2026 MONTEMARIA SHRINE, BATANGAS: Travel Guide & How to Get There

Last updated: 14 May 2026

When I first laid eyes on it, I didn’t realize what it was. The team was documenting our Verde Island trip in Batangas when we spotted a huge structure, prominently sticking out from a hilly area on the mainland. It was hard to miss. It turned out to be the massive Montemaria Shrine.

Montemaria Shrine, more formally known as Montemaria International Pilgrimage and Conference Center, overlooks Batangas Bay. From the observation deck, you could get a good look at the surrounding areas including Tingloy, Verde Island, and even parts of Oriental Mindoro. It is a vast estate that serves as a retreat place, a pilgrimage destination, and a tourist attraction. The most outstanding feature is the massive Statue of Mary, Mother of All Asia, said to be the world’s tallest statue of the Virgin Mary.

A lot of developments are still in progress but some of the finished structures are drawing not only devotees and pilgrims but also curious travelers. If you are planning to visit soon, here are some of the things you might want to know.

Manila to Montemaria Shrine

Montemaria Shrine is located at Barangay Pagkilatan in Batangas City. From Manila, the travel time to Montemaria Shrine is 3-4 hours, depending on the traffic and road condition.

By Public Transportation

1. From Manila, board a bus bound for Batangas Grand Terminal. DLTB and JAM are running this route. Get off at Batangas Grand Terminal. The fare is P250-300.
2. From Batangas Grand Terminal, make your way to SM Batangas. However, it’s rare to find jeepneys with a direct route to SM Batangas from the terminal, so you’ll likely need to take two jeepney rides. First, get on a jeepney going to the city center (bayan), then transfer to another jeepney bound for SM Batangas. The fare for each ride is around P14-17.
3. From SM Batangas jeepney terminal, take a jeepney bound for Ilijan. Tell the driver to drop you off at Montemaria Shrine. The fare is P60.

By Private Car

1. From Manila, take South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). Drive the stretch all the way to Calabarzon Expressway (Star Tollway).
2. Continue driving until you reach the end of Calabarzon Expressway (Star Tollway). Take Batangas (Balagtas) Exit. At the roundabout, take the 4th exit onto National Road/President Jose P. Laurel Highway.
3. Continue driving, then turn left onto Ebora Road, then right again onto Gamboa Road.
4. Keep driving until you reach Ferry Road. Then, take a slight right turn toward Batangas – Tabangao – Lobo Road.
5. Look for the road signs leading to the shrine. Make a right turn to Montemaria Shrine.

Things to Do at Montemaria Shrine Complex

• The Gigantic Statue of Mary & View Deck. Officially named the Statue of Mary, Mother of All Asia, this colossal landmark is inarguably the most iconic structure in the expansive pilgrimage and retreat/retirement estate. It towers at over 98 meters, taller than the Statue of Liberty in New York, U.S.A. and the Statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. From the observation deck on the 17th floor, you could get a good look at the surrounding areas including Tingloy, Verde Island, and even parts of Oriental Mindoro. View Deck Entrance Fee: P150/person

  

• The chapels. There are two chapels within the property — the Sto. Niño de Praga Chapel and the St. John Paul II Chapel.

  

• Mirror Deck. This attraction sits on the rooftop of a café beside the glass bridge structure. The entire floor is covered in mirrors, and the area is furnished with various backdrops, making it primarily a photo spot. Entrance Fee: P80/person

  

• Miracle Walk & Rainbow Glass Ladder. This is another viewing deck with a twist — a glass bridge overlooking Batangas Bay, so it’s not for those with a fear of heights. It was once accessible only to members but has since been opened to the public. You’ll also find the Rainbow Glass Ladder here, which comes with a separate fee. On weekends and during busy hours, expect the Miracle Walk area to be crowded with fellow tourists. Entrance Fee: P300/person

  

• Dream Maze. An enclosed, immersive optical illusion attraction featuring colorful lights and visual displays. Entrance Fee: P150/person
• 9D Flying Cinema. This is a virtual reality cinema simulation that combines 3D visuals with physical effects. Entrance Fee: P200/person
• Other Landmarks. Gate of the Archangels, Punta Santa Cruz (La Pieta), and Way of the Cross.
• Retreat Facilities. The property offers retreat and retirement facilities. In addition to that, organizations and companies can hold their team building here.
• Souvenir Shop. You can purchase rosaries, bracelets, keychains, books, and other religious items.
• Work-in-Progress Facilities. Here are some of the facilities that are currently undergoing construction and development: Rosary Trek, Marine Museum, Recreational Facilities, Hotels, and Residences.

Montemaria Mass Schedules

Note that there are two chapels where mass services are held. Schedules may change, so be sure to check the official Facebook page for the latest updates and announcements. Below are the details:

• Saturdays
  Sto. Niño de Praga Chapel
  7:00 AM / 9:00 AM / 11:00 AM / 4:00 PM
• Sundays
  St. John Paul II Chapel
  7:00 AM / 9:00 AM / 11:00 AM / 1:00 PM
  Sto. Niño de Praga Chapel
  4:00 PM
• Public Holidays
  Sto. Niño de Praga Chapel
  8:00 AM
  St. John Paul II Chapel
  10:00 AM

Montemaria Prenup Photoshoot Rates

In the past weddings could be held at the Sto. Niño Chapel, but as of May 2026, this is no longer possible. Weddings in the area must now be held at the main parish of Ilijan, the St. Michael the Archangel Parish. However, the Montemaria Shrine complex still allows prenup photoshoots. Here are the rates:

• Glass Walk Area + Parking
  P3,000 (Good for 6 Pax)
• Glass Walk + Food
  P3,500 (Good for 6 Pax)
• View Deck + Mirror Deck
  P2,500 (Good for 6 Pax)
• View Deck + Mirror Deck + Food
  P3,000 (Good for 6 Pax)

Sample Montemaria Shrine Itinerary

Here’s a sample Montemaria day trip itinerary with a breakdown of expenses. This itinerary assumes that you’ll be traveling via public transportation, so take note that jeepney trips become less frequent after 4:00 PM.

06:00 AM – Bus from Manila to Batangas Grand Terminal, P300
09:00 AM – Jeepney to Batangas city center (bayan), P14
09:15 AM – Jeepney to SM Batangas, P14
09:30 AM – Jeepney to Ilijan, P60
10:30 AM – Explore Montemaria Shrine
12:30 PM – Lunch, P150
01:30 PM – Jeepney to SM Batangas, P60
02:30 PM – Jeepney to Batangas city center (bayan), P14
02:45 PM – Jeepney to Batangas Grand Terminal, P14
03:00 PM – Bus Back to Manila, P300

This sample itinerary should cost you around P930 (USD 15, EUR 13, SGD 19). As always, feel free to make the necessary adjustments based on your preferences and needs.

More sample itineraries with other side trips will be added here, so don’t forget to check back.

Side Trips from Montemaria Shrine

• Batangas City. Explore Batangas City and its coastal areas. It’s also the jump-off point to Puerto Galera via Batangas Pier (Port of Batangas).
• Verde Island. From Batangas City, another destination you might want to consider is Verde Island. Nestled in the Verde Island Passage, cited by a Smithsonian study for having a high concentration of marine species — the “center of the center” of the world’s marine biodiversity. The towering statue of Mary is visible from the island’s Mahabang Buhangin area.
• Lobo. A neighboring town that is famous for its pebble beaches and Malabrigo Point Lighthouse. You’ll also find a number of decent beach resorts if you are planning to do an overnight trip.
• San Juan. You may also opt to go beyond Lobo to San Juan to check out the beaches of San Juan. There are numerous resorts lining the shores of Laiya. You can also hike Mount Hugom or Mount Daguldol if you are into mountains.

Where to Stay in Batangas City

If you’re planning to explore other parts of Batangas City and staying for a night here. Below are some of your options.

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• Pontefino Hotel and Residences. Check Rates & Availability ✅
• JVJ Hotel. Check Rates & Availability ✅
• Bicotels Hotel. Check Rates & Availability ✅
• Batangas Country Club. Check Rates & Availability ✅
• SM Travelodge Hotel & Restaurant. Check Rates & Availability ✅

Search for more Clark Hotels!

Montemaria Shrine Office Contact Info

• Official Website: www.montemaria.com.ph
• E-mail: inquire@montemaria.com.ph
• Office Landline: +63 (43) 702 3545
• Mobile Number: +63 917 719 4680
• Facebook Page: Montemaria International Pilgrimage & Conference Center (www.facebook.com/montemariabats)

Frequently Asked Questions about Montemaria Shrine

Is there an entrance fee?

There is no entrance fee. You may visit the Montemaria grounds for FREE! However, other attractions within the premises collect entrance fees. To summarize again, below are the rates per attraction.

• Statue of Mary View Deck (17th floor): P150/person
• Miracle Walk (Glass Bridge): P300/person
• Rainbow Glass Ladder: P100
• Mirror Deck: P80/person
• Dream Maze: P150/person
• 9D Flying Cinema: P200/person

Is there parking space?

Yes, there are ample parking spaces for those who prefer to travel by private car.

Batangas City Emergency Numbers

It’s a good practice to have the local emergency hotline numbers of the destination you’ll visit. Here are some of the hotlines of Batangas City:

• Unified Emergency Hotline
  911
• PNP Batangas City
  Landline: +63 (43) 723 2030
• BFP
Batangas City
  Landline: +63 (43) 425 7163 | +63 (43) 301 7996
  Mobile: +63 915 602 1984
• CDRRMO Batangas City
  Landline: +63 (43) 702 3902
• PIO Batangas City
  Landline: +63 (43) 723 2344
• Batangas Medical Center
  Landline: +63 (43) 723 0911
• City Health Office
  Landline: +63 (43) 723 8890

Join The Poor Traveler Support Group

✅ If you have any questions or need travel tips, feel free to post them to the TPT Support Group. The members are very helpful. This Facebook support group has been around for a long time, and many members have found travel buddies through it. You can join too! Just visit The Poor Traveler Support Group. Note that this is different from The Poor Traveler Facebook page.

Updates Log

2026 5 14 – Updated information (fares, rates, schedules & contact details); added Miracle Walk, Dream Maze, 9D Flying Cinema & prenup shoot rates
2020 1 27 – First up

Words by: Astrid Alvarez
Photos and Research by: Pycan Leynes, Hannah Manalo & Mariah Cruz