Kaliwaliw

If you are looking for a restaurant in Batangas where good food, beautiful scenery, and a relaxing atmosphere come together, El Lago Restaurante in Balete is definitely a place worth considering. My fiancée and I recently became interested in discovering restaurants outside the usual Tagaytay dining spots, and El Lago caught our attention because of its location beside Taal Lake and its reputation for Spanish cuisine. Located along Palsara Road in Balete, Batangas, El Lago Restaurante offers something that is difficult to find in an ordinary restaurant: the chance to enjoy a refined Spanish meal while looking out over the peaceful surroundings of Taal Lake. The restaurant is associated with Chef Pablo and is located within the Mozzafiato/Yachting Club area, making the destination feel more like a relaxing weekend escape than simply a place to eat. For us, that combination is what makes El Lago interesting. It is not just about ordering food and leaving. It is the kind of place where we...

If you are looking for a relaxing restaurant near Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas, where good food meets a peaceful and elegant setting, The Upperdeck Restaurant at The Farm at San Benito is a place worth adding to your itinerary. My fiancé and I have always enjoyed discovering restaurants where we can slow down, enjoy a good meal, and spend quality time together, and The Upperdeck stands out because it offers something different from the usual restaurants around Batangas. Although it is often searched online as a restaurant in Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas, The Upperdeck is actually located within The Farm at San Benito in Lipa, Batangas, making it a convenient dining destination when exploring the Mataas na Kahoy and Lipa area. The restaurant specializes in Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and emphasizes fresh, wholesome ingredients, including vegetables, herbs, pasture-raised chicken, and other carefully selected ingredients. For couples, families, wellness travelers, and anyone looking for a m...

If you are an occasional hiker like me, Mount Macolod—also spelled Mount Maculot—in Cuenca, Batangas is the kind of mountain that easily catches your attention. It is close enough for a day trip from Metro Manila, offers spectacular views of Taal Lake, and has a reputation for being challenging without requiring the level of preparation expected for a major mountain expedition. However, there is one very important update for anyone planning a trip in 2026: Mount Macolod is currently closed to all hiking and climbing activities. The Cuenca Tourism Office reiterated in July 2026 that the prohibition applies to the entire mountain, including the Rockies, summit, and other routes. The closure is connected to rehabilitation, environmental protection, and tourism-management efforts. So while I can review what the Mount Macolod hiking experience is like based on established trail information and previous hikers' experiences, I would not recommend attempting the hike until the local gover...

There are places that we visit simply because they are beautiful, and there are places that leave us with a feeling of peace long after we have gone home. Caleruega Church in Nasugbu, Batangas is one of those special places. When my fiancée and I visited Caleruega, we discovered that it was more than just a beautiful church and a popular wedding venue. It was a place where nature, faith, architecture, and quiet moments come together in one peaceful destination. Often associated with Tagaytay because of its location along the Tagaytay–Nasugbu route, Caleruega Church is actually located in Barangay Kaylaway, Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas. The property is known for the Chapel of the Transfiguration, beautiful gardens, retreat facilities, scenic walking paths, and a relaxing atmosphere surrounded by greenery and mountain scenery. For couples like us, families, travelers, photographers, and people looking for a quiet place to pray and reflect, Caleruega is an excellent destination. In this gui...

If you are looking for a meaningful destination in Batangas that combines faith, breathtaking views, peaceful surroundings, and memorable experiences, Montemaria International Pilgrimage and Conference Center is a place worth adding to your travel list. When my fiancé and I visited Montemaria, we quickly realized that it was more than just a religious destination. It was also a place where we could slow down, appreciate the scenery, spend quality time together, and experience one of the most impressive landmarks in Batangas. Located in Barangay Pagkilatan, Batangas City, Montemaria sits on a scenic plateau overlooking Batangas Bay and the Verde Island Passage. Its most recognizable landmark is the enormous Mother of All Asia – Tower of Peace , a monument dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary as a symbol of unity and peace in Asia and around the world. The official Montemaria site describes the center as a faith-based tourism destination located within a larger 130-hectare township devel...

There are times when we travel not because we want to fill our itinerary with activities, but because we simply want to slow down, breathe fresh air, and spend meaningful time together. That was exactly what my fiancé and I were looking for when we visited Kapusod Treehouse in Batangas. Located in Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas, along the shores of Taal Lake, Kapusod is very different from the typical resort. It is not the kind of destination where we would expect luxurious hotel rooms, loud music, crowded swimming pools, or an endless list of commercial attractions. Instead, Kapusod offers something much simpler and, for us, much more meaningful: nature, silence, beautiful scenery, sustainable living, and quality time together. Kapusod is particularly known for its iconic bamboo treehouse overlooking Taal Lake, but there is much more to discover once we step inside the property. From its natural swimming pool and lush gardens to its unique accommodations and lakeside dining, the place give...