Things To Do
in Laurel
Laurel is a coastal town in Batangas Province facing Batangas Bay, offering a relaxed gateway to sea views and nearby natural scenery. The community is known for its friendly residents, straightforward markets, and fresh seafood straight from local boats. Visitors can wander markets, stroll along the waterfront, and sample homey Filipino dishes with a village atmosphere.
The area experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons and is accessible from Manila by road and bus.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Laurel and check into your accommodation. Enjoy a traditional Filipino breakfast at a local eatery to get a taste of the local cuisine. Take time to settle in and unpack before heading out to explore.
Visit the nearby Taal Volcano and take a boat ride to its base. Once there, hike to the summit for breathtaking views of the crater lake and the surrounding area. Capture the stunning landscapes with your camera before heading back to Laurel.
Dine at a local restaurant and try the famous Taal delicacies. Spend time walking along the lakeshore, enjoying the gentle evening breeze and the reflections of the sunset on the water. Conclude the day with a relaxing night at your accommodation.
Start your day with a visit to the Heritage Town of Taal, known for its well-preserved ancestral houses. Explore the historical sites, including the San Antonio de Padua Church, while learning about the culture and history of the region. Enjoy a traditional lunch at one of the local cafés.
Participate in a hands-on workshop to learn about local crafts, such as pottery or weaving. Engage with local artisans and gain insight into their techniques and stories. Visit nearby markets to shop for unique handmade souvenirs.
Return to Laurel and enjoy a relaxing dinner at your accommodation. Attend a local event or cultural performance to immerse yourself in the community's traditions. Reflect on the experiences of the day under the starry sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee | $1-2 |
| 🛍️Local souvenir | $3-10 |
| 🥘Dinner for two | $12-25 |
| 🚗Short taxi ride | $2-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Relaxed coastal charm and friendly locals
- Fresh seafood and simple, satisfying Filipino dishes
- Close proximity to nature and easy day trips
- Limited nightlife and fewer high-end dining options
- Smaller town amenities compared to bigger cities
- Weather can be variable during the rainy season
- "Kamusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Pakiusap" - Please / Kindly
- "Saan ang sinabi mong lugar?" - Where is this place?
- "Nagsasalita ka ba ng Ingles?" - Do you speak English?
- "Magkano ito?" - How much is this?
- "Tulong po!" - Help!
Places to Visit in Laurel
Visit one of these nice places.
Open coastal view with golden hour opportunities over Batangas Bay and fishing boats in the foreground.
Colorful market stairs and activity that capture daily life and local textiles.
Shoreline boardwalk through mangroves offering calm water reflections and birdlife.
Small harbor scenes, boats, and silhouettes against the sky at dawn or dusk.
Food in Laurel
Laurel Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Adobo cooked with coconut milk for a creamy, slightly sweet twist; usually served with rice.
Must-Try!
Grilled local fish marinated with calamansi and herbs, best enjoyed with a squeeze of lime.
Tamarind sour soup with fresh fish and seasonal vegetables.
Fresh raw fish cured in vinegar, citrus, and aromatics; best at seaside eateries.
Milkfish dried and fried until crispy, commonly eaten with garlic rice and eggs.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Hub of daily life with stalls selling fresh seafood, vegetables, and local snacks.
Evening stalls near the harbor offering grilled skewers, fried snacks, and fruit shakes.
Try banana cue, kamote fries, fresh coconuts, and other quick bites along the waterfront.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use polite phrases like po and opo when addressing elders or strangers to show respect.
A handshake or a warm nod is common; avoid loud behavior in residential areas and religious sites.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites; remove hats indoors where appropriate; ask before photographing people, especially in family settings.
Safety
Tipping in Laurel
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. For good service in restaurants, 5-10% is common; small tips to porters or drivers are welcome if service is satisfactory.
Cash is widely accepted in markets and small eateries. Some larger restaurants and shops may take cards or mobile payments, but carry cash for street stalls.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry season with hot days and crisp evenings; pack sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water. Sea breezes help, but inland heat can be intense.
June to October brings frequent rain showers and occasional storms; carry a light raincoat and waterproof footwear. Coastal areas may experience higher seas and slippery paths.
November and early December are milder with pleasant humidity levels; great for outdoor walks and photography.
Laurel at Night
Hiking in Laurel
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A prominent nearby peak with forested slopes and scenic viewpoints; requires proper planning and guide services.
A well-known mountain system with established trails and nature reserves offering rewarding vistas.
Nearby ridge trails and scenic overlooks that are popular for day hikes with proper gear.
Airports
How to reach Laurel by plane.
Main international gateway to Manila; reachable by road in about 2-3 hours depending on traffic. From Manila, bus or car services connect to Laurel.
Alternative gateway in Pampanga; generally a longer but sometimes faster drive to Laurel depending on traffic and route.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A strong influence in daily life with a careful, resilient community rooted in the bay and land.
Local markets and agriculture anchor the town’s economy and social life.
Growing presence of students and young professionals who travel for education and work.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and watched; informal courts and street leagues are common in towns.
Popular on beaches and in community centers, especially in schools and barangays.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Laurel.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Navigate by choosing vegetable dishes, tofu options, and asking for no fish sauce or meat stock. When in doubt, request vegetarian versions of soups or stews and confirm ingredients with the cook.