After taking almost every mode of transportation available in the country, we finally got to Masasa Beach. It was quite a journey, but it was definitely worth it. Once we got off the tricycle, all that’s left for us to do was to walk the downhill path to the beach. The tricycle drop-off point is almost like a hilltop with a stunning view of a field with a paved path in the middle that would lead you to the crystal clear waters of Masasa. We took a moment to take in this view, and at the same time, to prepare ourselves for the walk to the beach under the scorching heat of the summer sun.
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
About Masasa Beach
A couple of years ago, it seemed like Masasa was the hottest destination in Batangas. It drew crowds of tourists looking for a fantastic beach getaway on a budget whether they’re DIY-ing it or joining a group tour. Fast forward to today, Masasa still captures the hearts of many. And in our opinion, it is still one of, if not the, best beach in Tingloy.
Masasa Beach is located in the municipality of Tingloy, the only municipality in Batangas that is not situated on mainland Luzon. But what attracts tourists to Masasa Beach you ask? Its vibrant waters! Because honestly, Masasa does not have sparkly, fine white sand, but its turquoise waters would surely catch your eye even from a far! It also has nearby attractions that are just as beautiful that can add more color to your trip.
In this post, we’ll get you up to speed things you need to know to help you plan and enjoy your trip to Masasa. We’ll also include a budget and itinerary to give you an idea how much you’ll need to make this trip happen. Spoiler alert, it won’t make a dent in your pocket!
How to Get There
Masasa is just a few hours away from Manila. But it is important to know that going to Masasa Beach requires a boat transfer because this may be a deal-breaker for some, accessibility-wise. It also requires a few transfers using different modes of transportation if you’re taking public transportation. If this is not a problem for you, then here’s how you can get there.
Manila to Anilao Port
Private Car
If you’re planning to bring your own car to get to Masasa, make your way to Anilao Port, which is the jump-off point. You can simply use Waze or Google maps for directions. Travel time is around three (3) hours if you’re coming from Manila. Once you reach Anilao Port, you can find a place to park overnight around the area. We weren’t able to get the exact rates for the parking fee, so if you’ve been to Anilao Port and you know the rates, kindly leave a comment so we can help each other out!
- Take the STAR Tollway to Batangas-Balete Road in Batangas.
- At the roundabout Balagtas, take the second exit on Batangas – Balete Road.
- Turn left to Palico – Balayan – Batangas Road.
- Turn right going to Bauan – Mabini Road.
- Continue driving straight until you reach Anilao Port.
Public Transportation
- Board a bus going to Batangas City. There are multiple bus companies with routes from Manila to Batangas City including JAM Liner, DLTB Co., ALPS, and Ceres. There are terminals in EDSA-Kamias, Cubao, LRT Buendia, and Taft. On our recent trip, we took a JAM Liner bus from their terminal in Kamias. The fare was P249. For the bus schedules to Batangas, you may check our MANILA to BATANGAS Bus Schedules article.
- Get off at the Batangas City Grand Terminal. It takes around 2-3 hours to get to the terminal from Manila depending on which terminal you’re coming from and the traffic conditions. It’s best to leave early to avoid heavy traffic.
- Ride a jeepney to Anilao Port. Jeepneys terminate at a dedicated area in Batangas City Grand Terminal. Just ask around to find out which jeepney you should take too. Fare is P70 and travel time is around 40 minutes.
Anilao Port to Masasa Beach
Once you get to the port, you need to board a ferry that will take you to Masasa. You will find two ferry companies at the port — Tingloy Ferry and Montenegro Lines. Tingloy Ferry has a bigger vessel, but Montenegro Lines has the earliest trip to Masasa, which is great if you want to get to the beach early. But before getting a ferry ticket, you need to pay other fees first.
1. Pay the environmental fee, terminal fee, and a trash bond.
Each person must pay the environmental fees for Mabini and Tingloy. There’s also a terminal fee and a refundable trash bond. Here’s a breakdown of the fees you need to pay:
- Environmental Fee (Mabini): P50/person
- Environmental Fee (Tingloy): P50/person
- Terminal Fee: P5/person
- Trash Bond: P100/2 Pax
The refundable trash bond is paid per two (2) people and not per person. When you pay for the bond at Anilao Port, you’ll be given an eco bag where you should put your trash in. You can get a refund if you surrender the bag with trash at Tingloy Port before heading back to Anilao.
2. Get a ticket for the ferry.
The two ferry companies have separate ticketing areas so proceed to the table of either Tingloy Ferry or Montenegro Lines. When choosing which ferry to board, you might want to consider their trip schedule. Another factor to keep in mind is that Montenegro Lines has smaller vessels so it gets full quicker, which means you must be at the port much earlier than the ferry departure you intend to catch.
Here’s the trip schedule and fare of the two ferry companies.
MABINI TO TINGLOY (MASASA)
Tingloy Ferry
- 08:00 AM
- 10:00 AM
- 12:00 PM
- 01:30 PM
- 03:00 PM
- 05:00 PM
Fares
Regular: P160
Student: P116
Senior Citizen/PWD: P104
Children (3-12 y/o): P72
Montenegro Lines
- 07:00 AM
- 08:30 AM
- 11:00 AM
- 01:00 PM
- 03:00 PM
- 05:00 PM
Fares
Regular: P162
Student: P130
Senior Citizen/PWD: P116
Children (3-7 y/o): P81
3. Ride a tricycle to Masasa.
Once you get off the ferry, proceed to the tricycle terminal. You’ll be asked to sign your name on a logbook and then you’ll be given a number for the tricycle queue. Wait for your number to be called while in line. Tell the driver the name of the homestay you’re staying at. If you haven’t booked a homestay or your only going on a day trip, ask the driver to drop you off at the jump-off point to the beach. Fare is P80/tricycle.
4. Walk to the beach.
Going to the beach involves a downhill walk and crossing a field through a narrow walking path. Alternatively, you can also ride a habal-habal down to the beach. However, we weren’t able to get the rates for the habal-habal during our recent trip.
Where to Stay
There are no fancy resorts or hotels in Masasa and you won’t be able to find an accommodation right by the beach as well. For a long time, the go-to of travelers who visit Masasa is camping. However, camping overnight has been prohibited for a while now. But don’t worry because there are A LOT of homestays available here. If you want to book online, here are some of them.
- TRES MARIAS TRANSIENT HOUSE
✅ Booking.com | Agoda - BALAY INTON
✅ Booking.com | Agoda - SEALOVERS’ PLACE MASASA BEACH
✅ Booking.com | Agoda - JEREMIAH HOMESTAY
✅ Booking.com | Agoda
On our recent trip, we only went for a day trip so we didn’t book any accommodation. In a past visit years ago, our team stayed at Mandanas Homestay. We’re not sure of their latest rates, but you can contact them at this number: +63 917 825 5513
Here are also some homestay information we got on our recent trip. However, note that we have not tried any of these so we do not have any other details about them. We’re simply including them in this article to help your search for a place to stay a bit easier.
- Lorie & LN Homestay
Contact Number: +63 947 173 0355 - KC-Neth Homestay
Contact Number: +63 936 282 5618 | +63 910 532 1471 - Carmen-Ruben Homestay
Contact Number: +63 926 522 4463 | +63 927 824 2716 - Kuya Garry Homestay
Contact Number: +63 926 322 4463
If you are planning to explore Anilao in Mabini, Batangas or are only planning a day trip in Masasa, here are some of the recommended resorts in Mabini according to online users, in no particular order.
Top Hotels on Agoda
- CAMP NETANYA RESORT AND SPA
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - EAGLE POINT RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - BENTRINA DIVING RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - VIVERE AZURE RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - ALTAMARE DIVE AND LEISURE RESORT ANILAO
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
Top Hotels on Booking.com
- THE PHILIP ANN RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - SOLITUDE ACACIA RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - BLUE RIBBON DIVE RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - SALTITUDE DIVE & BEACH RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - CASITA YSABEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
If you want more suggestions with more details about each hotel, you can also check our Top 10 Beach & Dive Resorts in Anilao article.
Find more Batangas Hotels!
Things to Do
Swimming and beach bumming
Of course, swimming would be the top thing to do here in Masasa. The water here is clear and has vibrant hues which is very inviting even from afar. Masasa is a long beach so if you want to avoid the crowd, walk a little further from the main beach, past the rock walls, to access a more secluded part of Masasa’s shore. It’s also nice to just lay on the beach or maybe have a picnic. Just make sure to take your trash with you when you leave.
You can find a quiet and shaded spot by the rock walls or a little bit past it. You can bring a beach mat or rent a tent. If you’re a big group, there are also kubos or cottages you can rent to the left of the “I <3 MASASA” sign.
Rates:
- Tent Rental: P200
- Kubo (Cottage) Rental: P500
Snorkeling
Tingloy is located within the area of the Verde Island Passage which is dubbed as the center of the center of marine biodiversity, so there are a lot of colorful creatures that you can see in the waters of Masasa Beach. If you’re not a diver, going snorkeling is a great activity where you can still get a glimpse of the colorful marine life from the surface. But please, please always respect the wildlife.
Island Hopping
There are boatmen offering island hopping tours on the beach. Usually, these boat tours will take you to Sombrero Island, Blue Lagoon, Dugong Cove, and a snorkeling spot. It will cost you P2,000 per boat, which can accommodate up to four (4) people. If you’re only a party of two and you want to save on costs, you can let the boatman know and they will find other tourists who can join you so you can split the cost with more people.
Where to Eat
Masasa does not have restaurants or any establishments like other destinations. On the beach, there are vendors peddling snacks and drinks, but that’s all you’ll get here. There’s also a sari-sari store before you go down the beach area.
The best thing you can do is to buy food near Anilao Port before boarding the ferry, especially if you’re only going for a day trip. If you’re staying overnight, reach out to your homestay for food arrangements. Some offer food to their guests, while some provide cooking equipment. If you plan to cook, go to the market near Anilao Port to shop for ingredients before heading to Masasa.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit?
The months between December to April are the best time to visit Masasa. This period is the dry season so there’s less chance of rain during these months. However, Masasa can get crowded especially on weekends and holidays, so if you can, schedule your trip on weekdays. The temperature can also be really high during March to May, which is considered the “summer” season in the Philippines. If you want to go when the temperature is a bit cooler, schedule your trip between November to February.
Is Masasa Beach safe?
Masasa beach is generally safe. However, just like in any destination, it is best to be cautious and make sure to keep an eye on your belongings. When swimming, it is best to wear a protective footwear to protect your feet from sharp rocks or coral stones.
Are there toilets and bathrooms near the beach?
Yes! There are toilets and bathrooms by the beach that you can use for a fee. If you’re swimming or hanging by the beach, you don’t have to walk all the way back to your homestay to use the toilet. This is also great for those who are only on a day trip. You will find the toilets near the area of the cottages for rent.
Is pitching a tent allowed?
Beach camping in Masasa is no longer allowed. However, you can still pitch tents by the beach during daytime. Just keep in mind that tents are only allowed until 6:00 PM. If you don’t have a tent with you, you can also rent one from locals that are offering tent rentals for P200.
Tips and Reminders
- Leave nothing but foot prints. The local government of Tingloy already has an ordinance in place to manage the trash in the municipality, which is why they have a trash bond for tourists. Make sure to make use of the eco bag they provide for your recyclables and throw your other trash properly.
- Practice sustainability. Help lessen the trash by bringing a reusable water bottle. Avoid using single-use plastics too.
- Use coral-friendly sunscreen. Not all sunscreens are made the same. Use products that don’t have chemicals like oxybenzone, benzophenone, and parabens that harm corals so you can help protect the environment while protecting your skin from the harmful UV rays.
- Bring a hat and sunglasses. Aside from sunscreen, we highly recommend bringing other sun protections too like a hat and sunglasses especially if you’re visiting during summer time when the heat can be really extreme.
- Use protective footwear. Masasa’s shore is a bit rocky and the beach has coral stones so it is best to wear protective footwear or aqua shoes when swimming on the beach to avoid hurting your feet.
Sample Itinerary
Here is a sample 2 days and 1 night itinerary for Masasa. This assumes that you’re traveling as a group of four (4) people and splitting some of the expenses. Feel free to make adjustments depending on your preferences.
Day 1
– Get on a bus to Batangas Grand Terminal: P249/person
– Ride a jeepney to Anilao Port: P70/person
– Pay environmental fees, terminal fee, and trash bond: P155
– Buy a ticket and board a ferry to Tingloy: P160/person
– Ride a tricycle to homestay: P80/4 = P20/person
– Check-in
– Lunch
– Island Hopping: P2,000/4 = P500/person
– Freshen up
– Dinner
Day 2
– Breakfast
– Swimming/beach bumming
– Freshen up and check out of your homestay.
– Tricycle to Tingloy Port: P80/4 = P20/person
– Refund trash bond.
– Buy a ticket and board a ferry to Anilao Port: P160/person
– Ride a jeepney to Batangas Grand Terminal: P70/person
– Get on a bus back to Manila: P249/person
This itinerary will set you back around P3,500, including the accommodation and budget for food plus a little extra. This assumes that you’ll book a homestay at around P1,500 for 2 people which would come out to P750 per person. But make sure to add an allowance for price adjustments and possible incidental expenses.
Tingloy Emergency Numbers
Here are some local emergency hotlines of the Municipality of Tingloy in Batangas:
- Tingloy Police Station
Address: Barangay 15 (Poblacion 3), Tingloy, Batangas
Mobile: +63 977 746 4396 - Bureau of Fire Protection
Address: Tingloy, Batangas
Mobile: +63 935 864 5520 | +63 938 873 4595
E-mail: tingloyfpo@gmail.com
Updates Log
2024.06.19 – First uploaded
Related Article: Top 10 Dive Resorts in Anilao
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