Known as the "Industrial Port City of CALABARZON" and classified as one of the most competitive cities in the country today, Batangas City is one of the nation's top revenue-earning cities and the site of one of the biggest refineries in the Philippines.

The city is presently classified as a Regional Growth Center and is identified as one of the sites for the Regional Agro-Industrial Center and Special Economic Zone as mandated by the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan and the Ecozone Act of 1995. The city is also hosting the first three power plants using natural gas with a combined capacity of 2,700MW. The city's fine harbor was declared as an International Port and an alternate port of Manila.

The People

Batangas City is the home of peace-loving, hospitable and hard working inhabitants. They will give you the warmest smile upon entering the city.

A Tourist Destination

The city is a land filled with historical places, fresh fruits and marine resources and of great opportunities for social and economic advancement.

• Plaza Mabini and Laurel Park – Two man-made parks in Batangas City

Located within the Poblacion, Plaza Mabini is dedicated to the Filipino people with a double life-size bust statue of Apolinario Mabini standing prominently at the center of the plaza. It was first conducted in 1951 and redesigned in 1964. The design of the park garnered the first prize award in the National Beautification Project Contest in 1969 for its landscaping and overall aesthetic urban form. Plaza Mabini was renovated through the funds granted to the city government by the Philippine Tourism Authority in 1993. The two water fountains were revived and the landscaping was improved. Benches for the existing stage were installed. A gazeebo and public restrooms were constructed in one corner of the Plaza.

Laurel Park is another man-made park situated at the Provincial Capitol Site in Barangay Kumintang Ibaba. The park boasts of a multi-purpose center which can be used either as basketball court and a volleyball court, and a dormitory for seminar or meeting venues. A sculpture entitled "Diwa ng Batangeuno" done in bronze/steel by the renowned sculptor Ed Castrillo portrays the vitues of the Batanguenos, such as nobility, industriousness, beauty and wisdom, can be found also in the Laurel Park.

• The Basilica of Immaculada Conception

Directly fronting the Plaza Mabini is the Basilica of Immaculada Conception built from 1851-1857, its facade and interior is a stunning model of early Renaissance architecture. On February 13, 1946, by a decree of the Holy Father, Pope Pious XII, the church was elevated to the "Basilica Minor" of the Infant Jesus and Immaculada Concepcion and was the first basilica to be vested that honor and privilege in the Philippines and in the entire Far East. Through the efforts of the Sto. Nino Pastoral Foundation, a religious organization, the Batangas Church Museum was established with honor of the late Msgr. Clemente Yatco. Precious relics and century old books and statues can be found in the said museum. Other historical landmarks include the Batangas National High School (circa 1902), St. Brigits College (circa 1912), Provincial Capital (circa 1926) and the Batangas Regional Hospital (circa 1928).

The city has several undeveloped beaches that can potentially accommodate the leisure needs of the locals and prospective tourists.

• A&V Tatlonghari Beach Resort in Brgy. Cuta

Offers one pavillon that can accommodate 250 persons for a seminar workshop, 30 gazeebos, 20 picnic tables, 2 swimming pools, 6 cottages goo for 4 persons each and 3 rooms good for 6 persons each.

• Mahabang Buhangin Beach

Located in Isla Verde about two-hour travel by boat from Sta. Clara, offers an alternative destination for nature lovers. The city has two waterfalls, the Tingga and Ilijan Falls which flow year-round in a beautiful pastoral setting. Additionally, the slopes of Mt. Banoy and Matoco Point provide a panoramic view of the city and Batangas Bay respectively.

Accomodations

The reputation of Batangas as a tourist destination has resulted in the sudden growth of one-stars, numerous bungalows over the water accessed by boardwalks, with wooden stairs leading down to the sea, and three-stars that are cheap by international standards.

• Lima Park Hotel, Lima Technology Center, Malvar
• Canyon Cove Resort, Far East Road, Piloto Wawa, Nasugbu
• Lago De Oro Cable Ski Park and Resort, Bo. Balibago, Calatagan
• Days Hotel Batangas (Days Hotel Batangas), Pastor Village, Pallocan West
• Anilao Outrigger Resort, Solo, Anilao, Mabini

Getting There

Batangas City is 2 1/2 hours away from Manila when using the old inter-town route. Using the STAR Tollway route, one can reach Batangas City for just 1 1/2 hours. Tanauan City is about 1 hour away and in between Tanauan City and Batangas City, one will find Lipa City. ALPS The Bus, Inc. is one of the many bus companies that travels the said route.

For short trips to desired destinations, passenger jeepneys abound, as well as tricycles.

Getting Around

You can use passenger jeepneys to go to different parts of the province, but you can use tricycles for short trips. Tricycles could take you to the exact place that you want to go because jeepneys have routes like buses do.