After two years of staying home, weekend warriors can’t wait to leave Manila and check out the outside world. And while some are heading for the farthest adventure possible, those who prefer a quick getaway might want to experience the interesting sites in Lipa City.
An hour and a half away from Manila, Lipa City is known as the coffee capital. The first coffee tree was introduced in Lipa, Batangas in 1740 by a Spanish Franciscan monk. From there, coffee growing spread to other parts of the province. Lipa City is also home to several churches and leisure destinations.
Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club is noted for its all-weather championship golf course designed by Michael Poellot Golf Design Group. Cited as one of the best golf courses in the country, it is the favorite venue of prestigious tournaments like the ASEAN Tour and Philippine Open. Players cannot get enough of the mountain view and the cool air whenever they play at Malarayat.
Recently, even non-golfers are enjoying the refreshing view, the cool mountain breeze topped by the destination’s homey accommodations and culinary treats. The Suites at Mount Malarayat offer cozy rooms and villas for guests who wish to spend a quiet weekend of good food amid a refreshing ambiance. You can ask for a room with veranda so you can enjoy the mountain view at dawn. You can even savor the famous Batangas coffee as ducks, mallards, egrets, and peacocks parade in the greens.
The interesting line-up of dishes at Sand Trap Café is sure to heighten the quiet weekend amid the golfing greens.
Operated by Culinary Adventures Inc., Sand Trap Café is located on the ground floor of the country club although guests can request a table outside so they can have lunch or afternoon cocktails while enjoying the view of the mountains.
If you like starting your meal with vegetables, the chicken adobo salad should not be missed. There is something delectable about chewing vegetables with a tangy meaty taste. And since you are in Batangas, you must try their beef bulalo and sinaing na tulingan, (the famous mackerel can also be served fried.) They also serve lechon belly, crispy pata, callos, kare-kare, kalderatang kambing, dinuguan, lengua, and other Pinoy favorites.
Planning a busy day of sightseeing? Load up with the hearty Sunrise Breakfast – garlic rice, two eggs, sliced fruit, with your choice of beef steak, tocino, bangus, corned beef or longanisa or their version of eggs benedict.
For snacks, pizzas at Sand Trap are very popular among kids and adults. You can also ask for the bakeshop’s raisin bread served with flavored butter. Enjoy the warm slice topped with mango, cranberry, shallots, and parsley or garlic and herb butter. This is such a treat, you just might end up finishing an entire loaf. The café bakeshop offers a variety of baked goodies (pandesal, empanada, toasted siopao etc.), cold cuts, local treats like tapa, Vigan Longanisa, and other deli items like Smoked Ham and Pastrami.
For cocktails and dinner, you can choose from the Japanese and Korean goodies at Katsu Kimchi. Ice cold beer is a good match for ikayaki (grilled squid), yakitori skewers, salmon belly or ebi tempura. They also serve tasty bowls like udon and tonkotsu ramen. For your main course, you can try their beef bulgogi, dolsot bibimbap, or kimchi jijae.
During the lockdown, residents in the area were ordering meals from Sand Trap and Katsu Kimchi. The raisin bread became such a big hit that it can now be ordered from Manila. Check out the Facebook Page of Culinary Adventures, for more details.
Depending on the occasion, the chef regularly prepares surprise offerings like a weekend carvery, cookout at the Country Club Lawn, and other exciting treats. A weekend in Malarayat is truly a feast amid the serene surroundings and cool mountain breeze. If you plan to play golf, non-members can book their golf game through their sales and marketing office. The club also has a pool and a playground to keep the kids entertained. Check out their FB page and their website for more details.