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PUBLIC AFFAIRS WEBEXCLUSIVE
San Juan and Lobo: Exploring more getaways in Batangas
A lot of us know that Batangas is one of the nearest getaways from Manila. Some of the things that Batangueños are proud of are the provinces’ rich marine life, unique delicacies and beautiful resorts! But despite its short distance from the city, a lot of us still haven’t fully explored the province.
Let ‘Biyahe Ni Drew’ take you to two of the less known towns in Batangas, San Juan and Lobo. Sama kayo, Biyaheros!
Getting there
If you opt to take a car going to San Juan or Lobo, Batangas, you may pass through SLEX, SCTEX and Star Toll then take the Ibaan exit.
But if you want to take a nap during your journey so that you’re energized once you reach Batangas, then you may ride a bus!
To San Juan
There are bus terminals along Cubao and Pasay going to Lipa City, Batangas for not more than P200. From there, you may ride a shuttle (less than P100) or a jeep (around P50) going to the town of San Juan.
To Lobo
From Manila, take a bus going to Batangas Pier then ask the conductor to drop you off at the Grand Terminal (less than P200). From there, you may ride a jeep going to Lobo Jeep Terminal. Finally, ride a jeep at that terminal going to Lobo proper (around P50). Tadah!
Both trips will take you more than two hours but…
Don’t worry! From Ibaan exit, you will pass through the town of Rosario where you can have a short stop over for merienda or a CR break!
Where to stay
La Luz Beach Resort
Brgy. Hugom, San Juan, Batangas
Did you know? This used to be privately owned for over 30 years by a family with 13 children! That is why it has a lot of rooms and a huge pavilion!
This is located at the end of Barangay Hugom which means that it’s more quiet and hidden compared to other tourist spots in the area.
Their room suite is room is usually reserved for honeymooners and VIPs and costs P18, 000. It has a king sized bed, common area, balcony and even a second floor! It also includes full board meals during your stay in the resort. Sosyal!
They also have other options for families or barkadas like; their standard room which is good for 4-6 persons (P3, 360), junior premiere room good for 2-4 persons (P3,360 per night), premiere room good for 4-6 persons (P4, 500 per night), premiere loft room good for 7-10 persons (P5, 520 per night).
They also have the annex (P3,360 per night) and the annex loft rooms (P4,950 per night) for bigger groups! Recommendable for team buildings!
Their other amenities include a bar where you can have drinks with your friends or special someone and cabanas where you can request for a massage. Sarap!
For more details on what La Luz has to offer, check them out here!
What to see and do
Black Sand Beaches
Tired of the usual white sand beaches that you go to?
There is a black sand beach at Balai Resort in Brgy. Abung, San Juan! Resorts here are cheaper compared to other places in Batangas and not a lot of tourists go to this area. That’s why if you’re looking for exclusivity at a cheaper price then this is the place for you!
Activities at La Luz Beach Resort
Bike anywhere!
Aside from the usual swimming and snorkelling at the beach, visitors of La Luz may also opt to ride a fat bike, a banana boat, a jet ski or even a yacht! They also have beachminton court, beach football and kayak massage!
Seems like La Luz knows how to mix and match activities for those who are always looking for something new to do!
Snorkelling and Diving in San Juan
Palawan? Nope! That’s San Juan, Batangas’ underwater beauty.
They say that when you go to San Juan for some underwater adventure, you won’t be disappointed.
From simply snorkelling at the beaches of San Juan, you will already see different types of fish like milkfish, swordfish and even eels!
But if you’re a licensed diver then you can go diving where you may go 70 meters deep underwater! Drew Arellano says that there really is a rich marine biodiversity underneath San Juan’s beaches which scuba divers will surely love.
Remember! Don’t get too close with the fishes you see as some of them might bite you!
Malabrigo Lighthouse
Faro de Punta Malabrigo or Malabrigo lighthouse is located at the farthest southern tip of Lobo, Batangas.
It was built on top of a cliff overlooking Verde Island and Mindoro. Along with other lighthouses in the Philippines, it was made to safeguard the growth of maritime traffic in the country.
The upper part of this lighthouse have already been renovated but its foundation is still the same.
‘Biyahe Ni Drew’ considers this as the most well-maintained and photogenic lighthouse that the team has visited so have your cameras ready when you go here, Biyaheros!
Tulay na Busog
Also known as Biak na Bato, this tourist spot is located at Brgy. Nagtoctoc in Lobo.
Tourists usually go here to have a picnic and to swim in its cold waters. You can also cruise along the pristine waters of this place by bamboo rafting. Perfect for family and barkada outings!
Did you know? Locals say that there was a giant who stepped on this land before that is why it cracked and allowed water to flow through it.
Rice Terraces in Brgy. Jaybanga
They say that it would take you a whole day to go around the whole thing!
Did you think that Banaue is the only place with breath-taking rice formations? Think again!
In Brgy. Jaybanga of Lobo, you will find a replica of the rice terraces in Banaue. They say that it will take you almost a whole day to go around this place!
Ulupong Falls
They say that you’ll need a lot of time, energy and patience to see some of the most beautiful places in Lobo and Ulupong falls is one of them.
You’d have to walk on top of huge rocks, in between mountains and cross brooks in order to get here. It will take around 30 minutes to get here. And once you arrive here, all the sweat will surely be worth it!
Remember! Wear proper trekking shoes and bring water as the trails may get a bit challenging!
Tourists won’t have to pay to experience Malabrigo Lighthouse, Tulay na Busog, the rice terraces in Brgy. Jaybanga and Ulupong Falls but make sure to coordinate with their local government before paying these places a visit!
What and where to eat
Marimar Goto Haus
Steamy goto? Perfect for the -ber months!
This place is known to be one of the most popular stop overs in San Juan before tourists head to Laiya.
Some of their specialties here are kaldereta, bulalo and of course, goto, Batangas style! They are also known for having really tender beef in their dishes because they start steaming it during dusk.
Did you know? The place is called Marimar not because it’s the name of the owner but because the politicians in the area decided to call her after the famous character of a show who has the same curly hair as her.
Cafeno
No. 9 cor. General Luna and Rizal St., San Juan
Coffee lovers and those who have sweet tooth will surely love this place.
There are a lot of ancestral homes in San Juan which you can visit but one home that stands out from the rest is Cafeno.
Cafeno is a century old ancestral home that became a gas station before it was turned into a café. Some of their bestsellers here are tulingan strips with their special sauce, anchovies with dried kamias and Batangas beef tapa!
For dessert, you can try their sweet tamales which is a rice cake topped with sweet coconut sauce and toasted coconut flakes or their barako affogato which is vanilla ice cream topped with barako espresso shot!
Biyahero tip! As we always say, don’t be a tourist, act like a local! Try dipping your tapa into the vinegar and splash some barako coffee to your rice just like a true Batangueno!
Atis
You can go crazy over atis here!
Lobo is known for having a bountiful harvest of atis which is why you should make sure to eat some while you’re here!
You could buy Lobo’s sweet atis in their local markets for only P20 a kilo! Atis pa more!
Lobo’s specialties!
‘Biyahe Ni Drew’ made sure not to miss out on the province’s specialties by having a local from Lobo cook some of their dishes.
Some of the dishes that you Batangueño dishes that you should try are…
Pina-is na dolong
This is a dish where small pieces of dolong fish are wrapped in leaves and steamed to cook.
Bulanglang
A simple but flavorful dish of various vegetables steamed with kamias or tomatoes.
Ginataang Kungo
A dish which locals say you can only find in Batangas. They cook kungo, a freshwater mangrove crab, in coconut milk or gata.
‘Biyahe Ni Drew’ reminds us time and time again that there is no need to go somewhere far to have a good trip. Sometimes, all it takes is good company and our sense of wonder.---Via Gonzales/BMS, GMA Public Affairs
