The Shrine of St. Joseph the Patriarch is located in the town proper and is a popular Catholic pilgrimage site. It was once built with cogon and bamboo by Augustinian friars around 1788. The present structure was built in 1812 under the supervision of a famous botanist Fr. Manuel Blanco, OSA. It measures 60m long and 14m wide. It also has a Baroque and neo-classic facade and a single-aisled interior, which offers an unobstructed view of the large main altar. The altar is massive, with six rounded columns encircling the image of St. Joseph. Outside, a multi-tiered belfry stands which was built in the latter part of the 19th century. A bridge offers passage to the church over the Malaquing Tubig River.
Accommodations
The reputation of Batangas as a tourist destination has resulted in the sudden growth of one-stars, numerous bungalows over the water accessed by boardwalks, with wooden stairs leading down to the sea, and three-stars that are affordable by international standards.
- Lima Park Hotel, Lima Technology Center, Malvar
- Canyon Cove Resort, Far East Road, Piloto Wawa, Nasugbu
- Lago De Oro Cable Ski Park and Resort, Bo. Balibago, Calatagan
- Days Hotel Batangas (Days Hotel Batangas), Pastor Village, Pallocan West
- Anilao Outrigger Resort, Solo, Anilao, Mabini
- Chateau Royale, Km 72 Batulao, Nasugbu
- Evercrest Golf Resort, Batulao, Nasugbu
- Microtel Inn & Suites, First Philippine Industrial Park, Sto. Tomas
- Matabungkay Beach Resort, Brgy. Matabungkay, Lian
- Hotel Pontefino, Pastor Village, Gulod Labac
- Cintai, Balete/Lipa City
- Hotel La Corona, Lipa City
- Mount Malarayat Hotel and Suites, Dagatan, Lipa City
- The Coral Beach Club, Matabungkay, Lian
- Club Punta Fuego - Nasugbu.
- Taal Imperial Hotel and Resort - Brgy. Tulo, Diversion Road, Taal, Batangas, Batangas, Philippines
- Canyon Woods Resort Club - Diokno Highway, Lauurel, Laurel, Batangas, Philippines
- San Roque Paradise Hotel - (21.76 km from Batangas City Hall of Justice)
- The Alpa Hotel and Restaurant - Brgy. Kumintang Ibaba, , Batangas, Batangas, Philippines
How to get there
Batangas City is 2-1/2 hours away from Manila when using the old inter-town route. Using the STAR Tollway route, one can reach Batangas City in just an hour and a half. Tanauan City is about one hour away, and between Tanauan City and Batangas City, one will find Lipa City. ALPS The Bus, Inc. is one of the many bus companies that travel the said route.
Travellers can take air-conditioned buses going to Batangas City. Those who want to go to Nasugbu, Calatagan and Lian towns (Matabungkay) can pass via the Tagaytay route.
Travellers going to Puerto Galera can take direct air con buses from Manila (Cubao) to Batangas pier. The best services are BLTB (every hour) and JAM transit (also every hour) from the Kamuin Cubao bus station. Sometimes, esepcially during peak hours, buses run every 30 minutes. The last stop is Batangas Pier (ask the conductor beforehand) from where one can take a ferry to Puerto Galera.
When driving one's own vehicle to Tanauan-Lipa-Batangas City, travelers will pass through the South Luzon Expressway, then the STAR Tollway and can just follow the directional signs along the highway.