Marian Orchard in Batangas: Inside a Peaceful Holiday Getaway

(vigattintourism.com)

When buying your new home, you consider a lot of things—it’s a big investment after all. If you want to save yourself the hassle, investing on a house and lot in Batangas would be a smart choice. Why? Aside from the refreshing breeze and peace and quiet, the place is filled with tourist destinations, historical places, cultural sites and heritage parks. Who wouldn’t want to live here?

Batangas is home to several heritage sites. The Taal Heritage Park is one of the province’s treasured destinations but there’s one park that has caught the attention of tourists and Batangueños. Marian Orchard is a sprawling Catholic theme park located in the municipality of Balete, right before the pilgrimage city of Lipa, Batangas. It was started by Lazaro L. Katigbak in the early 90s.

As detailed by Rappler, the architectural style of the Orchard is inspired by religious structures in Europe, especially Roman architecture.

If you’re looking for a serene venue to celebrate the holidays, Marian Orchard is the perfect go-to place to reflect and de-stress. Starting the New Year right? It’s that time of the year to give this place a visit.

Aside from its intricate sculptures and wide array of floras, this retreat park features a chapel, a prayer garden, an observation tower, fountains and shrines of saints. If you love nature and if you want to relax and withdraw from the busy streets of the city, a day here will restore your perspective.


(marian-orchard.ph)


Sculptures of saints permeate the vicinity. They add to the distinctive character of the place.


(marian-orchard.ph)


Here is the photo of the stairs leading to the observation tower. The tower holds the replica of Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer, the largest Art Deco-style sculpture in the world. It’s a bit steep but reaching the top would be well worth it. Just seeing the vibrant colors of flowers bursting is already a sight to see.


(marian-orchard.ph)

The religious site is open to the public. It would be best to visit it at this time of the year because it will be overcrowded during the Holy Week. It can also be a sort of escape, a form of meditation or soul-searching. Wouldn’t you just want to move in a house and lot in Batangas and be near a spiritual place like this while savoring the beauty and serenity of nature?

Here are two ways to get to the Marian Orchard:

How to get there by bus: From EDSA (usual starting point is Cubao) or Buendia, take a bus to Lemery, Batangas via Tanauan/Lipa (not CALABARZON). Ask the driver to drop you off at Levitown, then from there take a tricycle to Marian Orchard.

How to get there by car: Drive thru SLEX and on to Batangas Star Tollway then take Lipa-Tambo Exit. Turn right and follow the J.P. Laurel Highway going to Lipa/Tanauan. Turn left at Lipa-Balete Road. The Marian Orchard is just a 10-15 minute drive from the Caltex Gas Station.

The pilgrimage slash tourist site is approximately 3 hours away from Metro Manila. Residents of Batangas are charged with 25 pesos while non-residents are charged with 50 pesos. It’s a pretty cheap getaway, right?

If you constantly want to be surrounded with wonders such as this, a house and lot for sale in Batangas is a good choice. Living in this multi-faceted province is an everyday adventure.

Read More

Masasa Beach: Tingloy, Batangas’ Hidden Paradise

(Facebook / Masasa Beach)


Due to its rich tourist destinations, people have been flocking and buying house and lots for sale in Batangas. It’s more than just the view—it’s the culture, the food and the fresh breeze and, of course, the enthralling waters. Who wouldn’t want to live here?

With Batangas’ multitude of panoramic beaches, Masasa Beach is one that rose above the rest. It is located along the southern part of Batangas. The municipality of Tingloy is quite far from your usual trip in the province but it is well worth it once you see the fine sand and clear waters.


How to get there

(Facebook / Masasa Beach)


Jam Liner buses bound to Batangas Pier can be found at Buendia-Taft terminal. Once you are dropped off at the Batangas terminal, you can ride a jeepney bound for Anilao. You will then be dropped off at Talaga port. Ask for a boat ride to Tingloy Island. Once you reach the island, you can hop on a tricycle ride going to Masasa beach.

What to do in Batangas’ Hidden Gem

Purchasing a house and lot for sale in Batangas would be a pretty sweet deal if you’re trying to further dissect Batangas’ hidden treasures. Although the province has been subject to numerous developments, there are still untouched oases in the area and one of which is the unspoiled beach of Tingloy.

Masasa is a perfect destination for laid back tourists with its secluded location and serene waters. Relaxing under the sun and taking a dip in the beach are just some of the fun activities to engage in. Endless selfies await you with the backdrop of a beautiful sunset.

There are rocky parts but these are avoidable. You can also snorkel. The fun doesn’t end there. Near the beach is Mt. Mag-Asawang Bato, where you can go for a hike. The two monoliths look like a couple leaning against each other, thus, the name.


(bit.ly/2h0a0az)

Where to stay

If you’re feeling a little campy, you can pitch a tent along the shores of the beach but be fully responsible and observe the “Leave No Trace” rule. If you fear the creepy crawlies at night, you can rent at Aling Rosie’s Bahay Kubo. It costs around 600 PHP and you can rent the whole kubo with 4 rooms and 2 bathrooms.


(bit.ly/2gKgE6D)

The pristine character of Masasa Beach will make you come back for more. The undiscovered territory is just approximately three hours away from Metro Manila. If you’d like to turn your staycation into a permanent sojourn, buy that house and lot for sale in Batangas. Aside from the peace and quiet, nature’s wonders are well within your reach.

Read More