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Philippines

Ataalaya Farmhouse: Charming AirBnb in Batangas

Never before had I considered traveling outside Manila for a staycation, but there was one Airbnb listing that was so beautiful, I actually traveled three hours just to experience it. I had been planning a DIY Taal Heritage Town tour for months, so when I saw Ataalaya Farmhouse perched on the side of a cliff overlooking Taal Lake and Mt. Maculot, I knew I had to stay there.

If you are on the hunt for the perfect vacation home in Batangas to share with your family and friends, I highly recommend Ataalaya Farmhouse.

About Ataalaya Farmhouse

Ataalaya Farmhouse is set in the Municipality of Alitagtag in the province of Batangas, where Taal Lake meets the circle of highlands like Mount Maculot and Tagaytay Ridge. For me its location is perfect, just a 20-minute drive from Taal Heritage Town, close enough to get to the hustle and bustle if I wanted it but far enough away to experience peace and tranquility. It’s a real countryside retreat, where visitors can switch off, relax, unplug and get back to nature.

this Cape Dutch style isn’t common in the Philippines so I was really amazed and took lots of selfies here lol!

This Cape Dutch style farmhouse is one of a kind, both inside and out. The architectural style is eye-catching and the interior is nothing short of impressive. Add dramatic views of Taal Lake and Mount Maculot, an inviting jacuzzi, 2-level pavilion, and you’re also within easy reach of hiking trails down to the lake. There are four bedrooms that can accommodate up to 12 guests. The farmhouse is  also equipped with all of the modern conveniences you might need.

Farmhouse with Iconic Filipino Furniture

Despite the exterior’s colonial inspiration, the interiors of Ataalaya Farmhouse is defined by rustic Filipino elements from wood furniture to accent pillows. There are antique tables, aparador (cabinets) and chairs that looked utterly gorgeous. I also love the Butaka, an iconic Filipino chair that reminds me of the rocking chair of my grandparents. There are lots of touches of character, from vintage looking paintings on the walls and souvenirs from the family’s travels to family portraits. 

lovely chairs at the front porch
the main living room on the ground floor
super love this contemporary wood Filipino-style sofa
the lounge on the second floor

Ataalaya Farmhouse Queen Bedroom

The Queen Bedroom, my home-away-from-home last weekend, was designed with calming Earth tone colors, capiz windows, and wooden furniture to accentuate the traditional Filipino interiors of Ataalaya Farmhouse. It has easy access to the main living room, al fresco dining area and the shared bathroom. I also have to mention the insanely comfortable mattress and pillows as I’ve slept like baby for 8 hours straight! 

Jacuzzi with a view of Taal Lake and Mount Maculot

Ataalaya Farmhouse is a type of place you can definitely enjoy at different times of year – cosy up by the jacuzzi overlooking Taal Lake and Mount Maculot during summer, or trek Taal Volcano during the cold Ber months. My favorite bit of my stay had to be the evening soak in the jacuzzi, glass of artisanal coconut wine in hand (I brought wine, you guys lol!). The water’s heated which was great for massages and hydrotherapy. And the best part? Watching the fiery sunset where the sky was filled with a burst of colors.

jacuzzi with a view of Taal Lake and Mt. Maculot

Activities in Ataalaya Farmhouse

Tempting as it was to stay curled up inside my cosy room, I was in Batangas to explore Taal Heritage Town as well. Since the farmhouse is just 20-minutes away from Taal, I was able to do a half-day DIY tour. I visited Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours, aka Taal Church, Escuela Pia, and Galleria Taal, the first camera museum in the Philippines. I wasn’t able to see all the attractions in Taal so I’m planning to go back before the year ends. 

Other activities nearby:

  • Trek Mount Maculot (jump-off point is in Cuenca, which is about 15 minutes away from the farmhouse)
  • Freediving and Scuba Diving in Bauan (30 minutes away)
  • Hike to Taal Volcano’s crater
  • Explore the farm across Ataalaya Farmhouse
resident doggo of Ataalaya Farmhouse

Things to Know Before You Go

Ataalaya Farmhouse Rates

While they’re not cheap at 6,800 pesos per night, the Queen Bedroom and Twin Bedroom include a delicious complimentary breakfast for two. The loft room costs 8,400 pesos per night, which is good for 4 pax. The entire farmhouse can be booked as well for 18,000+ pesos per night which include a complimentary breakfast for 8. Additional person will be charged 800 pesos (charge for the extra bed and breakfast). Ataalaya Farmhouse books up fast so you probably want to book your trip at least a couple of weeks in advance, particularly in peak season.

  • They are also open for events such as wedding, reunions, corporate meetings, birthdays and the like. The rate is 35,000 pesos for the first 8 hours and additional of 1,000 pesos for every succeeding hour thereafter (max. 120 pax).
  • Pre-nup, pre-debut shoot or day tour costs 6,000 pesos with usage of one bedroom (no aircon)  and 8,000 pesos (with aircon) for 8 hours good for 10 pax. 

How to book Ataalaya Farmhouse?

You can book Ataalaya Farmhouse online via AirBnb, Agoda or Booking.

Queen Bedroom (good for 2 pax) – 6,800 pesos
Twin Room (good for 2 pax) – 6,800 pesos
Loft Room (good for 4 pax) – 6,800 pesos
Entire Farmhouse (good for 10-12 pax) – 18,000 pesos+

even the stairs are so Instagrammable

How to get to Ataalaya Farmhouse

  • Board a bus at Jam Liner (EDSA Cubao) or DLTB (Buendia Terminal) bound for Lemery. One way bus fare is 190 pesos and travel time is 2-3 hours.
  • Get off at Santa Cruz/Cuta East and take a tricycle to Ataalaya Farmhouse. One way fare is 50 pesos (good for 3-4 pax) and travel time is 10 minutes.

Sample 2D/1N Budget (Queen Bedroom Accommodation)

Cubao to Santa Cruz/Cuta East – 220 pesos
Santa Cruz/Cuta East to Ataalaya Farmhouse – 25 pesos (assuming 2 pax)
Queen Bedroom Accommodation –  3,400 pesos (assuming 2 pax)
Dinner (Paluto at Ataalaya Farmhouse) – 150 pesos (assuming 2 pax)
Ataalaya Farmhouse to Santa Cruz/Cuta East – 25 pesos
Santa Cruz/Cuta East to Cubao – 220 pesos
Total: 4,040 pesos per person

Ataalaya Farmhouse Contact Details

Address: Sitio Cabagan, Barangay Sta. Cruz, Alitagtag, Batangas
Mobile Number: 0939 924 8915
Facebook Page: @ataalayafarmhouse

So, there you have it! I hope you found some useful stuff here! Have you been to Ataalaya Farmhouse? Do you have other suggestions? Comments? Insights? I’m all ears! Let’s chat down below.

p.s. I also have a Facebook page where I’d love to chat with you and answer your questions! Follow me on Instagram to keep up with my next adventure!

By Project Gora

Hey there! My name is Milet Miranda, and I'm a full-time corporate employee during weekdays and a traveler during weekends (and holidays...you get the picture). I'm a foodie at heart and I love joining food tours. When I'm not traveling, you'll find me walking my dogs or biking around my neighborhood.