Its already the first week of June but for us, summer is not yet over! Busy work schedules really is a huge hurdle in planning a summer escapade for a large group of people. Having just 2-days off and limited financial resources, we decided to look for a beach near the city.
A beach near Manila + a limited budget = Batangas. Its our simple formula on choosing where we could go. We've been to Nasugbu and Calatagan so we thought of looking somewhere else within the province. We considered a number of beaches like Anilao in Mabini and Laiya in San Juan, but then we found out about this beautiful paradise. A beach I never heard of before, the Masasa beach in Tingloy, Batangas.
 |
| Masasa Beach |
We spent about 4 hours traveling from Ortigas to Masasa Beach. For a big group like us, we thought its more practical to rent a van rather than the usual bus ride to Batangas City plus a jeepney ride to Mabini. We also get in touch with a local boatman: Mang Jesse (0999-7872200) from Mabini which offers boat transfers from Mabini, Batangas to Maricaban Island where the town of Tingloy is situated.
From Ortigas, we passed by C5 road going to South Luzon Expressway, then straight ahead to what they called CALABARZON expressway. We turned right at the Diversion Road which will pass the towns of San Pascual and Bauan before reaching Mabini.
We were dropped off at the Talaga Fish Port where our boat services were waiting for us. The sea was very calm at that time as we sail across. We reached Tingloy port in less than an hour then from there, we rode a tricycle going to Masasa beach. We asked for the tricycle driver's phone number so they can fetch us the next day because transportation going back to the port seems very limited.
We also had to take a long walk across a rice field to reach the shore.
From Ortigas, we passed by C5 road going to South Luzon Expressway, then straight ahead to what they called CALABARZON expressway. We turned right at the Diversion Road which will pass the towns of San Pascual and Bauan before reaching Mabini.
We were dropped off at the Talaga Fish Port where our boat services were waiting for us. The sea was very calm at that time as we sail across. We reached Tingloy port in less than an hour then from there, we rode a tricycle going to Masasa beach. We asked for the tricycle driver's phone number so they can fetch us the next day because transportation going back to the port seems very limited.
We also had to take a long walk across a rice field to reach the shore.
After carrying our heavy luggage walking under the scorching heat of the sun, we made it to the beach. As I looked upon the shore and breath the fresh air, I may say that the long exhausting walk is totally worth it. White powdery sand touches my toes while I gazed upon the teal seawater which teases me to dive into it. Hotels, resorts and restaurants can't be seen around this untouched paradise.
Boats are lined up on the right side of the beach where a number of nipa huts can be seen. On the left side of the shore, we saw this distinctive staircase going to nowhere. Huge rock formations are also located alongside. Between this rocks and the shore is a paved walkway going to the other side of the beach. The said walkway pass through beaches separated by the huge rocks. Locals pass by this walkway to go to the last part where there is a small community. All in all, Masasa beach is divided into four sections.
As we walk towards the other side, we noticed that a lot of seaweeds, corals and seashells were scattered along the shoreline. We've also seen some candy wrappers and other wastes along the way.
We went to the second section and the same white sand, corals and plastic wrappers can be seen. With a lot of hope on finding a much cleaner and more private spot, we decided to move along to the third section.
As we walk towards the other side, we noticed that a lot of seaweeds, corals and seashells were scattered along the shoreline. We've also seen some candy wrappers and other wastes along the way.
We went to the second section and the same white sand, corals and plastic wrappers can be seen. With a lot of hope on finding a much cleaner and more private spot, we decided to move along to the third section.
 |
The group decided to set up the camp at the third part of the beach where the shore is much cleaner. Then we spend the rest of the day swimming, drinking and having fun.
 |
| Our Campsite |
We noticed the differences of the sea floors when we tried to swim on each section. In the last part and the third - where our camp is located, the sea floor is very rocky. Slippers are necessary when swimming because the rocks are a bit sharp and pointy. I also noticed a number of corals and school of fish as I swam deeper into the sea. The second part has smaller rocks underneath while the first has some parts where the floor is pure sand. That's the spot where you'd want to swim.
I thought I could catch the sun as it sets by the sea. Unfortunately, the beach faces the south, but we still caught it as it hides slowly behind the hills on the west.
Bottles of brandy are getting empty, conversations getting sillier and songs are getting out of tune as the night falls. Some locals also joined us later that night. And as we gazed upon the sky, countless stars can be seen along with the occasional meteor appearances. Chasing shooting stars really is a perfect way to end the night.
The next morning, we tried to swim on the first cove. The water is so clear and the sand underneath is so soft. Its like swimming in a salty swimming pool! For me, that is the best part of Masasa beach.
After awhile, we took some rest then started packing up before going back up to the road where our tricycle service is waiting for us.
When going to Masasa beach, I suggest that you should have everything you need before leaving the port of Tingloy. There were no hotels or inns so tents are necessary although I've read some article regarding a certain councilor who lives near the beach who offers his house for overnight stay at a certain price. Fresh water is available from a deep well just 5 minutes away from the beach. I encourage visitors to bring their own garbage bags for their wastes. There were also no restrooms by the beach, so either have the confidence to go to the houses nearby and ask permission to use their restroom or have the guts to "do what you have to do" the primitive way. Either way, toilet papers and wet wipes are your best friends.
I also noticed how friendly the locals are in this place. A lot of locals pass by our camp from time to time and we were greeted with smiles and hellos. During the night, some young men joined us. They were really friendly and at some time, offered us their house for us to stay. But then, it got to a point were they are a bit willful on staying even though we've finished our drinks and are preparing to sleep. Good thing the night ended peacefully. I think this could be a problem for visitors especially the girls who seek some privacy while at the beach.
It was an experience to remember. The simplicity and serenity of the surrounding is priceless. Masasa beach really is a hidden paradise waiting to be discovered. But one thing that bothers me is the cleanliness of the place. I hope the local government would do something to clean up the wastes along the shoreline. Locals and tourists who pass by or stay at the beach can also help by not throwing away their waste improperly. But all in all, I had fun at Masasa beach!
From Tingloy Port, we were fetched by our boat service then we sailed to our next destination: Sombrero Island in Mabini, Batanggas.
I also noticed how friendly the locals are in this place. A lot of locals pass by our camp from time to time and we were greeted with smiles and hellos. During the night, some young men joined us. They were really friendly and at some time, offered us their house for us to stay. But then, it got to a point were they are a bit willful on staying even though we've finished our drinks and are preparing to sleep. Good thing the night ended peacefully. I think this could be a problem for visitors especially the girls who seek some privacy while at the beach.
It was an experience to remember. The simplicity and serenity of the surrounding is priceless. Masasa beach really is a hidden paradise waiting to be discovered. But one thing that bothers me is the cleanliness of the place. I hope the local government would do something to clean up the wastes along the shoreline. Locals and tourists who pass by or stay at the beach can also help by not throwing away their waste improperly. But all in all, I had fun at Masasa beach!
From Tingloy Port, we were fetched by our boat service then we sailed to our next destination: Sombrero Island in Mabini, Batanggas.
Killed Bills
This covers up our whole Batangas Trip (Masasa Beach and Sombrero Island)
267.00 - Van Rental (4000 for 15 persons)
100.00 - Gasoline (1500 for 15 persons)
40.00 - Toll Fees (612 for 15 persons)
46.00 - Driver's Food Budget (700 for 15 persons)
466.00 - Boat Rental (7000 [3500 per boat] good for 15 persons)
30.00 - Round-trip tricycle fare (from Tingloy port to Masasa Beach)
300.00 - Food budget per head
150.00 - Sombrero Island Entrance fee
20.00 - Table Fee in Sombrero Island (300 for 15 persons)
20.00 - Bathroom use in Talaga Port
120.00 - Dinner at Mang Inasal
Php 1559.00 - TOTAL
Sana man po sa mga tourists/bisita na nagpupunta sa Masasa Beach na libre naman po ang pag-stay, yung pinaggamitan sa pagluluto or pagkain.. linisin po natin para hindi maging panget sa mata nga mga susunod na bisita at sa mamayanang nakatira po dyan, based kasi sa experience ko.. iniiwan nila kalat nila, tapos mg popost sa blog or social media n hindi maganda sa lugar, kesa wala raw puno na masilungan, walang lugar para sa palikuran, at dami complain .. meron po dyan paupahan sa bandang dulo sa kanan kapag dating nyo po sa tabi ng dagat, Isa po aq sa taga Isla ng Tingloy.. maraming salamat po
ReplyDeleteWalang anuman Sir, Tama po kayo, hindi ako naniniwalang hindi maganda ang lugar na 'to. Katulad niyo, hinihikayat ko din ang mga may balak magpunta na magdala ng garbage bag para sa mga kalat. Mag-research din at paghandaan ang lahat para maiwasan ang pag-complain. Thank you sa mga paalala at sa dagdag na information tungkol sa paupahan. Mabuhay po kayo :)
Delete