Balayan

Understand

Balayan served as a trading center for centuries, from the pre-colonial era as the center of a Muslim kingdom, but since the end of the Spanish and American eras, it lost its position to nearby Nasugbu. Balayan can be the most conservative area in Batangas, and life here is quite relaxed. Locals learn English at school, but will be reluctant to use it over Tagalog on everyday conversation; some elderly can still speak and understand some Spanish. It is home to about 97,000 people (census, 1 July 2024)

Getting there

By bus San Agustin and Erjohn and Almark operates buses out of Parañaque via Tagaytay. Batman Starexpress (BSC) has buses running between Batangas City and Nasugbu every hour.

By car Balayan is at the junction of two highways, joining at a roundabout north of downtown:

Palico-Balayan-Batangas Road (N436) – The main east-west highway of the province, this connects the town with Nasugbu, Lemery and Taal, and Batangas City. Balibago-Balayan Road (N409) – Connects Balayan with Calatagan.

See

1 Balayan Baywalk. Once a littered waterfront, it has been cleaned in 2019, and provides views of Balayan Bay that are similar to those in Manila's Baywalk. (updated Jul 2019) 2 Immaculate Conception Church (Balayan Church). Baroque church built with coral stones, and completed in 1752. Parts of the original structure have been demolished due to earthquake damage. It was declared a national cultural treasure by the Philippine government in 2001. (updated Apr 2026) 3 Casa Cacao (Mariano Martinez Ancestral House), Plaza Rizal corner Fraternidad House. A private Spanish era bahay na bato named in honor of the owner's fortunes in the cacao industry. (updated Apr 2026) 4 Balayan Presidencia (Old Municipal Hall), Plaza Rizal. One of the few remaining municipal government buildings in the Philippines remaining from the Spanish era. (updated Apr 2026) 5 Casa Grande (Sixto Lopez Mansion), Don Sixto Lopez Street. The oldest surviving house in Balayan, dating from the 1850s. The residence's namesake was a friend of national hero Jose Rizal and, along with his sister, vigorously lobbied for Philippine independence against the United States. (updated Apr 2026)

Do

Events Parada ng Lechon (Lechon Festival). June 24. Mostly a celebration for a plentiful harvest, it also doubles as the feast day of St. John the Baptist. The day starts with water battles on the streets, like those also done at Watah-watah in San Juan in Metro Manila. In the morning, prepare to get wet with pails of water and water cannons from fire engines, and have a Super Soaker ready. After the water battles, lechon (roast pig) dressed in different ways are paraded through the streets. The festivities end with sumptuous feasts at every home. (updated Jul 2019)

Buy

1 Balayan Public Market, Damballelos Street. (updated Apr 2026)

Sleep

1 Espineli's, 250 Dr. V. Ramos Street, Poblacion, ☏ +63 917 129-9634. Relatively new hotel with air-conditioned rooms. Has free WiFi, parking. Free breakfast served at rooms. From ₱1550. (updated Jul 2019)