There is a particular place that I like in Batangas where you can enjoy nature to the fullest. Truly, a must visit place if you are interested in trekking, thrill seeking, nature tripping and whatever activity you like to do with friends like picnicking and having chit-chats in cool villas in a typical provincial setting, a true meaning of the phrase “peace and quiet”.

The place is in San Gabriel, Laurel, Batangas where most of the accommodations are ran by a private company called Amansinaya Resort. Here, different activities can be experienced starting from the obstacle courses prepared for the guests. Climb over walls, jump on set of tires, swing over a mud hole, climb a challenging wall and scream riding its zipline. How about that for a thrill? But as a summation of that challenging course, sliding on a giant mudslide was the most adrenalin-rushing activity that I had experienced in that Laurel visit. Splashing to the end portion of the slide would make you think that you already went beyond it. The ride is a mixture of scream and fun. Oh, did I mention fun?

Meals also are served as part of the package if you’ll visit Amansinaya, I think we spent P3,000.00 per head for the whole tour but I tell you, the food are quite typical Tagalog delicacies but it’s really good.

After our first day, the next day was such an excitement because of the trekking activity to the Ambon-ambon Falls. The way to this natural attraction was such an unexpected delight because of the clear and clean river that stretches all along to the road going to the said falls. This is something that you would find in barrios when electricity is not yet available, greener pastures, cleaner air and you can see carabaos (water buffalo) roam freely for their veggie diet. Along the way, we also met residents, especially the kids, who really shared their greetings and smiles that really showcased typical hospitality to Batangueños. When we reached Ambon-ambon, we saw other tourists who were also from neighboring Batangas towns and even they, had mentioned that such place is always visited due to its clean surroundings and bodies of water like this one.

I can say that this trip to Laurel, Batangas is just the tip of the iceberg. There are still lots of places here to explore and views to indulge more but sadly, there is no enough time. Barrio San Gabriel is an elevated place that is why the view of the Taal Lake and Taal Volcano had become an added attraction.

So if your schedules are not yet filled for the weekends or any holiday, head for the South and search for this place just near history’s smallest active volcano… bursting with warm smiles and exploding with natural attractions.