Here’s a DIY BUDGET TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG to MANUEL UY BEACH RESORT, a popular 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.
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, which is why it is a favorite among families with little children. 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. Lifeguards are stationed at the beach. They call 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.
- Make your way to DLTB Buendia Terminal, located near the LRT Gil Puyat Station. This is where we usually catch the bus to Calatagan.
- Board the bus to Calatagan. Travel time: 3 hours. Bus fare is PHP 294.
- Alight near Calatagan Public Market or anywhere in the town proper.
- Charter a tricycle to Manuel Uy Beach. Travel time: 20 minutes. Fare: PHP 200+ (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.
DAY TOUR vs OVERNIGHT STAY
There is a time limit, depending on whether you’re on a day trip or spending the night at the resort:
- Day trip: 5:30 AM to 5:00 PM only.
- Overnight stay:5:30 AM to 12:00 PM the next day.
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 6:00 AM, you’ll arrive at around 9:00 AM, go on a boat tour, have lunch, and leave at 3:00 PM, just in time to catch the 4:00 PM return bus.
If you want a more relaxed stay, you can camp out and spend the night here. Just make sure you arrive before 11:00 PM to check in.
Staying overnight also gives you more time to explore other attractions in Calatagan. You can go out and see the Punta de Santiago Lighthouse or do a day trip to Stilts Calatagan or Aquaria Waterpark. All these collect separate entrance fees, though.
IMPORTANT! Arrive early. On peak days, the resort sometimes stops accepting guests to avoid overcrowding.
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 over the past years.
Entrance Fees
DAY TOUR
- Adult: PHP 250
- Senior Citizen: PHP 178
- Children (6 years old and below): FREE
OVERNIGHT FEE
- Adult: PHP 350
- Senior Citizen: PHP 250
- Children (6 years old and below): FREE
Environmental Fees
Although this can be settled together with the entrance fee, it is actually collected by the local government of Calatagan.
- Regular (7-59 years old): PHP 30
- Seniors, PWDs, and children (0-6 years old): PHP 24
Don’t lose the environmental fee ticket/stub. You only need to pay this once in 3 days. If you’re visiting other attractions in Calatagan and they’re charging you this fee again, just tell them you’ve already paid for this and show them your ticket.
Tent & Table Fees
You can bring your own tent or rent one from the management.
If you choose to rent a tent, rental fee is PHP 500, good for up to 3 pax. Same price for day tour and overnight. Subject to availability of tent units.
If you choose to bring your own tent, you will be charged a campsite fee. Here are the rates, depending on tent size and capacity:
- 1-4 Pax (195 x 195 x 127): PHP 250
- 5-10 Pax (230 x 230 x 165): PHP 350
- 10-15 Pax (275 x 275 x 178): PHP 750
- 16-20 Pax (305 x 305 x 203): PHP 1000
If you don’t want to use a tent, you can rent a table and bench instead. You can also use some of the amenities for free.
- Table and Bench Rental: PHP 500 (+P500 deposit)
- Grill Station: FREE
- Shower and Restroom: FREE
Power Charging Fees
Same price for day tour and overnight.
- Power bank: PHP 60
- Electric stove: P60
- Rice cooker: P60
Parking Fees
Same price for day tour and overnight.
- Motorcycle: PHP 30
- Car: PHP 150
- Van: PHP 150
- Bus or large vehicle: PHP 400
Photoshoot Fees
PHP 5000, inclusive of entrance fees and environmental fees good for up to 5 people + 1 car parking space.
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). Same price for day tour and overnight.
- 1-4 Pax (195 x 195 x 127): PHP 250
- 5-10 Pax (230 x 230 x 165): PHP 350
- 10-15 Pax (275 x 275 x 178): PHP 750
- 16-20 Pax (305 x 305 x 203): PHP 1000
- 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.
- Crusoe Cabins, beachfront villas at neighboring Aquaria Waterpark. Perfect for families and barkadas because each room can accommodate up to 5 guests. Check Rates & Availability Here! ✅
- Cocoons Casobe, the budget option at Aquaria Waterpark with cylindrical drainage-pipe-like rooms. Check Rates & Availability Here! ✅
- Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort, located just beside Manuel Uy Beach. We have a separate article about it.
- White Castle Hotel and Resort. Check Rates & Availability.
- Villa del Faro. Check Rates & Availability
- Lago de Oro Hotel. Check Rates & Availability
Search for more Calatagan Resorts
THINGS TO DO AT MANUEL UY BEACH
- Boat Tour. From the resort, you can charter a boat to visit other islands:
– Starfish Island
– Little Boracay
– Tiktiko Sand Bar
– a snorkeling site
The boat rate is P1500, good for 1 hour, 1 destination, and up to 4 passengers. If you’re a bigger group, you will be charged PHP 300 per extra person. If you want to visit multiple destinations, you will be charged an additional PHP 150 per stop or per hour. For example, if you’re a group of four and you want to visit three stops, you’ll be paying a total of PHP 2700 (P1500 boat fee + P600 per stop) or PHP 675 per person. Boat tours are available from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. - Fishing Expedition. Calatagan faces the Verde Island Passage which is bursting with ocean bounty. If you want to try fishing, you can go an expedition. Here are the costs:
– Boat fee: PHP 1500 per hour (good for up to 4 pax)
– Fishing gear and bait: PHP 150 per hour
– Additional person: PHP 300
– Additional hour: PHP 150 per person
Fishing trips must be reserved a day in advance. - 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 P100.
- 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 PHP 600 per head on offpeak season or PHP 700 peak season. 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.
- Aquaria Waterpark. Another resort close to Manuel Uy Beach. It boasts swimming pools with gigantic waterslides. Entrance fee ranges from PHP 850 to 1200 depending on whether you’re visiting on a weekday or weekend and peak or lean season.
- 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 PHP 50 to the fare. Entrance fee: PHP 50.
SAMPLE MANUEL UY BEACH ITINERARIES
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.
05:00 AM – Bus to Calatagan, P294
09:30 AM – Buy food at Calatagan Public Market, P200
10:00 AM – Tricycle to Manuel Uy Beach, P50 (P200/4pax)
10:35 AM – Arrival at Manuel Uy Beach
– Entrance Fee: P250
– Environmental Fee: P30
11:00 AM – Island hopping with 3 stops: P675 (P1500/4pax + P150/stop)
12:30 PM – Lunch
01:30 PM – Swim and walk around
03:00 PM – Pack up, trike to town proper, P50 (P200/4pax)
04:00 PM – Travel back to Manila, P294
If you follow this itinerary, prepare to shell out at least PHP 1843 (USD 32.50, EUR 30, SGD 44).
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, P294
09:30 AM – Buy food at Calatagan Public Market, P300
10:00 AM – Tricycle to Manuel Uy Beach, P50 (P200/4pax)
10:35 AM – Calatagan Environmental Fee, P30
10:35 AM – Arrival at Manuel Uy Beach, Entrance: P250
10:50 AM – Pitch tent, Camp Fee: P62.50 (P250/4pax)
11:00 AM – Lunch
01:30 PM – Island hopping with 3 stops: P675 (P1500/4pax + P150/stop)
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
10:00 AM – Tricycle to Lighthouse, P12.50 (P50/4pax)
10:30 AM – Calatagan Lighthouse, P50
12:00 PM – Tricycle to town proper, P50 (P200/4pax)
12:30 PM – Lunch, P100
02:00 PM – Travel back to Manila, P294
This itinerary will set you back PHP 2168 (USD 38.30, EUR 35.35, SGD 51.65) excluding other possible miscellaneous expenses.
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.
- You are responsible for your pet’s behavior.
- Clean up after your pets.
- Pets must always be leashed.
- Pets must have anti-rabies vaccination.
- Never leave your pets unattended.
- Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO)
+63 909 456 5818
+63 43 419 7510 - Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)
+63 926 408 4359 - Philippine Coast Guard
+63 995 5819450 - Philippine National Police (PNP)
+63 917 337 5190 - Aleng Pulis Hotline (for gender-based violence)
+63 9197777377 - Rural Health Unit (RHU)
+63 930 816 8484 - Calatagan Medicare Hospital
Emergency Room
+63 917 817 9508
+63 43 419 0300 - Batangas Electric Cooperative (BATELEC)
+63 908 8142145
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.
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?
There are NO restaurants or canteens at Manuel Uy Beach Resort. We didn’t see any carinderia or eatery anywhere near the resort, either.
There is, however, a sari-sari store selling instant noodles, canned goods, and drinking water.
The best way is to bring your own food. No corkage fees.
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. Don’t worry, there is no corkage fee.
Paluto services are also available for PHP 70 pr kilo of rice and PHP 70 per kilo of other dishes or ulam.
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, rice cooker, or electric stove. However, super kalan is not allowed.
Paluto services are also available at PHP 70 per kilo.
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 pets allowed at Manuel Uy Beach Resort?
YES, furbabies are welcome at NO EXTRA CHARGE. But take note of the following reminders:
Are drones allowed at Manuel Uy Beach?
Regular guests are NOT ALLOWED to fly drones anymore. If you want to fly a drone, pay the PHP 5000 official photoshoot fee.
When we first visited in the summer of 2018, regular guests are allowed to use drone. The staff were with us when we flew our drone. However, when we returned in September 2018, drones are no longer allowed.
But according to the resort’s official Facebook page, drones are allowed for official photoshoots, which costs PHP 5000 inclusive of day tour entrance fees and environmental fees good for 5 pax and 1 car parking fee.
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 4:00 PM, others say it’s at 6:00 PM. I’m not sure which one’s right. I forgot to confirm at the terminal. 😞
Calatagan Emergency Numbers
Here are some local emergency hotlines to take note of when in Calatagan:
Updates Log
2024 • 04 • 06 – Last updated (updated prices and other details)
2018 • 04 • 30 – First published
Photos by Vins Carlos
More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️
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