Bituin Cove, also known to locals as Hannukah Beach, is one of the many sand pockets gracing the coast of Nasugbu, Batangas. The cove is located in Barangay Calayo, more than half an hour’s drive from the town center, and is usually part of the island hopping itinerary from Calayo. The cove is popular among beach campers and weekend warriors.
Its sand is a mixture of coarse sand and shingles; the color is between beige and light brown. Corals and marine life thrive a few meters from the shore, making it a good snorkeling spot as well. Further inland, the lush setting provides ample shade from the sun and spots where you can pitch tents and do other fun activities.
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
How to Get There
Nearest Airport: Ninoy Aquino International Airport, also known as Manila International Airport (Manila)
By Land
- From Manila, ride a bus bound for Nasugbu, Batangas (P160-250). DLTB (Buendia), San Agustin Bus Line (Taft), and St. Gabriel Bus (PITX) have direct routes to Nasugbu. The travel time is 3-4 hours, depending on the route and the traffic situation.
- Alight at Nasugbu Bus Terminal (town proper), you can ride a tricycle or a jeepney to Barangay Calayo. If your group is composed of two to three persons, you can hire a tricycle (P400-500) to take you to Calayo Beach. But if you took the bus from PITX to Nasugbu via Kaybiang Tunnel, get off at Barangay Looc court. From the court, you can hire a tricycle (P100/max 3 pax) to Calayo. The journey is around 10 minutes. This option is much shorter and cheaper compared to coming from the town center.
- From Calayo, you can charter a boat going to Bituin Cove or you can book an island hopping tour package. If you are planning to stay overnight at Bituin Cove, it’s recommended and advised to book in advance with the management through the official Facebook page. Bituin Cove (Hannukah Beach) is just 15-20 minutes away from Calayo Beach by boat.
If you are traveling using a private vehicle from Manila, you can take the SLEX or the CAVITEX. Whichever route you want to take, it’s best to turn on your Google Maps or Waze App to help you navigate easily. Leave early in the morning, especially if you are just going on a day tour.
Where to Stay in Nasugbu
If you are not into camping, you can check out the rooms for rent at Bituin Cove. Also, Calayo Beach is lined with resorts — from budget to mid-range. You may opt to spend the night in one of the resorts here. Other recommended resorts in Nasugbu according to online users are listed below, in no particular order.
Top Hotels on Agoda
- PICO SANDS HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - CLUB PUNTA FUEGO
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - CANYON COVE HOTEL AND SPA
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - FOREST CREST NATURE HOTEL AND RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - CASITAS DE VICTORIA
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
Top Hotels on Booking.com
- RSAM BEACH RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - SHORELAND BEACH RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - AS ILAYA RESORT AND EVENT PLACE
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - SEABREEZE BEACH LODGE
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - SANDS HOTEL NASUGBU
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
If you want more suggestions with more details about each hotel, you can also check our Top 10 Resorts & Hotels in Nasugbu article.
Find more Nasugbu Hotels!
Entrance Fee and Other Charges
Bituin Cove/Hannukah Beach Rates
If you are taking a day tour or staying overnight at the cove, here’s the package rate and inclusions:
Bituin Cove/Hannukah Beach Package Rate
- Entrance Fee: Day Tour, P300/head; Overnight, P500/head
- Boat Fee: Boat Only – P2,000 (good for 6 pax, P300/extra pax); Boat + Water Activities – P3,000 (good for 6 pax, P500/extra pax)
- Camping Fee: FREE as this is already included in the entrance fee. You can pitch your own tent. If you don’t have one, you can ask your chosen tour operator if they are renting out tents.
- Tent Rental: P300 (2-3 Pax); P500 (3-5 Pax); P1,500 (10 Pax)
- Cottage Rental Fee: Fan rooms are available at the cove, but the electricity only runs from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM using a generator. The rooms can accommodate couples and big groups (10-15 pax). However, these are subject to availability, so you need to check first before your trip. Entrance fees are waived if you book a room.
- Calayo Parking Fee: Day Trip, P50-P100; Overnight, P100-P200
Inclusions
- Snorkeling at Santelmo Cove
- Cliff diving at Elephant Cave (Taytayin Cove)
- Life Vest and Snorkel Mask
Contact Information
To book or for any other information you need, you may check out their Facebook Page or send a message or call these numbers: +63 912 748 9891 and +63 992 211 0224
Calayo Island Hopping Rates
Rates may vary depending on the number of stops, inclusions, group size, and duration — day tour or overnight. For more details about island hopping in Nasugbu, you may check out our CALAYO Island Hopping Guide article. For quick reference, here’s a summary of the details we gathered during our last island-hopping trip in Calayo in Nasugbu, Batangas:
Island Hopping Tour Package
- Rate: P3,000
- Capacity: Up to 5 Pax
- Additional Fee: P500/head (if more than 5 pax)
- Stops: Covers three (3) stops/destinations
- Calayo Environmental Fee: P20/head
Island Hopping Stops/Destinations
You can choose from any of these stops or destinations:
- Santelmo Cove
- Taytayin Cove
- Kayraang Cove
- Layag-Layag Beach
- Bituin Cove/Hannukah Beach
Calayo Beach Boat Stations
- Hulo
- Centro
- Sampaguita
Contact Information
Kuya Marvin – +63 948 254 3131. Note that cellphone signal in Calayo is patchy at best, so please be patient if he can’t reply right away. You can also message his wife Annelyn Bilan via Facebook.
Don’t Miss
- Swimming. The water here is generally calm because of the manmade breakwater.
- Snorkeling! The underwater scenery outshines the beachscape. You can even do freediving if you are into it to get a closer look at the vibrant marine life.
- Explore the cove. While you’re at it, make the most of the rundown diving platform, the ruins of what used to be a helipad, or the manmade breakwater.
- Take the opportunity to have your photo taken too! You’ll find various spots that are perfect for a mini photo shoot with your family or friends.
- Go island hopping. Bituin Cove can be your last stop if you will spend the night here. Discuss your itinerary with your boatman.
- For the adventurous, try beach camping. Whether you are going here on a day tour or staying overnight, roughing it out is the name of the game here. Beach camping is what made Bituin Cove/Hannukah Beach famous among weekenders.
- Watch the sunset and go stargazing! This is possible if you are spending a night here.
Don’t Forget
- Be mindful of other beach campers and visitors. If you are staying overnight, avoid loud music or shouting when the clock hits 10:00 PM until 7:00 AM.
- Bring your own tent and snorkeling gear to lessen your expenses. But if you don’t have your own tent and gear, you can rent from your tour operator or from the small shop at the cove.
- The day tour schedule is from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It’s best to leave Manila early, so you can maximize your time at the cove.
- Respect marine life. When you go snorkeling or freediving, please avoid stepping on the corals.
- Wear protective footwear or aqua shoes. Be careful of the sea urchins in some parts of the water.
- There’s limited power supply at the cove. Make sure you have an extra battery for your camera and bring power banks. These are very handy if you are planning to spend a night at Bituin Cove.
- Bring sun protection. It can be a hat, a scarf, and/or a marine-friendly sunscreen (those without oxybenzone, parabens, and benzophenone).
- Always carry your trusted insect or mosquito repellent lotion. This is especially useful if you are spending a night at the cove.
- Pack life-saving gadgets and tools. First-aid kit, medicine, flashlight, whistle, swiss knife, and rope are just some of them.
- Bring your own food and drinks. Grilling near the beach is not permitted; however, there are designated grilling stations. There’s a small sari-sari store that sells snacks and drinks, but it might not be always open, so it’s still safer to bring your own. You can also bring a portable stove.
- Be a responsible traveler/tourist. Keep in mind the “Leave No Trace” principle: leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photos, and kill nothing but time.
If You Have More Time and Budget
- Visit other attractions in Nasugbu like Fortune Island, Punta Fuego, Hamilo Coast, Tali Beach, and Canyon Cove.
- If you have a car, you can do a stopover in Tagaytay before heading back to Manila.
- If you are into hiking, you can scale Mount Batulao or Mount Talamitam; both are located in Nasugbu, Batangas. Mount Palay-Palay or Pico de Loro, which reopened to the Public in 2023, is also a possible hike. The jump-off point is in Ternate, Cavite (DENR Station).
Watch Related Videos on YouTube
You can watch our Calayo Batangas Island Hopping Guide video below. You can also find other related videos on our YouTube channel.
Updates Log
2024.08.27 – Updated information (fares and fees), process, and format and added photos
2018.05.15 – First uploaded
Related Article: Top 10 Beaches in Batangas
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