Masasa Beach, located in Tingloy, Batangas, is a remote and serene beach with fine white sands. For those who love to camp but are too tired of going on long commute, then Masasa Beach is perfect for you. This hidden gem in Batangas is accessible for only 3-4hours drive from Manila. Not to mention, pretty cheap place to go to this summer!
How to get there:
1. Ride a bus going to Batangas Grand Terminal (see Alps Bus schedule below)
– Via Alabang: Alabang Starmall Terminal to Batangas Grand Terminal
- First Trip at 6:00 AM
- Last Trip at 6:00 PM
Trip Interval: every 30 minutes
Bus Fare: Php137.00
– via Cubao, Araneta Center Bus Port to Batangas Grand Terminal via C5
- First Trip at 5:00 AM
- Last Trip at 9:00 PM
*Trip Interval: 30-45 minutes
Bus Fare: Php175.00
You can check out bus routes and trip here: Alps the Bus Inc Schedule
2. Ride a jeepney going to Anilao Port. Once you get off the Grand Terminal, hop on a jeepney going to Anilao Port. The jeeps are a short walk from the bus’ drop off point, behind the canteens and sari-sari stores. Travel time will take an hour.
At Anilao Port, you have to pay and Environmental fee of Php 30 per person.
Anilao Port to Tingloy Port boat trip schedule:
10:30 AM, 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM and 4:30 PM (last trip).
Anilao Port to Tingloy Port boat trip schedule:
6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM and 2:30 PM (last trip).
3. Ride a boat going to Tingloy: Once you’ve reached Anilao port, you’ll find public boats that will take you to Tingloy. You have two options:
– Take a boat going to Tingloy. Fare is Php 80 and travel time is around 1hour or so. From Tingloy you have to take a tricycle that will bring you to Masasa Beach, fare is 20Php per head.
– Take a boat going direct to Masasa Beach. Fare is Php 100 while travel time is around 45 minutes.
Where to stay in Masasa Beach:
1. Bring your own tent. Most people who go to Tingloy goes camping. Meaning you have to bring your own tent and camp on the shore free of charge! Just a reminder, the sand could get very hot on day time so it’s advisable to camp on a shaded part of the beach near the trees. Also, always remember to “Leave no trace” and mind your own belongings while staying there.
2. Rent a bahay-kubo. There’s a lot of homie bahay kubos in Masasa.
One the most well-known accommodation is Nanay Rosie’s bahay kubo and Transient Rooms. Contact Number: 09196864368 / 09959863780. They have room with fans, pillow and mattress.
Where we stayed is D’ Mariners Bamboo Guesthouse. They are conveniently located 3-5mins from the beach. For reservations you may contact Cristie Salazar via 09157462732 / 09294472282
What to do in Masasa Beach:
1. Snorkeling
Batangas is known for its rich coral reef garden bursting with aquatic species and vegetation, so snorkeling is a highly recommended water activity here.
Usually, accommodation comes with island hopping plus snorkeling tour package that costs Php 500 per head. For snorkeling, I recommend to bring your own gear for hygiene purposes.
2. Island Hopping
Island hopping is a must activity when going to Masasa Beach. The boat fee is 1,500 for four person and is a whole day activity. I recommend to start early around 6am to avoid intense sun heat ray’s.
First stop is Sombrero Island. There’s a fee of Php 500 for entrance. It’s just a tiny island with limited space to explore.
Second stop is Sepoc Beach. It’s a long strip of beach and a bat cave situated at the western tip of Maricaban Island in Tingloy, Batangas.
I especially liked this beach because of its isolation. Only a few people were on this part of the island.
We went to”Dugong Cave”, which the boatman referred to as the shooting place of the Marina Teleserye way back 2004.
The water inside the cave is crystal clear and cold. Perfect place to go and escape the scorching heat of the sun.
3. Hiking
If you’re a bit adventurous and beach bumming bores you, try hiking! You’ll need a tour guide because DIY hiking is prohibited. Tour guide fee is Php 100 for a group of 4 people.
4. Beach bumming and swimming at the “Lagoon”
There’s a hidden natural lagoon 5mins away from the beach. Best time to go here is around 5-6PM where you can watch the sunset.
Sample 2D1N DIY Itinerary
Day 1
05:00 am – Travel from Manila to Batangas Grand Terminal
8:00 am – ETA in Batangas Grand Terminal
8:30 am – Take Jeepney to Anilao Port
9:30 am – ETA in Anilao Port
10:00 am – Ride a boat to Tingloy/ Masasa
11:00 am – Check in transient/set-up tent
11:30 am – Lunch
01:00 pm – Swimming / Beach bumming
06:00 pm –Dinner
7:00 pm – Socials
10:00 pm – Lights off
Day 2
05:00 am – Wake up, get ready
06:00 am – Breakfast
07:00 am – Island Hopping / Snorkelling / Beach bumming
11:00 am – Lunch
12:00 pm – Pack up, get ready
02:30 pm – Boat back to Anilao
03:00 pm – Jeep to Grand Terminal
04:00 pm – Ride a bus back to Manila
Creative Weirdo 