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Last updated: MARCH 1, 2020.

Here’s a DIY BUDGET TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG to MANUEL UY BEACH RESORT, the newest camping destination in CALATAGAN, BATANGAS. In this post, you’ll find sample MANUEL UY BEACH itineraries, summary of expenses, useful travel tips, and updated rates!

“Are we going to Horacio Uy Beach?” my friend Glenn asked in a tone and with a face that clearly suggested he was not kidding.

Realizing he made a mistake, he flashed an embarrassed smile that cut across his now redder face. All he could remember, he explained, was that the resort has an old Spanish first name and a Chinese last name. My only question is, Horacio, really? Where did that come from?

Horacio aside, it is not surprising at all that people have trouble retaining the name of the resort. Glenn certainly wasn’t the first in my circle of friends. Outside Batangas, it is pretty much unheard of. And it’s not every day that we hear about a beach that bears a person’s full name. But you know what, some may remember it as Manuel Uy, Horacio Cheng or Teofilo Chua, but this little nook in Calatagan is the next big thing in Batangas tourism.

UNDERSTANDING MANUEL UY BEACH

According to the boatmen we talked to, the resort got its name from its owner, a Filipino who is currently based in the United States. It is located along the western coast of the Calatagan peninsula. It faces the Verde Island Passage, which is a busy channel so big ships are a common sight from here.

At first glance, it doesn’t look like a resort at all, more like a camp site. With the exception of the shower and toilet rooms and a staff stations, there are no permanent concrete structures along the beach. But the site blew us away in many ways.

Photo by Vins Carlos

First, the beach itself is remarkable. It is a long, wide strip of cream-colored sand lapped gently by Calatagan’s signature shallow waters. You can wade through the little waves for minutes and the water will barely reach your waist or chest. It’s also bookmarked by small rocks that jut out to the sea, adding some texture to the already picturesque cove. it is surrounded by sandbars and snorkeling sites that are easily accessible from the beach.

Second, on one end of the cove is an inlet that divides the place into two parts: Beach 1 and Beach 2. Occupying the southern half is Beach 1, the part immediately after the entrance on the other side of Aquaria Water Park. This is the quieter side. Beach 2 is the northern half, just next to Stilts Calatagan. This is where the restrooms stand and the island hopping boats are stationed.

Third, it is adequately staffed. A lifeguard is stationed at the beach. He also calls out anyone who might be doing something dangerous in the water. A maintenance crew is also assigned in many areas throughout the site. You can approach them if you need anything, like if you need to find a boat for island hopping. They remind day trippers when their time is up and what time the bus bound for Manila is leaving. They also keep the site clean and trash-free.


HOW TO GET TO MANUEL UY BEACH FROM MANILA

Manuel Uy Beach Resort is only three to four hours away from Manila, depending on traffic conditions. Here’s how to reach it by public transportation.

  1. Travel to MRT Taft Station along EDSA, where you can catch buses bound for Calatagan (4am-4pm). You can also take a van at the basement parking of Metropoint Mall on the other side of EDSA. I haven’t really tried the bus, but I had taken the van to Calatagan a few times before. Travel time: 3 hours. Van fare is P180.
  2. Alight near Calatagan Public Market or anywhere in the town proper.
  3. Charter a tricycle to Manuel Uy Beach. Travel time: 20 minutes. Fare: P200 (good for up to 4 pax).

You might want to take the number of your tricycle driver or arrange to be picked up because in this area, it’s hard to find one to take you back to the town proper.


Klook TPT2024
Klook THEPOORTRAVELER

DAY TOUR vs OVERNIGHT STAY

It is possible to arrive in and leave Manuel Uy Beach on the same day and still have a great time, even if you’re coming from Manila. The place isn’t that big and the island hopping takes only a couple of hours. However, to maximize your stay, leave Manila as early as you can. If you leave at 6am, you’ll arrive at around 9am, go on a boat tour, have lunch, and leave at 3pm, just in time to catch the 4pm return bus.

If you want a more relaxed stay, you can camp out and spend the night here. It also gives you time to see the Punta de Santiago Lighthouse or do a day trip to Stilts Calatagan.

There is a time limit:

  • Day trip: 5am to 5pm only.
  • Overnight stay:5am to 12 noon the next day only.

MANUEL UY BEACH RESORT RATES

Below are the updated rates. This used to be a lot cheaper, but the management implemented an increase in the fees starting April 1, 2019.

ENTRANCE FEES

DAY TOUR

  • Adult: P150
  • Senior Citizen: P105
  • Children (6 years old and below): FREE

OVERNIGHT FEE

  • Adult: P250
  • Senior Citizen: P175
  • Children (6 years old and below): FREE

RENTAL FEES

Same price for day tour and overnight.

  • Table and chairs: P250 for 1 table and 2 long benches
  • Tent Rental (up to 3pax): P500
  • Grill Station: FREE
  • Shower and Restroom: FREE
  • Power bank for rent: P50
  • Electric stove for rent: P50
  • Rice cooker for rent: P50

Parking Fees

Same price for day tour and overnight.

  • Motorcycle: P20
  • Car: P100
  • Van: P100
  • Bus: P300

PHOTOSHOOT FEES

Good for up to 5 people + 1 parking space:

  • Day Tour: P3000
  • Overnight: P6000


WHERE TO STAY

Camping Fees

Camping is the name of the game at Manuel Uy Beach Resort. Just set up a tent and you’re good to go. There are no rooms that you can rent.

If you bring your own tent, you’ll need to pay the campsite fee. The rates vary according to the size of the tent (or the number of occupants).

This applies if you bring your own tent. Rates depend on tent size. Same price for day tour and overnight.

  • 1-4 pax (195 x 195 x127 cm): P200
  • 5-10 pax (230 x 230 x 165 cm): P300
  • 11-15 pax (275 x 275 x 178 cm): P700
  • 16-20 pax (305 x 305 x 203 cm): P900
  • 20+ pax: contact the management

If you don’t have a tent, you can rent one at the resort. It costs P500 (good for up to 3 pax).


Calatagan Beach Resorts

But if you really want to stay in an air-conditioned room, there are other better furnished resorts in Calatagan. Here are some of them.


THINGS TO DO AT MANUEL UY BEACH

  • Island Hopping. From the resort, you can join a group tour. There are usually 2 stops: Starfish Island and Sand Bar. The rates are P1000 per hour or P1500 for 2 hours. The boat can accommodate up to 5 passengers.
  • Go swimming or snorkeling. Calatagan’s shallow waters make it safe for kids (but please watch them still and don’t let them go too far from the shore). You can take dip or just have fun in the water. You can also rent a goggle for only P50.
  • Watch the sunset. The resort faces west so expect a spectacular sunset!
  • Stargazing. If you choose to spend the night here, download a stargazing app. The one I use is GoSkyWatch, which can identify the stars, planets and constellations.
  • Stilts Calatagan Day Tour. Just next to Manuel Uy Beach is Stilts Calatagan, a pricey resort with three beaches. But you can visit on a day tour for a much lower rate, at P385 per head. Doing so will allow you to enjoy not just their beach but also some of the resort’s amenities like the pool. However, the rooms on stilts are off limits to day trippers.
  • Calatagan Lighthouse. At the very end of the cape where Manuel Uy Beach is located stands Punta de Santiago Lighthouse (also known as Cape Santiago Lighthouse, Calatagan Lighthouse, or simply Parola). You can drop by on your way back to the town proper. Just add P50 to the fare.

SAMPLE MANUEL UY BEACH ITINERARIES

A closer look at Punta de Santiago Lighthouse

Below are two sample itineraries with breakdown of expenses. The first is for a day tour, and the other for an overnight stay. Please note that both itineraries assume you’re a group of 4 people, splitting the costs of some items and bringing your own food.

Day Tour Itinerary

The itinerary below is just a sample. Feel free to make the necessary adjustments if you have other needs and preferences.

06:00 am – Bus to Calatagan, P180
09:30 am – Buy food at Calatagan Public Market, P100
10:00 am – Tricycle to Manuel Uy Beach, P50 (P200/4pax)
10:30 am – Pay Calatagan Environmental Fee, P30
10:35 am – Arrival at Manuel Uy Beach, Entrance: P150
11:00 am – Island hopping: P375 (P1500/4pax)
12:30 nn – Lunch
01:30 pm – Swim
03:00 pm – Pack up, trike to town proper, P50 (P200/4pax)
04:00 pm – Travel back to Manila, P180

If you follow this itinerary, prepare to shell out at least P1200 (USD23, EUR20, SGD31).

Overnight Itinerary

This itinerary will give you more time to enjoy the beach. Bring your own water and snacks.

DAY 1
06:00 am – Bus to Calatagan, P180
09:30 am – Buy food at Calatagan Public Market, P150
10:00 am – Tricycle to Manuel Uy Beach, P50 (P200/4pax)
10:30 am – Pay Calatagan Environmental Fee, P30
10:35 am – Arrival at Manuel Uy Beach, Entrance: P250
10:50 am – Pitch tent, Camp Fee: P50 (P200/4pax)
11:00 am – Lunch
01:30 pm – Island hopping: P375
03:30 pm – Rest
05:30 pm – Watch sunset
07:00 pm – Dinner
09:00 pm – Sleep

DAY 2
06:30 am – Morning swim
08:00 am – Freshen up, pack up
09:00 am – Tricycle to Lighthouse, P12.5 (P50/4pax)
09:30 am – Tricycle to town proper, P50 (P200/4pax)
10:00 am – Travel back to Manila, P180

This itinerary will set you back P1400 (USD26, EUR23, SGD36) excluding other possible miscellaneous expenses like snacks.

If you have your own ride and you have more time, considering trying one of the popular restaurants in Nasugbu like Kainan sa Dalampasigan or El Cocinero by Chef Arnaldo on your way back to Manila. You can also make a stop in Tagaytay.

You can further bring down the cost of either itinerary if you form a bigger group.


MORE TIPS FOR THE POOR TRAVELER

  • Bring aqua shoes. Or at least, bring sturdy flip-flops. Although the exposed part of the beach is sandy, the bed beneath the waves is a bit rocky! It can get difficult to walk barefoot.
  • Leave no trace. Don’t leave trash on the beach. Whatever you bring to the place, take them with you when you leave. Leave nothing but footprints!
  • Use coral-friendly sunscreen. A study conducted by Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology revealed that many sunblock products contain chemicals like oxybenzone, benzophenone, and parabens that are harmful to marine life. Choose brands that do not contain these chemicals.
  • Swimming is allowed only between 6:30am and 5:30pm. You can’t swim at night. If it’s high tide when you arrive, take advantage of it and swim. When the low tide kicks in, the water can get so shallow. At low tide, the water level is only knee-deep at the far end of the swimming area.
  • Drop by Calatagan Public Market to buy food and just prepare them on the beach. Use of the resort’s grilling station is free of charge.
  • Bring a hat, light scarf/wrap or anything that can protect you from the sun. Island hopping boats don’t have a tarp cover so you’re pretty exposed to the sun.
  • Pay the P30 tourism/environmental fee that is collected before entering the resort.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is the best time to visit Manuel Uy Beach?

November to March, if you want to avoid the crowd. It’s popular among local (Batangas) tourists too, so it can get crowded on weekends.

When it gets too crowded, the management stops accepting guests. If you want to avoid this, avoid the weekend and arrive early.

If you can’t help going on weekend, have a Plan B just in case you’re refused entry. You can try other coves in Calatagan, but unfortunately I haven’t tried anything else other than neighboring Stilts Resort (entrance fee: P350 for day tour + corkage fee).

Are there shower rooms and restrooms in Manuel Uy Beach Resort?

YES. They’re located on Beach 2 and another one is being constructed on Beach 1.

The Beach 2 restrooms have several cubicles inside a concrete building. There are also dozens of showers outside that you can use. In order to avoid long queues, you’re encouraged to use the showers outside and then change inside.

Are there places to eat nearby?

The best way is to bring your own food. U didn’t see any carinderia or eatery anywhere near the resort.

Can we bring in food from outside?

YES. You’re encouraged to do that because aside from a small sari-sari store, there is no other source of food on site.

Can we bring in alcoholic beverages (liquor) from outside?

YES. You can. Just drink in moderation and don’t make a scene.

Can we cook inside Manuel Uy Beach Resort?

YES. There is a designated grilling area with a dozen grill stations next to two lanes of sinks, where you can wash dishes or clean some of your ingredients.

You’re also allowed to bring in portable butane stove.

Are bonfires allowed at Manuel Uy Beach Resort?

NO, bonfires are prohibited. You cannot cook directly on the beach. Use the designated grill stations if you need to cook something or bring a portable butane stove.

Are drones allowed at Manuel Uy Beach?

NO, not anymore. When we first visited, it was still allowed. The staff were with us when we flew our drone. However, when we returned in September 2018, drones are no longer allowed. Not sure why, but it is prohibited. You’ll be given a slip with all the rules.

Anything else we should bring?

Sunscreen and insect repellant lotion. I have to say, the very first time I contracted Dengue fever was here in Calatagan. That was eons ago, but I still highly encourage you to protect yourself from mosquitoes.

Bring water shoes or sturdy slippers because some parts underwater are rocky.

What time is the last trip back to Manila?

Some say the last trip bound for Manila is at 4pm, others say it’s at 6pm. I’m not sure which one’s right. I forgot to confirm at the terminal. 😞

Photos by Vins Carlos


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Jessagem

H, anong oras po first trip ng van going to Calatagan? Thanks!

Romy Morales Fortuno

i recommend island hopping to starfish island little boracay sandbar with floating cottage
i’m sure you can enjoy the beautiful white sand , the clean water , you can relax the beautiful place …
Try it believe it
fore more information :
just call or text kuya Romy
contact # 09266452950
or check my fb post :
Romy Morales Fortuno

anggie bautista

gud am pwede po bng magdala ng kalan

Rose

HI! You’re sample itinerary for overnight states the entrance fee is 100. I thought the overnight rate is 200? Please clarify. Thanks.

LOEY

can i ask if theres a resort there that has no entrance fee but we will pay in rooms instead

Yanyan

Super thank you on your review! We’re planning our trip there this year and your post really help me a lot! More reviews to come! Cheers!

Yanyan

By the way, meron din ba dito mga Adventure katulad ng Sandbar and Mangrove tour or need pa namin mag-avail sa Stilts nung package nila?

Yanyan

May idea ka ba kung magkano yung package nila ng Island hopping? Saan kami pwede makapag inquire? Thanks.

Kayel

May contact no. po ba kayo ng resort?for more info. Lang

beverly

pwede po magdala ng pet?

Cris Bantilo

magkano po nag rent sa cottage?

Jerick Villapando

Pano pag namiss namin yung bus going back to Manila, should we just wait sa bus nadadaan? I just want to know some options. Thank you!

Ruth

Hello dear, may byahe pa ba ng tricycle if ever umalis kame dito sa metro point ng 5PM? Malamang makarating kame don ng gabi na, may byahe paba pa manuel uy?

Jhanna Xia

Saan po kayo sumakay ng bus to Calatagan? Thank you.

phoebe kim

nabasa ko po sa ibang vlog na yung Cr dw po walang harang na pader tela lng dw po harang totoo po ba?

ROG

can we set a bonfire sa beach at night po?

Ben gonzales

Puede magdala ng sariling car papunta dyan? Day tour

sharon

may pic ka ba ng tables and chairs sa manuel uy?

jessica candela

Hello. ask ko lang po what time po ung first trip going back to manila please. thankyousomuch=) . were planning going to manuel uy this coming friday .

D

hi Yoshke – how is the water this Sept? Calm naman? Ma eenjoy naman? :) Thank you for sharing the information, very helpful!

trackback

[…] With the closure of Burot Beach, Manuel Uy Beach Resort took its title of chosen camping destination. The resort is also budget-friendly, bolstering its case. Apart from the entrance fee, you have to pay P30 for environmental fee. More info here: Manuel Uy Beach Resort. […]

Yum

Hello. Nabanggit po na if it is crowded we will be refused for entry? Can we have a reservation OR what is the earliest time na dapat kami makarating doon to avoid na marefused entry?

Chris Magallanes

Pwede kaya mag stay dun for 3 Days 2 Nights…okay rin po kaya ito for PWD? My auntie kasi is on a wheelchair. We’re planning to go in Jan 2019.
Appreciate our reply

Jepoy

May contact po kayo na nakuha sa kahit sino katiwala sa manuel uy? Para kung sakali po eh matawagan or text namin before kami pumunta :) salamat po

JJ Gloria

Pwedeng magskimboard jan?

maesie

Just want to clarify :) yung tricycle fee po ba is 200 tala even if 2 person lang kayo? and may mga possible ba na may pede kaming kasabay sa tric papunta dun para malessen yung pamasahe ?

Suzette

Hello ask lng ako kung may jelly fish or dikya ung dagat? Thank u.

John

Pwede po ba mag dala ng super kalan? and strict ba sila pag over night as in 12nn kelangan umalis na agad sa isla?

somar

parang hindi naman sila strict kasi noong nag punta kami umalis na kami sa resort mga 2pm na un

Laurenze

Hi po.
Ndi po allowed ang bonfire kahit gabi? Kung overnight ang stay sa beach po.

Zedz

Worried lang ako, marami po bang dikya jan sa manuel uy?

Maeann

hello! open ba yung manuel uy sa Dec. 14-16?

Thank yoU!

harold

allowed po ba yung hammock?? or may pag lalagyan po ba kung sakali?

Rea

Yes. Nag hammock kami the last time we went there. And we’ll be there this weekend :) Tara!

Mike

good day po, pano po pag dumating doon ng gabi na mga around 8-10pm, tapos balak nmin umalis ng afternoon next day. pwede po b un?

P200 p rin po ba ung rate. kasi same length time naman? or bka mkpag add na kmi?

EL

Hello po, since na mention po na may grills sila for cooking, im assuming na de-uling sya, ask ko lang po if they provide / sell yung uling as well? planning to go on January :)

EL

Yay! Thankyou

Dette

Hi, sa grilling station nila, do we have to bring our own uling or provided na po ng resort? Thank you

Dette

Thank you! How about po sa gamit? Is it safe na maiwan yung ibang gamit sa tent if mag island hopping?

Shall

Hi, Pwede po ba mag dala ng alcohol beverages and kung may corkage? Thanks

Jayar brahim

Kailangan pa po ba mag pa reserve ? Or pwde naman walk in ?

Jonah

Hello.. about po sa Van sa Metro point.. ung po ba ung sa side ng save more? And what time po ang biyahe?

Benjjj

Hello, ask ko lang po may mga stores po ba sila jan or restaurant na pedeng kainin para sa mga ayaw magbaon? Plano po kasi namin mag overnight. Regarding naman po sa safety, secured naman po ba mga gamit dito? Thanks po.

lizel Octobre

hi Yoshke – yung rent ng electric stove for the entire stay na ba yun?

JJT

Sir, kelangan ba tumawag before going to the place? Thanks

Josiah

Hi Yoshke, how was the mobile internet in the place both Globe and Smart? Do they have WiFi Internet access?

I know we need to disconnect but we need to work to pay the bills. Work requires us to have internet at all times in case problems occur. :P

Josiah

Thank you Yoshke!

Angelica

Hi Meron po ba kayong contact numbers?

neil4

How,s the safety if someones stay for ovenyt ?

Jed

Hi –

Question. We’re going to leave Manila ng 6pm, March 1. So gabi na kame makakarating sa Calatagan Terminal. Meron pa bang maghahatid samen from the terminal to the resort itself ng ganung oras? Thank you!

Rye Reanzares

Hi,
Can we do the fishing in the beach? were planning to bring fishing rod.

thanks

jeremy

hi!
do you think they will allow us to bring some liquor? and how about drinking liquor at night? thanks :)

jeremy

thank you so much! :) btw i followed your sample itineraries :* we will go this sat thanks again! :)

Rommar gonez

Hellow. My mga avail po bang stove at rice cooker na pwede irent nalang? Also uling and ice?

JAMAICA

do you have contatc number for inquiry

Bernadette

Do you have any contact number po ? Me and my workmates wanted to inquire if we can reserve ahead of time.

Joice tablate

Hi, If mag in kmi ng 9am to 12nn(next day) 500 pa din po yung tent or 1,000 pesos? Thank you

av.construction corp.

Hi po pwedi po bang makahinge kami ng contact no. para makapaginquire po kami
thank you.

MAIA AMPORIAS

PWEDE BANG MAGSTAY NG BUONG HOLY WEEK? 4DAYS PO YUN? TSKA CAMPING LANG NAMAN SA SHORE MAY ENTRANCE PARIN BA YUN?

MAIA AMPORIAS

THANK YOU :)

aaron

hi ask ko lang if meron bang ibang bus company na may night trips going to calatagan?

JADE MARQUITA

MERON PO BANG VIDEOKE FOR NIGHT SWIMMING?

sj

hi.. kpag nsa bstangas city n kme saan p po ang daan nmin going to mauel uy.. thanks

sj

hnd po b pwede mg overnight sa manuel uy

grace

Good day. Pano po pumunta from calamba laguna?

Echo

Hi,

Ask ko lang if may number po kayo ng Manuel UY and rates po ng cottages.. Day tour lang po sana kami..

Salamat

Ken

Hello po.
Balak namin pumunta sa April 20-21 Overnight.
ano pong oras kayo pumunta at anong araw? sobrang dami kaya ngayong sabado at linggo?

Thank you.

Solemn

Allow po ba ang pets?

Solemn

Open beach naman din po sya db po? kaya okay lang po wala kamingreservation basta punta lang po kami dyan

robby

about po sa safety ng place ok lang maiwan mga gamit sa tent?

Glen Ballarta

Pwede po ba ang staff nila ang mag set ng tent para sa mga nag rerent?

Roxanne

Kung magiisland hopping po kami may mapagiiwanan po ba kami ng mga gamit namin like lockers? Is it safe na iwan yung tent namin at ilang mga gamit like cooler & cookwares?

FLORITA BISCO

Hi,

May we know if you have cottages for a family of ten (10) which we can rent and how much. We plan to go to your place on MAY 12, 2019 for a day tour. Is there a need to make an advanced reservation to avoid inconveniences when we go there especially that we have three (3) senior citizens and some kids

Please advise. I hope to receive your response soonest.

Thank you very much po.

Franz

Pede ba mag palipad ng drone?

Carl james Ciubal

Sir pwede po ba dito mag team building

Junnete

Hi tatawid pa ba ng dagat to get in to Manuel Uy beach? Thanks!

Sam

Hello! Any chance you know if this place is pet friendly? We’d like to do a day trip lang but we have two small dogs. :)

Haj

open ba?

Reneboy

Ganun padin ba ung entrance fee sa manuel uy.. from cavite to calatagan ilang oras byahe..

sam

open na po ba sya ngaun 2023?

Roberto Clement

Hi, Is there any campsites around the area?