Tanauan (Batangas)

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, as well as Jose P. Laurel, who was installed as president of the Philippines during the Japanese occupation in World War II. The town center used to be at the shore of Taal Lake, but was transferred further inland after being devastated over the centuries by multiple eruptions of Taal Volcano.

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.

It is home to about 210,000 people (census, 1 July 2024)

Most travelers enter Tanauan through its eponymous exit on the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) Tollway. A parallel alternate route is the congested Jose P. Laurel Highway (Route 4) from Santo Tomas.

Tricycles are the main form of public transportation around town.

• 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.), mamt@nhcp.gov.ph. 8AM–4PM; closed Mondays and holidays. The Shrine houses the remains and personal belongings of the revolutionary hero and "Brains of the Katipunan," Apolinario Mabini, who was a native of Tanauan. Mabini is known as the "Sublime Paralytic" who, despite his polio-induced paralysis, 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.  (updated Aug 2026)
• 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 Jose P. Laurel, a native of Tanauan who became president of the Japanese-installed Second Philippine Republic during World War II. The lot was donated to the Philippine Government as a historical site and public library.  (updated Aug 2026)
• 14.08608121.153593 Tanauan Church (St. John the Evangelist Parish Church), F. Laureana Street corner Mabini Avenue, Poblacion 2, ☏ +63 915 776 6476, sanjuan.ebanghelista1227@gmail.com. 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 church was rebuilt in 1881, but was destroyed again in World War II and rebuilt in its present form in 1948 while retaining its 1881 facade.  (updated Jul 2026)
• 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)
• 14.08473121.1502326 Almeda Ancestral House, Mabini Avenue corner Onate Street. A colonial-era private residence along Tanauan's main thoroughfare.  (updated Mar 2026)

• 14.0613121.16021 Metro Turf Race Club (Metro Manila Turf Club Race Track), ☏ 025314931715Country code missing. An 18 hectares (44 acres) horseracing track at the boundary of Malvar and Tanauan.  (updated Aug 2026)

• 14.0742121.1511 WalterMart Tanauan, President Jose P. Laurel Highway, Darasa, ☏ +63 919 067 1207, wms.operations.tanauan@waltermart.com.ph. 9AM–9PM.  (updated Aug 2026)
• 14.0831121.1472 Victory Mall and Market Tanauan, Mabini Avenue, toll-free: (043) 702 5483Country code missing. 10AM–7PM Mon-Thu, 9AM-7PM Fri-Sun.  (updated Aug 2026)
• 14.06728121.1528823 Robinsons Easymart Tanauan, Jose P. Laurel Highway, Darasa (in front of Darasa Barangay Hall), re4083sm@rsc.com.ph. 7AM-10PM.  (updated Aug 2026)
• 14.081186121.1467084 Puregold Tanauan, S. Castillo corner A. Burgos Streets, Poblacion VII, toll-free: 584 4475Country code missing, 043 784 4842Country code missing. 8AM-9PM.  (updated Sep 2026)

• 14.090402121.1485851 Bravo Tanauan Hotel, J. Gonzales Street corner President Jose P. Laurel Highway, Poblacion 4, ☏ +63 917 879 0023, +63 919 079 5460, toll-free: +63 43 741 5136, reservations@bravotanauanhotel.com.  (updated Aug 2026)

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