Top Things to Do in Taal
Things to Do in Taal
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Category types
14 places sorted by traveler favorites
Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
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What travelers are saying
- Teresa CMetro Manila, Philippines1,403 contributionsA stately landmark in Taal town. Popular for weddings - we saw two back-to-back! Wonderful to visit.Written 17 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Robert EManila, Philippines5 contributionsYou must have the tourist map to know where to go and what to see, but it is not easy to get hold of especially on Monday when everything is closed.
I have not seen this information anywhere, so I hope it will be helpful to those thinking of going to Taal.
I did eventually manage to obtain the map and there are many things to do even if most places are closed on Monday.
The basilica is of course open and very impressive in many ways.
The public market was also open with many Barong Tagalog shops, quite a sight for unfamiliar eyes.
Just walking around the ancient town with buildings from the 16th century takes you back in time.
We located San Lorenzo Ruiz steps, but finding Sta. Lucia Well took some detective work, a signpost would help, but it adds to the quaint atmosphere of Taal.
All in all a very worthwhile visit, even on a Monday!Written 13 February 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Lisa D2 contributionsWe were a group of 11 college friends who toured Taal Heritage Town. Our private tour guide, Rose Ilagan met and toured us at the Minor Basilica of St. Martin of Tours. Then we toured the Our Lady of Caysasay Shrine and the Sta. Lucia Well, which unfortunately were both under restoration. We couldnt go inside the Caysasay Shrine, but we could see how they were stripping the yellow paint in order for the original stone and carvings to show. Then we lit candles by the well and wiped ourselves with the healing waters. Then we toured 3 ancestral homes - Apacible, Agoncillo and Galleria Taal.
Galleria Taal had an extensive collection of over 200 working cameras. That alone is such a treasure. Also interesting were never before seen pictures dated 1700 onwards. Even if you're not a camera buff, the museum is one to see.
Lunch served at Candida Cafe at Galleria Taal was all of Taal's specialties - native chicken tinola, adobo sa dilaw, tapang Taal, sinaing na tulingan, maliputo, ensaladang talong, minatamis na saging, fried suman tsokoleche, kapeng barako. Everything was really good! Yummy also was the vegetable empanada, which had sotanghon inside.
For a whole day guided tour with such a sumptuous lunch, we spent P1,000 per person. Money worth spending. Fun and educational at the same time.Written 2 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Hungry-sailor86San Fernando La Union, Philippines430 contributionsthis museum we discovered by accident mot realising its historical significance
it has a real role in the katipunero movement and saw many key moments in overthrowing spanish colonialism as well as celebrating the heroism of its former occupants
tour guide was highly knowledgable which is good as not much to read to explain the story
all in all the tour takes around 40 minutes including a video and a full tour of the house but it is long enough to hold kids attention and educate themWritten 24 September 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Teresa CMetro Manila, Philippines1,403 contributionsA well maintained relic of the past. An introductory video, then free to explore the house. Free, though donations are happily accepted.Written 17 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Cosmopolitan654846Philippines72 contributionsWhen we went to the shrine, there were many devotees all over the area. There were food stalls etc. They were even selling empty bottles for the miraculous water near the well.Written 21 April 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- EuniceSingapore, Singapore1 contributionWhen we came, we were treated to a storytelling of the rich history and culture of this site. The owner of the place was so hospitable and made me feel extremely welcome. I'd definitely come back here again :)Written 13 January 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Melissa CManila, Philippines65 contributionsOne of the heritage houses in Taal is the former house of Marcela Mariño Agoncillo and her family. More popularly known as the Mother of the Philippine flag, Marcela is credited as the main seamstress of the Philippine flag President Aguinaldo used in his declaration of our country’s independence.
I like that this Spanish-era ancestral house is well-maintained. Another pleasant surprise is a mini park beside the property that is also well-maintained where you can have your picture taken with the various Philippine flags and historical markers.Written 5 June 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Asian_PilgrimManila, Philippines85 contributionsThe Taal Heritage Village in Batangas is very accessible from Manila via private car and the DLTB provincial bus (Take the Lemery bus) and is just approximately 3 hours away from the Magallanes exit via SLEX and StarToll. There are tricycles that can be hired to drive tourists to all the different heritage houses and other sites. Just be careful to negotiate well because they will charge an arm and a leg if you allow them to.
This tour can be a whole day visit or spend one night to enjoy its old world charm to the fullest. It is the best and closet alternative to Vigan.
Start this walking tour by visiting the Municipal Tourism Office which is located near the St Martin de Tours Basilica. They have a free walking tour map that will help guide you to the different heritage houses and musuems. I found the map confusing and there are no directional signs to the different sights within this town. Fortunately, I was told that an improved and updated map is currentlly being prepared.
Avoid visiting on Mondays because the attractions are closed. I was also told that some heritage houses/museums charge an entrance fee.
Like most hertitage towns, the streets of Taal are very narrow so parking is a challenge. We parked at the Basilica, then moved to the public market in time for late lunch at the Don Juan Boodle House.
Things to Do in Taal:
1. Stay overnight at the Casa Conchita Bed and Breakfast (the only B&B with secured indoor parking) and enjoy traditional cuisine and its gallery of hard-to-find vintage Filipiniana art.
2. Drink from the healing springs of the Caysasay Church and marvel at the St Martin de Tours Basilica whose trompe l'oeil interior wall and ceilings rival those of San Agustin Church in Intramuros.
3. Buy yummy Tapang Taal and Taal Summan at the Public Market for pasalubong
4. Windowshop in the many dress stalls of the clean public market. There are tons of tacky formal gowns, but one can unearth unbelieveable treasures like beautifully beaded dresses fit for a little princess for just P600 to P1000 each.
5. Visit the Don Juan Boodle House and taste the heritage cuisine such as adobo sa dilaw, crispy fried tawilis, sinaing na tulingan and fried suman with chocolate.
Taal is fast becoming one of the most popular tourism attractions in Batangas so it is encouraged to get a local tour guide. Book a bed and breakfast or call a heritage house first to make reservations. Some heritage houses are still not quick to readily open their doors for unexpected guests. This, after all, is still an old sleepy town and good manners dictate that visitors should not drop in unannounced. :-)Written 24 October 2015This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Teresa CMetro Manila, Philippines1,403 contributionsSuch a variety of goods for sale. A riot of colour and interest. Look at the amazing array of evening wear being made at the market, sharing the area with food supplies. Not a good hot day visit.Written 19 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Czar EmmanuelManila, Philippines6,120 contributionsThis is a series of 120-125 steps leading to one of Taal's famous religious sites ... the shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay. It's quite challenging to go up and down these steps ... definitely not for anyone suffering from any knee problems. However, the staircase is quite scenic. It dates back to the Spanish era and has been recently restored. It's one of Taal's historical landmarks.Written 23 January 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Czar EmmanuelManila, Philippines6,120 contributionsThese are two deep wells that draw waters from a natural spring. People say that one of the miraculous appearances of Our Lady of Caysasay took place here when her image was reflected on the waters. However, they are not named after Our Lady of Caysasay but after St. Lucy (associated with eye diseases) because they say that one native of the place (named Juana Tangui) was cured from an eye ailment by the waters drawn from the wells. Since then people have attributed healing property to the wells' waters. They come here to draw waters from the well or simple to light candles on site.
To get to the place, simply ask people for its exact location. There's a passage to the place somewhere along the San Lorenzo Ruiz Steps. The site is not well taken care of. The stone arch above the wells are currently supported by makeshift wooden scaffoldings. Be careful when you go to the wells. They are deep and you might slip into them if you're not careful. If you want some waters, just ask some of the men on site to draw them for you.Written 23 January 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Taal
- The top attractions to visit in Taal are:
- Basilica of St. Martin de Tours
- Taal Heritage Village
- Galleria Taal
- Casa Villavicencio
- Shrine of Our Lady Of Caysasay
Taal Attractions Information
| Attractions | 14 |
|---|---|
| Attraction Reviews | 370 |
| Attraction Photos | 652 |
| Local Time | Sunday 11:35 am |