Administrative region of the Philippines
Photo: Patrickroque01, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Calabarzon is a region of southwestern Luzon, the main island in the Philippines.
At least two of Calabarazon's provinces, Batangas and Cavite, produce a variety of coffee called kapeng barako. This is neither arabica nor robusta, but a different variant (Coffea liberica) that grows on a tree rather than a bush and has a lower caffeine content. At one time it was a major crop, especially in the area around Lipa; in the late 19th century it was exported, and commanded a premium price on the world market. Since then, it has become less common as farmers switched either to other crops or to other varieties of coffee. Today it is rare outside this region.
Many visitors find this coffee quite palatable. It is available in many of the local coffee shops, and if you want to brew your own it can be found in the markets, usually at quite moderate prices. Supermarkets rarely carry it, and those that do often have high prices.
By bus
Most of CALABARZON, save Rizal, are adequately served by provincial buses. Major bus companies are DLTBCo, JAM, JAC Liner and ALPS. Bus service is limited around Rizal.
By car
The region has good road connections with the adjacent regions. From Metro Manila, toll expressways like the South Luzon Expressway and STAR Tollway serve as the major road connections.
By sea
Batangas Port is the second busiest seaport in the Philippines (after Cebu), and provides connections to the rest of the Philippines.
By rail
Philippine National Railways provide train service through Laguna and Quezon to Bicol Region, but it remains suspended as of 2017.
By car
Driving is the other best way of getting around the region. Highways are of a decent standard, but are many are narrow, two-lanes.
By train
Philippine National Railways' Inter-Provincial Commuter runs between Calamba, San Pablo and Lucena.
By jeepney
All the major cities in Calabarzon have jeepneys, but there are also jeepneys connecting cities and towns especially in the more urbanized parts of Batangas, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal.
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Manila (Pasay) · International · MNL
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capital of Rizal. The Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage and Hinulugang Taktak are its primary destinations, as well as overlooking panoramic views of Metro Manila.
capital of Batangas, a transport hub and major waypoint for travellers between Manila, Mindoro and the Visayas by sea and land travel.
Regional center, home to Jose Rizal's mansion and hot spring resorts
Bedroom community in Laguna, home to Enchanted Kingdom and Nuvali and a major stopover for trips to Tagaytay.
Resort city on the mountain ridge south of Metro Manila. Its cool climate and its view of Taal Volcano attracts tourists, providing an easy getaway from the heat, noise, and congestion of Manila.
A scuba diving and snorkeling destination not far from Manila
Unspoiled paradise off the Pacific coast of Quezon
For other places by the name, see San Juan (disambiguation). San Juan is a municipality of Batangas.
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