Batangas has one of the longest coastlines in Southern Luzon, making it home to many beaches, islands and dive spots, all of which have their own charm.
The best thing about these spots is their proximity to Manila. They’re all just a three to four hour drive away, making them perfect for a day trip, or a short weekend getaway from the city.
On this page I’ll introduce you to its top 10 beaches and what you can expect there, so you can make an informed decision about which places to visit.
Masasa Beach
Masasa is Batangas’s most popular beach. It’s located at a 1 kilometer wide bay on the south of Tingloy Island, and its beautiful crystal clear waters make it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling, or just enjoying the view.
Accommodation on Masasa Beach is limited, and camping overnight is not allowed, so many people visit it as part of an island-hopping tour from Anilao, a nearby coastal village popular with divers.
Fortune Island
Fortune Island is an abandoned island that was once a getaway for the rich and famous. Now, it’s a beautiful, quiet island most known for its Instagram-worthy Grecian ruins on a hilltop.
The island has no water source, electricity and just one restroom, so remember to pack all the supplies you’ll need. That said, the rustic scenery and clear waters around the island will definitely make it worth the trip!
Tali Beach
Tali Beach is a private gated property with five different clean and well-kept beaches to choose from. There are several accommodation rentals available in the area, so it’s a good option if you’re looking for a place to have a secluded getaway with friends.
Some tour companies in Manila now also offer day tours to Tali Beach, so you can enjoy the privacy of the beautiful beaches without needing to splurge.
Manuel Uy Beach
Manuel Uy is a charming beach with powdery sand and clear, shallow waters just 3 hours from Manila. There are no permanent accommodations there, but you can pitch a tent to stay overnight, or visit the beach on a day trip. There are tables available for rent along the beach, so feel free to pack supplies for a picnic 🙂
Matabungkay Beach
Matabungkay was once a quiet fishing village, which has transformed into a lively tourist spot after being discovered by German tourists in the 1950s. Its shores are filled with light gray sand that sparkle in the sunlight, and lined with affordable inns and beach resorts.
Verde Island
Verde Island is worth a visit if you love snorkeling or diving. The island’s location in the middle of the Verde Island Passage is the world’s richest area of marine life, so you’ll definitely be in for a treat underwater.
Apart from the underwater world, the most popular thing to do there is island hopping, which you can do on a day tour. If you prefer to stay the night, basic accommodations are also available. However, electricity only runs from 6-10pm at night, so don’t forget your power banks 🙂
Sombrero Island
Sombrero Island got its name from its unique shape – a round peak surrounded by flat sandy shores, just like a Mexican sombrero hat 🙂
Located in Anilao, the island is a good spot for snorkeling and is often visited by island hopping tours.
Laiya Beach
Laiya is one of the most developed beaches in Batangas. It has a long, wide stretch of sand lined with many resorts, from high-end accommodation to affordable inns.
Many resorts also offer water activities such as flying fish, banana boat rides, and jet skis.
Sepoc Island
Sepoc Island isn’t actually an island, but rather a private beach which is part of the Eagle Point Beach Resort, making it a good option if you prefer privacy.
You can also reach Sepoc via island hopping tours from Masasa Beach or Anilao, however some amenities such as restrooms, dining hall and a hilltop viewpoint are available only to guests of the resort.
Bituin Cove
Bituin Cove, or Angara Cove as it’s known with the locals, is a short strip of pebbly sand which is becoming a popular camping destination.
One of the most popular activities at Bituin Cove is snorkeling, thanks to clear waters that are very calm as well. Perfect for spotting the pristine corals underwater!
Conclusion
As you can see, Batangas has many beaches that can fit to varying your comfort levels and travel styles. I hope this article helped you narrow down your list of beaches to visit.
Happy beach bumming! 🙂