Caleruega – Where Silence is Beautiful
Caleruega is famous for at least two things : weddings and retreats. With the beauty and tranquility of the place, it is very easy to understand why. It is often mistakenly said to be found in Tagaytay City but its actual location is Batulao, Brgy. Kaylaway, Nasugbu Batangas. It is also becoming a popular bonding place that is close to nature for families and friends.
What is Caleruega?
Caleruega was founded in the year 1995 as a Retreat Center administered by the Fathers and Brothers of the Dominican Province of the Philippines. It continues to be a popular venue for retreats up to the present time. Its only “competition”, if it could be termed as such is the popularity of its own Transfiguration Chapel as a wedding venue.
It enjoys the cool breeze that is often the advantage of elevated places. As such, Caleruega has also been discovered as a nature-tripping area where families and friends can enjoy each other’s company against the backdrop of nature at its best. “Close to Nature, Closer to God” is a very apt greeting found on the grounds of Caleruega.
My First Visit to Caleruega
I have been hearing about Caleruega long before I first set my eyes on it. Just a couple of months after I gave birth to my youngest child in 2004 , my family was invited to attend the wedding of my husband’s cousin in Caleruega. When my father-in-law (beside me in the photo below) was alive, he always requested all his children to make time for any family occasion together with their respective families. So when I came together with my then two-month old child to that wedding, it was just as expected by everyone of us. I just made sure that my child was bundled up quite well as it was a very windy day. The practice of being present as a family in any occasion is a practice we have retained together with the siblings of my husband and their respective families.
My Recent Visit to Caleruega
I had the opportunity to come back to Caleruega together with my own family. We just wanted to be in a place where we can relax and take the children away from their gadgets. We found what we were looking for and more.
A visit to Caleruega will allow people to see the Transfiguration Chapel where the weddings are held, the ethnic interpretation of The Way of the Cross, the Koi Pond, the Camp Site and Picnic Grounds, the Hanging Bridge,and the Tent Chapel, among others. The long walk to the Tent Chapel was quite a challenge but it was definitely worth it. Our only regret was that we didn’t bring any food with us which could have allowed us to stay longer. After enjoying the beautiful scenery for some time, the younger kids started to ask for food so we had no choice but to descend to our way back.
Entrance fee: P30.00
Caleruega is a two-hour drive from Metro Manila, accessible via Tagaytay City. After making a right to Nasugbu until the welcome arch, vehicles can turn left to Evercrest Golf Club. Those who intend to come by public transportation such as a bus going to Nasugbu, Balayan, or Calatagan can take a tricycle from Evercrest or choose to be more adventurous by walking the 2 km road to Caleruega.
My Say
I enjoyed my two visits to Caleruega both for a wedding and a simple bonding time with my family. The place is nothing short of enchanting although the road leading to it was quite rough and we were stopped along the way many times by children asking for coins particularly during my last visit. It is very easy to understand why it is a popular wedding venue but marrying couples should consider providing or at the very least facilitate transportation and lodging arrangements for guests. I am not exactly sure if the Tent Chapel which provides a spectacular view, is used for weddings although I can just imagine the great difficulty if a couple actually chooses to do so instead of using the Transfiguration Chapel. Caleruega offers the most suitable picnic grounds but it is better to bring food so that young children will be contented.
Will I come back to Caleruega? Given the chance, I would, although I would really like to use my next visit in the Retreat House. Silence is beautiful sometimes and it can be found in Caleruega.
Carla
Caleruega is a beautiful place; thanks for sharing this post.
Quimz
You’re right, its hard not to fall in love with the place. The church is indeed beautiful! I just remember I used to (college) plan things about going to someplace where I can meditate but it never happened. But because of this post I am now looking forward to doing that thing and making it happen. 🙂
Teresa Martinez
I would love to read about your own experience in such a peaceful setting.
JessicaWCassidy (@wifetoalineman)
Ms. Teresa, I love the church 🙂 It looks beautiful from outside and I bet there are many happy memories where cherish in that special church with your family 🙂
Teresa Martinez
It is beautiful and I think I have created important family memories in Caleruega.
Lainy
Sounds like a perfect place if you want some time alone for yourself where it’s peaceful and quiet. Sometimes we owe it to ourselves. Everything seems full of chaos in the world and I can see from the photographs and from your description of the place that Caleruega can offer momentary serenity to unwind, relax and just simply to reflect.
Teresa Martinez
A dose of silence and tranquility provides just the right balance we need to live life to the fullest.
jenaspacio (@jenaspacio)
I love Calaruega too! I only got to visit it a few times when I coordinated weddings some years ago. 🙂
Teresa Martinez
I will go back to Caleruega, that is for sure.
papaleng
a couple of weeks ago, my senior Pastor asked me and some other church pillars if we know certain place where we can hold our annual general church meeting. I told him I have read a post from a writer ( that’s you) about a nice place to hold retreat. Pag-uusapan na lang daw namin in a separate meeting. Hope magustuhan nila. shared ko nga ang post na ito back then.
Teresa Martinez
Thanks, I hope they’ll consider the place for your retreat.
Chubskulit Rose
Looks like a very peaceful place, very nice to reflect and clean your soul.
Teresa Martinez
More than the natural beauty of the place is the peace that reigns even with human presence.
Algene
I miss going to retreat houses. When I was still in college, twice a year kami nagre-retreat. These days, wala na masyadong time. I want to cancel my weekend plans one of these days so I can go to a retreat place as solemn as Caleruega.
Teresa Martinez
Nice to pause once in a while from our busy schedules.
Natalie Jill Lim
heard the place calaruega many times, but I havent been here.. hoping to visit the place soon 😀
Teresa Martinez
It would be worth it.
Kulasa
…”closer to nature closer to God…truly love the sound of that…I have yet to visit the place and I am sure from your description, being the lover of peaceful, holy places I will have a grand time there…thanks for the reminder to bring food…the hanging bridge makes me giddy here 🙂 have a wonderful week 🙂 In another life…I would love to get married right there where silence is beautiful…
Teresa Martinez
Maybe you can have your renewal of vows there.
earthlingorgeous
what a nice review u wrote i havent been to this place yet but looks like a good place for retreat
Teresa Martinez
I haven’t personally experienced a retreat here but I am hoping I can soon.
Tetcha Figuerres
We haven’t been to Caleruega yet, but the serenity and beauty of the place is something we would like to experience as a family. I’ll include this in our list of must-see places.
Teresa Martinez
You and your family will have your time pretty soon, I’m sure.
serene shikukeza
The very first time I went there was during my friends’ wedding and I didn’t get the chance to go around the area since it was raining and I was wearing high heels! But I like the serenity of the place nga. Pero I hope inayos na nila daan papunta sa church kase sobra ang lubak at ang lalalim. But I must say it will be all worth it.
Teresa Martinez
That road leading to Caleruega is really in bad condition. I hope it can be fixed soon.
Mommy Pehpot
Caleruega is very serene..we went to a resort near the church but we were not able to visit.. maybe next time and thanks for giving us a glimpse of that lovely place
Teresa Martinez
You should as it will provide a refreshing experience for the family.
Pal Raine
Love to visit this place. So quiet and serene.
Teresa Martinez
It is indeed quiet, serene, and beautiful.
sef tiburcio
i have been to calaruega a lot of times and i can say that i love the place!
Teresa Martinez
It is a place that is difficult not to fall in love with.
Jonas Labagala
Nice place to visit! If given a chance, I would love to visit Caleruega after staying at Tagaytay and I love a place that has cool breeze! This is a place that I will conquer.. soon! 😀
Teresa Martinez
I’m sure you will enjoy Caleruega like I did.
april perez
One of the churches that we’re considering for our wedding is here. It’s so peaceful so it’s really perfect for a wedding!
Teresa Martinez
For couples who prefer a solemn wedding held in a venue that is close to nature, Caleruega is the perfect place.
Cheryl Zamora
If the place is famous for weddings and retreats then I’m pretty sure that it’s perfect for a quality time with loved ones as well. I would love to visit the place real soon.
Teresa Martinez
It is and that was what we did exactly during our last visit in Caleruega.
Irene
I was able to attend a friend’s wedding at Caleruega and I love how solemn the ceremony is and the tranquility of the place.
Teresa Martinez
That was also the impression I got when I attended the wedding of my husband’s cousin.
joy | chemist2writer
An idyllic place for a retreat and special occasions – I would love to visit Caleruega 🙂 I especially like that you brought back the kids and “took them away from their gadgets”. Cool!
Teresa Martinez
We really have to find ways to expose the kids to another aspect of life and Caleruega is a very good representation of it.
papaleng
First time to hear about this place . seems a nice venue for retreats. Peaceful din ang atmosphere for Nature trekking.
Teresa Martinez
The atmosphere is indeed quite peaceful that is why I want to experience a retreat in the place.
marri
Whenever, wherever we are close to nature… we feel high-spirited. The place’s tranquil atmosphere is perfect for intimate events that will bring lasting memories.
marri
Your photos highlighting your two separate visits are indeed nostalgic.
Teresa Martinez
Can’t help feeling nostalgic, how time flies…
markpogi
I’ve never been to Calaruega though I’ve visited Tagaytay several times already. I hope there would be an opportunity to go there soon.
Teresa Martinez
I’m sure you will find Caleruega interesting especially for taking good photos.
Shirgie Scf
I often heard about the place called Batulao. So this is where Caleruega is located. Very interesting place to recollect and pray.
Teresa Martinez
Hoping I can experience having a retreat in Caleruega soon.
FashionTravels
haven’t been to this place! would love to visit and go see all the photos you’ve posted above! specially do the camping!! it would be a nice camping and nice hanging bridge too!
Teresa Martinez
The next time my family visits Caleruega, we will see if we can do some camping ourselves.
Joseph Holguin
I’ve visited calaruega once when we went to tagaytay. The place is solemn but beautiful. I’m planning to have my wedding there.
Teresa Martinez
I hope to read about your wedding very soon then.
Mai Flores (@mai_eaflores)
I may not have set foot on Calaruega just yet. But I’ve always dreamt of having my future wedding there. The look of the chapel from friends photos already swept me away. Hopefully, I get to visit the church and even try the retreat house even before I get married. 🙂
Teresa Martinez
It really is an ideal wedding venue and I hope to read about yours very soon.
weng iguis
Some celebrity couples got married there that’s why the place has some recall although I haven’t been there, it would be a nice and quick place to consider next that is close to nature and will be worth a weekend to spend with my family.
Teresa Martinez
I believe there are a number of celebrity couples that chose Caleruega as well for their wedding. The place is simply made for solemn weddings.
traveling morion
I must say that I love taking photographs of interesting churches like this- The architectural design is grand and beautiful
Teresa Martinez
I favor architectural designs of structures such as those found in Caleruega. It is like being in another time where everything is a lot simpler.
Wanderer Juan
I’ve heard of Calaruega from one of the people I met when we went on a day hike to Mt. Batulao but have yet to check the place out.
Teresa Martinez
Hope to read your own post about Caleruega soon.
Francis Nuñez Balgos
I’d say both visit had been different, but still holds true to the purpose of the place..
As such, I think I can drop by when I could visit Batulao the next time..
I think there’s a good mountain to hike in here..
So Caleruega would be such a great side trip to relax.
Teresa Martinez
Caleruega is such an uncomplicated place to visit so yes it could be a great side trip.
Filipino Bloggers WW (@fbwgroup)
I like places like Caleruega, quiet and far from the city. I maybe a city girl but my heart is in the province. Same with hubby, we both love country life, away from the big city but near our relatives. Ang ganda ng church at bridge.
Teresa Martinez
I feel the same way. I was born a city girl and never had a province which I can call my home but Caleruega calls out to me like one.
Franc Ramon
I like to visit and get refreshed in the wonderful and peaceful scenery in Caleruega.
Teresa Martinez
Everyone needs some time off from their busy life and Caleruega offers the best atmosphere for that.
Roch
Wow it seems that there are more and more wedding and prenup location to be found in Tagaytay. With those awesome pictures at Caleruega, couples to be married soon can decide to take a shot here. 🙂
Roch
I fancy those places where silence is golden, and where you can hear only the drips of water from the falls — in the case of Caleruega, the mini fountain.
Teresa Martinez
As I’ve mentioned in the post, Caleruega is not located in Tagaytay but is very close to it thus the common confusion. Tagaytay holds a certain attraction for weddings because of accessibility, natural beauty, and the agreeable climate.
Shie
I miss the place, been here a couple of years ago. For me Caleruega is an ideal place for weddings 🙂
Teresa Martinez
It certainly is and more.