Taal Basilica Revisited 2021

It was a decade ago when I first visited Taal Basilica. Since then, I have revisited it several times during pilgrimages and school field trips. I got to recently revisit Taal Basilica during my Cuenca - Taal Road Trip 2021 with my wife and daughter. 

Taal Basilica Revisited 2021

Taal Basilica History

For those who are unfamiliar with Taal Basilica, here's a brief history of the basilica for you guys. Also known as the Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours, Taal Basilica was built in 1575. It was named after the town's patron saint - St. Martin of Tours. Taal Basilica stands around 148 feet high and 315 feet wide making it the biggest Catholic Church in Asia.

Taal Basilica - Taal, Batangas

It witnessed numerous eruptions of Taal Volcano and was also damaged several times by the earthquakes that caused these eruptions. It also stood as a silent witness to the town's historical events like the end of Spanish Colonization, the Philippine Revolution, the American occupation, the Japanese occupation, and the eventual Philippine Republic.

Taal Basilica - Taal, Batangas

Taal Basilica facade

Taal Basilica NHI Marker

Taal Basilica historic bell

An artistic statue of St. Martin de Tours

Taal Basilica also underwent numerous repairs, renovations, and restorations since it was built centuries ago. Speaking of restorations, the basilica underwent a major facelift last 2020. The facade now looks completely different compared to its facade during our last visit. You can see the difference in the picture below. 

Taal Basilica Interior

Taal Basilica altar

Taal Basilica right retablo

Taal Basilica left retablo

Marian and Sto Nino altar

Taal Basilica pulpit

Taal Basilica dome paintings

During our Cuenca - Taal Road Trip 2021, Taal Basilica was our last destination for the 2nd day of the trip. Aside from the restoration, there were obviously fewer visitors during our mini-pilgrimage which was quite uncommon especially during long weekends like this visit. Well, that's all because of the COVID 19 pandemic that's still terrorizing the world.

Team Nicerio visits Taal Basilica




Team Nicerio revisits Taal Basilica 2021

Overall, it's really nice to revisit Taal Basilica again and see its improvements. I'm also looking forward to revisiting the heritage houses in the town again which were all closed during our road trip.

Taal Basilica entrance fee

It's FREE to enter Taal Basilica and explore the church and its grounds.

Taal Basilica Mass Schedule

Monday - Friday: 7AM - 8AM
Saturday: 7AM- 8AM / 5PM - 6PM
Sunday: 7:30AM - 8:30AM / 9:30AM - 10:30 AM / 5PM - 6PM

Why visit Taal Basilica?

Taal Basilica remains to be one of my favorite Spanish Colonial Era churches in the Philippines. It's a must-visit if you are on a pilgrimage or Visita Iglesia in the province of Batangas. You will surely fall in love with it too when you see it with your own eyes. 

Getting to Taal Basilica

 

From Buendia in Pasay City, ride a bus going to Lemery, Batangas. Inform the conductor to drop you off at Taal town.
Bus Fare: 180 -190 pesos

Once there, you can ride a tricycle to Taal Basilica.
Tricycle fare: 15-20 pesos

Ratings:

Pilgrims

Cleanliness

Overall rating

Location: Calle San Martin, Taal, 4208 Batangas, Philippines

Comments

  1. Gracia’s KusinaJuly 30, 2021 at 2:57 AM

    Great pictures with your family. I hope someday I can visit it personally.
    & attend the mass with my family.

    Very informative ..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJuly 30, 2021 at 1:48 PM

      Thank you so much po. =) Please do visit and attend mass in this historic church. Super ganda po.

      Delete
  2. CebuanaJanuary 8, 2023 at 12:47 AM

    Hello Team Nicerio from Cebu. Beautifully-angled shots! I'm currently writing a travel article on the Basilica of Saint Martin De Tours and Heritage Town of Taal which I visited in 2017. May I ask permission to borrow some of your new photos of the Taal Basilica, if it's okay? Photo credit will be in your name, of course.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousMay 2, 2023 at 8:13 AM

    Ang ganda ng mga shots mo ng Taal Basilica sir.

    ReplyDelete
  4. JerhanneMay 13, 2023 at 7:25 AM

    I wondered why my girlfriend was enthusiastic about going here in the Taal Church/Taal Basilica so I looked up some blogs here in the web and I bumped here. The church is indeed an art! Going here while you know it's backstory could be an enchanting feeling. I was beguiled by the aesthetics of the church in all but what made me fall for it even more was the stories it tell us. I look forward to attend a mass and pray there with my love. Added to the bucket list! Wonderful blog!

    *I know it might sound cheesy to some but she wants us to tie the knot there in Taal Basilica. That is why she is really excited about this trip! Bless us!

    ReplyDelete
  5. JerhanneMay 13, 2023 at 7:46 AM

    I was wondering why my girlfriend was enthusiastic to go there in Taal Church/Taal Basilica but after reading this blog, I knew it right away. Knowing its history of renovations and its recent facelift, the church has been very beautiful regardless. Its aesthetics is such a treat to the eyes that it is worthy of hundreds of snaps. The photos will surely become even more precious if it was taken with your loved ones. But what made this church a top spectacle is its rich backstory nourished by the centuries since this structure's inception. Knowing what this church had gone through over the years could give us enchantment while kneeling there to pray or singing the songs of praises. Taal Basilica is a huge beguilement! Added to the bucket list! We'll surely enjoy being there anytime soon!

    Now I know why she wants us to tie the knot there. Bless us! And bless you the same way, kind author of this blog!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMay 15, 2023 at 9:29 PM

      Congratulations to you and your GF. May you two have an amazing married life and happy family in the future. Thank you for the kind words. =)

      Delete

Post a Comment

KLOOK Promos

Klook.com
Subscribe and get updated with the latest travel articles of The Backpack Adventures

Popular posts from this blog

A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps

Image
Japan is undeniably a collector's paradise. As a matter of fact, there are a plethora of different things to collect here that are catered to every collector's unique taste and preference.  Anime fans have their usual toys, mangas, and memorabilia. Pokemon fans have numerous Pokemon Centers that sell an assortment of Pokemon merchandise. Kitkat collectors have more than 300 flavors of Kitkat to try out. Pilgrims have the temple stamps called goshuin which I wrote about last time. These are but some of the numerous possible things to collect in Japan . A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps However, since I'm promoting budget travel, my article today talks about something that you can collect for FREE . Yup, you read that right. All you need to have is a clean notebook or tickler and an ever-watchful eye. A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps Eki stamps , also called train station stamps, are rubber ink stamps that are typically found in most train stations in Japan. These stamps f
Keep reading

Quituinan Hills - Albay

Image
Located at Barangay Tinago, Camalig in the province of Albay, Quituinan Hills is one of the most beautiful yet least known tourist destinations of the town.  Quituinan Hills Quituinan Hills Details For those who have visited Quituinan Hills on a clear day, I bet they'd agree with me when I say that this place is among the top places in the province to view Mayon Volcano. Aside from that, the best way to describe Quituinan Hills is that it has a ranch-like feel. Well, that's probably due to the fact that the developed part of the hill is really a ranch named Quituinan Ranch .  Road to Quituinan Hills Welcome to Quituinan Hills This place is a great location for picnics with friends and family. You can either rent a cottage (small P100; big P500) or bring and pitch a tent (P100 space rental) in one of the allowable areas of the hill. Other activities offered here are horseback riding (P60 per 15 minutes) and ATV rental (P200 per 15 minutes). You can also explore
Keep reading

Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park - Cavite

Image
Located in the vicinity of Mt. Nagpatong in Maragondon in the province of Cavite, Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park mark the supposed place where Andres Bonifacio and his brothers Procopio were executed in 1897. Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park History We learned from the previous post about Bonifacio Trial House the story of the trail leading up to the last days of Andres Bonifacio . Since I did not fully elaborate on his death, I think it is very relevant to talk about it now in relation to our featured destination - The Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park . Check out the images on the BAYANI Check out the images on the KKK A perfect angle to see the KKK and Bayani I'm wondering if that face is scared, shocked, or excited... The statue of Andres Bonifacio wearing a very fashionable camisa de chino Our local guide showed us the way to the peak of Mt. Nagpatong After his
Keep reading

Barcelona Ruins Park - Sorsogon

Image
Located on the coastal area of the town Barcelona in the province of Sorsogon, Barcelona Ruins Park refers to the park where century-old ruins of Spanish colonial-era buildings are found. Barcelona Ruins Park Barcelona Ruins Park History Speaking of the ruins of Spanish Colonial-era buildings, there are two such ruins in Barcelona Ruins Park . The school building ruins at the southeastern tip of the park and the prominent Presidencia building ruins in the northwestern tip of the park.  The ruins of the Presidencia building as seen from across the street A closer look at the Presidencia Building The ruins of the school building at the far end of Barcelona Ruins Park The Presidencia building was once the office of the governadorcillo during the colonial period. If you're wondering why the building seems massive in size, well it's because it doubled as a fortress that guards the town against the pirates and Moro raider that once frequently attacks Spanish-cont
Keep reading

Sombrero Island - Batangas

Image
Found off the coast of Anilao in Mabini, in the province of Batangas, Sombrero Island is a small island that is slowly making a name for itself. Sombrero Island Sombrero Island details Sombrero Island got its name from the Filipino word  sombrero  which means hat. It is quite obvious that the island was named due to its unique shape, which according to locals, looks like a giant hat that sticks out from the sea. Sombrero Island - Mabini, Batangas Sombrero Island as seen from a distance To reach Sombrero Island , it will take you 15 to 20 minutes by boat from the resorts in Anilao. (travel time varies depending on how rough the waves are) We rented a boat to bring us to Sombrero Island .  A gentlewoman is always needed in a group. The boat rental usually costs around P2,500. I highly recommend that you bring in your friends when visiting Sombrero Island . A bigger group means a lesser amount of money that you would have to shell out. Aside from the boat r
Keep reading

Gifu Castle - Gifu

Image
Located in the city of Gifu in Gifu Prefecture, Gifu Castle ( 岐阜城 )  is a mountaintop castle that stands as one of the symbols of the city.  Gifu Castle  ( 岐阜城 ) Gifu Castle History Built by the Nikaido Clan during the Kamakura Period sometime between 1201 to 1204, Gifu Castle was once called Inabayama Castle by its original owners. It was a formidable castle which overlooks the surrounding countryside of then Mino Province. On September 13, 1567, the castle and its defenders under the leadership of Saito Tatsuoki of the Saito Clan came under siege by the numerically superior army of Oda Nobunaga.  Gifu Castle - Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture Gifu Castle as displayed at Mt. Kinka Ropeway Station Make sure to get some brochures at Kinkazan Ropeway Station We rode the ropeway up Mt. Kinka Despite its strategical and strong position on top of Mt. Inaba, the castle still fell to the hands of Oda Nobunaga due to his cunning strategy of sending in sixteen men to sneak
Keep reading

A Letter to 2018

Image
Thank you for the 365 days that we've shared together. It was really a memorable one. I was quite busy this year due to work-related stuff but I managed to squeeze in several local trips. Regardless, I made sure that I have a grand trip with my family too, hence we had a 22-day vacation in Japan as the highlight of this year's travels. Let's look back and see what milestones we've crossed and achieved this year. 1. This year, there were 76 published articles (fewer than last year 😢).  2. I have reached 1.7 million views.  3. I was invited to promote a beautiful resort in Taal, Batangas. 4. Several articles and photographs were published in several magazines. 5. I got to travel back to Japan with my family and also visit several new destinations in the Philippines this year. Speaking of travels, here are the highlights of my travels for each month last year: January (None) February (None) March Articles published in TravelPlus Mag
Keep reading

Concepcion Church - Tarlac

Image
Located in the town of Concepcion in the province of Tarlac, Concepcion Church is one of the Spanish-era churches of the province. Concepcion Church - Immaculate Conception Parish Concepcion Church History Concepcion Church is also referred to as the following;  Immaculate Conception Parish Church ,  Santuario de la Immaculada Concepcion , and  Shrine of the Immaculate Conception .  Concepcion Church - Concepcion, Tarlac Gotta love the brick finished Concepcion Church facade Concepcion Church bell tower Concepcion Church interior Concepcion Church was built in 1880 under the supervision of Father Guillermo Masnou. The original church has a Baroque style of architecture but was then renovated to its present Neo-Romanesque style in 1893 under the supervision of Father Fernando Vasquez. The altar is covered altar during Holy Week  The holy water font of Concepcion Church Concepcion Church interior as seen from the altar Concepcion Church facade is obvi
Keep reading

Singapore Chinatown - Singapore

Image
Located within the Outram district in the Central Area of Singapore , Singapore   Chinatown is a subzone and ethnic enclave that is also a famous place for tourists to buy souvenirs. Singapore Chinatown Singapore Chinatown details Historically, Singapore Chinatown was the area designated for the Chinese immigrants under the Raffle's Plan during the Colonial Period of Singapore . Like its Indian community counterpart, the area also became overcrowded and the British government did little to solve the problem. It was only in the 1960s when the issue was addressed when the Housing Development Board finally relocated many of the Chinese residents to different parts of the country. Singapore Chinatown You can go on a guided tour or DIY... Feel the "Chinese Atmosphere" starting from the overpass Check out those colorful windows in Singapore Chinatown The place gets very crowded though... ...but it is a good place to buy some Chinese calligraphy souvenirs
Keep reading

Eiraku Yumenomori Park - Osaka

Image
Located at 65-110 Daimyo Noda Kumatori-cho, Sennan in Osaka Prefecture, Eiraku Yumenomori Park ( 永楽ゆめの森公園 )  is a newly built park that has become quite popular with the locals living nearby. Eiraku Yumenomori Park  ( 永楽ゆめの森公園 ) Eiraku Yumenomori Park History Also called Yongkura Yume no Mori Park , Eiraku Yumenomori Park opened in November 2015. Since that time, it has been a weekend bonding destination for locals especially those with children. The park has a total area of 5 hectares, most of which is hilly and forested. One can explore this part of the park, by following the hiking course around it. It is said that the best time to visit this part of the park is during spring when flowers are in full bloom.  Welcome to Eiraku Yumenomori Park There is also this cleared area of Eiraku Yumenomori Park with play equipment like seesaws, obstacle courses, swings, and several slides including the giant slide. Speaking of the giant slide, it seems like it is the most popular amon
Keep reading