No visit to Batangas province is complete without the perfect pasalubong. Just like the wide variety of tourist spots, there are also numerous delicious foods and sturdy handicrafts that  you can take home. Local products in Batangas are representative of the towns or cities from which they originate, symbolizing the cultural heritage and livelihood of their residents. 

Before you head back home, find the best souvenir for your friends and family by checking out some of the local products of Batangas.

Visiting Batangas via Ferry

Batangas visitors from South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao can reach the province bythrough ferry. Starlite Ferries operates daily from nearby provinces.

Book a ticket from Starlite Ferries bound for Batangas (online via Chelsea Travel or at a physical outlet)

• Daily trips from: Calapan, Caticlan, Romblon, Roxas City, Sibuyan Island
• Sunday, Wednesday, Friday trips from: Odiongan

Starlite Ferries offers comfortable seats and accommodation on board. Check the schedules for Batangas ferry here.

10 Local Products of Batangas Province You Must Try

1. Kapeng Barako (Lipa City)

The classic kapeng barako is one of the most popular local products of Batangas. Diverse products can be found scattered across the province, but Lipa City is the main go-to for barako lovers. It is also known as Liberica coffee, a variant that was introduced to the Philippines in the Spanish colonial period. It was cultivated to attain the bold, dark chocolate-like flavor that stimulates the senses.

2. Honey Products (Balete)

The municipality of Balete produces honey and honey products in its numerous bee yards. This natural product in Batangas is popular for being organic, with no added sugars. Besides its health benefits, it is also a versatile ingredient for many dishes, pastries, and beverages. 

3. Lambanog (San Juan)

You might have heard of lambanog or coconut wine in Alejandro Roces’ story, ‘We Filipinos Are Mild Drinkers?’.  It is a type of alcoholic beverage extracted from coconut tree nectar in the town of San Juan. This local product in Batangas contains an alcohol content of 40 to 45%. It has a sweet and subtle aftertaste, making it great for mixing cocktails and pairing with seafood.

4. Passion Fruit (Taysan)

The town of Taysan is known for its sweet tamarind, but did you know it also produces a local variety of passion fruit? The waning industry is finding a better footing and you can support it by taking home passion fruit juices, pulp, and more. If you like creating desserts or jams, you will surely appreciate these kinds of local products in Batangas.

5. Bagoong (Balayan)

The coastal town of Balayan, Batangas takes pride in its bagoong. Their products are made from anchovy varieties of dilis and galunggong. Batangueños use it as a dip and an ingredient in local dishes. It supplements the health with protein benefits, an added bonus to the hearty dishes you can find in the province.

6. Bignay Products (Nasugbu)

Bignay (antidesma bunius) are small berries that taste sour and sweet. It is an agricultural product of Batangas, particularly in the town of Nasugbu. Several products, such as bignay jam, jelly, juice, tea, and wine are available for you to take home. If you want to grow your own bignay plant, farmers also sell seedlings.

7. Balisong (Taal)

One of the best souvenirs you can get is the balisong. It is a butterfly knife unique to Batangas province, considered a self-defense weapon. It is opened by flipping the handle to reveal the handcrafted blade. This one-of-a-kind product of Batangas can be customized by engraving your name onto the blade or handle. You can find many artisans or panday in Taal.

8. Nata de Coco (Malvar)

The town of Malvar’s main product is nata de coco, jelly that is produced from coconut water. It is a staple in Filipino desserts such as halo-halo, and fruit salads. Every year, Malvar celebrates the Nata de Coco festival where they showcase innovative desserts and dishes using the product. 

9. Tamales (Ibaan)

The Batangas version of tamales is infused with a nutty flavor and a hint of spice. It is made of coconut milk, peanut butter, chicken, and eggs wrapped in glutinous rice flour. It is cooked through a layer of banana leaf. It sets itself apart from the original Mexican version in a very Pinoy manner, making part of the valuable local products of Batangas.

10. Tablea (Mabini)

Champorado, hot chocolates, and other sweet products are created with homegrown cacao tablea. These chocolate tablets are made sweetened or unsweetened from cacao beans in the town of Mabini. Cacao farmers in the province distribute their 100% pure cacao tablea all over the country. You can create rich, smooth, and textured chocolate products from this local product in Batangas.

This is just a taste of what Batangas can offer. Each of the 29 towns and 5 cities of Batangas has something unique to offer to visitors. By taking home a part of the Batangueño culture, you can give back to the local economy and discover new ways to utilize Philippine resources.

ALSO READ: All the Sights You Need to See from Batangas to Laguna

Send your Batangas souvenirs and products via Starlite Express. Ship any small to medium cargo with Starlite Ferries’ sea cargo shipping service, offering short and long hauls across the Philippine seas. Check out our express rates here and book with us today.