Top Things to do in Taal
Top 8 Things to do in Taal, Philippines
Discover the best top things to do in Taal, Philippines including Basilica of St. Martin de Tours, Taal Heritage Village, Casa Villavicencio, Galleria Taal, Shrine of Our Lady Of Caysasay, Museo nina Leon at Galicano Apacible, Casas de Taal, Museo nina Marcela Marino at Felipe Agoncillo.
Restaurants in Taal
1. Basilica of St. Martin de Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By kev_deb2012 - Bangkok, Thailand
Yes it is another church but the history that is associated with this building is part of it charm. Also if you like photography you can get some very nice shots of the interior and exterior of the building. Take you time be respectful, after this is still a church where the local go to worship.
It does sadden me a to think that the Catholic Church and the Vatican have so much money and this poor historical building is in need of some TLC to help it stand for many years to come.
2. Taal Heritage Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By Elias G - Tarlac, Philippines
The entire place seems small, very historical, peaceful and very old. You can reach all the market, plaza, Basilica of St. Martin, Caysasay Church and their little commercial area by just walking. Roads are narrow similar to those of Intramuros. The place is great but there's so little to do. The main attraction is the Basilica of Saint Martin, a must to visit for everyone.
3. Casa Villavicencio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By ForestDuck
There's a 100php entrance fee but it include snacks. Just like the two government museums in the area, the place initially presents a short video to share the story behind the place. Video production wasn't as good as the government museums though. The visit was worth it due to the informative facilitation by our tour guide. Excluding the video, visit is good for about 20-30 minutes
4. Galleria Taal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By eunsoohuang - Taguig City, Philippines
It is the ancestral house of Domingo and Maria Ylagan and is now in the hands of grandson Mr. Manny Inumerable.
You can see a lot of cameras inside the gallery. Family photos and China wares that was preserved over a long period of time.
Well maintained,entertaining the guide is friendly.
5. Shrine of Our Lady Of Caysasay
Overall Ratings
4 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By combat66 - Metro Manila, Philippines
Your visit to Taal will not be complete if you do not visit this church and get to know its history. There is a mural on the left side of the wall and it depicts a fisherman with the statue of the Virgin caught in his net. While this is an interesting thing by itself, the rest of the story should not be missed as well. Best to have a local guide , like Pio Goco , to complete the stories. Most pilgrims to the church would normally come from the street level but if you are coming from the other side near the ancestral houses, where the street ends and there are a 125 steps down to the church.
6. Museo nina Leon at Galicano Apacible
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By TayNayNak - Luzon, Philippines
Guests are welcomed in an enclosed air conditioned area with a short informative video about the history of the museum, which was a welcome relief from the intense heat outside.
After the video, guests leave the airconditioned area to tour the house via a guided tour. The house is grand, even in today's standards, and the tour guide was very animated as he discussed the story and the history behind some of the museum pieces.
Admission is free, but the museum accepts gratuity.
We would love to come back here with friends and visitors.
7. Casas de Taal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Taal is even an actual town, much less a heritage landmark, which is different from the Taal Lake or the Taal Volcano. The quaint and unassuming town has played a tremendous role in Filipino history over the centuries. Fortunately, a group of passionate Taalenos are working hard to preserve its priceless heritage.
Reviewed By Oskrehoboth - Manila, Philippines
There are many homes in Taal that are a must see. Probably 10 or so of them. Many from prominent families but a few homes from middle class families are likewise worth visiting.
Many of the homes have become heritage homes and conduct short tours. Some have been renovated to being back how life was like during those times. Others have become restaurants and B&Bs.
As Taal is known for its good food from the grilled maliputo (fresh water fish) to the small tawilis, to tapang Taal and Taal longanisa, this quaint town is a must see over and over again for me. Oh, let us not forget the rice cakes that are available.
There is the home of Marcela Agoncillo who sewed the Philippine Flag, the Villavicencio homes and Felipe Agoncillo's White House and many others. The Barrion home which currently houses a collection of antique cameras I hear will be converted into a restaurant. There is also the Cafe Feliza which was a former Diokno home that has a few rooms for overnight staying guests. Not to be forgotten are their 1930s menu of pancit, adobo, etc which are quite different from today's version.
Many of the heritage homes that I failed to mention here are also worth visiting. Four poster beds that are all so elegant using great Philippine timber with solihiya, rocking chairs, old wooden santos/statues with ivory faces with fine embroideries, air vents/ventanillas by the balconahe/balcony and many others are available to see and experience.
Although not the subject of this article, the Taal Cathedral built in 1575 and the Church of Our Lady of Caysasay are two of the Churches in the town worth visiting.
I must mention that their public market with all the longanisa and tapas; jusi, piña, ramie barongs and gowns for debutants and for weddings - with all their hand embroideries are also a must visit. What town is complete after all without a visit to their local public market.
The Philippines is indeed full of history filled both happy and sad stories/tragedies. If only the walls in these homes could talk and make us learn more about our past so we can enrich further our future. Throw in some of the family gossip and it will complete,
8. Museo nina Marcela Marino at Felipe Agoncillo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By TayNayNak - Luzon, Philippines
Same with the Apacible museum, there is an introductory video upon entry, and a guided tour after. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
The museum focuses primarily on the history of the Philippine Flag. There is a 2nd video to be shown just before you exit the museum.
Again, another must see place to visit when in Taal.
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