Masasa Beach was a secret beach but this precious gem is hard to keep. It become popular among tourists and of course I had to see it myself. It was really beautiful, I did not only come once, but twice! Here’s a Masasa Beach itinerary and travel guide, with expenses if in case you want to see how amazing it is!
How to Get There
Masasa Beach is located in Brgy. San Juan, Tingloy, Batangas.
- From Manila, ride a bus to Batangas Grand Terminal. Travel time is around 1.5 hours to 3 hours.
- Buses are available at Buendia Bus Terminal or Cubao Bus Terminal.
- From Batangas Grand Terminal, ride a jeep going to Anilao Port. Travel time is around 45 mins to 1 hour.
- From Anilao Port, ride a boat to Tingloy port. Travel time is around 45 mins to 1 hour.
- Boat schedule (from Anilao to Tingloy): 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:30 PM and 4:30 PM (last trip).
- Boat schedule (from Tingloy to Anilao): 6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM and 2:30 PM (last trip).
- From Tingloy port, ride a tricycle to your transient. Travel time is around 5 mins.
Notes
- Ride a bus with “CALABARZON” signboard as it will not pass other towns in Batangas, which will lessen your travel time.
- Anilao port can get very chaotic especially during peak season or if there’s a huge crowd of tourists. Expect to wait hours before you can board on boat. They still don’t have an “organized” way of accommodating passengers.
- Boat schedule may change depending on boat availability and crowd of passengers. It is better to ask your contact from the transient house or the locals.
- There are also private boats that can take you to Masasa Beach for Php 3,500 for 10 persons.
Where to Stay
There are no hotels or resorts near Masasa Beach since it is relatively a small island, but there are transients or homestays available to accommodate you.
I couldn’t recommend a lot of homestays because I’ve only stayed in two transients so far:
Carmen & Ruben
This is just located near the rice fields, which is about 2-3 mins walk so I would totally recommend this.
Contact Number: 09265224463 / 09757157232
You can also check them on Facebook.
Tita Pina
Still near Masasa Beach, walking distance and no need to ride a tricycle. However, it is located on a steep part (near the tricycle terminal) so walking to and from might be a struggle to some.
Contact Number: 09358309801
You can also check them on Facebook
Always update your contact person of your whereabouts especially during peak season. When we went there on a long weekend, there was a problem with the reservations that we ended up not being accommodated. Good thing there are available transient houses so we just walked-in.
Notes
- Signal coverage and data network is intermittent.
- Electricity is only from 12:00 PM to 12:00 MN. Most transients have generator but be sure to confirm it with them.
- Bring flashlights with you in case you’re going out at night since there are no light posts yet along the road.
- There are small sari-sari stores where you can buy toiletries and basic food necessities like rice and water.
- You can buy your food from the market at Anilao port and cook it in the transient house.
What to Do in Masasa Beach
Despite being a small island, Masasa Beach can offer a lot of things.
- Swimming and snorkeling
Masasa Beach has fine and powdery sand. There may be few small rocks and shells along the sea shore (you can wear aqua shoes) but the sea bottom is sand so it is perfect for swimming. You can also do snorkeling when you go island hopping. - Visit Blue Lagoon
To the end-most part of Masasa Beach you will find Blue Lagoon. It has beautiful rock formations and still, the water is very clear. Just be careful when going down the lagoon as the rocks can be slippery. It is also a bit rocky so I suggest you wear aqua shoes. - Island Hopping
Locals offer island hopping to neighboring islands such as Sombrero Island, Sepoc Island, and Oscar Island. Some offer island hopping for Php 100 per person, while some offer Php 1,400 per boat. Rates may differ so better ask the locals. - Trek to Mag-asawang Bato
This is for the adventurous ones, though beginners can also do this. Trek can be done in 2 hours.
Notes
- You can pitch a tent for free. However, overnight camping is no longer allowed.
- Please keep the area clean. Be responsible tourists.
Sadly, we found these pile of garbage near the beach. Guys, let’s practice responsible tourism, please!
Beware of jellyfish!
Though I am not really sure if it was really a jellyfish, I heard some people who experienced the same when they went to Masasa Beach. Check out what happened to me!
Try Lomi in Batangas
People say that you should not leave Batangas without trying their specialty, Lomi. We had a quick sidetrip to Jorjhane’s Lomi House.
Masasa Beach Itinerary & Expenses
This is a sample itinerary for a 2D/1N stay in Masasa Beach.
Notes
- We were not able to follow our desired itinerary because we got stranded in Anilao port. Watch the video below to find out why.
Day 1
| 05:00 AM | Ride a bus from Buendia Bus Terminal | Bus fare: Php 157 |
| 08:00 AM | ETA Batangas Grand Terminal | |
| 08:30 AM | Ride a jeep to Anilao port | Jeepney fare: Php 40 |
| 09:30 AM | ETA Anilao port Eat or buy goods from the market |
|
| 10:30 AM | Ride a passenger boat to Tingloy port | Environmental fee: Php 30 Boat fare: Php 80 |
| 11:30 AM | ETA Tingloy port Ride tricycle to homestay (tricycle terminal) |
Tricycle fare: Php 60 (good for 3-4pax) |
| 11:40 AM | ETA Tricycle terminal Walk to your homestay |
|
| 12:00 PM | Check-in at your homestay Eat lunch or rest |
Php 400/pax |
| 02:00 PM | Free time to do beach activities |
Day 2
| 04:00 AM | Wake-up call for sunrise | |
| 05:00 AM | Prepare and eat breakfast | |
| 07:00 AM | Free time to do beach activities | |
| 11:00 AM | Prepare and eat lunch / rest Time to pack-up |
|
| 02:00 PM | Ride tricycle to Tingloy port | Tricycle fare: Php 60 (good for 3-4pax) |
| 02:10 PM | ETA Tingloy port Ride passenger boat to Anilao port |
Boat fare: Php 80 |
| 03:30 PM | ETA Anilao port Ride jeep to Batangas Sports Complex |
Fare: Php 30 |
| 04:30 PM | Sidetrip to Jorjhane’s Lomi House | Lomi Jumbo: Php 65 |
| 05:30 PM | Ride jeep to Diversion Ride another jeep to Batangas Grand Terminal |
Fare: Php 16 |
| 06:00 PM | ETA Batangas Terminal Ride a bus to Buendia Terminal |
Fare: Php 157 |
We got stranded at the port for more than 4 hours!
If you’re going during the holidays, on a long weekend, or during peak season, make sure to arrive early to avoid inconvenience. We went there on a long weekend and we were stranded at the port for more than 4 hours!
Expenses
Based on the expenses on the itinerary above, total estimated expenses per person is only Php 1,030 (food is not included). You can bring your own food to avoid buying from the market to lessen the expenses, or share the expenses with the group.
I suggest to budget Php 1,500 per person, ALL IN. :)
Notes
- Most transient homes allow cooking in their kitchen for free, you only need to bring or buy your supplies.
- Bring gallons of water if you can, to avoid buying from the local stores.
Despite the unfortunate events, from getting stranded, losing our reserved accommodation, getting stung by a jellyfish and got our phones wet, I can still say that I had a great time. These mishaps can happen to anyone during any of your travels and I am just thankful that my friends are so patient and understanding! Haha
Some photos are from Leanne. :)
I am not discouraging anyone with these mishaps. Instead, I’d like to give inform you of these so you’ll come prepared. :) I hope you visit Masasa Beach and enjoy! :)
Ana Camasin
Hello! :) I just wanna ask, if merong entrance fee sa masasa beach mismo? Anong m0nths po yung peak season? I am planning to go there kasi this coming july po with my sister. Marami pa rin po bang turista by that time? Thank you
Mei
Hello Ana,
Wala pong entrance fee sa Masasa Beach pero may environmental fee po.
You can watch my vlog about Masasa Beach here: https://youtu.be/PvOkWmYRDbw
Enjoy and safe travels! :)