Lipa Hotels

Whether you plan to go on a joyride with your family, or join a cross-city bike with friends, take in and learn as many historical sites as you can, or simply wanted to book a weekend getaway at an exclusive resort, Lipa City is definitely for those who wanted to take the road less travelled.

At A Glance

The city of Lipa is one of the three cities that make up the province of Batangas, a favorite destination of tourists both local and abroad. Its proximity to Metro Manila (1.5 hour-drive only!) allows any traveler to go on a roadtrip to the countryside and unplug from the hustle and bustle of the urban jungle.

Lipa is located in a valley between Mount Malarayat and Mount Makulot, making it a low-risk area for natural disasters. During typhoons, the two mountains serve as a windbreak. The west of Mount Makulot shields the city during eruptions of the Taal Volcano. Certain areas in Lipa also have the same elevation as Tagaytay, promising a cool, fresh breeze most of the year round.

How to Go

By plane

There are charter companies who may offer flights from Manila going to certain points in Batangas, including Lipa. But it’s better to save your transportation money by either hiring a car service, renting a car, or hopping on a comfortable, air-conditioned bus.

By boat/ferry

You can travel from Manila Port to Batangas Port by way of the Roll-On, Roll-Off (RORO) ships. You do need to contact the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) for RORO schedules.

By land transportation

From Manila, take a cab going to JAM Liner Bus Terminal located in Buendia, or Pasay City, which is closest to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and Domestic Airport, and take a bus route that passes or directly stops at Lipa. There are also bus companies in Cubao, Quezon City, EDSA corner Kamias Street, or in Alabang terminals that offer bus routes going to Batangas Port by way of Lipa.

Getting Around

Tricycles, or motorcycles with sidecars, are the main mode of transport between towns. Major roads, however, are also passed by jeepneys that can take you to longer routes.

Tourist Attractions

When in Lipa, never miss touring the old churches here. Lipa Cathedral in CM Recto Avenue, Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Parish of Mary Mediatrix in Antipolo del Norte, Our Lady of Peace in Barangay Lodlod, and Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Chapel in Fernando Air Base are some of the historical locations you should not miss in your church tour.

The Marian Orchard provides a haunting, yet serene place of prayer and relaxation, thanks to the multiple statues depicting the apostles of Jesus Christ and a functioning Stations of the Cross.

Check out Casa Segunda at Rizal Street. This heritage house recognized its contribution in the Philippine arts, culture, and history.

Top Things to Do

Go on a Lady of the Lake boat cruise along the Taal Lake. This one-house boat ride will allow you to explore life near the second most active volcano in the Philippines. Some travel agencies offer this as a tour, but you can ask your hotel or local townsfolk if they can provide a boat service that’s not part of a tour package.

What’s Lipa without its relaxing resorts? The Farm in San Benito offers day tours starting at Php5,000, which includes use of the resort facilities, which are the yoga studios, cleansing and wellness programs, pools, plus free lunch. Nayomi Sanctuary Resort in Balete, on the other hand, is another breath of fresh air, thanks to its spacious accommodations, Instagram-worthy nooks, and scenic views of Taal. Getaway packages starts at Php3,700 a night with breakfast for two.

It’ll also be fun checking out actual, functioning farms too. Discover how honey is being harvested organically at Golden Clover Honey Farm (you can even try out the beekeeper outfit too!). Batangas Dairy Cooperative (BADACO), a 65-hectare property, will let you experience how to feed and milk cows.

Where to Eat

Bulalong Batangas and Gotong Batangas are perhaps two of the main dishes that you should not miss eating in Lipa. Bulalong Batangas is a beef dish made up of beef shanks and marrow bones in light-colored broth that’s topped with malunggay leaves. Gotong Batangas, on the other hand, is a rice porridge or congee topped with ox tripe. These are staples in almost every restaurant in the city, so you really wouldn’t miss your opportunity here.

Fancy eating noodles? Loming Lipa at Lomi King and Benok’s Lomi Haus and Fast Food comes with crushed chicharon (fried prok fat), sliced ham, sliced liver, and meatballs.

Nightlife

Majority of the nightlife activities in Lipa City are located in major roads, with some closest to De La Salle Lipa. Some of the popular hangouts both for young and old are Aristeo’s Bar and Resto in Antipolo del Norte, Central BBQ Boy Grill and Metro Bar in Ayala Hi-way, Kuya Clyde’s Ihaw-Ihaw, Twenty Eight-4 Bar and Restaurant, and L.A.X. [Lounge at Auto-X] at Barangay Sico, and The Library Comedy Bar in Pres. Laurel Highway.

Where to Stay

If you wish to live at the heart of the city, Hotel La Corona de Lipa is a great place for you. Located along Pres.Laurel Highway, this pet-friendly hotel comes with free parking, WiFi, basic amenities, and free breakfast for guests. The Suites at Mount Malarayat is perfect should you wish to explore Taal. This three-star hotel can offer guests a nice mountain view, and the opportunity to partake in activities such as fishing, biking, playing billiards and swimming in the pool.

If you like to stay close to the bus terminal and have access to all commuting modes, The Zillion Builders Pavilion along Tanco Road is enough to meet your most basic accommodation needs. Internet connection is pretty stable too. Guests who stayed in this charming bed & breakfast can attest to the warm hospitality of the staff

Travel Tips

• Because you’ll be doing a great deal of walking, wear comfortable yet sturdy footwear.

• Avoid saying “Oo” or yes every time your host offered something you or whenever a local asks you to try something and you’re not comfortable taking or doing it. You can always politely decline. However, liven up the mood by ask probing questions so your host or a local will not get offended.

• Don’t get confused when locals “Filipinized” certain English words or phrases like “salvage” (to brutally murder) or “swardspeak” (gay lingo). People like to play around with language here, so it’s best to ask someone to clarify it for you so you won’t get lost in translation.