Solenn Heussaff’s ‘Isla’ travel guide to Lobo, Batangas

Learn more about the island featured on GMA-7’s summer special, “Isla”, hosted by Solenn Heussaff and Mikael Daez.

“Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling Isla!” (Don’t be a stranger on one’s own island!)

That was the battle cry of “Isla”, GMA-7’s 2014 summer special. Hosted by travel junkies Mikael Daez and Solenn Heussaff, the show set out to show off the beauty of the Philippines’ islands. “Each year, travel websites and magazines come up with lists of must-see places for tourists,” says Mikael. “One thing they have in common is they always mention the Philippines.”

So forget Boracay. Here’s an underrated island we should be proud of.

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This is part of a series on the islands featured on “Isla”. Read about other featured destinations: El Nido, Palawan; Oslob, Cebu; Siquijor; Dumaguete, Negros Oriental; Danjugan Island, Negros Occidental;

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One reason why people travel is to discover things that they have never tried before. The stranger and newer a place is, the more exciting it becomes.

The province of Batangas, which is only a few hours’ drive away from Manila, seems like a predictable road trip destination. But host Solenn Heussaff thinks otherwise. "Everyone thinks there's nothing new in Batangas but there's always more," she says.

Case in point: the lesser-known town of Lobo, which has more to offer aside from the Batangas staples like kapeng barako and balisong. Solenn describes it as "unspoilt natural beauty a few hours away from the urban jungle that is Manila."

What to see



In Barangay Jaybanga, you’ll see a mini version of the Banaue Rice Terraces. Like the Ifugaos and their world-famous terraces, the farmers of Lobo also planted their crops in level paved steps to improve their farms' water irrigation system.

The true star of Lobo, however, is their dive sites. A 20-minute boat ride from Jaybanga will bring you to a dive site where the Lumbangan Underwater Cave is located. This dive destination is approximately 60 feet deep, and the only light source inside the cave comes from a narrow opening that lets divers see the corals and fish that reside within. The colorful coral garden just outside the cave also brims with underwater life.



"Twenty minutes lang ang first dive namin pero parang nakalimutan ko na ang oras," Solenn shares.

Diving at Lumbangan Underwater Cave is free of charge, but you have to coordinate with the local government of Lobo before going there.

Another notable dive site in Lobo is the Malagundi Point Coral Wall, which is a 20-minute boat ride away from the Lumbangan dive site. This 80-feet deep coral wall serves as a home to a variety of marine species.

To preserve and protect marine life, artificial coral reefs made of microsilica cement were assembled in the waters of Lobo in February 2014. This is also open to divers who want to explore the area.

What to do



Aside from dive sites, Lobo also has mangrove forests where you can catch kungo, a crab species common in the area. Locals developed a trap made specifically to capture these crabs. Solenn proudly caught one on her very first try!

Where to stay

Batangas can easily be a day trip destination, but those who’d like to spend the night may stay in one of several hotels and resorts in Lobo. Honey Beach Resort, a private rest house turned resort, has several recreational areas where you can play golf or pool or have picnics with your family.

What to eat



A number of dining places in Lobo cook kungo in coconut milk, vegetables and spices. Another popular native delicacy is the pinais na dulong, a dish made with small fishes wrapped in banana leaves and cooked using salt and dried camias. Another native delicacy that you shouldn't miss is the sinaing na tulingan.

What to buy for pasalubong



While kapeng barako is the most popular pasalubong from Batangas, you should also try Lobo's tamarind champoy and tamarind wine, both made from locally-grown tamarinds. — Lara Gonzales/CM, GMA News
 

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This is part of a series on the islands featured on “Isla”. Read more:
Mikael Daez's "Isla" travel guide to mystical Siquijor
Mikael Daez's "Isla" travel guide to laid-back Dumaguete
Solenn Heussaff's "Isla" travel guide to stunning El Nido, Palawan
Mikael Daez's "Isla" travel guide to 'glamping' in Oslob, Cebu
Solenn Heussaff’s ‘Isla’ travel guide to pristine Danjugan Island, Negros Occidental