TALISAY:

As a probinsyana born and raised in the province

of Batangas, I didn’t have the chance to to feel under my
feet the white sands and the clear water that Batangas
is known for, it’s paradise-like beaches. Our town wasn’t
that blessed with “pinong puting buhangin”, ours has
black and have this muddy-feeling. Our waters (lake)
were also clear but not the same as the Nasugbu’s,
Calatangan’s or Laiya’s where you can see your
reflection in the waters. However, ours is clear enough
to be support a living with its bounty of delicious tilapia,
tawilis, and even maliputo. Talisay, just like the tree which offers a generous shed where one can
rest peacefully, is a place that gives you a break from the hustle and bustle of the metro with just
2 hours of travel.

WHAT TALISAY OFFERS

Despite not having the paradise beaches, my hometown has a paradise of its own, the
Taal Volcano. Talisay, also known as the “Gateway to Taal Volcano” is just one banca away from
the majestic tourist spot. Very accessible right? Many resorts offer boat rides to the volcano but
Precious Boat Station located in Gulod, Banga, Talisay Batangas
has the most accommodating personnels and provides a wide
range of packages, from solo to a big group of tourists.
For 6 persons and above, you will only need 900php per
person. This includes the boat ride (round trip), horseback riding
(round trip), a local tour guide, a bottle of mineral water, fresh
buko juice, and many more. If you’re on a solo trip, 3000php would
be enough for you to enjoy solitude and peace in this very
beautiful place.
For more information, you can visit their official facebook
page (ilovetaalvolcano.fb.com).
Can’t afford to break the bank but still want to
experience Taal? No worries, you can pay a visit the town’s
“baywalk”, a 500 meter long lake-side with a perfect view of
the Taal Volcano from afar. It is located at the Talisay’s Public
Market which makes it accessible to a long line of street food
stalls, which guarantees to satisfy your cravings for
calamares, which they serve in huge chunks than usual,
kwek-kwek, fishball, etc. Aside from the view of the Taal volcano, it is also the perfect place to
watch the sunset. And lastly, the lake-side is definitely instagrammable, your online friends won’t
even know that you barely spent money to be in such a beautiful place.
After your #TaalVenture, your Batangas getaway wouldn’t be complete if you will not try
its famous Lomi. In Banga, still in Talisay, Nicoleskat Snack Haus offers a special Sisig Lomi for only
Php 150 that is good for 3-4 persons. It is topped and loaded with sisig, fried siomai, lumpiang
shanghai, and lechon kawali. If you still got time after this trip, you can also pay Tagaytay a visit,
which is only 10-15 minutes away from Talisay!

HOW TO GET THERE

Routes:
Tagaytay:
From Ligaya Drive to Talisay and you will pass through a zigzag route down Tagaytay ridge
but views of taal volcano will ease you.
Commute via Tanauan, Batangas:
Board a Batangas City-bound bus on Taft Avenue, Pasay City near Buendia LRT station
(choose Batangas City via Tanauan and not Batangas City via Calabarzon) and alight in front of
Tanauan public market (Fare: P89.00). Transfer to a Talisay-bound jeep.
Driving Directions to Talisay via STAR TOLL (Tanauan):
From Makati, take SLEX and exit the second to the last toll gate (Silangan, Batangas City,
Lucena). You’ll pass by Turbina (Shell), Carmelray and turn right to enter STAR TOLLWAY. Exit at
SAMBAT (Tanauan) then turn right going to Talisay (a left will take you to Tanauan town proper).
Just follow the road to your destination resort or Talisay public market.
Directions to Talisay via Coastal Road, Aguinaldo Highway, Cavite:
Head to Roxas Blvd and Coastal Road going to Aguinaldo Highway up to Tagaytay rotonda.
At the rotonda, turn left towards Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP). Continue
driving until you reach Ligaya Drive where ou turn left (right side is Tagaytay Elementary School).
Follow the winding road to Talisay to get to your resort.
(Source: backpackingphilippines.com)
Talisay may not offer you beaches to die for like what is Batangas known for, but
Talisay can offer you Taal, the one that you saw on your HEKASI books, and the one that you used
to see from afar. Talisay let you feel Taal Volcano, upclose and personal.