Favored by both nature enthusiasts and beach lovers alike, there is so much more to explore in this seaside municipality of Nasugbu.
Nasugbu is a first-class municipality of the province of Batangas. Its closest neighbor in the north is actually Cavite province. On the west side of Nasugbu is the West Philippine sea, so expect a lot of resorts and beaches in this area. By way of Tagaytay City, Nasugbu is only an hour’s drive away from Manila.
Local airlines do not offer flights from Manila to Nasugbu. However, there are charter companies who may offer flights from Manila going to certain points in Batangas, including Nasugbu.
On the other hand, it’s better to save your transportation money by hopping on a comfortable, air-conditioned bus or just carpool with friends or family in a rental.
The Roll-On, Roll-Off (RORO) ships allows you to travel from Manila Port to Batangas Port. You do need to contact the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) for RORO schedules. From Batangas Port, there are buses available that would take you directly to Nasugbu proper.
There are bus terminals Buendia, Cubao, Quezon City, EDSA corner Kamias Street, or in Alabang that offer bus routes going to Batangas Port by way of Nasugbu, as well as direct routes.
If you intend to travel to Nasugbu by car, you can get a rental at NAIA and take the the older and longer route via South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to Tagaytay City and then going down to Nasugbu, or the new route via Cavite Coastal Road-Cavitex Highway, then through Ternate up to the Largest Tunnel in the Philippines at Mount Pico De Loro.
Within the municipality, tricycles, or motorcycles with sidecars, are the main mode of transport. You can also take the jeepney. Jeepneys from Tagaytay City enter and leave the town at a scheduled time.
Fortune Island may be a luxury resort island in ruins, but the contrast of the abandoned island (with the crumbling structures) with the vast blue sea make up for a great backdrop for your vacation photos. Try to get as many shots as you can at the Acropolis of Athens, which stands just on a rocky cliff overlooking the water. Day trips start at Php4,000, but you can camp out in the island for Php6,000 overnight.
The historic town of Balayan is something to look forward. The place can make any traveler feel as if they have time-traveled to the Spanish era, with the number of ancestral homes all over the town, and the breathtaking Church of the Immaculate Conception, which has been standing since 1749(!). Make sure to schedule your visit during the town’s fiesta (June 24) to help the locals celebrate the Feast of St. John the Baptist (San Juan de Bautista) and the Parada ng Lechon (Parade of Roasted Pigs).
There is so much to do in Nasugbu that it would be crazy not to rediscover yourself by trying out something new. Join a trek at Mount Batulao, for example. Fulfill your royal fantasy as you visit Fantasy World, a grand fairy castle located at the nearby town of Lemery. Hole up in one of the many exclusive beach resorts in Nasugbu, which includes the Canyon Cove, Tali Beach Resort, and Terrazas de Puenta Fuego.
Kainan sa Dalampasigan at Barangay Bucana should be the first restaurant in Nasugbu that you must stop over. The place looks like one big dining hall that incorporates the wooden, earthy, rustic elements of nature. You must try Balot sa Dahon, which is a traditional binalot (banana leaf wrap) of chicken-pork adobo, garlic fried shrimps, fried tomatoes, and bagoong.
Along major roads, purchase Indian Mangoes and eat it with shrimp paste, or alamang. And because Nasugbu is a coastal province, you’re also bound to encounter delicious seafood along the way. Try the Tanigue Steak and the Inihaw (Grilled) Sampler at Kainan sa Dalampasigan.
Nightlife in Nasugbu is confined within resorts. Some resorts build a bonfire by the seaside for their guests to chill. Some host private parties or events for guests (and even walk-ins) to enjoy. Most of the resorts also have in-house bars or discos with live music or entertainment. But you may need to set your expectations a bit lower as Nasugbu is pretty much the destination to enjoy a break from the urban noise, and is not your typical party destination.
Nasugbu has a variety of hotel accommodations that can suit any travel itinerary. If you feel a bit fancy and are looking for more exclusivity, Pico Sands Hotel, Pearl Farm Beach Resort and Canyon Cove Club would be perfect for you. Nasugbu also boasts of bed & breakfast inns that you can consider checking in, like the Forest Cove Beach House, and Jo and Johnny’s Beach and Dive Inn.
Ensure that you have enough local currency to spend. Although some resorts offer money-changing services, it’s rare to find a more accessible one that offers the best currency conversion rates as opposed in the city.
It pays to be nice to the hotel staff. Most of them are too happy to share insider secrets that you can clearly use during your stay.
Total Accommodation | 26 Properties |
Popular Area | Wawa, Papaya |
Popular Hotel | Canyon Cove Hotel and Spa, Club Punta Fuego |
Popular Landmark | Caleruega Chapel of Transfiguration of Jesus, Nasugbu Pavillion Beach Park |