4/03/2018 02:05:00 PM
Masasa Beach, Tingloy, Batangas
4/03/2018 02:05:00 PMWhen you are in a budget and no vacation leaves earned yet for 2018 but it's been time immemorial since you experienced the sea, sun, ...
When you are in a budget and no vacation leaves earned yet for 2018 but it's been time immemorial since you experienced the sea, sun, and sand... I guess you just landed to the right page for a new destination discovery.
For me, January is a great month to travel and visit irresistible beaches here in the Philippines. Aside from being it my birth month, it's a season where the hot season would transition to a hotter season. 😼
What I liked about this trip was that, I did not really research about the place and just tried our luck to unravel what's in-store for us with this abrupt getaway.
It took us 5 transfers; a bus, jeepney, boat, tricycle, and another boat ride to reach the place I reserved for the accommodation. Yes, it seemed like a grueling journey but I didn't find it to be stressful at all. We left Manila at 6 AM and reached our accommodation at around 11 AM. (Tips on how to get there and budget will be available below)
First things first, the island is beautiful and most people live a simple way of life. Don't expect a 5-star accommodation or to find a hotel in there. You have an option to rent a house or room, a transient where you get to share the room with other 4 to 6 people, or bring your own tent and pitch it along the shore.
The island has been a go-to destination for most backpackers and travelers as the island has been getting more attention as of now due to its accessibility and being budget friendly. (just make sure to be a responsible one especially with your trash).
You actually have 3 options to where you want to stay if you go to Masasa Beach. First is staying in the main island of Tingloy where you can rent houses with 24-hour electricity, second is staying at nipa huts and transient houses in Masasa Beach itself, and third is where we stayed which is away from the first 2 locations mentioned. It's far from the noise of a lot of tourists and we have the beach all for ourselves as seen on the picture below.
The care takers are very accommodating and helpful to ensure that we have a great time during our stay. They also helped us arrange the island hopping which can be done for the whole day. We stayed at a nipa hut with bedding which can accommodate up to 4 persons.
This trip will not have tons of photos to document how I enjoyed my birthday in Masasa Beach without my well-traveled friend, Larry. Please follow him with his travels in his Instagram account - @LerryKing
But of course, lalaban tayo jan!
Day 1 of Island Hopping
This area turns into a lagoon during high tide. Unfortunately, we went to this place around 4 PM and we're not able to see it's awesomeness. Waters are crystal clear and inviting.
Due to no sleep and a little dehydrated, I can't swim as I keep on having leg cramps.
Some parts of the island are inhabited. Sometimes, you just want to be alone with nature and stay away from the busy life and the stress dealing with the masses.
So nagbaon talaga ako ng book at jacket para dito.
And special thanks sa gumamela as an additional props.
How to get there:
If you're from Makati or closer to the Gil Puyat Bus Station, you can follow our way of transport going to Masasa.
1. Bus going to Batangas Grand Terminal. You can ask the conductor so you'll ride the right bus. (approx. 2 hours)
2. From Batangas Grand Terminal, ride a jeepney going to Anilao Port. During Amihan (Dec-Jun), boats going to Masasa are docked in Anilao Port. During Habagat, it's in Talaga Port. Be sure to tell the driver/dispatcher that your destination is in Masasa Beach. (approx. 45 minutes)
3. From Anilao Port, you need to ride a boat which will take you to Tingloy Port. (approx. 45 minutes)
4. Ride a tricycle from Tingloy Port to Masasa Beach or to where your contact will meet you up.
Tips:
1. Be sure to leave as early as 4AM if you are coming from Manila. Avoid Manila traffic and congestion of tourists at the Anilao Port.
2. Buy all your food and drinks to be consumed for the entire stay from Anilao Port. Otherwise, you'll have to settle with canned goods and instant noodles from the main island.
3. If you want to interact with fellow backpackers, stay in Masasa Beach or at Tingloy proper. You'll have higher chances of knowing someone that you can stay in communication with after this trip.
4. Or if you want to reflect and have a quiet vacation, you can look for a resort that's away from most people would stay.
5. If you're leaving the island and the boat ride from Masasa Beach to Anilao is jam-packed, ride a tricycle to Tingloy Port. You'll thank me after for the convenience.
Budget:
Bus from Manila to Batangas Grand Terminal - P160 x 2 = P320
Jeepney from Terminal to Anilao Port - P40 x 2 = P80
Boat from Anilao to Tingloy - P80 x 2 = 160
Tricycle from Tingloy Port to Masasa Beach - P60 (good for 4 pax)
Accommodation - P1000 for 1 night (divided by 2 but can accommodate up to 4)
Budget for Food (overnight) - P400 per head
Island Hopping - P1500 (divided by 2 but is good for 4)
TOTAL: P2,270
You can still lower down that cost if at least 4 persons will be traveling.
