Hugom Beach, most popularly known as Laiya Beach, is situated on the southern coast of San Juan in Batangas. Because of its proximity to Manila, the town has become one of the most visited beach destinations in the province. So, it is not surprising that it’s also one of the most developed. Its coast, particularly the southern stretch, is lined with public and private resorts, offering tourists with more than enough choice of accommodations.
Come summer, vacationers flock to Laiya to get their fix of Vitamin Sea. Now, here’s the thing: the name “Laiya” doesn’t only refer to one particular location but three neighboring barangays. These are Laiya Ibabao, Laiya Aplaya, and Hugom.
When people mention “Laiya Beach,” they are usually referring to the popular public beach in the area, which is actually located in Barangay Hugom. This article specifically focuses on this public beach — Hugom Beach, commonly known as Laiya Beach.
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, get on a bus bound for San Juan, Batangas (P265-340). The stations for those plying the Manila-San Juan route are located in major parts of Metro Manila, such as Cubao, Buendia, PITX, BGC, and Alabang. ALPS bus company offers Manila-San Juan route. The travel time is 3-4 hours, depending on the route and the traffic condition.
- When you get to San Juan tow center, you can either take a jeepney or tricycle going to Laiya Beach or Hugom Beach. If you are willing to wait, you can take the jeep (P50-60). If you don’t want to wait, hire a tricycle going to Laiya, but you just need to spend more. A special trip can cost you P350.
- Get off at the junction of Hugom’s barangay road and the main road (Lobo-Malabrigo-Laiya Road). Your landmark is The Henry Resort.
- Head to your chosen or booked resort. If you haven’t booked yet, you have plenty of options along the strip leading to the beach. However, it’s best to secure a room, a cottage, or a lodging ahead of time, especially during summer or peak season.
If you are traveling using a private vehicle from Manila, you can take the SLEX. Continue driving onto STAR Tollway, then take either Lipa or Ibaan Exit. 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 San Juan
The southern coast of San Juan, particularly Laiya Ibabo, Laiya Aplaya, and Hugom, offers accommodations ranging from budget-friendly to luxury, so you would have plenty of options. If you want something different, you can check out two concept hotels inside Club Laiya — Camperisti and Cocoons. Below are just some of the highly recommended resorts in Laiya, Batangas according to online users, in no particular order.
Top Hotels on Agoda
- COCOONS AT CLUB LAIYA
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - CAMPERISTI AT CLUB LAIYA
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - PALM BEACH RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - CALA LAIYA
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - LA LUZ BEACH RESORT AND SPA
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
Top Hotels on Booking.com
- ACUATICO BEACH RESORT AND HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - ACUAVERDE BEACH RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - THE HENRY RESORT TARAMINDU LAIYA
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - EL JARDIN DE ZAIDA
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - VIRGIN BEACH RESORT
✅ 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 Laiya, San Juan article.
Find more Batangas Hotels!
Entrance Fee and Other Charges
- Entrance Fee: It depends on where you choose to go and stay in the area. Some areas have no entrance fee.
- Camping Fee: Pitching tents, setting up tables, and installing beach umbrellas along the shore are not allowed.
- Cottage Rental Fee: Rates vary from one resort to another but usually range from P500 to P3,000. The construction of cottages and other structures along the coast is allowed within a certain perimeter in accordance with the law as imposed by the municipal council.
- Water Sports and Activities: If you want to do water sports and activities, you’ll find numerous operators offering them along the beach. Approach the staff or contact the numbers provided.
- Parking Fee: Several establishments provide parking spaces. Here are the usual rates: Motorcycle, P50; Tricycle, P100; Car/Van/Jeep, P200; Mini Bus, P500; Bus, P700.
Don’t Miss
- Swimming, of course! The waters here are generally clear and calm.
- Try water activities with your friends or family. The resorts along the coastline feature different water activities for the guests to enjoy — banana boats, jet skis, kayaks, etc.
- Like in most popular public beach areas, videoke units are common here. They are typically part of the inclusions when booking an overnight room/lodging or a day tour cottage.
- Explore and go offshore! You can also rent a boat to go offshore and snorkel in deeper waters.
- Stroll along the beach. If you walk further eastward towards La Luz Resort, you’ll reach Hugom Rock Formations and Fish Sanctuary.
Don’t Forget
- You’ll find plenty of restaurants in the area, but you can also bring your own food to cut down your expenses. However, there are “carinderias” or eateries offering Batangas delicacies like bulalo, lomi, and “goto“; don’t pass up the chance to try them.
- Bringing food or eating near the shore or water is not allowed. Please enjoy your meal in the comfort of your room or day tour cottage.
- Wear protective footwear or aqua shoes. The beach is covered with a mixture of coarse and fine sand, along with small pebbles.
- Bring sun protection. It can be a hat, a scarf, and/or a marine-friendly sunscreen (those without oxybenzone, parabens, and benzophenone).
- Stay near the shore if you can’t swim or if you are not a confident swimmer. You can also wear a life vest or bring a flotation device.
- Swimming is allowed from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM only. This ordinance was made for the safety of all visitors.
- The use of videoke and loud speakers is permitted from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM only. Please be considerate of other visitors.
- 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
- Batangas is also famous for its mountain peaks. If you are into hiking, Mount Daguldul and Mount Hugom are two coastal mountains in San Juan, Batangas. Some people hike first and then swim after.
- If you still have energy and looking for more adventure, you can head to Laiya Adventure Park in Barangay Laiya Aplaya! You can try any of these activities: wall climb, zip line, rappel, free fall, aerial walk and giant swing.
Watch Related Videos on YouTube
You can watch our Club Laiya Travel Guide video below. You can also find other related videos on our YouTube channel.
Updates Log
2024.10.08 – Updated information (fares and fees), process, and format and added photos
2017.07.06 – First uploaded
Related Article: Top 10 Beaches in Batangas
More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️
It would be our first time to visit laiya. We firmly hope that we will enjoy our stay i am with my family. 4 adults and 3 kid aged 7,5 , 3 yrs. old.do you have rooms for family with 2 beds? How much does it cost.? Thank you so much
sino po ba pwedeng kausapin
Hello, what time is the first trip of jeepney going to hugom?
Pwedi na po ba mga rides nyo?