1. Batangas Beaches
Batangas has several coastal areas that boast gorgeous beaches. These beaches have their own characteristics and vibe. They are also home to some of the top resorts near Manila.
One of these beach areas is Nasugbu. Sitting in Batangas’ northwestern section, Nasugbu is home to prominent beaches like Calayo Beach, Calatagan, and Matabungkay. Here you can find some of the best Batangas resorts like Pico Sands Hotel, Canyon Cove Hotel and Spa, and Terrazas de Punta Fuego.
Lemery is another prominent Batangas beach spot. This municipality is located just west of Taal Town. Lemery’s beach features black sand and exudes a more rustic vibe. The notable beach resorts in Lemery include Leonor Beach Resort and La Suena Brisa. Domestic tourists are also fond of staying at native huts of smaller resorts. At Lemery, you will see more locals hanging out on the beach, having a picnic, or singing “karaoke.”
On the western coast of Batangas lies Lian Municipality, the home of the famous Matabungkay Beach. This cream-colored beach attracts families and groups with its collection of resorts, cottages, water sports, and outdoor activities.
Another Batangas beach area worth checking is Laiya, situated in San Juan. Laiya’s main beach is widely known for its powdery white sand and blue water. This is the kind of beach that is equipped with tourist facilities like bars, cafes, restaurants, and an adventure park. Laiya has a wide range of accommodation, from budget to luxurious. Some of the best resorts in the area are Acuatico Beach Resort and Acuaverde Beach Resort.
If you’re looking for quieter beaches near Manila, you can start with Masasa Beach. This beach sits on the coastline of Tingloy Island. Masasa has off-white sand and clear blue water. Aside from swimming, other common activities around Masasa include snorkeling, cliff diving, and hiking. Tingloy Island is off the coast of Anilao, so you need to ride a boat to reach the island.
2. Anilao diving
Anilao is one of the top diving spots not only in Batangas but in the entire country. It rests on the northern coast of the Calumpang Peninsula, within the municipality of Mabini.
What was once a sleepy fishing village, diving in Anilao became famous for its rich and colorful underwater world, which is now a marine protected sanctuary. Today, Anilao and the neighboring villages are filled with resorts to keep up with growing accommodation demands.
Many enthusiasts consider Anilao as the birthplace of scuba diving in the Philippines. It is the jumping point to more than 20 dive sites. Some of the prominent ones include Twin Rocks, Kirby’s, Beatrice Rocks, Mainit Point, Secret Bay, Eagle Point, and Devil’s Point.
You don’t have to be a veteran diver to explore Anilao’s underwater. There are many diving courses and packages and daily tours for both beginner and advanced divers. It’s possible to dive all year round here, but the main diving season is from early November to May.
