The Hidden Beauty of Lobo, Batangas

       Everyone likes to travel to different places. It’s already given that we like to explore different cultures and traditions that are likely new to us. Most of us travel out of boredom, hobby or for experience but for some, they travel to unwind and relax their selves from demanding work, tiring school, polluted air and judgemental society. Travelling is a way of self-meditation and is actually a treat to our hard work.Finding the perfect location for a getaway is probably one of the hardest things to consider especially if you don’t want to spend a luxurious amount of money for experience but Lobo, Batangas is one of the many destinations to check out for. It is located at the southern tip of Batangas province that offers many attraction.

Malabrigo Lighthouse

        One of the oldest working lighthouses, Faro de Punta de Malabrigo or Malabrigo Lighthouse, was completed and lit in 1896. Located in Lobo, Batangas, at top of a natural hill above submerged reefs, it serves as a guide for ships going to Batangas Bay or Sibuyan Sea through the Verde Island Passage. When we came here, we went down the stairs and it was over 100 steps. As you go down, you'll see  its amazing features. It will be worth it once you saw it.

                                                                                 Jaybanga Rice Terraces

          In June 2015, the Jaybanga rice terraces was recognized as one of Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) region’s ecotourism sites by the Department of Tourism and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. You might be thinking that Benguet is the only place in the Philippines that has rice terraces. Well the province of Lobo, Batangas proved you wrong. Jaybanga Rice Terraces is a mini version of the Banaue Rice Terraces, which is found in Barangay Jaybanga. It’s a thirty-minute ride on a habal–habal from the city proper and it’s located on the mountain. Like the Ifugaos, the farmers of Lobo also planted their crops in level paved steps to improve their farms’ water irrigation system. It might not be as big as the world-famous terraces that the Ifugaos made, but the deep green scenery is worth the visit.

                          Punta Verde Dive Resort

                                   

         Tucked away in a little known area just past the Laiya coast is a slice of quiet vacation paradise. No crowds, no loud karaoke, no noisy neighboring resort. It’s a four star resort that is about 30 minutes away from the city proper. The waters of the beach resort were fairly clear and shallow from the shore. If you’re looking for a place that has the atmosphere of Bali, Indonesia then this resort is for you. The resort also has a mini hanging bridge that everyone can enjoy. But most of all, the resort’s gorgeous infinity pool is to die for.

Mt. Nalayag

             Lalayag (or Nalayag) Monolith is actually a rock formation with three peaks. It is part of a mountain in Lobo town of Batangas called Mount Masalukot. (FYI: Lalayag came from the Filipino word “layag” meaning sail, like that of a boat because it looks like one; while Masalukot comes from the local term “salakot” a kind of hat).Once you reach the top, all that weary, frightening feeling will subside as you will be greeted by a super awesome 360 degrees view. Verdant mountains at one side, and the azure Batangas beachscape on another side. You look up and you see how infinite the azure sky could be, and if you look down, you’ll see how high you are and you might get giddy. As a person who likes the adrenaline feeling high places bring about, it was an amazing ephemeral experience.

                                                    Mangrove Forest

      The government of Lobo protects the Mangrove forest and fish sanctuary. This proves how well preserved it is over the past years. It’s located in a remote area and you have two choices to choose from to go there. It’s either you walk in a bamboo bridge or rent a boat to roam the whole forest. Both ways are exciting and thrilling especially if you’re in a mood of communicating with Mother Nature.

                                            Ulupong Falls

          After the hour long walk, we reached this 10 foot fall and all of our stress from the trek just disappeared. Luckily, it was just our group so we had the place for ourselves. The basin is around 5.5 to 6 feet deep. It gives you enough room to be able to jump from the top, and it was amazing! Ulupong falls is surrounded by big rocks and trees. This place is very refreshing and relaxing. Eating here with your squad or family is a perfect moment.