Balisong
The balisong is a handmade fan knife or butterfly knife made by local blacksmiths. Although its origins are vague, this local utility weapon has received recognition by appearing in local and international movies.

Mt. Maculot
It is one of the highest and most prominent mountains in the province. The mountain is said to be the last stronghold of the Japanese forces during the World War II.

Beaches, Resorts, and Dive sites
Due to its wide shoreline, Batangas boast of several beaches, resorts and dive sites.

Parada ng Lechon
Held every June, several lechons, or roast suckling pigs are paraded throughout the town of Balayan. These mouthwatering native delicacies are dressed in accordance to the theme of the fiesta

Delectable Food
Take a bite or sip in some of Batangas’ well known dishes, drinks and desserts
1. Kapeng Barako – a coffee bean variety that emits a strong taste when brewed.
2. Lambanog – local coconut wine or coconut vodka
3. Bulalo – boiled beef bone marrow and shank
4. Lechon – roast pork suckling
5. Nilupak – pounded cassava with grated coconut, sugar, condensed milk and margarine
6. Suman – rice cake made of glutinous rice, coconut milk, brown sugar and salt. It is usually served with hot tablea chocolate.

Places of Interest

Cultural

Museo ng Batangas at Aklatang Panlalawigan
Location: Batangas City, Batangas
This museum and library rolled into one houses several artifacts and memorabilia of the history of Batangas and its rich cultural heritage. It was created by Executive Order no. 30-93 signed by then Batangas Governor Vicente A. Mayo on March 3, 1993.

Casa de Segunda Katigbak
Location: 198 Calle Real, Lipa City, Batangas
This is the ancestral house of Segunda Katigbak and her family. Segunda is known as the first love of Dr. Jose P. Rizal. The ancestral house has been transformed into a museum.

Ilagan Ancestral House
Location: Marcela Agoncillo St., Taal, Batangas
Still used by the descendants as their residence, this ancestral house is only open upon special arrangement with then owners.
Historical

Apolinario Mabini Shrine
Location: Tanauan, Batangas
Born in Barangay Talaga in Tanauan, Batangas, the “Sublime Paralytic”, and “Brains of the Revolution” wrote the first constitution of the Philippines and in Asia. The shrine houses some of his prized possessions and works.

General Malvar Museum and Library
Location: Gen. Malvar St., Sto. Tomas, Batangas
Gen. Miguel Malvar is known as the last Filipino General who surrendered to the American forces in April 13, 1902. Among the items inside the museum are his personal items and books he read.

Nasugbu Landing Memorial
Location: Nasugbu, Batangas
Like the Leyte Landing Monument, the bronze memorial replicates the arrival of Gen. Douglas Macarthur and the rest of the Liberation forces during World War II.

Marcela Agoncillo Historical Landmark
Location: Marcela Agoncillo St., Taal, Batangas
This is the birthplace of Marcela N. Agoncillo, the maker of the first official Filipino Flag. The other flags of the country are displayed here as well.

Leon Apacible Historical Landmark
Location: Marcela Agoncillo St., Taal, Batangas
Tour Days: Monday – Saturday
Tour Hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Entrance Fee: Free
This was originally the ancestral home of Don Leon and his wife, Doña Matilde Apacible. Here, visitors can find antique items used by the family including an 18th century old chandelier and the abaniko (fan) used by Doña Matilde during the wake of her husband.

Batangas Memorial Foundation Museum and Library
Location: V. Ilustre Street, Taal, Batangas
This 18th century house underwent two major renovations in 1870 and 1940, before it attained its present form.

Jose P. Laurel Monument
Location: Sto. Tomas, Batangas
This 6-foot tall bronze statue was unveiled during the 85th birth anniversary of President Laurel in 1976. The unveiling was attended by former President Ferdinand Marcos and First Lady Imelda Marcos.

Jose P. Laurel Memorial Library
Location: A. Mabini Ave., Tanauan City, Batangas
Library Hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Entrance Fee: Free
This personal property of late President Laurel was donated to the Philippine government to be converted to a public library. The library has a wide collection of book, including Laurel’s works.

Hamilo Cove Wreck
Location: Nasugbu, Batangas
The wreck is a Japanese freighter that sunk during the liberation of the Philippines by the US Forces in 1945. Batfish, stonefish and lion fish are a common site at the wreckage.

Pastor House
Location: Tirona St., Batangas City, Batangas
William Howard Taft who served as governor general during the American occupation almost died in this house due to an assassination attempt by an unknown sniper. To this day, the bullet is still embedded in one of the doors of the house.

Natural

Taal Lake and Volcano
Location: Taal, Batangas
Found in the crater of an extinct volcano, Taal Volcano is considered the smallest volcano in the world. The volcano is situated on an 8.8-kilometer islet and surrounded by a 27-kilometer-long lake.

Mount Maculot
Location: Cuenca, Batangas
The mountain once served as the last stronghold of the Japanese forces during World War II. Evidence of this battle are found inside the tunnels built the Japanese during the war. Now, Mt. Maculot has become a favorite destination for hikers an trekkers.

Matabungkay Beach
Location: Lian, Batangas
This two-kilometer white sand beach faces the South China Sea. Swimming, boating, yachting, fishing and skin diving are some of the most commonly enjoyed activities in the area.

Submarine Garden
Location: Lobo, Batangas
It is called a submarine garden because corals near the shore can be clearly seen during early morning when the water is clear and the tide is low.

Hugon Beach
Location: Brgy. Hugon, San Juan, Batangas
The stretch of the sea floor is covered with white sand and smooth rocks. Snorkeling is advised when visiting the area.

Munting Buhagin Beach
Location: Nasugbu, Batangas
This small cove has become a favorite haunt with locals and tourists,and offers water enthusiasts with a fine stretch of powdery white sand beach fringed with foamy blue water

Natipunan Beach
Location: Nasugbu, Batangas
Natipuan Beach bears a resemblance to Munting Buhangin,with off-shore sands and refreshing waters. It is located in another cove which is similarly accessible.

Sombrero Island
Location: Anilao, Batangas
Resembling a hat, the shoreline extends long way underwater. Gorgonians, black coral, shells, turtles, rays, grunts, jacks, snappers, and a great variety of soft corals are scattered all over the place. Currents are normally strong during the full moon.

Bulalacao Falls
Location: Brgy. Bulaklakan, Lipa City, Batangas
IT is composed of three falls enclosed in a canyon, the highest of which is about 10 feet high with water coming out of the mouth of a small cave.

Calijon Falls
Location: Brgy. Calijon, Malvar, Batangas
The attraction consists of two major falls and two smaller ones. One of the bigger falls is about ten feet high with a great volume clear water gushing down to a shallow pool, while the other one (also about ten feet high) braces the rock where the water flows look like a bridal gown.

Tingga Falls
Location: Batangas City, Batangas
The falls is about 30 feet high with a pool made into a swimming area at its base. It is semi-developed with concrete steps built for access.

Ilijan Falls
Location: Batangas City, Batangas
Ilijan is a unique waterfalls with water coming from a big spring at the top of a mountain gracefully flowing from one bowl to another. It has seven huge stone bowls carved naturally out of the mountainsides and beautifully arranged like a fl flight of stairs.

Religious

Basilica of San Martin de Tours (Taal Basillica)
Location: Taal, Batangas
Built in 1575 by Father Diego Espina, the church was originally situated in San Nicholas but was moved to Taal when the former was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1754. It was rebuilt at is present site in 1755 but was badly damaged after an earthquake in 1849. Construction of the present church, measuring at 96 meters long and 45 meters wide, started in 1856. The tabernacle is made of silver and its facade is similar to the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Sta. Lucia Wells
Location: Taal, Batangas
Found near the Flight of Steps, the twin wells used to be a brook where, according to stories, the Virgin of Caysasay performed her miracles. The locals built a church in the area but was destroyed by an earthquake which caused the church to sink. The only evident portion of the structure is its facade.

Transfiguration Chapel (Caleruega Chapel)
Location: Brgy. Kaylaway, Nasugbu, Batangas
The chapel is a replica of the Transfiguration Chapel in Caleruega, Spain. The seal of the Dominican Province of the Philippines is depicted in stained glass in the upper portion of the chapel’s façade. The main altar is a carved tree trunk representing the “stem of Jesse,” mentioned in the Book of the Prophet Isaiah.

Church of Our Lady of Caysasay
Location: Taal, Batangas
It houses the miraculous Our Lady of Caysasay that was found by a fisherman at sea. Documented accounts states that the Virgin Mary herself wanted her image to stay in Caysasay, where it was first found. Aside from the image of the Our Lady, other artifacts in the church include a carved holy water receptacle and Baroque motifs that are well preserved.

Church of San Jose
Location: San Jose, Batangas
Built in 1812, the church has a large one-aisle interior and is remarkable for its restored main altar, ceiling frescoes, and flowery capital on the columns. The church is an interpretation of Baroque architecture in the Philippines, and combines this with the neo-classical lines of the adjacent convent.

Church of the Immaculate Conception
Location: Bauan, Batangas
The altar has a tri-centered arch, with a niche containing the statue of the Virgin Mary. The façade of the church features both geometric and circular forms. It has a bell tower, which is hexagonal, and rests on a base decorated with coupled columns.

San Sebastian Cathedral (Lipa Cathedral)
Location: Lipa City, Batangas
Built in 1865, it went massive reconstruction when it was damaged during World War II. The domes of the church and the bell tower have intricate moldings and arched stained-glass windows. The church also features a winding stairway to the choir loft.

Carmelite Convent of Lipa
Location: Lipa City, Batangas
The convent of the contemplative order of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel was the site of several apparitions and miraculous events brought about by the Virgin Mary from 1948 – 1991. The most notable miracle happened in January 24, 1991 when rose petals fell from the sky. Few days later six children who were playing on the convent grounds saw the image of the Virgin Mary come to life.
Man-Made

Punta de Santiago Lighthouse (Cape Santiago)
Location:Calatagan, Batangas
This lighthouse, built in 1890, is one of the oldest and still operational lighthouse in the province. It was named after Don Santiago Zobel who donated the property to the government for the construction of the lighthouse. It is made from brick and mortar.

Flight of Steps
Location: Taal, Batangas
This 123-marble steps connects the Taal Cathedral and the Chapel of Our Lady of Caysasay.
Festivals
Parada ng Lechon
Place: Balayan, Batangas
Date: June 24
Celebrated in honor of St. John the Baptist, several lechons, or roast suckling pigs are paraded throughout the town dressed in unique clothing based from the theme of the festival. Water dousing commence after the parade.

Tapusan Festival
Place: Alitagtag, Batangas
Date: May 31
The festival venerates the Holy Cross through a special procession where the Cross, along with Marian images are mounted on gaily decorated floats and are paraded throughout the town.

Subli-an sa Batangas
Place: Batangas City, Batangas
Date: July 23
The festival is celebrated with the Foundation day of the city. It highlights the Subli, an indigenous dance of the Batanguenos.

Tinapay Festival
Place: Cuenca, Batangas
Date: February 7 – 13
The Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage is being honored for abundant living and thanksgiving. With the flourishing industry of bread making, locals showcase breads of varying shapes and sizes and parade their work throughout town.

Anihan Festival
Place: Lobo, Batangas
Date: September 24 – 29
The fiesta serves as the town’s thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest for the year. During the event, locals dress up in colorful costumes inspired by local produce such as sugar apple (atis), tamarind, rice, buli fabrics, seashells, corn kernels and dried tree bark, among others. The festival is also in honor of the town’s patron saint, Saint Michael Archangel.

Coffee Festival
Place: Lipa City, Batangas
Date: December 11 – 16
The festival was created to honor the city of Lipa as the ‘Coffee Granary of the Philippines”. The event features trade fair, market bazaar, traditional “Karera ng Tiburin” race, Barako ng Bayan contest and parlor games.

Today, Corregidor stands as a monument to the courage, valor, and heroism of Filipino and American defenders who valiantly held their ground against the great number of invading Japanese forces during World War II. General Douglas MacArthur retreated to this island for his delaying action at Bataan and the island became the headquarters of the Allied forces and the seat of the Philippine Commonwealth government.

As a fortress, Corregidor boasts a lot of big guns used for the defense of the island and Manila Bay.

There were 23 batteries installed on Corregidor, consisting of 56 coastal guns and mortars. In addition, Corregidor had 13 anti-aircraft artillery batteries with 76 guns (28 3-inch and 48 .50-caliber) and 10 60-inch Sperry searchlights.

The longest-range coastal pieces were the two 12-inch (305 mm) guns of Batteries Hearn and Smith, with a horizontal range of 29,000 yards (27,000 m). Although capable of an all around traverse, these guns, due to their flat trajectories, were not effective for use against targets on Bataan.

During the siege, the island had ample armor-piercing ammunition but very little of the anti-personnel type, which then was of greatest demand for use against land targets on Bataan. In fact, most of the anti-personnel shells were only for the 12-inch mortars of Batteries Way and Geary.

Incoming search terms:

• corregidor island

Flickr Photos by Miguel Navaza
On top of the fabulous surf spots, Siargao’s remoteness, natural beauty, unspoiled beaches and a distinct idyllic charm captivates its visitors. Even for non-surfers, there is a ton of things to see, do and discover. One can go kayaking around the island’s vast natural mangrove forest, go diving or island hopping in the lagoon and nearby islands which have natural white sand and crystal clear blue waters.

How to Get There

PAL Express has a direct flights from Manila (NAIA Terminal 3) to Surigao City (capital of Surigao del Norte) via PAL Express. Cebu Pacific Air or Philippine Airlines offer routes that fly first to either Cebu City or Butuan City before taking another flight to Surigao City. You’ll then need to take a pumpboat/ferry from Surigao City to Siargao. This pumpboat trip takes around two hours to reach your destination.

Flickr Photo by Paolo Manalac

Accomodation

There’s only a few accommodations available in Siargao. Most of them are pension houses and hostels targeted for the backpacker/surfer crowd. They are, however, comfortable enough and provide a range of services.

Some of the more popular ones are

• Patrick’s on the Beach or Patrick’s on Cloud 9. It is one of the more established resorts in the area. You can choose from air-conditioned rooms to tents on the beach.
• Traveller’s Pension House. As a pension house, it has basic amenities. You can choose between air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms.
• Kalinaw Resort. It is Siargao’s newest and relatively modern resort with individual cottages with simple furnishing but is really comfortable.
• Pansukian Tropical Resort. This is first upscale resort in Siargao with all the luxury and first-world amenities you’ll expect to find in an upscale resort.

What to do in Siargao

Siargao is popular with its Cloud 9 waves so it’s just fitting the most of your stay here will be better spent surfing. Additionally, it is also recommended to explore the island and its environs. Most resorts will gladly recommend places to see and things to do. Popular among the sights to see are Cloud 9, Sohoton Cove and mangrove swamps while the most popular activity beyond surfing is fishing.

Flickr Photos by Kringkat_ii

Prime Spots for Surfing

Tuason Point: Located three kilometers north of the municipality of General Luna and is where the world-famous Cloud 9 is located. It is an exposed reef break that has reasonably consistent surf. Offshore winds blow from the west. Most of the surf comes fis in the form of windswells and the best wave direction is from the northeast. A left hand reef. Best around high tide when the tide is rising. It very rarely gets crowded here. Surfing here means negotiating dangerous rips so this is for experienced surfers only.

North of Cloud 9

<ul<

GL and South

It is always a highlight of one’s holiday in Siargao. It can only be reached via a boat ride to Daku Island. Daku is an island to the east of General Luna and has a fun right hander that breaks during large swells. The wave breaks on the protected side of the island so it is usually small and great for beginners. Pansukian Reef is a fickle but hollow right hander; another for experienced surfers only. Further south are the islands of La Janoza and Mamon. These islands are beautiful. There are numerous waves in this area with the pick of the bunch being at Mabuntok Reef, which is to the left on Mamon. This wave will cater to all levels and is situated by one of the most pleasant and picturesque beaches in the region.

Siargao Travel Tips

The best time to visit Siargao is between July and November when waves can reach from 10-15 feet high.

Flickr Photo by cia b

Siargao Travel Tips

• Swimwear/beachwear, of course!
• Rubber Surfing Boots – you’ll need to walk in some rocky reefs to get to the waves
• First Aid Kit – as always but you’ll need it here more
• Lots and lots of sunblock and sunscreen
• You must have a Smart or Talk and Text mobile phone because it’s the only mobile connectivity in this island. Not sure if Globe or Sun has arrived there yet.
• Waterproof Camera. The island is beautiful and has a lot of large bodies of water. Better protect those pictures so you can post them in FaceBook and Flickr and have bragging rights!
• CASH!!! No ATM/Credit Cards in Siargao island

Happy Surfing!!!!!

Petronas Twin Towers

Arguably the new symbol of Malaysia, the PETRONAS Twin Towers is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. It soars 452 metres into the sky and it sits against the backdrop of the beautifully landscaped Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) park. The development, built based on a holistic approach, combining business with art, science and nature also included a symphonic concert hall at the podium between the twin towers, an international class art gallery and an interactive petroleum science discovery centre in the adjoining Suria KLCC Mall.

Despite being overtaken by Taipei 101 and until recently, Burj Dubai in height, the Petronas twin towers is a national pride to the Malaysian people.

Menara Kuala Lumpur

Otherwise known as KL Tower, it is used for communication purposes and features an antenna that reaches 421 m (1,381 ft), which currently makes it the fifth tallest tower in the world. The roof of the pod is at 335 m (1,099 ft). The rest of the tower below has a stairwell and an elevator to reach the upper area, which also contains a revolving restaurant, providing diners a beautiful view of the city .

The KL Tower is the fifth tallest telecommunication tower in the world and was built primarily to enhance the quality of telecommunication services and the clarity of broadcasting. Together with Petronas Twin Towers, KL Tower now represents the symbol of Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia in general.

Genting Highlands

Relax into the cool breeze at Genting Highlands Resorts which is situated 140km northeast of Kuala Lumpur. It sit atop of a 6550 feet mountain range and is very popular with tourists both local and foreign.

Cameron Highlands

Not exactly in Kuala Lumpur, this place is situated 160 km northeast of the capital and has the best climate in all over Southeast Asia. It was an important hill station during the British Rule. Tea plantations and processing plants are worth seeing where drying and packing is done by hand. The Filipino-Malaysian soap opera “Kahit Isang Saglit” had its first weeks shot in this scenic province. Aside from the tea plantations, other attractions are the colorful butterflies, Orchids, waterfalls and beautiful scenery.

Incoming search terms:

• petronas towers
• menara kuala lumpur
• Attraction In Kuala Lumpur
• kuala lumpur tourist attractions
• petronas tower
• kuala lumpur tower
• malaysia attractions
• menara kl
• kl tower
• menara kembar malaysia