Tanauan (Batangas) Voyage Tips and guide

Tanauan is a city in Batangas, Philippines

Tanauan originated as a fortress built by natives and Augustinian Friars; the name "Tanauan" is derived from tanaw (to look out of a window). It is also historically renowned as the hometown of Apolinario Mabini and other revolutionaries.

The city has gained national notoriety after the public humiliation campaigns against drug addicts and robbers by mayor Antonio Halili on his first term from 2013 to 2018; he was assassinated in July 2018 by unknown assailants. Chances of being involved in a crime is low, but illegal drugs can be found at rough spots in the city.

14°4′49″N 121°9′5″E

Map of Tanauan (Batangas)

• 14.101318121.0995971 Mabini Shrine (NHCP Museo ni Apolinario Mabini, Tanauan), Talisay-Tanauan Road, Barangay Talaga (about 7 km (4.3 mi) from the town proper of Tanauan and can be reached in an hour and 15 minutes' drive from Manila. Upon reaching the market area, one can turn to A. Mabini avenue leading to Barangay Talaga.), [email protected]. 8AM–4PM; closed Mondays and holidays. The Shrine houses the remains and personal belongings of the late revolutionary hero and "Brains of the Katipunan," Apolinario Mabini. Mabini is known as the "Sublime Paralytic" who, despite his physical handicap, fired nationalism in the Filipinos and urged them to unite, with the sheer power of his writings. He wrote fiery articles against Spanish atrocities in revolutionary papers. His writings and memorabilia are kept here. His tomb lies at the middle of the site where a replica of the house where he was born also stands. Free, but donations are welcome.  
• 14.085207121.150842 Jose P. Laurel Memorial Library, A. Mabini Ave (The place is in the town proper and can be reached by land. Upon reaching the town, turn to A. Mabini Road. The library is about 100 m from the national road, jeepneys and tricycles service the area. About 5 to 10 minutes' drive from the town proper depending on traffic. The library is located near Tanauan Church, a gymnasium, La Consolacion College and some other schools, so traffic would be tight during the rush hours.). Daily 8AM–5PM. The personal property of the family of the late President Jose P. Laurel, it was donated to the Philippine Government as a historical site and public library.  
• 14.08608121.153593 Tanauan Church (St. John the Baptist Parish Church). The main Roman Catholic church of Tanauan, also a National Historical Landmark. The original church was built in 1584, but was destroyed by the eruption of Taal Volcano; the present church was built in 1881.  (updated Jan 2019)
• 14.0866121.12584 New Tanauan City Hall, Talisay - Tanauan Road. 7AM–5PM. The very colorful city hall in a wide park.  (updated Oct 2023)
• 14.0849121.15285 Old Municipal Hall of Tanauan / Plaza Mabini, #203 Mabini Avenue. 24/7. The original site of Tanauan old City hall. A great place to for exercise (Walking, Running, Biking, Dog walking and Skateboarding).  (updated Oct 2023)

• 14.0613121.16021 Metro Turf Race Club (Metro Manila Turf Club Race Track).  (updated Jan 2019)

• 14.0742121.1511 WalterMart -Tanauan Branch, President Jose P. Laurel Highway. 9AM–9PM.  (updated Oct 2023)
• 14.0831121.1472 Victory Mall and Market Tanauan, Mabini Avenue. 10AM–7PM.  (updated Oct 2023)

The most serious nature-related safety issue in Tanauan is the threat of Taal Volcano. The 2020 eruption led to multiple barangays within a 14 to 17-kilometer danger zone radius surrounding the volcano being placed under a "lockdown" (evacuated and abandoned) two months before the word became synonymous with the COVID-19 pandemic. While that eruption did not escalate, authorities fear that a full eruption could generate pyroclastic surges that could traverse Taal Lake and obliterate low-lying areas of Tanauan. Hence it is best to regularly check the volcano's alert levels and heed instructions by authorities in cases of heightened activity or a major eruption.

PHIVOLCS maintains an alert level system of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest. Avoid all but necessary travel to the area if Level 3 is raised, and do not travel at all to Tanauan once alert level 4 is in place.

Continues as ← Santo Tomas ←	N  S	→ Malvar → Batangas City
Merges with ← Santo Tomas ←	N  S	→ Malvar → Lipa
END ←	E  W	→ Talisay → Tagaytay