relatively safe, if you follow common sense.

If you take a tricycle, always agree on a price, and better avoid tricycles lined up on most places other than designated terminals. Tricycle drivers at those spots tend to overcharge and are paid a commission for bringing you. Always better stick on jeepneys, ride at designated tricycle terminals, or just hail a tricycle from any spot.

Traffic is also hectic, and noisy. Traffic lights can be seen in the major crossings, but elsewhere, watch out, as stop or give way signs are ignored. Running on red is a common sight. Honking is prevalent, jeepneys will practically stop anywhere, and motorcycles will cut through lanes when others are stuck in a traffic jam. Traffic will snarl to a halt in rush hours. Traffic enforcers can be frequently sighted, but numbers can be passive about obvious violators, and others are outright corrupt.

Walking must be taken with caution. Jaywalking is illegal in Batangas City, but a number can be still seen crossing practically anywhere; the common refrain is that the nearest crossing or overpass is too far. Many roads lack sidewalks, but in some spots where there are, they are blocked by illegally parked vehicles. Crossing must be taken with caution in marked places because some drivers, especially motorcyclists, will just zip through without stopping.

Communist rebels under the New People's Army continue to hide in the forests in the mountainous areas to the southeast, and some minor encounters may occur. There may be chances that rebels form checkpoints in remote roads. Gun ownership is high in areas where communist rebels are present, but the chance to be shot is low, as locals use guns for defense.

Emergencies

• 🌍 Batangas City Police, Gusaling Pangkalikasan at Pangkapayapaan, P. Burgos (beside City Planning and Development Office), ☎ [phone]. (updated Nov 2018)

Stay healthy

Tap water supplied by the city-owned Batangas City Water District is potable, but might taste like cough syrup in many places. Locals, however, enjoy drinking tap water no matter how it tastes like. Also, better avoid buying ice chopped from blocks, as their cleanliness is often questionable. Better buy bottled water from convenience stores, or boil your water before drinking.

Rabies is a major concern, if you are dealing with dogs and cats. Dengue is a health concern every summer and wet season, so bring mosquito repellant, and cover the arms and legs, whenever possible.

Hospitals

• 🌍 Batangas Medical Center, Ebora Road, Kumintang Ibaba (served by jeepneys bound for SM City Batangas). (updated Nov 2018)
• 🌍 United Doctors of St. Camillus de Lellis Hospital, Diversion Road, Bolbok. (updated Oct 2018)
• 🌍 Saint Patrick's Hospital, P. Panganiban Street (near the corner with P. Mendoza Street). Open 24 hours. Offers all-day emergency service. (updated Dec 2018)

Pharmacies

• 🌍 BP Generic Express, P. Burgos Street (beside Metrobank). Local pharmacy chain with numerous branches in Batangas City (updated Nov 2018)
• 🌍 Cantos Pharmacy, National Road, Kumintang Ibaba (near Jollibee). Another local pharmacy chain with 2 branches. (updated Nov 2018)
• 🌍 Farmacia ni Dok, A. Evangelista Street (near Unitop and Novo). (updated Nov 2018)
• 🌍 Generika, Rizal Avenue (near 7-Eleven, just before the traffic lights D. Silang). 09:00-21:00. Part of nationwide chain with numerous branches in Batangas City and nearby municipalities. Provides low-cost medicines and blood pressure check. (updated Nov 2018)
• 🌍 South Star Drug, A. Evangelista Street (on the intersection near Lumang Palengke). 09:00-22:00. Nationwide chain. (updated Nov 2018)

Cope

• 🌍 Bureau of Immigration Batangas, Diversion Road, Bolbok (quite hidden from view, but is found beside the north end of the flyover leading to Batangas Port). (updated Nov 2018)
• 🌍 PHLPost post office, Batangas City Hall complex, P. Burgos (behind Gusaling Pangkalikasan at Pangkapayapaan). (updated Nov 2018)

Plastics

Batangas City passed an ordinance that banned the use of single-use plastics and Styrofoam from 2011, and businesses are required to use reusable material for packaging. In restaurants, containers for food takeaways are required to be recyclable, but utensils (spoons, forks, and straws) remain exempt. Supermarkets use paper bags for packaging, and may offer reusable cloth bags for a fee.

Smoking

Batangas City enforces ordinances that ban smoking in public places. Smoking is banned in public transport, and many public places, like parks, churches, shopping malls, public markets, and government offices. Smoking is prohibited in most restaurants, though some may offer smoking outside for those who cannot resist the craving for nicotine.

For vapers, components and juice can be bought at convenience stores (e.g. 7-Eleven), but here is a local vape shop:

• 🌍 Vape Xtreme, Hilltop Road, Kumintang Ibaba (a walk away from the jeepney stop at National Highway). Vaporizers, spare parts, and juice. (updated Nov 2018)

Newspapers

Newspapers published in Metro Manila are also sold in Batangas City, but the city also has its two local newspapers: Sun Star Daily Courier (in English) and Balikas (in Tagalog).

Radio

Radio in Batangas City is almost broadcast in Tagalog, and DJs will be generally speaking in English and Tagalog, usually in Taglish. The city is the center of the Batangas radio market, with the majority of radio stations based here.

FM

• AL FM Radyo Totoo (95.9 MHz): Owned by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lipa, but based in Lipa, it primarily airs religious programs and Christian music. It also broadcasts Catholic prayers like the Angelus during 06:00, 12:00 and 18:00, and the Rosary between 5:00 and 6:00 in the morning.
• Spirit FM (99.1 MHz): Also owned by the Archdiocese of Lipa, it plays popular modern music, Filipino and Western, including latest hits, but also airs religious programs and Catholic prayers. Every Sunday, it airs slow rock, oldies music, and 1990s retro music, as well as live Mass broadcasts from Lipa, especially in the morning after signing in.
• Brigada News FM (104.7 MHz): Broadcasts news and public affairs shows in Tagalog, but also plays slow music in various hours in the day.

Connect

You can top up (load) your SIM cards almost everywhere, from sari-sari stores to convenience stores. There are not many internet cafés anymore because of increased cell phone ownership, but you can find pisonet Internet cafés if you're lucky. Free Wi-Fi is available at malls, on Plaza Mabini, and most hotels.

Go next

Most travellers use Batangas City as a stopover to visit the other destinations in the province, such as the diving spots in Mabini, or as a stop en route to the white sand beaches in Puerto Galera in Mindoro, half hour away by boat.

Routes through Batangas City

Lipa ← Ibaan ←	N  S	→ END
Lipa ← San Jose ←	N  S	→ END
Taal ← Santa Teresita ←	W  E	→ END
Merges with ←	W  E	→ Taysan → Lobo