Calatagan Travel Guide

Discover the natural and cultural beauty of Calatagan with this complete travel guide. Learn about the best things to do, places to visit, where to stay, food to try, and more.


Introduction to Calatagan

Calatagan is a small town located in the western part of Batangas, in the Calabarzon region of the Philippines. Known for its beautiful beaches, natural landmarks, and rich culture, Calatagan is a popular weekend getaway destination for locals, as well as an emerging destination for foreign tourists.

List of Places to Visit in Calatagan

There are several places to visit in Calatagan, ranging from culturally significant attractions to natural landmarks. Here is a list of some of the must-visit places in Calatagan:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Calatagan Church - an 18th-century church made of adobe stones, featuring a Baroque-style façade
  • Enrique Zobel Museum - a private collection of Philippine art, antiques, and artifacts from the 16th to 19th centuries
  • Casa Segunda - a heritage house that showcases the lifestyle and culture of the affluent families during the Spanish colonial period

Natural Attractions of Calatagan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort - offers private beachfront cottages built on stilts, perfect for a relaxing weekend staycation
  • Cape Santiago Lighthouse - a historic lighthouse built in the 19th century, overlooking the West Philippine Sea and the Verde Island Passage
  • Calatagan Mangrove Forest Conservation Park - a protected mangrove area that offers a scenic boat ride along the mangrove-lined river, bird-watching, and crab catching activities
  • Calatagan Golf Club - a challenging 18-hole golf course with scenic views of the sea and mountains

Hiking/Biking Routes of Calatagan

Calatagan is also an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering several hiking and biking routes that showcase the town’s natural beauty. Here are some of the popular routes to try:

  • Mt. Batulao - a popular hiking destination that offers a scenic view of Batangas and Cavite, and a chance to see the iconic “spine” of the mountain
  • Calatagan-Balayan Loop - a 60-kilometer bike route that goes through scenic coastal roads, rice fields, and scenic views, starting and ending at Calatagan town proper

Best Things to Do in Calatagan: Activities and Tours

Aside from the must-visit places and outdoor adventures, Calatagan offers several fun and exciting activities and tours. Here are some of the best things to do in Calatagan:

  • Island Hopping - experience the beautiful beaches of Calatagan and explore nearby islands like Fortune Island and Sombrero Island
  • Snorkeling and Diving - discover the underwater beauty of Calatagan through snorkeling or diving tours, and swim with colorful fishes and marine life
  • Horseback Riding - explore Calatagan’s scenic countryside and beaches through horseback riding tours

Week-Long Itinerary for Calatagan

If you’re planning to spend a week or more in Calatagan, here’s a sample itinerary that you can follow:

Day Activities
1 Arrival and check-in at Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort
2 Calatagan Beach bumming and island hopping tour
3 Hiking at Mt. Batulao
4 Snorkeling and diving tour
5 Horseback riding tour and visit to cultural attractions
6 Visit to Calatagan Mangrove Forest Conservation Park and Cape Santiago Lighthouse
7 Departure from Calatagan

Food and Drink Scene of Calatagan

No trip is complete without trying the local cuisine and beverages. Here are some of the must-try dishes and drinks in Calatagan:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Batangas Bulalo - a slow-cooked beef soup with vegetables and bone marrow
  • Adobong Pusit - a savory and flavorful squid stewed in vinegar and soy sauce
  • Lomi - a hearty noodle soup with boiled eggs, vegetables, and meat

Local Beverages

  • Barako Coffee - a strong and rich local coffee made from Liberica beans
  • Lambanog - a Philippine distilled liquor made from coconut sap, usually served with a slice of pineapple or calamansi

Where to Stay in Calatagan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Calatagan offers several accommodations that cater to different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay in Calatagan:

  • Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort - a luxury resort that offers private beachfront cottages built on stilts
  • Villa del Faro Beach Resort - a beachfront resort that offers rooms and villas with sea views
  • Calatagan Golf Club and Villas - a golf club that offers comfortable villas with easy access to the golf course

What to Buy in Calatagan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Aside from the memories and experiences, make sure to bring home some unique local products and souvenirs from Calatagan. Here are some of the best things to buy in Calatagan:

  • Calatagan Salt - a locally produced, hand-harvested sea salt with no additives or preservatives
  • Tapang Taal - a famous dried meat from the neighboring town of Taal, usually made from beef or pork
  • Pottery and Ceramics - several local artisans in Calatagan produce handcrafted pottery and ceramics in different shapes and colors

Local Culture and Customs of Calatagan

Calatagan has a rich and unique culture, heavily influenced by its colonial past, local folklore, and geographic location. Here are some of the local customs and practices to observe:

  • Religious Festivals - Calatagan celebrates various religious festivals throughout the year, including the Feast of St. John the Baptist (June 24) and the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12)
  • Respect for Elders - in Calatagan, respect for elders is highly valued and deeply ingrained in the local culture
  • Bayanihan - a Filipino custom of community cooperation or helping one another, particularly in times of need

Best Time to Visit Calatagan

The best time to visit Calatagan is during the dry season, which usually runs from December to May. During this time, you can enjoy the sunny weather, calm seas, and participate in outdoor activities. The wet season, which runs from June to November, can bring occasional rains and strong winds, making some outdoor activities difficult or unsafe to do.

Do’s and Don’ts of Calatagan

To fully enjoy your trip and respect the local culture and environment, here are some of the do’s and don’ts to observe:

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions
  • Dispose of your trash properly
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural landmarks and attractions
  • Wear revealing clothing in cultural or religious places
  • Haggle too much in local markets

Safety and Health

Calatagan is generally a safe place for tourists, however, it’s still important to observe safety precautions and take care of your health. Here are some tips to stay safe and healthy in Calatagan:

Safety in Calatagan

  • Keep your valuables safe and secure, especially when in crowded places or in public transportation
  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially when travelling at night or in isolated areas
  • Always wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle or bicycle

Health in Calatagan

  • Drink only bottled water or boiled water
  • Use mosquito repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing to avoid mosquito bites
  • Seek medical attention immediately if you feel unwell or experience any symptoms

Getting to Calatagan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Calatagan is accessible by different modes of transportation, from air travel to public buses. Here are some options to consider when travelling to Calatagan:

Airports Near Calatagan

  • Ninoy Aquino International Airport - the main airport in Manila, located about 100 kilometers north of Calatagan

Bus Stations Near Calatagan

  • Jam Liner Terminal - located in Pasay City, offers buses to Calatagan via Nasugbu
  • Cubao Bus Terminal - located in Quezon City, offers buses to Calatagan via Nasugbu

Other Options

  • Private Car or Van - you can also hire a private car or van from Manila to Calatagan, which gives you more flexibility and convenience

How to Get Around in Calatagan

There are several transportation options to get around Calatagan, including tricycles, motorcycles, and bicycles. However, the most convenient way to explore Calatagan is by renting a private car or booking a tour with a reputable operator.

Where to Go Next from Calatagan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Calatagan is an ideal base to explore nearby towns, cities, and attractions in Batangas and the nearby provinces. Here are some of the nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Nasugbu - a neighboring town of Calatagan, known for its scenic beaches and resorts
  • Taal Heritage Town - a historic town that showcases well-preserved Spanish colonial buildings and houses
  • Tagaytay - a popular weekend getaway destination that offers breathtaking views of Taal Lake and Volcano

Conclusion

Calatagan is indeed a wonderful destination that offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, there’s always something new and exciting to see and do in Calatagan. So pack your bags, prepare your itinerary, and get ready to explore this hidden gem in Batangas!