Masasa Beach

Tingloy, Batangas (Phils.)- It is indeed a blessed beach. The clear crystal blue water is captivating and the fine white sand is great.

We went here last February 2017, the breeze of air was awesome where in it balanced the heat temperature. The waves was in good condition when were riding on a small boat.

I enjoyed my stay here since we camped here for 3 days and 2 nights. We survived and got too tanned lol! There are many transient houses ready to be occupied and it’s just around 3-5 mins walking distance. So the tourists have a lot of options to stay. Don’t worry the locals who manages the houses are very welcoming and kind to their guests. I haven’t heard any problems or instances that tourists are not treated well.

Activities in beach, as of today, are snorkelling, island hopping, banana boat (to be confirmed) and trekking to the mountains.

I used the itenerary below, I hope it would help you too. (http://www.thepoortraveler.net/2017/03/masasa-beach-travel-guide/)

SAMPLE WEEKEND ITINERARY

If you’re spending a night in Tingloy, here’s a sample itinerary.

Day 1
05:00 am – ETD JAM Bus Terminal (Buendia or Kamias)
8:00 am – ETA Batangas Grand Terminal
8:30 am – ETD Batangas Grand Terminal (Jeepney to Anilao)
9:30 am – ETA Anilao, Brunch, buy supplies
10:00 am – Boat to Tingloy
11:00 am – Check in at homestay
11:30 am – Trike + trek to Masasa Beach, swim, etc
06:00 pm – Pack up, back to homestay
07:00 pm – Dinner

Day 2
06:00 am – Wake up, get ready
08:00 am – Boat back to Anilao
09:00 am – Jeep to Grand Terminal
10:20 am – Ride Bus to Manila

Because of Masasa Beach’s close proximity, it is often visited as a side trip attraction for those climbing Mt. Gulugod Baboy or scuba diving in Anilao. Below is a sample weekend itinerary for non-divers. Tweak this according to your schedule and needs.

Day 1: Gulugod Baboy
07:00 am – ETD JAM Bus Terminal (Buendia or Kamias)
10:00 am – ETA Batangas Grand Terminal
10:30 am – ETD Batangas Grand Terminal (Jeepney to Anilao)
11:20 am – ETA Anilao, Lunch, Rest, Prep for Hike
01:40 pm – Take tricycle to Philpan Dive Resort
02:00 pm – Start climb
04:00 pm – Set up camp, explore summit, sunset viewing
06:30 pm – Dinner
10:00 pm – Lights out

Day 2: Tingloy Island Hopping
05:30 am – Wake up, sunrise viewing
06:45 am – Breakfast preps
09:00 am – Break camp, start descent
10:40 am – ETA Philpan Dive Resort
11:00 am – Back at Anilao Port for island hopping tour
11:15 am – Buy lunch ingredients at Anilao Public Market
11:40 am – TOUR! Sombrero Island, Masasa Beach
05:00 pm – Back at Anilao Port
06:00 pm – Leave for Batangas City (Grand Terminal)
07:00 pm – ETD Batangas Grand Terminal
09:30 pm – ETA Manila

BUDGET BREAKDOWN

Here’s a summary of the possible expenses. This should give you a ballpark figure of how much to prep for this trip but in no way perfect. This should only serve as a guide.

The quieter side of Masasa Beach

Note that you would not encounter everything above. For example, if you don’t plan on staying overnight in Tingloy, then ignore the boat fare to Tingloy. Likewise, if you only wish to see Masasa Beach and not the other islands, ignore the island-hopping tour because you can easily reach it by taking the public boat to Tingloy.

Bus fare to Batangas Grand Terminal: Fare: P165 from Cubao, P157 from LRT-Buendia, P127 from Alabang.
Jeepney fare to Anilao: P37
Boat rental (island hopping tour) from Anilao: P4500 per boat (10pax max)
Boat rental (island hopping tour) from Masasa Beach: P1500 per boat (3pax max)
Public boat fare to Tingloy: P80
Tricycle ride to Masasa Beach: P30
Environmental Fee: P30
Masasa Beach: FREE
Sombrero Island Entrance Fee: P200

 

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Masasa Beach

• First of all, please don’t be an asshole. Don’t leave trash on the beach. Whatever you bring to the place, take them with you when you leave. Masasa Beach is beautiful, but trash is becoming an alarming problem.
• Electricity is unpredictable. Brownout is scheduled at 12mn but can happen as early as 10 or 11pm. Make sure your gadgets and power banks (mobile batteries) are charged.
• Consider the weather. I have seen Masasa Beach both on cloudy and sunny days, and boy what difference it makes. Masasa Beach is wonderful when it glistens under the sun because it shows off all its blues and greens. Like most beaches, it’s not as alluring when the clouds are there.
• There is a small restroom that you can use for a minimal fee.

 

 

 

Cagbalete Island

Mauban, Quezon (Phils.) – I went here to celebrate our 1st monthsary. We decided to stay at Pansacola Beach Resort which has the widest beach front among other resorts in the island. This place is so peaceful and the locals are very accomodating.

First day, we decided not to rent a room because we have tent and also to save money. There’s a camping site where the campers are allowed to place tents with corresponding fee of 100 per person. After we set the tent and put our things into places we cooked our lunch meal, there are cooking equipments for rent but we just borrowed some from other campers so we can save Php 50.00.

I realized that we all have to be friendly, so when we are in need we can ask for help. After lunch, we had our island hopping to the sandbar and mangroves. We rented a boat at Php 1,500 but we did not shoulder all because we asked other campers to come with us. As per the locals, it’s better to visit the area before lunch so you can see the sandbar at its low tide and same thing with the mangroves. We enjoyed the place and had so many instagramable pictures. We also did snorkelling after.

After those activites we stayed in the camping site and enjoyed each moments together, it was really tiring yet memorable experience during our trip.

Last day, we woke up at 6 am so we can enjoy walking around the shoar and enjoy the water while the sun is still hiding on the clouds. It’s so peaceful and everything that stresses me were suddenly gone.

Fortune Island

Nasugbu, Batangas (Phils.)- Filipinos’ love for beaches is really insane (In a good way) we always believe that no matter what season the concept of summer is never too late to enjoy.

My colleagues and I went in Fortune Island on November 2016, It was a private resort before but when a storm devastated the island all its facilities were wrecked, only few marks left on the island including the four pillar structure on the top and also the wrecked ship.

We had an arrangement with a travel agency for a day tour trip. As we arrived at the port area we noticed that the air was breezing and the waves were quite terrifying and risky considering the 45 mins boat ride to get into the island. But all the frightening moment turned into excitement as we finally stepped in the beautiful island. There’s no hotel, restaurants, or any facilities in the island so travellers need to bring tents, foods, utensils, and anything they need to survive. Comfort room is also not available so make sure that you condition your stomach very well. Shower rooms are available on the city proper once you get back.

Snorkelling and Cliff diving are the activities available on the side of island, the clear tortoise water is very eye-catching. If you are professional or mid-pro diver you will surely love the coral reefs and different fishes under sea.

I can say that this place is commendable for beach lovers and something that you guys must visit 🙂

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Bagac, Bataan (Phils.) – I went there last June 2016 with my office mates. This place is really classic where you can take a lot of great photos. With all the restored and replicated vintage ancestral houses of the Filipinos would bring back the idea of how they lived. I really love the place since I had many great pictures it was so mesmerizing but this place is quite costly in terms of hotel accommodations and foods in the restaurant (Outside foods are not allowed).

In front, there is a beach where you can swim, the fine black sand and clear water is nice but the water doesn’t feel good as it was so itchy.

It’s me! Your Guy!

Hi everyone! I’m Marvic Reano, a young and cool guy who loves to travel 🏊‍♂️🏝🏞