Batangas is a paradise for beach bums and history buffs. The province is brimming with so many beautiful beaches, as well as historical sites and old churches.
And the best part? The beaches and tourist destinations are just approximately 2-3 hours away from Manila. That’s why Batangas has become a favorite destination for weekend warriors and impulsive adventurers seeking for a quick escape from their busy lives.
The sand may not be as fine and white as that of Boracay. But beaches in Batangas offer just the right amount of relaxation and adventure.
Whether you’re looking for a place to go camping, snorkeling, diving, island hopping, or even sunbathing only, here are 5 beautiful beaches that you should consider for your next trip.
Laiya Beach, San Juan
Laiya is a tropical paradise within reach. It’s just 2 hours away from Manila, and there are a lot of bus liners that can take you there. So Laiya beach has been a top destination among city-dwellers because of its accessibility.
Since Laiya beach tends to draw crowds during summer and the weekends, it has become one of the most developed beaches in Batangas. Luxury resorts and affordable inns have sprouted along the coast to welcome all sorts of travelers.
But besides proximity, it’s known for the long stretch of cream-sand beach. Plus, the seawater is so clear, that it’s enticing to swim all day or engage in activities like jet skiing and banana boating.
So there’s a beautiful beach plus a plethora of activities — sounds like a great combo for group outings, right? That’s actually why Laiya is one of the best places for corporate events, team building activities, and barkada outings.
Getting there
- From either EDSA Nepa Q-Mart, Araneta Center Cubao, or Alabang Grand Terminal, take a bus to San Juan, Batangas.
- Board a Laiya- or Hugom-bound jeepney from the Municipal Hall in San Juan.
Via Lipa, Batangas
- From Buendia, EDSA Kamuning, or Araneta Center Cubao, take a bus to Lipa City, Batangas.
- At Lipa bus terminal, ride a jeepney or van to San Juan, Batangas.
- Then from San Juan, take a jeepney or tricycle to Laiya.
Masasa Beach, Tingloy
If you’re looking something off-the-beaten-track, then head to Masasa Beach in the humble municipality of Tingloy.
Masasa Beach has preserve its raw and untouched beauty. In fact, there are no hotels or luxury resorts in the area. The locals, however, offer transient houses and rooms for rent if you decide to stay for a night or two.
Camping used to be popular in Masasa Beach. You can actually still pitch tents, but you have to leave by 7PM. It’s no longer allowed at nighttime due to environmental concerns.
This is the best destination in Batangas if you want to be away from the crowd and buzz. Just bask in the sun, bathe in the waters, and enjoy the long stretch of off-white sand.
There are also other islands near Masasa Beach. You’ll spot boatmen in the area who can take you island hopping.
Masasa Beach is the best beach in Batangas for a peaceful and blissful getaway, since it’s fairly under-the-radar and not as crowded as the other beaches.
Getting there
- From EDSA-Kamias, Cubao, or Buendia, take a bus to Batangas City.
- From the Grand Terminal, ride a jeep to Talaga Port or Anilao Port.
- Ride a boat to Masasa Beach
Fortune Island, Nasugbu
Fortune Island is known for the Greek-inspired columns and statues. They appear to be ruins of a private rest house or an old beach resort that used to stand on the lovely island.
Every angle in Fortune Island is picture-perfect; from the Grecian ruins to the fine, cream-colored sand and vivid blue waters.
There are no hotels and resorts on the island. You either stay at a hotel in the mainland, or you go camping on Fortune Island. If you’re fond of star-gazing, we suggest you go with the latter choice.
Fortune Island is far away from light pollution and other towns and cities. So you’ll get to witness the night sky be filled with thousands of stars. You might even see a shooting star and make a wish!
Staying at Fortune Island feels like you’re in a whole nother world. The island’s beauty is unmatched and brings a different kind of peace to the soul. And if you’re lucky enough, you might even have the entire island to yourself when you visit.
Getting there
- From Buendia or Cubao, ride a bus going to Nasugbu, Batangas.
- Take a tricycle to Fortune Island Resort.
- Fortune Island Resort offers boat rides going to the island, but you can also find boats for hire just outside the resort.
Malabrigo Point, Lobo
Malabrigo Point is the most unique beach in this list. It doesn’t have the typical white-sand shoreline most beach bums crave for. Rather, the beach is carpeted by smooth, grey and white pebbles.
Sure, it’s not the best beach for building sand castles or sunbathing. But walking on the pebbles feels like a foot massage! Besides that, you’ll also get to appreciate how clear the waters, which is Malabrigo Point’s greatest asset.
This beach probably has the clearest waters in Batangas. There are no grains of sand that cloud the waters whenever you take a step.
Crowds and groups of tourists are rare in Malabrigo Point because of its seclusion. It takes a little adventure along moutansides to get to the beach and luxury hotels are out of sight.
More than the pebble beach, the nearby lighthouse is also an interesting spot to explore. It’s one of the oldest, yet the best preserved lighthouse in the Philippines.
Getting there
- From EDSA-Kamias, Cubao, or Buendia, take a bus to Batangas City.
- Alight at Diversion or Balagtas, where you’ll ride a jeepney to SM Batangas.
- From there, take a jeep or tricycle bound for Lobo.
- From Lobo, ride a tricycle to Malabrigo Beach.
Matabungkay, Lian
Matabungkay Beach isn’t new to the public. Ever since it was “rediscovered” in the 1950s by Germans looking for a tropical paradise near Manila, lots of resorts, inns, and homes began appearing along the coastline.
The fine sand appears to give off a white glow when struck by the rays of the sun. But as the sun sets, you’ll notice that the sand is actually light gray in color.
Matabungkay’s waters are calm, just perfect for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and other fun water activities. But the floating bamboo raft cottages (balsa) are ultimately what makes Matabungkay unique. In fact, they even hold a Balsa Festival every May.
Getting there
- From Pasay or Cubao, take a bus to Calatagan, Batangas.
- Alight at the junction to Matabungkay Beach in Lian.
- Take a tricycle to Matabungkay Beach.
