I was born and raised in Batangas, which means that growing up, I never had to go far to hit the beach. But over the past five years, I’ve made it a point to properly explore what Batangas has to offer — from the dive-resort shores of Mabini to the wide camping beaches of Calatagan and the more secluded coves of Nasugbu. Some of these I’ve only visited on a day trip; others I’ve slept at.

TPTKLOOK5
BlogDisclaimer

In this article, we’ll be sharing some of the best beach resorts we’ve tried in Batangas in the last five years. But before that, a quick disclaimer:

  • This list is compiled regardless of price. You’ll see expensive resorts as well as more affordable options. But we are not including public beaches. We’ll save that for another post.
  • This list is not ranked. We grouped it by municipality. The numbers are just for easier reference. But we’ll share our rating at the end of each section.
  • We’re rating not the resort per se, but our experience at the time of our visit. Everything you’re about to read is based on our own personal experiences over the past five years — experiences that, for some of these resorts, happened, say, maybe two or three years ago. Things may have changed since: management may have changed, amenities added or removed, or certain aspects improved or deteriorated.

We also provided each resort’s Agoda link for easier reference and more convenient booking. You can save on costs by using our promo code AGODATPT for up to P6000 discount. That’s actually 8-10% OFF, capped at USD 100, so that’s roughly P6000 based on the current exchange rate. To automatically redeem this discount, just visit www.thepoortraveler.net/agoda or, if you prefer to use the Agoda mobile app, on the bottom menu, tap on the DEALS button and enter the promo code AGODATPT on the coupon field. Search and book a hotel as usual, but upon checkout, enter AGODATPT again. Yes, you need to enter it twice for it to work.

WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! If your are traveling soon and still on the planning stage, you can also visit our The Poor Traveler Masterlist. Here, we compiled travel essentials, including immigration requirements and all our recommended hotels and tours. Just visit this page: TPT Masterlist. We have a compilation for destinations around the world.


1. Club Laiya (San Juan)

When we’re in the mood for a beach trip, one of the first places that comes to mind is Laiya in the municipality of San Juan. It is one of the best beach destinations in Batangas — not too far, the sand is decent, and there are plenty of establishments, making it very convenient. There’s also a public beach with free entrance, but if you prefer a quieter stay and have the budget for it, you’ll have many resorts to choose from.

Among them is Club Laiya, a 24-hectare seaside estate in San Juan, Batangas that combines leisure and resort living. It houses not one but two unconventional hotel concepts: Cocoons and Camperisti.

Camperisti

Camperisti Club Laiya Batangas

Camperisti is exactly what it sounds like — camper vans parked on a white beach, designed to let you experience the motorhome lifestyle without actually driving anywhere.

The van looks cramped from the outside, but they are actually more spacious than you think. Inside, you’ll find a private bedroom, a toilet and shower, and a dining area with a small kitchen. Each unit is air-conditioned. The beach-facing setup means you go to sleep and wake up to the sound of waves.

Camperisti View Club Laiya
View from our Camperisti unit’s patio

A night here costs around P13,000 (USD 214), but each van can accommodate up to four guests. That’s P3250 (USD 53.50) per person per night.

CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE!


Cocoons Club Laiya

Cocoons Club Laiya Batangas

The other accommodation option is Cocoons, which is composed of large concrete pipes designed for intimate stays, outfitted with a queen bed, space-saving storage, coffee and tea amenities, a TV, and a mini bar. This is not the only one in Batangas; there is another Cocoons in Calatagan, which I will be describing later.

Cocoons is best suited for couples or solo travelers who don’t mind cozy quarters. There’s no space to move around, but they’re set on the beach too. If you’re the type who spends most of your time outside anyway — at the beach or at the common areas — this could appeal to you.

Club Laiya Batangas
View from the Cocoons area

Although the concept can give off an impression that it is a budget option, it is still pretty pricey at almost P4500 (USD 74) per night, good for two persons or P2250 (USD 37) per pax.

CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE!

Club Laiya has two restaurants on the property — The Sands and Captain Barbozza — which serve a mix of local Filipino dishes and international cuisine. They also have a swimming pool (Laiya Beach Club), situated in between Cocoons and Camperisti.

The beach is wide and almost flat, strewn with fair sand (not white-white, but fair enough). The waves are generally mild, which makes it great for families, even with kids.

How to to Club Laiya: Board a bus bound for San Juan, Batangas. Then at the San Juan Terminal, ride a jeepney or charter a tricycle to Club Laiya.

Pros

  • Long stretch of white sand
  • Less crowded & more exclusive vibe
  • Clean beachfront
  • Easily accessible

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Still developing
  • Limited dining options

Rating: 7/10


2. Cala Laiya (San Juan)

Cala Laiya is a completely different property from Club Laiya. A bit far from it, too, which is both a curse and a gift.

What sets it apart is its secluded location. It’s way into the inner roads, far from the highway. If you’re driving, it’s not easy to find. If you’re taking public transportation, you’ll have to charter a tricycle to get to it. But if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, Cala Laiya delivers. It fosters a serene atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and spending quality time away from the city.

Cala Laiya Batangas

The beach itself is short and super shallow at low tide. And while there are sandy parts, much of it is rocky. But it makes up for it with everything else. It has two infinity pools with a view of the sea and seaside lounges.

The resort’s accommodations are called Casitas, a nod to the Spanish word for “little house,” featuring easy-breezy designs and eco-friendly amenities. Everything was squeaky clean and neatly arranged.

The property is huge. You can hike around. And we did hike on the way to the archery area. And yes, the resort offers FREE archery lessons, at least during our visit. It was my first time trying it out, and I really enjoyed and appreciated it.

Cala Laiya Batangas Pool Area

The resort is also close to a marine sanctuary. Motorized and non-motorized water sports are also available for those who want more than just sun lounging.

A night here can set you back around P7200 (USD 119), good for two and inclusive of breakfast. A bit on the expensive side, yes, but it really is one of the more elevated options along the Laiya coast, and well worth it.

CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE!

How to Get to Cala Laiya: Ride an ALPS bus bound for San Juan, Batangas. Then at the San Juan terminal, charter a tricycle straight to Cala Laiya.

Pros

  • Private, peaceful setting
  • Modern casitas
  • Great selection of activities (archery, snorkel, etc.)
  • Excellent service

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Beach too short and rocky
  • Not super lively (can feel too quiet)

Rating: 8/10


3. Camp Netanya (Mabini)

Now, let’s leave San Juan and head over to Mabini, which is best known for Anilao, one of the best diving destinations in the world. And here, we’ll go to a nearby barangay for a piece of Santorini.

Camp Netanya calls itself the “Little Santorini of Mabini.” I dislike calling a place “Little something”, but that’s literally its tagline. One look and you’ll instantly see why. Its whitewashed buildings and cobalt blue accents perched above the water evoke that sun-drenched Aegean aesthetic, with sweeping views of Balayan Bay.

Camp Netanya Batangas

We’ve visited this twice: first as a day trip and more recently as an overnight stay. And the two experiences are quite different.

For day trippers, their dip-and-dine package now costs P2250 (USD 37) per adult, inclusive of access to the infinity pool from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, snorkeling and kayaking for one hour, free-flowing coffee, and plated lunch at Greeka restaurant, which serves local and international cuisine with ocean views. It’s a favorite rest spot among those who climb the neighboring Mt. Gulugod Baboy, whose trailhead is located within walking distance from the resort.

Camp Netanya Sunset Batangas

But an overnight stay gives you time to really settle in — to wake up to that bay view and linger at the pool long after the day-trippers have gone home.

A room here costs around P5000 (USD 82.50) per night on Agoda.

CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE!

Like most resorts in Anilao and the greater Mabini area, Camp Netanya does not have a sandy beach, either. However, from here, you can also go island hopping. A four-hour boat tour can take you to Sombrero Island, Oscar Beach, and Dive and Trek resort. At the time of our visit, the tour costs P7000 for a group of up to six guests. Not sure if these prices have changed since.

They also offer introductory dive lessons, jet ski rental, and fishing experiences for a fee.

How to Get to Camp Netanya: Board a bus bound for Batangas City Grand Terminal. Then, ride a jeepney bound for Mabini Crossing. Then charter a tricycle to Camp Netanya.

Pros

  • Santorini aesthetic (very IG-worthy)
  • Infinity pool + dive packages
  • Great for snorkeling/diving
  • Friendly staff

Cons

  • No sandy beach (more rocky)
  • Can feel more “resort” than “beach trip”
  • A bit pricey for what you get

Rating: 7/10


4. Eagle Point Resort (Mabini)

Eagle Point Resort is nestled along a lush seaside forest and is among the most established dive resorts in Mabini, operating since 1989 and welcoming couples, families, friends, and corporate groups alike.

Eagle Point Resort Batangas

It’s best known as a dive resort, offering diving packages including introductory courses for beginners. But for non-divers, you’ll still find plenty of things to enjoy. It has multiple swimming pools! You can also go kayaking and check out the vibrant marine scenery. Banana boat rides are available too. They also have a game room where you can play ping pong or billiards. You can also test your aim at the Eagle Base Gel Blaster area.

And these are just the mainland properties. The resort also owns part of Maricaban Island, popularly known as Sepoc Beach, accessible by a roughly 20-minute boat ride.

Sepoc Beach is a private white-sand cove exclusively for Eagle Point’s guests, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and staring into the horizon while pretending you have no responsibilities. From the back of the beach, you can also get a view of Sombrero Island, which got its name from its hat-like shape. If you have additional budget, you can make a stop at Sombrero Island itself after your visit to Sepoc.

Sepoc Beach Tingloy Batangas
Sepoc Beach

If you’re interested in spending a night or more here, prepare to shell out around P3820 (USD 63) per night for a sea-view room for two.

CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE!

How to Get to Eagle Point Resort: Take the bus to Batangas City Grand Terminal. Ride a jeepney to Mabini town center or Anilao Port. Charter a tricycle to Eagle Point Resort. Alight at the junction that will lead to the resort. Be sure to coordinate with the resort in advance so they could send a shuttle to pick you up from there. The shuttle will take you to the resort proper. It’s a short drive but very steep.

Pros

  • Sepoc Beach access
  • Great for diving enthusiasts
  • Lots of pools
  • Scenic views

Cons

  • Rocky shoreline
  • Facilities feel dated in parts
  • Not very accessible

Rating: 7/10


5. Calatagan South Beach (CaSoBe)

Let’s drive all the way to the other side of the province and wade in the shallow waters of Calatagan.

It is a municipality on the southwestern tip of Batangas province, occupying its own peninsula that juts out into the Verde Island Passage. It’s known for having one of the longest coastlines in Batangas, and the beaches here tend to face west, which means the sunsets are spectacular. The waters are characteristically shallow and calm, making it a popular choice for families and those who don’t want to worry too much about waves.

Aquaria Water Slides
Aquaria Water Park

And one of the biggest resorts here is CaSoBe (Calatagan South Beach).

Located in Barangay Sta. Ana, Calatagan South Beach (CaSoBe) is a sprawling seaside residential and resort community developed by Landco. It’s a full-service resort with swimming pools, cabanas, three dining places, and a thrilling water slide.

The main attraction here is Aquaria Water Park. Despite the “water park” label, temper your expectations slightly. It’s more like a beach resort with a really exciting pool slide. The real draw is still the beach itself, a long stretch of cream-colored sand facing the sunset.

And just like Club Laiya, CaSoBe’s accommodation options include two distinct concepts: Cocoons and Crusoe Cabins.

Cocoons CaSoBe

Cocoons at CaSoBe

The Cocoons are sleeping pods taking the shape of huge cylindrical concrete drainage pipes, transformed into private nooks reminiscent of capsule hotels. We’ve had the pleasure of staying overnight in one of the Cocoons at CaSoBe, and the experience was fun — compact but cozy.

A night here can set you back P4450 (USD 73.50), good for two guests.

CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE!


Crusoe Cabins

Crusoe Cabins CaSoBe

We haven’t tried the Crusoe Cabins yet, which are beach cabins positioned toward the white sand shore, but they’re firmly on the list for the next visit.

A cabin costs P12,600 (USD 208) per night, good for five guests or about P2520 (USD 41.60) per person per night.

CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE!

How to Get to CaSoBe: Catch a bus to Calatagan. Alight at Calatagan Town Proper. Charter a tricycle to CaSoBe or Aquaria Water Park.

Pros

  • Clean, modern, master-planned
  • Wide beach
  • Good amenities
  • Ideal for families

Cons

  • Expensive accommodations
  • Shallow, seaweed-y waters

Rating: 7/10


6. Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort (Calatagan)

Stilts is probably my most frequented resort in Calatagan. I just love this place! Its most distinct feature is a cluster of overwater bungalows linked by wooden boardwalks, reminiscent of water villas in the Maldives.

Harmony Beach

It is also a well-known venue for team buildings and special occasions like birthdays, debuts, and weddings. The resort sits on a vast 24-hectare property with three separate small beaches — Harmony, Serenity, and Destiny. And the shallow, calm waters make it easy to spend an afternoon doing next to nothing, which is a skill we’ve been quietly perfecting.

Because it’s not too far from our home, we’ve never stayed overnight here, only as day trippers, and the day tour honestly delivers plenty. The entrance fee is P700 to 800 per person, depending on the season or timing. The peak season includes the months of March to June, December, and holidays. Off-peak period falls in January, February, and July to November.

Stilts Calatagan Resort Signage

Day Tour Rates

(Entrance Fees)

Off-Peak Season
(January, February, and from July to November):
P700

Peak Season
(March to June, December, and holidays):
P800

Note: Kids below 6 y/o are free of charge.

The entrance fee is already inclusive of welcome drinks, use of a designated swimming pool, use of shower rooms, and access to the beach areas. Honestly, the rates have gone up quite a bit. During the pandemic, the day tour fee was only around P300+. But oh well, I guess that’s just how it is. Everything is more expensive now.

Stilts Calatagan Pool

Aside from the entrance fee, you’re also encouraged to book a hut or table where you can hang out and put your stuff. There are plenty of options available.

The most affordable is their Cozy Nooks, which are basically wooden tables and benches that can accommodate up to 10 people. These are located by the beach and cost around P500-600 per table, depending on the season.

We usually go for the Open Hut. As the name suggests, it’s a simple hut that can accommodate up to 15 pax. This is priced at around P1100 to P1250. What’s great about this option is that it comes with a power outlet where you can charge your gadgets, a sink for washing your hands or dishes, and a locker or storage cabinet with a key where you can safely leave your valuables in case everyone decides to go swimming at the same time.

Stilts Calatagan Tables
Stilts Calatagan Cozy Nooks

Tables & Open Hut Rental Rates

Cozy Nooks (Wooden Tables and Benches)
Capacity: 5-10 pax
Peak Rate: P600
Off-peak Rate: P500

Open Huts
Capacity: 15 pax
Peak Rate: P1250
Off-peak Rate: P1100

There are Open Huts located by the beach and others near the pool area. It really depends on your preference. You can simply request your preferred location when you make your booking.

Stilts Calatagan Open Huts
Stilts Calatagan Open Huts

If you have bigger groups, here are the your options.

Harmony Beach Area

Small Pavilion
Capacity: 20 pax
Peak Rate: P1500
Off-peak Rate: P1300

Big Pavilion
Capacity: 50 pax
Peak Rate: P3000
Off-peak Rate: P2500

Serenity Beach Area

Small Cabana
Capacity: 10 pax
Peak Rate: P1500
Off-peak Rate: P1300

Big Cabana
Capacity: 20 pax
Peak Rate: P1500
Off-peak Rate: P1300

Pavilion
Capacity: 60 pax
Peak Rate: P3000
Off-peak Rate: P2500

Infinity Pool Area

Garden Cabanas
Capacity: 15 pax
Peak Rate: P1250
Off-peak Rate: P1100

Pavilion
Capacity: 40 pax
Peak Rate: P3000
Off-peak Rate: P2500

Stilts Calatagan Beach Cottages
Stilts Calatagan Beach Cottages

If you’re planning to stay overnight, you can choose from their many room types and villas. You also have the option to go camping, as they have a designated campsite.

The camping fee is around P1000-1200 per person. This is already inclusive of welcome drinks and access to amenities at designated areas.

Camping Fee

Off-Peak Season
P1100/person

Peak Season
P1200/person

Check in: 2:00 PM
Check out: 12:00 PM the next day

But the rates above are for those bringing their own tents. If you’re not bringing one, they do offer glamping tents for rent, but they are quite pricey.

Stilts Serenity Beach

Glamping Tent Rental Rates

Glamping Tent A
Capacity: 2 pax
Rate: P2000/tent

Glamping Tent B
Capacity: 4-5 pax
Rate: P3000/tent

Glamping Tent C
Capacity: 2-3 pax
Rate: P2500/tent

Glamping Tent D
Capacity: 2 pax
Rate: P1500/tent

Inclusions: mattress and linen setup, and use of fans, lights, tables and benches

Note that it’s on top of the camping fee. But the rates already cover the mattress and linen set up, the use of fans and lights, as well as tables and benches at the designated campsite area.

But if camping isn’t your thing and you prefer a proper room, there are also plenty of options here. They have beach cottages, villas, bungalows, tree houses, and the iconic floating cottages.

Stilts Calatagan Overwater Cottages
Stilts Calatagan Overwater Cottages

Here are the rates for the floating cottages or overwater villas that have become the resort’s icon. These units are quite spacious. Some of them can even accommodate up to 20 guests.

Floating Cottage Rates

Small Cottage
P10,400 per night
(Good for 3 pax)
Additional Pax: P1400 per pax
(Maximum of 10 occupants)

Medium Cottage
P14,700 per night
(Good for 5 pax)
Additional Pax: P1400 per pax
(Maximum of 15 occupants)

Large Cottage
P20,000 per night
(Good for 7 pax)
Additional Pax: P1400 per pax
(Maximum of 20 occupants)

They also have guest rooms that are good for 2-3 pax at P6000-6400 per night. You can also book their tree houses at P5000 and 6000 per night, good for 2 and 3 pax respectively. All these rates are inclusive of welcome drinks, breakfast, and use of amenities including the pool area.

There are many other room types available. Just visit their website to check the latest rates: More Stilts Calatagan Rooms!

How to Get to Stilts Calatagan: Board the bus to Calatagan. Get off at Calatagan Town Proper.
Charter a tricycle to Stilts Calatagan.

Pros

  • Three separate beaches
  • Iconic floating cottages
  • Lots of activities and accommodation types
  • Day trip and camping options (some affordable)
  • Excellent service

Cons

  • Shallow waters
  • Sand can be coarse, not super fine or white

Rating: 8/10 (Day trip only)


7. Manuel Uy Beach Resort (Calatagan)

Manuel Uy Beach Resort bills itself as “Calatagan’s Camping Capital” — and true to that, there are no rooms and no cottages here. Just pure beach camping. It’s a stark contrast from its neighbor Stilts. Where Stilts is manicured and resort-like, Manuel Uy is raw and open and wonderfully unbothered. The sand is not white but more of beige or golden cream, and the waters are clear — shallow for a long stretch, making it friendly for families with children and equally friendly for adults who just want to wade around looking contemplative.

Manuel Uy Beach Batangas

There are no restaurants or canteens here, just a sari-sari store selling basic goods, at least as of our last trip. It’s best to come prepared with your own food. Pack a cooler, bring something to grill, and call it a lifestyle.

The entrance fee is P250 for a day tour, and P350 for an overnight. If you’re spending the night here, the campsite fee is P250 for 1-4 pax, P350 for 5-10 pax, P750 for 10-15 pax, P1000 for 16-20 pax. If you wish to rent a tent, it costs P500.

Manuel Uy Beach Camping

Day trippers can stay from 5:30 AM to 5:00 PM, while overnighters can stay until 12 noon the next day. Try to arrive as early as possible because they limit the number of guests, and they may stop accepting visitors when the capacity is reached, especially during peak season.

Manuel Uy Beach Rates

Entrance Fee
Day Trip: P250 per pax
Overnight: P350 per pax

Campsite Overnight Fee
1-4 Pax: P250
5-10 Pax: P350
10-15 Pax: P750
16-20 Pax: P1000

Tent Rental: P500 (2-3 pax)

Manuel Uy Beach Amenities

It is important to manage your expectations when visiting Manuel Uy Beach. Note that other than swimming and lazing on the sand, there’s not much to do here. Aside from a grilling station, a paluto station, a sari-sari store and charging station, shower rooms, and toilets, there are no other amenities on site. But instead, from here, you can also go on a boat tour of neighboring attractions like Tiktiko Sandbar (aka Tiktok Sandbar), Starfish Island, and a snorkeling area. If your destination is Tiktok Sandbar, it costs P2000, good for four persons for one hour or one stop. For any other destination, it’s P1500.

If you want to exceed the one (1) hour limit or you want to visit another attraction, you’ll need to add P150 per person.

For example, if you’re a group of four and you want to visit three stops (not Tiktiko sandbar), you’ll be paying a total of P2700 (P1500 boat fee + P1200 for the two additional stops) or P675 per person. Boat tours are available from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Manuel Uy Beach Boat Tour

Boat Tour Rates

TikTiko Sandbar
P2000/hour
(Good for 4 pax)

Starfish Island, Sandbar or Snorkeling Area
P1500/hour (or per destination)
Good for 4 pax)

Additional Pax: P300 per pax
Additional Destination/Hour: P150 per pax
Snorkeling Mask Rental: P100

How to Get to Manuel Uy Beach Resort: Board the bus to Calatagan. Get off at Calatagan Town Proper.
Charter a tricycle to Manuel Uy Beach.

Pros

  • Budget-friendly
  • Camping-friendly
  • Good for barkada trips

Cons

  • Can get crowded
  • Can get noisy/less relaxing
  • Water can be shallow
  • Limited things to do

Rating: 6/10


8. Canyon Cove Hotel & Spa (Nasugbu)

Canyon Cove Hotel & Spa in Nasugbu tends to be a familiar name for families and groups making a weekend escape from Manila. It is a waterfront resort with a private beach, swimming pools, a poolside bar, and a range of water activities including paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling.

Canyon Cove Nasugbu Batangas

The property is large enough, and the beach is one of the better-maintained in the area.

It costs around P2750 (USD 45.60) per night, inclusive of breakfast for two! That’s a good deal.

CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE!

Earlier, I mentioned it’s an established name in the resort scene in Batangas, and you can take it in two ways. Some parts have been renovated and updated, but some just feel dated. It reflected on our 2024 visit, too. We were a group when we stayed here, so we booked two rooms.

Canyon Cove Room

Our teammates Asta, Hannah, and Mariah seemed to have been assigned a great room. It was spacious, well-appointed, and they had a good time overall. But ours was a completely different story. Our room reeked of something sewage-like, coming from the bathroom. There were also roaches running around in the bathroom.

We reported it to the staff, but they said they were fully booked, so there is no available room to replace ours. And we also brought this up to their customer service via email, but we received no reply at all, which led us to believe they did not care.

It’s too bad because other than that, we had a fun time here. We enjoyed the beach and the pool area. It was just the bathroom that ruined it for us.

So yeah, Canyon Cove was a bit polarizing for our team. Half really liked their stay, while the rest of us had the exact opposite experience. But again, this was in 2024, so I hope things have improved and are more consistent now.

But just to be sure, before settling in your room, check it first, and if you find something unsatisfactory, ask for another room.

How to Get to Canyon Cove: Ride a bus to Nasugbu and get off at the town proper. Charter a tricycle to Canyon Cove.

Pros

  • Easy access (near Nasugbu Town Proper)
  • Big beachfront and pool
  • Affordable rates
  • Rates include breakfast

Cons

  • Inconsistent maintenance
  • Some parts feel dated
  • Can get overcrowded

Rating: 6/10


9. Fortune Island Resort (Nasugbu)

Fortune Island is unlike anything else on this list. The island is located off the coast of Nasugbu and has a fascinating history: a Spanish warship sank near its shores in 1600, and centuries later, it was the site of an ambitious luxury resort built in a classical Greek style. Due to the island’s remote location, lack of fresh water sources, and exposure to harsh typhoons, the resort eventually ceased operations in 2006, leaving behind iconic ruins that have since become a tourist attraction.

Fortune Island View

The ruins — Grecian columns and statues perched dramatically on a limestone cliff overlooking the sea — are now the island’s calling card, and they are just as striking in person as they look in photos.

You might be asking: If it ceased operations 20 years ago, why is it still included in this list? Well, the resort on the island did, but a resort on the mainland remains operational.

Fortune Island Ruins Nasugbu

It’s important to know how Fortune Island works logistically, because this one has a two-part setup. All visitors must first register at Fortune Island Resort in Barangay Wawa on the mainland before boarding a boat to the island, which 1 to 1.5 hours away. The mainland resort has proper rooms you can book for a stay, while the island itself is accessible either on a day trip or by camping overnight.

Fortune Island Resort Batangas

Klook offers a Fortune Island Day Trip from Manila, inclusive of roundtrip transfers, entrance fee, boat fee, lunch, tour guide, and a souvenir, among others. Meeting points are in Quezon City, Mandaluyong, and Pasay.

BOOK THIS TOUR HERE!

Just to keep it real: the resort on the mainland isn’t something to write home about. It’s covered in black sand, and in the multiple times we visited, plastic trash was unignorable. This is why booking a room here was never an option for us. We were more interested in Fortune Island proper, which is strewn with white sand (albeit pebbly) and breathtaking scenery. The mainland resort serves as just a jump-off point for us.

Fortune Island Camping

Fair warning, though: freshwater sources are nonexistent, and proper toilet facilities are limited on the island itself, so overnight campers need to come fully prepared.

On our most recent visit, we also rented one of the cottages on the island, but most of them were dilapidated and not in good condition. Rental costs P1500 for day tour and P2000 for overnight.

Fortune Island Rates

Entrance Fee
Day Trip: P350/pax
Overnight: P500/pax

Camping Rates
Tent Rental: P500/tent
Day Tour Pitching: P100/tent
Overnight Pitching: P200/tent

Island Cottage Rates
Day Tour: P1500/cottage
Overnight: P2000/cottage

Fortune Island Boat Transfer

But it’s not just the entrance and camping fee you need to budget for. Boat rates are charged separately, and this is the bulk of the expenses.

Boat Rates

Day Tour
P4000 (1-4 Pax)
P4500 (5-8 Pax)
P5000 (9-12 Pax)
P5500 (13-15 Pax)

Overnight
P4500 (1-4 Pax)
P5000 (5-8 Pax)
P5500 (9-12 Pax)
P6000 (13-15 Pax)

Note: Children eight (8) years old and above are counted as a regular passenger (1 pax).

Fortune Island Resort Nasugbu

If you prefer to book a room on the mainland side, here are the rates.

Fortune Island Resort (Mainland) Rates

Room A
P3000
Good for 2 Pax
Pet-friendly

Room B
P3000 (2 Pax) | P3500 (3 Pax)
Good for 2-3 Pax
Pet-friendly

Room C & D
P3000 (2 Pax) | P3500 (3 Pax)
Good for 2-3 Pax
Beachfront

Room #1
P6000
Good for 7-8 Pax
Pet-friendly, with kitchen and stove

Room #2
P4500
Good for 7 Pax
Pet-friendly

Room #3
P4000
Good for 5 Pax
Pet-friendly, with veranda, table, and chairs

CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE!

How to Get to Fortune Island: Ride a bus to Nasugbu and get off at the town proper. Charter a tricycle to Fortune Island Resort in Barangay Wawa. Register your group, and then you will be assigned a boat to take you to Fortune Island.

Pros

  • Unique Greek ruins aesthetic
  • Super scenic/photogenic (island proper)
  • Feels like an adventure

Cons

  • Rough waters at times
  • Limited facilities on the island
  • Island cottages in bad condition
  • No accommodations on the island itself
  • Mainland beach littered at times

Rating: 6/10 (Day Trip Only)

If it were just the facilities, we’d give it a lower rating. But the island itself is gorgeous and picturesque.


10. Calayo Beach Resort (Nasugbu)

Rounding out our list is Calayo Beach Resort in Nasugbu. To be honest, we contemplated on whether we should even include this in this list because, despite the name, this is not technically a beachfront resort.

Calayo Beach Resort Batangas

It does not have a beach on its property, but has easy access to a nearby public beach, about 100 meters away, reachable by a short walk. Instead, it features a swimming pool and bamboo-fitted nipa hut accommodations. Each unit is spacious and bungalow-style, with a kitchen area and multiple bedrooms, which is great for groups like families and friends on a budget.

It costs around P5200 per night, but it can accommodate up to six guests or about P867 per person. It had three bedrooms: two on the ground floor and one in an attic-style setup.

CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE!

Calayo Beach Resort Room

It’s important that you manage your expectations. You get what you pay for. It’s not the polished or glamorous type of accommodation. It’s a kubo with a small window-type air-conditioning unit in the common (living and dining) area, while each bedroom is equipped with its own fan. The floor is not tiled, and almost every wall and fixture is made of bamboo. The restroom is the typical Pinoy-style, without a partition between the shower and the toilet area.

While it was pleasantly breezy during our stay, we can imagine that it can also get quite hot on some mid-summer days.

How to Get to Calayo Beach Resort: Board a bus from PITX to Nasugbu via Kaybiang Tunnel, then get off at Barangay Looc court. From there, charter a tricycle to Calayo.

Pros

  • More laid-back/local vibe
  • Less crowded than mainstream resorts
  • Very Affordable
  • Friendly staff

Cons

  • Not beachfront
  • Public beach’s sand is not white (more brownish)
  • Basic facilities
  • Bad data signal

Rating: 6/10


Batangas, for all its beach-destination fame, still has pockets that feel genuinely undiscovered — or at least, not yet overrun. Whether you’re after the Santorini-styled ambiance of Camp Netanya, the Greek ruins of Fortune Island, or the barebones simplicity of Manuel Uy’s campsite, the province has a version of summer for almost everyone.

Which of these have you tried? How was your experience? And do you have any beach resorts in Batangas that you’d like to recommend? Let us know in the comment section!

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Hotel Codes

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Updates Log

2026 4 7 – First uploaded

Edited by: Asta Alvarez
Photos by: Yosh Dimen and Asta Alvarez


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Yosh Dimen
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