Batangas City

Batangas, the capital of Batangas province, is a major seaport, second to Manila among the ports on Luzon, and a gateway to the rest of the archipelago. With a population of over 300,000, Batangas is seeing fast growth, but its prominent sights like the city's religious sites and heritage homes are yet to have a mention to the tourist trail.

The name "Batangas" can be ambiguous; it can either refer to the city, the minor metropolitan area, Metro Batangas, or the province. The term is far more used to refer to the province, but "Batangas" is also the original name of the town before it became the city it is today. Media will use "Batangas City" to disambiguate it from the province, but in ordinary speech, the city is just referred to as "Batangas", the same as the eponymous province.

Though considered their own government units, this article covers also municipalities that belong to the larger area called Metro Batangas:

• Batangas city proper (329,874)
• San Pascual, to the west (65,424)
• Bauan

Alongside the towns of Bauan and San Pascual, Batangas City forms a minor metropolitan area, Metro Batangas. The two municipalities has seen major growth in industry and real estate and commercial developments are on the rise. Many residents of those towns commute to Batangas City to shop, study and work.

The city is home to the Philippines's second most important seaport, the Batangas Port, making this an important entry point to Luzon and the rest of the Philippines. Batangas City is also the educational capital of Batangas and a university town on its own, hosting major universities in the province like Batangas State University, Lyceum Philippines University and University of Batangas. There is a small expat community in the city, composed of Chinese business owners, some Nigerian students, and a few Caucasians. Life in the city is rather laid back and living costs are cheaper.

The city is continuing to grow, but it is yet to grow its skyline, and growth remains horizontal, leading into urban sprawl until this day. You can travel around by jeepney, tricycle, or car, but driving on your own is not for the faint-hearted. Many travellers taking the land and sea route from Manila to the beaches in the south will have a layover in Batangas, and there is an oversupply of hotels to accommodate travellers making a stop in the city or avoiding overbooked seaside resorts.

The area served as the center of the ancient barangay of Comintang (Kumintang) long before Spanish colonization. Spanish settlement began in 1572 and the original town center was founded in 1581, on the present-day area of sitio Hilltop in barangay Kumintang Ibaba. After the destructive eruption of Taal Volcano destroyed the original capital at Bonbon (present-day Taal), the settlement became the new administrative center and capital of Batangas, then called the province of Bonbon.

The current local government was set up by the American military in 1901. During World War II, the town served as a landing point by the Japanese, and dive bombers devastated most of the original town and its air field. The town was rebuilt after the war. The current city, originally intended to be named Laurel City after Philippine president Jose P. Laurel, was chartered in July 14, 1969. The completion of STAR Tollway in 2007 further boosted Batangas City's status as an international port, alongsides the expansion of it port complex. In 2017, the city was affected by an earthquake swarm that originated off Balayan Bay

The city has a dry and wet climate, but it greatly influenced by the monsoon climate that cause frequent rainfall to the east. Temperatures can be as high as 34.5C or as low as 22.1C, with little difference by month, as in tropical countries. The dry season is very short, running only between January and April, but sporadic thunderstorms still occur. The rainy season starts as early as May or late as June. Batangas City is not as rainy as its nearest large city, Lipa or even Manila, but it is relatively hotter than the two.

Batangas City is surrounded by of San Jose and Cuenca to the north, San Pascual and Bauan to the south, Ibaan, Taysan and Lobo to the east, and Verde Island to the south. The city covers 283sqkm of lowland, mountains, and the island of Isla Verde. Most parts of the city remains rural, and the population is largely concentrated on the mouth of the Calumpang River.

Batangas City is prone to typhoons, but the city is less prone to earthquakes. The last recorded earthquake was an earthquake swarm in 2017 that damaged some buildings, especially its historic Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Typhoons frequently pass through the city, especially from June to September. Some of them made major damage, especially on crossings between the Calumpang River.

Much of the rural areas of the city relies on agriculture, but the urban areas rely on trade and an expanding industrial base. Real estate developments are also part of the local economy. The city is also the educational center for Batangas, and the city is home to many major colleges and universities in the province.

The city center, in the Poblacion area, is a fast growing central business district, with new and larger buildings and establishments being constructed. Most shops, offices, and schools are in this area.

Batangas City has about 329,874 inhabitants according to the 2015 census.

The locals are mostly Tagalogs, with a large Visayan (especially Cebuano) and Chinese minority. There is also a small Muslim minority as well, mostly settled in Cuta and Malitam. The city also has a growing African, especially Nigerian, community, mostly living to study in the universities, and a few have formed their families in the city. There are a few who leave for Metro Manila for work and study.

The city is divided into 105 barangays, ranging from an urban neighborhood to a rural village; many barangays with suffixed names are grouped into unofficial clusters (e.g. Kumintang, Pallocan). In general, the city can be divided into five broad areas, but this guide considers the area around Batangas port a separate district.

• Poblacion - The city proper, and the old downtown, further divided into 22 numbered barangays; has most of the shopping and higher education institutions. Batangas City Hall, Plaza Mabini, and the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception lies in this district. Various ancestral houses, most notably the Pastor Mansion, have Poblacion their home.
• East - Much of this area's activity is centered on five suburban barangays east of the Calumpang. You can find most food and shopping at SM City Batangas, but there are also scattered local food destinations. The rest is rather mountainside country off the beaten path
• North of Poblacion - Includes barangays Alangilan, Balagtas, Kumintang Ilaya and Kumintang Ibaba . It has the capitol and government offices, growing nightlife, mid-class subdivisions, and another major university, the Lyceum of the Philippines University Batangas. Along the Diversion Road are ongoing commercial developments surrounding the new central terminal, Largely agricultural lands with scattered barangays.
• Pier Area - Low to mid-class area west of Poblacion, composed of barangays Cuta, Malitam, Santa Clara, and Wawa. This district hosts the Philippines' second major seaport, Batangas Port. Not far from the port are low-cost hotels, guest houses, recreation, and the city's second major market, Julian Pastor Memorial Market (Bagong Palengke or simply, Bago).
• Southern Batangas City - More of seaside and foothill communities. This area houses new industrial developments, Pilipinas Shell's refinery, and Monte Maria.
• Western Batangas City - Coastal suburbs, with inland barangays to the north. There is not much any food destinations here, but you can find places to relax not too far from downtown.

The towns of San Pascual and Bauan are considered their own local government units, but is grouped as part of Batangas City for this guide.

The Calumpang River serves as an important reference point: everything west is highly urbanized, and everything east is generally rural, save for Gulod, Pallocan, and Libjo.

The Poblacion is the old downtown, with P. Burgos Street dividing the district into a commercial area and residential district. The western part is the classic commercial center, while the eastern part of Poblacion is largely residential. Most accommodations within Poblacion are east of P. Burgos.

Poblacion - The city proper, and the old downtown, further divided into 22 numbered barangays; has most of the shopping and higher education institutions. Batangas City Hall, Plaza Mabini, and the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception lies in this district. Various ancestral houses, most notably the Pastor Mansion, have Poblacion their home.

East - Much of this area's activity is centered on five suburban barangays east of the Calumpang. You can find most food and shopping at SM City Batangas, but there are also scattered local food destinations. The rest is rather mountainside country off the beaten path

North of Poblacion - Includes barangays Alangilan, Balagtas, Kumintang Ilaya and Kumintang Ibaba . It has the capitol and government offices, growing nightlife, mid-class subdivisions, and another major university, the Lyceum of the Philippines University Batangas. Along the Diversion Road are ongoing commercial developments surrounding the new central terminal, Largely agricultural lands with scattered barangays.

Pier Area - Low to mid-class area west of Poblacion, composed of barangays Cuta, Malitam, Santa Clara, and Wawa. This district hosts the Philippines' second major seaport, Batangas Port. Not far from the port are low-cost hotels, guest houses, recreation, and the city's second major market, Julian Pastor Memorial Market (Bagong Palengke or simply, Bago).

Southern Batangas City - More of seaside and foothill communities. This area houses new industrial developments, Pilipinas Shell's refinery, and Monte Maria.

Western Batangas City - Coastal suburbs, with inland barangays to the north. There is not much any food destinations here, but you can find places to relax not too far from downtown.

• Batangas City Tourism Office, City Hall Complex, P. Burgos.
• The city's official website also provides an overview of destinations in town, and maps for transportation in the Poblacion.

Batangas City Tourism Office, City Hall Complex, P. Burgos.

Batangas city proper (329,874)

San Pascual, to the west (65,424)

Bauan

Batangas is a major midpoint for travel between Manila and the rest of the Philippines, and the city does have some spots that remains untouched to travellers with the common layover in the city. The city has much squalor as most Philippine cities, but it is a little laid back, and exploring some spots in the city may provide an overview of the Batangueño life and culture.

The city dates back to colonial times; the Poblacion area houses architectural and cultural heritage from both the Spanish and American colonial periods. Most cultural options lie in the area east of P. Burgos Street.

• Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, M.H. del Pilar Street (In front of Plaza Mabini. A historical church in the center of the downtown area, it dates back to the late 16th century. The church was damaged by an earthquake swarm in March 2017, and was closed for over ten months. It has been since renovated.
• Monte Maria Batangas. Constructed in 2013, it includes chapels and largest statue of the Virgin Mary in Asia as Mary, Mother of All Asia. The location in the coast also provides views of Puerto Galera and Verde Island.

Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, M.H. del Pilar Street (In front of Plaza Mabini. A historical church in the center of the downtown area, it dates back to the late 16th century. The church was damaged by an earthquake swarm in March 2017, and was closed for over ten months. It has been since renovated.

Monte Maria Batangas. Constructed in 2013, it includes chapels and largest statue of the Virgin Mary in Asia as Mary, Mother of All Asia. The location in the coast also provides views of Puerto Galera and Verde Island.

• Plaza Mabini, P. Burgos Street, Poblacion (Near City Hall. The classical downtown plaza in Poblacion, renamed in honor to revolutionary Apolinario Mabini. Inside the plaza is a monument to Apolinario Mabini, and a souvenir shop, Pasalubong Batangueño. The park hosts a giant Christmas tree, Nativity scene and mock white Christmas scenes during Christmas season. Free WiFi available.
• Laurel Park, National Highway corner Telecom Road. Little circular park, now part of the Batangas Provincial complex. Park hosts busts of important historical figures from the province, a burned Hummer where Luisito Icaro and Eric Landicho were killed in 2006, and a monument written in Baybayin to honor the Filipino language. Entry to the capitol complex needed.
• Batangas Provincial Community Park, Tolentino Road, Kumintang Ibaba (behind the Provincial Capitol complex and beside Lyceum Philippines University Batangas. Provincially-maintained park, with wide grassy spaces and mini-amphitheatre

Plaza Mabini, P. Burgos Street, Poblacion (Near City Hall. The classical downtown plaza in Poblacion, renamed in honor to revolutionary Apolinario Mabini. Inside the plaza is a monument to Apolinario Mabini, and a souvenir shop, Pasalubong Batangueño. The park hosts a giant Christmas tree, Nativity scene and mock white Christmas scenes during Christmas season. Free WiFi available.

Laurel Park, National Highway corner Telecom Road. Little circular park, now part of the Batangas Provincial complex. Park hosts busts of important historical figures from the province, a burned Hummer where Luisito Icaro and Eric Landicho were killed in 2006, and a monument written in Baybayin to honor the Filipino language. Entry to the capitol complex needed.

Batangas Provincial Community Park, Tolentino Road, Kumintang Ibaba (behind the Provincial Capitol complex and beside Lyceum Philippines University Batangas. Provincially-maintained park, with wide grassy spaces and mini-amphitheatre

• Acosta Pastor House. Heritage house built in 1883, now a museum.
• Museo Puntong Batangan, City Hall Complex, P. Burgos (Near the PHLPost post office. Presents the city's cultural heritage and history.

Acosta Pastor House. Heritage house built in 1883, now a museum.

Museo Puntong Batangan, City Hall Complex, P. Burgos (Near the PHLPost post office. Presents the city's cultural heritage and history.

• Batangas Provincial Capitol, Jose P. Laurel Highway, Kumintang Ibaba (Past Telecom Road. Though found inside a gated government complex, the Provincial Capitol building is resplendent of American-era Neoclassical architecture. It hosts a museum of Batangas history, and also art from various local artists.
• Bahay Pamahalaan, Lungsod ng Batangas, P. Burgos Street. Historic city hall, housing the city local government.

Batangas Provincial Capitol, Jose P. Laurel Highway, Kumintang Ibaba (Past Telecom Road. Though found inside a gated government complex, the Provincial Capitol building is resplendent of American-era Neoclassical architecture. It hosts a museum of Batangas history, and also art from various local artists.

Bahay Pamahalaan, Lungsod ng Batangas, P. Burgos Street. Historic city hall, housing the city local government.

Travelers to the rest of Batangas Province use Batangas City as a jumping off point, but the city serves also as a starting point for travelers to Puerto Galera. There are few any unpolluted beach areas around the city, and one beach in the Santa Rita area near the port complex, while popular with some locals, is badly littered with waste from seaside residential areas. In-city beach resorts can be found in Pagkilatan, just south of the Monte Maria pilgrimage site. Nearby seaside resorts are found in Mabini and San Juan. Inland resorts are also numerous, but access is mostly poor in many of them.

• Feast of the Holy Child (Santo Niño) - Held every January 16, and dedicated to the Santo Niño ng Batangan. The festivities start with the fluvial parade of the Santo Niño on Calumpang River. Residents invite everyone into lavish feasts they prepared for that day. Major streets in the Poblacion are closed, causing traffic jams outside. The city is heavily packed, making the local festivities an alternative to the ones in Cebu and Iloilo, but not as lively as the celebrations in Visayas.
• Good Friday procession - A solemn procession where various Catholic religious images are paraded through the Poblacion and is returned to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Devotees hold candles throughout the parade. Major streets are closed to traffic.
• Sublian Festival - A week-long festival reviving the old Batangas Tagalog tradition of subli, a rain-making dance. Festivities last a week, culminating with the Batangas City Founding Day. Various schools and companies send groups to compete in dance competitions, with winning groups parading in Batangas City Founding Day.
• Batangas City Founding Day - July 23 - The most colorful of the local festivities in Batangas City, commemmorating its cityhood since 1969. Various local businesses are also promoted in the festival.

Feast of the Holy Child (Santo Niño) - Held every January 16, and dedicated to the Santo Niño ng Batangan. The festivities start with the fluvial parade of the Santo Niño on Calumpang River. Residents invite everyone into lavish feasts they prepared for that day. Major streets in the Poblacion are closed, causing traffic jams outside. The city is heavily packed, making the local festivities an alternative to the ones in Cebu and Iloilo, but not as lively as the celebrations in Visayas.

Good Friday procession - A solemn procession where various Catholic religious images are paraded through the Poblacion and is returned to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Devotees hold candles throughout the parade. Major streets are closed to traffic.

Sublian Festival - A week-long festival reviving the old Batangas Tagalog tradition of subli, a rain-making dance. Festivities last a week, culminating with the Batangas City Founding Day. Various schools and companies send groups to compete in dance competitions, with winning groups parading in Batangas City Founding Day.

Batangas City Founding Day - July 23 - The most colorful of the local festivities in Batangas City, commemmorating its cityhood since 1969. Various local businesses are also promoted in the festival.

• Batangas City Sports Complex. Has a 20 by 50-meter 8-lane swimming pool, running track and basketball courts.
  • Batangas Coliseum. Multi-purpose arena, sometimes hosts professional league games held in Batangas, as well as local sports events and concerts.

Batangas City Sports Complex. Has a 20 by 50-meter 8-lane swimming pool, running track and basketball courts.

• Batangas Coliseum. Multi-purpose arena, sometimes hosts professional league games held in Batangas, as well as local sports events and concerts.

Batangas City Sports Complex. Has a 20 by 50-meter 8-lane swimming pool, running track and basketball courts.

• Batangas Coliseum. Multi-purpose arena, sometimes hosts professional league games held in Batangas, as well as local sports events and concerts.

The major shopping area is found on the area in Poblacion approximately bordered by P. Burgos to the east, Rizal Avenue to the south, and D. Silang to the west and northwest.

• Bay City Mall. 10:00-21:00. Owned by a local retail company, it is a local favorite. It houses a Citimart department store and supermarket, a National Book Store, numerous ukay-ukay outlets, Jollibee and Chowking, and other local businesses.
• Citimart, Rizal Avenue (Beside Jollibee. 10:00-21:00. Owned also by the retailer owning Bay City Mall, this is a large department store building with a supermarket below. The department store remains closed, but it hosts a Greenwich and a Chowking restaurant.
• Unitop, A. Evangelista Street (Beside Novo.. A local favorite, with its own supermarket, in the basement. It sells household items, clothes, and groceries.

Bay City Mall. 10:00-21:00. Owned by a local retail company, it is a local favorite. It houses a Citimart department store and supermarket, a National Book Store, numerous ukay-ukay outlets, Jollibee and Chowking, and other local businesses.

Citimart, Rizal Avenue (Beside Jollibee. 10:00-21:00. Owned also by the retailer owning Bay City Mall, this is a large department store building with a supermarket below. The department store remains closed, but it hosts a Greenwich and a Chowking restaurant.

Unitop, A. Evangelista Street (Beside Novo.. A local favorite, with its own supermarket, in the basement. It sells household items, clothes, and groceries.

• Puregold, Calicanto Road (beside Caedo Commercial Center. Has a Mang Inasal and a BDO ATM.
• SM City Batangas, National Highway, Pallocan West (Behind Days Hotel, +63 43 722-0276. 10:00-21:00. Opened in 2005, it hosts a large department store, hundreds of shops, and movie theaters. It underwent expansion that added more restaurants, and a Kidzoona children's play area. Also has a SM Supermarket.
• SM Hypermarket, National Highway, Balagtas. 09:00-21:00. This branch of this nationwide chain used to be a Makro store, and has large parking space, perfect if you bring a car with you. Prices are expensive compared to the others downtown. Has a BDO ATM, food court and a Watson's pharmacy, everything you need in one place.
• Xentro Mall Batangas, Diversion Road, Alangilan (Beside the Grand Terminal. 10AM-9PM. Opened May 2018. Single-story mall with a Savemore supermarket, and some shops and restaurants.

Puregold, Calicanto Road (beside Caedo Commercial Center. Has a Mang Inasal and a BDO ATM.

SM City Batangas, National Highway, Pallocan West (Behind Days Hotel, +63 43 722-0276. 10:00-21:00. Opened in 2005, it hosts a large department store, hundreds of shops, and movie theaters. It underwent expansion that added more restaurants, and a Kidzoona children's play area. Also has a SM Supermarket.

SM Hypermarket, National Highway, Balagtas. 09:00-21:00. This branch of this nationwide chain used to be a Makro store, and has large parking space, perfect if you bring a car with you. Prices are expensive compared to the others downtown. Has a BDO ATM, food court and a Watson's pharmacy, everything you need in one place.

Xentro Mall Batangas, Diversion Road, Alangilan (Beside the Grand Terminal. 10AM-9PM. Opened May 2018. Single-story mall with a Savemore supermarket, and some shops and restaurants.

There are also public markets and talipapas (wet markets) in the downtowns and some major barangays, and are good for local fruits, vegetables, meat and fish. Batangas City has two major public markets, with a number of talipapas in key barangays. The other towns also have one public market.

• Batangas City Public Market, D. Silang Street (reachable by jeepney from almost all routes on Poblacion. 05:00-19:00. An important marketplace for the city for years since the 1900s, it hosts small services, clothing stalls, and local meat, fish and produce. It also has some small restaurants specializing in the regional cuisine and a McDonald's ice cream stall. Parking is also available at a fee of .
• Julian Pastor Memorial Market, DJPMM Access Road, Cuta (served by numerous jeepney routes through Poblacion, except for the Batangas-Capitolio-Hospital route. 06:00-15:00. A newer public market built to the south. Has a wet and dry section. A dry section to the west is under construction and almost complete, but still unopened.

Batangas City Public Market, D. Silang Street (reachable by jeepney from almost all routes on Poblacion. 05:00-19:00. An important marketplace for the city for years since the 1900s, it hosts small services, clothing stalls, and local meat, fish and produce. It also has some small restaurants specializing in the regional cuisine and a McDonald's ice cream stall. Parking is also available at a fee of .

Julian Pastor Memorial Market, DJPMM Access Road, Cuta (served by numerous jeepney routes through Poblacion, except for the Batangas-Capitolio-Hospital route. 06:00-15:00. A newer public market built to the south. Has a wet and dry section. A dry section to the west is under construction and almost complete, but still unopened.

Batangas City has a lot of restaurants, but a more local experience is to eat at the plainer restaurants selling homemade dishes or Batangas specialties. The city abounds in places catering to local tastes, and better locations for local specialties are not hard to find. For a mid-size city like this, items are in overall, moderately priced.

Budget-friendly options are mostly found downtown, but upscale local dining is mostly in suburban locations like Alangilan.

The downtown has many restaurants, not limited to fast food chains, and you can also find the Filipino-style eateries, which are plain but they can provide cheap and local food.

• Bafoo's, Ricardo Building, Rizal Avenue (near the traffic light with DJPMM Access Road 2. Specializes in the Batangueño favorite, lomi, but also serves other regional dishes. It now has branches in Pallocan West (near Calumpang Bridge) and Kumintang Ibaba (near University of Batangas).
• Ng Wanam Food House, 20 A. Evangelista Street (beside Lumang Palengke. 6AM-noon. Best noted for their affordable pancit, but only open during the morning. Location is also not too far from downtown shopping areas.
• Johanna's Grill, +63 43-723-2289. 10AM-9:30PM. Retro-themed restaurant specializing in baby-back ribs.

The "Lumang Palengke" does have a

Bafoo's, Ricardo Building, Rizal Avenue (near the traffic light with DJPMM Access Road 2. Specializes in the Batangueño favorite, lomi, but also serves other regional dishes. It now has branches in Pallocan West (near Calumpang Bridge) and Kumintang Ibaba (near University of Batangas).

Ng Wanam Food House, 20 A. Evangelista Street (beside Lumang Palengke. 6AM-noon. Best noted for their affordable pancit, but only open during the morning. Location is also not too far from downtown shopping areas.

Johanna's Grill, +63 43-723-2289. 10AM-9:30PM. Retro-themed restaurant specializing in baby-back ribs.

• Eat n' Be Well Vegetarian Haven, 25 C. Tirona Street (near the corner with P. Canlapan. 7AM-7PM. Cooperative-owned restaurant serving vegetarian dishes.
• Ho Tsai, A. Evangelista Street (at the corner with P. Dandan. 8AM-8PM. One of the first Filipino-Chinese restaurants in the city. Serves Filipino-Chinese fast food like pansit, lomi and mami, as well as common Filipino favourites, like Filipino-style spaghetti, fried rice and pulutan dishes. From.
• Hungry Hippo, National Highway (on commercial building outside University of Batangas. Small hamburger restaurant with stall below and tables above.
• Mirellis Diner, Lt. Col. D. Atienza Street (beside Golden Gate Colleges Integrated School, +63 43 984-3846. 8AM-8PM. Little sit-in restaurant serving Filipino and Western meals, including burgers, sandwiches, pancit, silog, and others.
• Nung Ru Thai, M.H. Del Pilar Street (beside Zenaida Arcade, +63 943 335-5079. 5PM-midnight. Owned by a Filipino who lived in Thailand, this is only one of a few restaurants that serve Thai and Indian cuisine in Batangas.
• Purple Beetle Cafe, 69 P. Burgos Street (below World Trade Hotel. Small, but nice and chic place to hang out and eat if you stay on the hotel just above.
• Mr. Kimchi, The Plaza, P. Dandan Street (behind Plaza Mabini. 11AM-10PM. Korean dining, complete with hot pot, barbecue, and soju, within the downtown at a reasonable price.
• Taza Mia!, P. Dandan (behind Plaza Mabini. 7AM-11PM. Part of local coffeeshop chain, serving coffee and pastries.

Eat n' Be Well Vegetarian Haven, 25 C. Tirona Street (near the corner with P. Canlapan. 7AM-7PM. Cooperative-owned restaurant serving vegetarian dishes.

Ho Tsai, A. Evangelista Street (at the corner with P. Dandan. 8AM-8PM. One of the first Filipino-Chinese restaurants in the city. Serves Filipino-Chinese fast food like pansit, lomi and mami, as well as common Filipino favourites, like Filipino-style spaghetti, fried rice and pulutan dishes. From.

Hungry Hippo, National Highway (on commercial building outside University of Batangas. Small hamburger restaurant with stall below and tables above.

Mirellis Diner, Lt. Col. D. Atienza Street (beside Golden Gate Colleges Integrated School, +63 43 984-3846. 8AM-8PM. Little sit-in restaurant serving Filipino and Western meals, including burgers, sandwiches, pancit, silog, and others.

Nung Ru Thai, M.H. Del Pilar Street (beside Zenaida Arcade, +63 943 335-5079. 5PM-midnight. Owned by a Filipino who lived in Thailand, this is only one of a few restaurants that serve Thai and Indian cuisine in Batangas.

Purple Beetle Cafe, 69 P. Burgos Street (below World Trade Hotel. Small, but nice and chic place to hang out and eat if you stay on the hotel just above.

Mr. Kimchi, The Plaza, P. Dandan Street (behind Plaza Mabini. 11AM-10PM. Korean dining, complete with hot pot, barbecue, and soju, within the downtown at a reasonable price.

Taza Mia!, P. Dandan (behind Plaza Mabini. 7AM-11PM. Part of local coffeeshop chain, serving coffee and pastries.

• Big Mike's Grill House, 5 Pastor Avenue, Pallocan West (in front of Ford Batangas. 10AM-10PM. Serves sizzling favorites like sisig, bangus and gambas. You can also try their house style baby back ribs, fried rice, and burger.
• F. Baylosis Crispy Pata, G.C. Berberabe Subdivision, Pallocan West, +63 43 708-6820. 10AM-10PM. Houses the city's favorite crispy pata and chicken, for locals and tourists alike. There is also a wide variety of Filipino dishes and sides, starting at . The restaurant has an ambient atmosphere and friendly staff, and prices of meals are reasonable. You can eat with the sounds and voice of an acoustic guitar player. Private karaoke rooms are available for rent for those who want a feast with eating, drinking and singing. There is also a function hall, "Hall of Fame" for large events and meetings. .
• Wanam sa Bukid, Doña Romana Building, National Highway, Gulod Labac (near Gulod Labac Barangay Hall, just past Santisima Trinidad Parish. 7AM-9PM. Serves various Filipino favorites, such as chop suey, miki noodles, fried chicken, fried lumpia (spring rolls), and crispy pata. .
• Jocas Lomi Haus, +63 43 402-0558. Open-air eatery specializing in lomi, Batangas's major contribution to the Filipino cuisine.

Big Mike's Grill House, 5 Pastor Avenue, Pallocan West (in front of Ford Batangas. 10AM-10PM. Serves sizzling favorites like sisig, bangus and gambas. You can also try their house style baby back ribs, fried rice, and burger.

F. Baylosis Crispy Pata, G.C. Berberabe Subdivision, Pallocan West, +63 43 708-6820. 10AM-10PM. Houses the city's favorite crispy pata and chicken, for locals and tourists alike. There is also a wide variety of Filipino dishes and sides, starting at . The restaurant has an ambient atmosphere and friendly staff, and prices of meals are reasonable. You can eat with the sounds and voice of an acoustic guitar player. Private karaoke rooms are available for rent for those who want a feast with eating, drinking and singing. There is also a function hall, "Hall of Fame" for large events and meetings. .

Wanam sa Bukid, Doña Romana Building, National Highway, Gulod Labac (near Gulod Labac Barangay Hall, just past Santisima Trinidad Parish. 7AM-9PM. Serves various Filipino favorites, such as chop suey, miki noodles, fried chicken, fried lumpia (spring rolls), and crispy pata. .

Jocas Lomi Haus, +63 43 402-0558. Open-air eatery specializing in lomi, Batangas's major contribution to the Filipino cuisine.

• A&M Village Restaurant, Arce Subdivision, Kumintang Ibaba. Serves a variety of Filipino dishes, but its specialty is its beef caldereta and tadyang
• Al Goto King, Diversion Road, Balagtas (near the bus stop in front of Talipapa, +63 43 783 0702. 24 hours. Small and often crowded restaurant, specializing in bulalo and goto. The restaurant has parking spaces beside.
• Brand X Burgers, National Road, Balagtas (in front of the Epic Center, +63 43 984-7859. 10AM-2AM. Restaurant serving a fusion of Filipino breakfast and American fast food. From.
• Cafe de Alps, Ciudad Food Avenue, Diversion Road, Alangilan (past Batangas Grand Terminal. 9AM-10PM. Bus-themed restaurant and cafe, serving Western and Filipino dishes From.
• Hinomaru, Diversion Road, Alangilan (away from Batangas Grand Terminal, near Honda Cars Batangas.
• Jhorjanes, National Highway, Balagtas (beside 7-Eleven near Balagtas Rotonda; annex beside car repair shop. Specializes in the lomi and bulalo recipes, but they also serve local seafood, chicken, and vegetable dishes.
• Kainan sa Sawali, Antonio Carpio Road, Kumintang Ibaba (after Arceo and Santuray Road.

A&M Village Restaurant, Arce Subdivision, Kumintang Ibaba. Serves a variety of Filipino dishes, but its specialty is its beef caldereta and tadyang

Al Goto King, Diversion Road, Balagtas (near the bus stop in front of Talipapa, +63 43 783 0702. 24 hours. Small and often crowded restaurant, specializing in bulalo and goto. The restaurant has parking spaces beside.

Brand X Burgers, National Road, Balagtas (in front of the Epic Center, +63 43 984-7859. 10AM-2AM. Restaurant serving a fusion of Filipino breakfast and American fast food. From.

Cafe de Alps, Ciudad Food Avenue, Diversion Road, Alangilan (past Batangas Grand Terminal. 9AM-10PM. Bus-themed restaurant and cafe, serving Western and Filipino dishes From.

Hinomaru, Diversion Road, Alangilan (away from Batangas Grand Terminal, near Honda Cars Batangas.

Jhorjanes, National Highway, Balagtas (beside 7-Eleven near Balagtas Rotonda; annex beside car repair shop. Specializes in the lomi and bulalo recipes, but they also serve local seafood, chicken, and vegetable dishes.

Kainan sa Sawali, Antonio Carpio Road, Kumintang Ibaba (after Arceo and Santuray Road.

• Jovita Cafe, DJPMM Access Road, Santa Clara (in front of RLR Travellers Inn. 9AM-9PM. Casual restaurant not far from 3 nearby hotels, and another branch near SM City Batangas. They serve coffee, pasta, pastries, and other. This is the only place in town that serve bagel sandwiches. From.
• The Other Place, Rizal Avenue Extension, Santa Clara (near the traffic light with DJPMM Access Road, +63 43 723 1891. Filipino-themed restaurant serving common local fare. From.

Jovita Cafe, DJPMM Access Road, Santa Clara (in front of RLR Travellers Inn. 9AM-9PM. Casual restaurant not far from 3 nearby hotels, and another branch near SM City Batangas. They serve coffee, pasta, pastries, and other. This is the only place in town that serve bagel sandwiches. From.

The Other Place, Rizal Avenue Extension, Santa Clara (near the traffic light with DJPMM Access Road, +63 43 723 1891. Filipino-themed restaurant serving common local fare. From.

There are rather a few bars found in town, in contrast of Lipa, but if you are seeking a drink for the night, you can find some bars scattered around the city proper.

• 8th Avenue Restobar, Pastor Avenue, Pallocan West (beside Ford Batangas. Jeepney routes: Batangas-Libjo, Batangas-San Isidro, +63 43 702-5754. 16:00-02:00. Perfect place to jam and drink through the night, also near to hotels. No WiFi is available in-restaurant.
• D' Brothers Sports Bar, G.C. Berberabe Subdivision, (between F. Baylosis Crispy Pata and St. Therese of the Child Jesus Multiple Intelligence School annex. 10:00-02:00. Sports-themed restaurant and bar, perfect place to talk, drink, and watch sports. Popular among locals and foreigners alike

8th Avenue Restobar, Pastor Avenue, Pallocan West (beside Ford Batangas. Jeepney routes: Batangas-Libjo, Batangas-San Isidro, +63 43 702-5754. 16:00-02:00. Perfect place to jam and drink through the night, also near to hotels. No WiFi is available in-restaurant.

D' Brothers Sports Bar, G.C. Berberabe Subdivision, (between F. Baylosis Crispy Pata and St. Therese of the Child Jesus Multiple Intelligence School annex. 10:00-02:00. Sports-themed restaurant and bar, perfect place to talk, drink, and watch sports. Popular among locals and foreigners alike

Batangas City has its problem of crime, with illegal drug trade and gun possession being the major concern. Some areas in the Poblacion area are haven of criminals and drug dealers, and it is best to avoid them. Beggars can be spotted in the streets, and pickpockets can be a major concern, especially if you bring valuables with you. The city remains relatively safe, if you follow common sense.

Tricycle scams are often a hassle after sunset, and it is best to arrive before 7PM (or generally, after sunset), where after it, jeepneys become hard to find (most will abruptly turn around at the middle of the trip after unloading their remaining passengers). Otherwise, wait with a local seeking a tricycle, wait for the next jeepney with passengers, or walk to the nearest stop where jeepneys still stop. Traffic is also hectic, and noisy. Traffic lights can be seen in the major crossings, but elsewhere, watch out, as stop or give way signs are ignored. Running on red is a common sight. Honking is prevalent, jeepneys will practically stop anywhere, and motorcycles will cut through lanes when others are stuck in a traffic jam. Traffic will snarl to a halt in rush hours. Traffic enforcers can be frequently sighted, but numbers can be passive about obvious violators, and others are outright corrupt.

Walking must be taken with caution. Jaywalking is illegal in Batangas City, but a number can be still seen crossing practically anywhere; the common refrain is that the nearest crossing or overpass is too far. Many roads lack sidewalks, but in some spots where there are, they are blocked by illegally parked vehicles. Crossing must be taken with caution in marked places because some drivers, especially motorcyclists, will just zip through without stopping.

Communist rebels under the New People's Army continue to hide in the forests in the mountainous areas to the southeast, and some minor encounters may occur. There may be chances that rebels form checkpoints in remote roads. Gun ownership is high in areas where communist rebels are present, but the chance to be shot is low, as locals use guns for defense.

• Batangas City Police, Gusaling Pangkalikasan at Pangkapayapaan, P. Burgos (beside City Planning and Development Office, +63-43-723-2030.

Batangas City Police, Gusaling Pangkalikasan at Pangkapayapaan, P. Burgos (beside City Planning and Development Office, +63-43-723-2030.

Tap water supplied by the city-owned Batangas City Water District is potable, but might taste like cough syrup in many places. Locals, however, enjoy drinking tap water no matter how it tastes like. Also, better avoid buying ice chopped from blocks, as their cleanliness is often questionable. Better buy bottled water from convenience stores, or boil your water before drinking.

The city also has lots of stray or feral cats and dogs, rather common on other Philippine cities of similar size. Dengue is a health concern every summer and wet season, so bring mosquito repellant, and cover the arms and legs, whenever possible.

• Batangas Medical Center, Ebora Road, Kumintang Ibaba (served by jeepneys bound for SM City Batangas.
• United Doctors of St. Camillus de Lellis Hospital, Diversion Road, Bolbok.
• Saint Patrick's Hospital, P. Panganiban Street (near the corner with P. Mendoza Street. Open 24 hours. Offers all-day emergency service.

Batangas Medical Center, Ebora Road, Kumintang Ibaba (served by jeepneys bound for SM City Batangas.

United Doctors of St. Camillus de Lellis Hospital, Diversion Road, Bolbok.

Saint Patrick's Hospital, P. Panganiban Street (near the corner with P. Mendoza Street. Open 24 hours. Offers all-day emergency service.

• BP Generic Express, P. Burgos Street (beside Metrobank. Local pharmacy chain with numerous branches in Batangas City
• Cantos Pharmacy, National Road, Kumintang Ibaba (near Jollibee. Another local pharmacy chain with 2 branches.
• Farmacia ni Dok, A. Evangelista Street (near Unitop and Novo.
• Generika, Rizal Avenue (near 7-Eleven, just before the traffic lights D. Silang. 9AM-10PM. Part of nationwide chain with numerous branches in Batangas City and nearby municipalities. Provides low-cost medicines and blood pressure check.
• South Star Drug, A. Evangelista Street (on the intersection near Lumang Palengke. 9PM-10PM. Most of this nationwide chain's locations are rebranded Chavez Pharmacy branches.

BP Generic Express, P. Burgos Street (beside Metrobank. Local pharmacy chain with numerous branches in Batangas City

Cantos Pharmacy, National Road, Kumintang Ibaba (near Jollibee. Another local pharmacy chain with 2 branches.

Farmacia ni Dok, A. Evangelista Street (near Unitop and Novo.

Generika, Rizal Avenue (near 7-Eleven, just before the traffic lights D. Silang. 9AM-10PM. Part of nationwide chain with numerous branches in Batangas City and nearby municipalities. Provides low-cost medicines and blood pressure check.

South Star Drug, A. Evangelista Street (on the intersection near Lumang Palengke. 9PM-10PM. Most of this nationwide chain's locations are rebranded Chavez Pharmacy branches.

• Bureau of Immigration Batangas, Diversion Road, Bolbok (quite hidden from view, but is found beside the north end of the flyover leading to Batangas Port.
• PHLPost post office, Batangas City Hall complex, P. Burgos (behind Gusaling Pangkalikasan at Pangkapayapaan.

Batangas City passed an ordinance that banned the use of single-use plastics and Styrofoam from 2011, and businesses are required to use reusable material for packaging. In restaurants, containers for food takeaways are required to be recyclable, but utensils (spoons, forks, and straws) remain exempt. Supermarkets use paper bags for packaging, and may offer reusable cloth bags for a fee.

Batangas City enforces ordinances that ban smoking in public places. Smoking is banned in public transport, and many public places, like parks, churches, shopping malls, public markets, and government offices. Smoking is prohibited in most restaurants, though some may offer smoking outside for those who cannot resist the craving for nicotine.

For vapers, components and juice can be bought at convenience stores (e.g. 7-Eleven), but here is a local vape shop:

• Vape Xtreme, Hilltop Road, Kumintang Ibaba (a walk away from the jeepney stop at National Highway. Vaporizers, spare parts, and juice.

Vape Xtreme, Hilltop Road, Kumintang Ibaba (a walk away from the jeepney stop at National Highway. Vaporizers, spare parts, and juice.

Newspapers published in Metro Manila are also sold in Batangas City, but the city also has its two local newspapers: Sun Star Daily Courier (in English) and Balikas (in Tagalog).

Radio in Batangas City is almost broadcast in Tagalog, and DJs will be generally speaking in English and Tagalog, usually in Taglish. The city is the center of the Batangas radio market, with the majority of radio stations based here.

• AL FM Radyo Totoo (95.9 MHz): Owned by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lipa, but based in Lipa, it primarily airs religious programs and Christian music. It also broadcasts Catholic prayers in English like the Angelus during 6AM, 12 noon and 6PM, and the Rosary between 5-6AM.
• Spirit FM (99.1 MHz): Also owned by the Archdiocese of Lipa, it plays popular modern music, Filipino and Western, including latest hits, but also airs religious programs and Catholic prayers. Every Sunday, it airs slow rock, oldies music, and 1990s retro music, as well as live Mass broadcasts from Lipa, especially in the morning after signing in.
• Brigada News FM (104.7 MHz): Broadcasts news and public affairs shows in Tagalog, but also plays slow music in various hours in the day.

AL FM Radyo Totoo (95.9 MHz): Owned by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lipa, but based in [[Lipa]], it primarily airs religious programs and Christian music. It also broadcasts Catholic prayers in English like the Angelus during 6AM, 12 noon and 6PM, and the Rosary between 5-6AM.

Spirit FM (99.1 MHz): Also owned by the Archdiocese of Lipa, it plays popular modern music, Filipino and Western, including latest hits, but also airs religious programs and Catholic prayers. Every Sunday, it airs slow rock, oldies music, and 1990s retro music, as well as live Mass broadcasts from Lipa, especially in the morning after signing in.

Brigada News FM (104.7 MHz): Broadcasts news and public affairs shows in Tagalog, but also plays slow music in various hours in the day.

Bureau of Immigration Batangas, Diversion Road, Bolbok (quite hidden from view, but is found beside the north end of the flyover leading to Batangas Port.

PHLPost post office, Batangas City Hall complex, P. Burgos (behind Gusaling Pangkalikasan at Pangkapayapaan.

You can top up (load) your SIM cards almost everywhere, from sari-sari stores to convenience stores. There are not many internet cafés anymore because of increased cell phone ownership, but you can find pisonet Internet cafés if you're lucky. Free Wi-Fi is available at malls, on Plaza Mabini, and most hotels.

Most travellers use Batangas City as a stopover to visit the other destinations in the province, such as the diving spots in Mabini, or as a stop en route to the white sand beaches in Puerto Galera in Mindoro, half hour away by boat.