Calatagan is one of the many beach destinations in BATANGAS. If you’re visiting soon, here’s our latest DIY CALATAGAN TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG to help you plan your trip. We included a list of CALATAGAN BEACH RESORTS and a sample DIY CALATAGAN ITINERARY.
Unlike many other beach destinations in Batangas, for the longest time, Calatagan had avoided harsh development. But over the past few years, more and more resorts have started sprouting along the coast and giant companies have scrambled to get a chunk of its shoreline. Calatagan has been slowly getting its share of the spotlight.
UNDERSTANDING CALATAGAN
The municipality of Calatagan occupies an entire peninsula that juts out into the Verde Island Passage, which is at the center of the ecologically important Coral Triangle and described by a 2007 Smithsonian Institute study as the “center of the center” of the world’s marine biodiversity. The passage and the surrounding islands are notable for its high concentration of marine species. In Calatagan, you don’t need to go far to see it. Hiding in its shallow waters are sea stars, crabs and fishes. Its reefs nurture a multitude of marine lifeforms, from corals to turtles to sharks, all playing a vital role in the environment.
More info about Calatagan:
- Language: Tagalog. Dialect: Batangan Tagalog. Although Batangueños can converse with people from Manila, they use certain words that Manileños will probably not understand. People also speak with a strong, distinct accent.
- Currency: Philippine peso (PHP, ₱). PHP100 is around USD 1.77, EUR 1.63, SGD 2.38 (as of April 2024).
- Modes of payment: CASH! Some resorts accept credit cards but cash is king in Calatagan. Most resorts are located in the countryside, far from the town proper. Make sure you withdraw money at ATMs in the poblacion before heading to the beach.
- Connectivity: Both Smart and Globe have strong LTE data signal.
WHERE TO STAY IN CALATAGAN
Because of its proximity, Calatagan can be visited on a day trip from Manila. But if you want to make the most out of your trip and see most of what the municipality has to offer, we recommend spending at least a night. Thankfully, Calatagan now has a good selection of accommodation options — from budget camp sites to apartments for rent to proper beach resorts.
Top Calatagan Beach Resorts
Calatagan used to be known mostly for its camp sites. But over the past decade, more well-appointed resorts have made a name for themselves. If you don’t want to rough it out and spend your night in a tent or under the stars, here are some of the top-rated properties in Calatagan.
- 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
Camping Sites
For many budget travelers, Calatagan is known as a camping destination. Back when Burot Beach and Ivory Beach were still open to the public, it attracted weekend warriors from all directions.
The resorts below allow overnight camping for a fee. They also rent out tents, but I highly recommend that you just bring your own or purchase one beforehand. It’s going to be cheaper in the long run.
Manuel Uy Beach Resort
These days, the go-to camping destination is Manuel Uy Beach Resort, which is relatively pocket-friendly. More info here: Manuel Uy Beach Resort.
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
TENT & TABLE FEES
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
Stilts Calatagan
Stilts Calatagan also allows campers to pitch a tent in their designated areas within the resort, for a higher fee. You’ll find their rates here: Stilts Calatagan.
ENTRANCE FEE (per person)
- Peak season: PHP 700
- Off-peak season: PHP 600
If you bring your own tent, you only need to settle the camping fee. Below are the rates:
CAMPING FEE (per person)
- Peak rate: PHP 1200
- Off-peak rate: PHP 1100
If you don’t have your own tent and you wish to just rent one, here are the rental fees:
- Small tent (2-3 pax): PHP 1,500
- Medium tent (4-6 pax): PHP 2,500
- Large tent (7-8 pax): PHP 3,500
- Extra large tent (9-10): PHP 4,500
I find these rates too steep, which is why — if you prefer camping and you don’t own a tent — it is best to just invest in one. Buy your own. This way, you could just reuse it in the future.
HOW TO GET TO CALATAGAN
Manila to Calatagan 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. You can use this opportunity to buy food and other supplies at the market.
- Charter a tricycle to your resort. Travel time: 20-30 minutes. Fare: P200 (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.
Manila to Calatagan by Private Car
If you’re on a road trip, the best route to reach Calatagan is via South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). Travel time is between 3 and 4 hours, depending on which part of Manila you’re coming from and the traffic condition both in Manila and Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
If you have a smartphone with a reliable internet connection, just use Waze and you’ll have no problem navigating. But if you want to do it old school, here are the directions.
- Hit SLEX and take Santa Rosa Exit. You can also take Eton City or Greenfield City Exits to avoid traffic jams in Sta. Rosa.
- Stay on Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road until you hit Silang Junction.
- At the junction, turn right onto Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road and drive across Tagaytay and Alfonso.
- At the Batangas-Cavite boundary, turn right into Nasugbu. You’ll know it’s the border when you hit another junction. The left road will lead to Lemery, the right to Nasugbu. The right road has an arc with a big-ass “Welcome to Nasugbu” sign. You won’t miss it.
- Keep driving until you hit Palico junction. Turn right. You know you’re on the right path if you pass by Central Azucarera Don Pedro.
- Drive straight ahead until you see another junction with Shakey’s (right in front of you) or Shell Gas Station (to your left).
- Turn left. You’re now on Calatagan-Lian Highway and you’ll be passing through Lian town proper. Stay on that road until you reach Calatagan town proper.
From the town proper, most beach resorts are just a 20-minute drive away.
Ready your cameraphones because your windshield will be framed by mighty trees that flank the main road. And watch out for fire trees that will come to view, painting the skies with its red-orange canopy.
PLACES TO VISIT IN CALATAGAN
Aquaria Water Park
Aquaria Waterpark is both a resort and a playground for kids and kids-at-heart. It’s best known for their swimming pools. Zoom down one of their giant slides and make a splash!
But it is also lined with a 525-meter beach, strewn with sugary sand, where you can also play beach volleyball or soccer. Want to go extreme? Hop onto a jet ski or a banana boat!
Although it offers its own room accommodations, it welcomes day trippers, too!
✅ RESERVE A DAY TRIP TICKET HERE!
Cape Santiago Lighthouse
Although most commonly known as Calatagan Lighthouse, it is known by many names including Faro de Cabo de Santiago (or Cape Santiago Lighthouse) or Punta de Santiago Lighthouse, after Don Santiago Zobel who donated the land where it stands.
Built in 1890, it is one of the oldest lighthouses in the Philippines that continue to function. The construction began on December 15, 1890, led by Engineer Magin Pers y Pers, and was completed by Guillermo Brockman. The lighthouse is a dominant structure in the area — an imposing 51-ft tall white and red brick tower amidst the green paradise. Its architecture reflects the period it was built.
Entrance Fee: PHP 50
Little Boracay, Starfish Island & Tiktiko Sand Bar
These are sand bars that only at low tide. You can reach these destinations in either of these two ways: by regular boat or by floating cottage.
Floating Cottage
The floating cottage seems to be the more favored option. A floating cottage is a small hut built on a raft. It has become so popular that the local government had to step in and regulate the growing number of these rafts.
A floating cottage rental prices range from PHP 4000 to PHP 6500, depending on the capacity and amenities.
- Regular rafts, which accommodate up to 10 passengers normally cost PHP 4000 to 4500.
- Larger rafts with a viewing deck, which can accommodate up to 15 pax, costs up to PHP 6500.
Generally, the price already includes use of barbeque grill and life vests. You can use the floating cottage until 4:00 PM.
Some operators also offer other rentals for additional fee:
- Kayak: PHP 800-1000
- Crystal kayak: PHP 1500
- Bandwagon: PHP 2500
There is also usually a stop at a nearby snorkeling site, so you might want to bring your goggles, mask and snorkel.
You can book a floating cottage from any of the operators that are accredited by the local tourism office. You’ll find the list here!
If you don’t want to deal with the nitty-gritty of planning a trip and you’re more comfortable joining a group tour, you can book a tour online! Usually, the published rate is inclusive of transportation, parking fee and toll fees, but exclusive of the floating cottage fee share, which is PHP 350 to 440 per person.
✅ CHECK RATES or RESERVE HERE!
But as you might have noticed, these floating cottages are meant for big groups. If you’re a group of 10, it will just be at least PHP 400 per person. But if you’re a small group, you might also consider joining a boat tour.
Boat Tour
Most resorts offer a boat tour of the same sites: Little Boracay, Starfish Island, and Tiktoko Sand Bar.
At Manuel Uy Beach Resort, you can join a group tour. Here are the rates:
- Boat Tour Base Rate: PHP 1500, good for 1 hour, 1 destination and up to 4 passengers.
- Additional Person: PHP 300
- Additional Stop: PHP 150 per stop per person per hour.
For example, if you’re a just a party of four, and you want to make three stops, you’ll be paying a total of PHP 2700 (P1500 boat fee + P600 per additional stop) or PHP 675 per person.
Boat tours are available from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
EZ Museum
Museo de Enrique Zobel (EZ Museum) is a museum dedicated to Enrique Zobel, his family, and the town of Calatagan. Aside from showcasing family memorabilia and informative pieces about the history and culture of the municipality, the museum also organizes tours and arts and crafts sessions. It also houses a souvenir shop and a cafe.
Burot Beach
Burot Beach is one of the many coves that lace the western coast of Punta de Santiago. It lies on the same side of the cape as the Punta de Santiago Lighthouse. Unfortunately, this beach is currently CLOSED. No word yet on when it will be open again to the public, or if it will ever be open again.
Stilts Calatagan
Stilts Calatagan has three beaches, which makes it a great choice for sun-worshippers. You don’t need to stay overnight to enjoy the resort. Day-trippers are welcome for a fee (PHP 600 to 700, depending on the season).
They also offer a wide range of activities including boat tours, ATV tours, banana boat, paddle boarding, and scuba diving. For the rates and other info, visit our dedicated blog post: STILTS CALATAGAN TRAVEL GUIDE! ✅
SAMPLE CALATAGAN 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.
OTHER TIPS FOR THE POOR TRAVELER
- The Calatagan government implements a tourism and environmental fee: PHP 30. It is usually collected by resorts upon entry. You only need to pay it once in 3 days, so if you’ve already paid it at one resort and you’re visiting another, just show your Environmental Fee slip so you won’t be double-charged.
- Bring insect-repellant lotion. I have to say, the very first time I contracted was here in Calatagan. That was eons ago, but I still highly encourage you to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
- 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.
- 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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the best time to visit Calatagan?
January-May, when the Amihan trade winds prevail. This period is also part of the country’s dry season, so expect little to no rainfall on most days.
However, note that March-May is widely regarded as the Philippine summer, which is when students are on school break and employees go on vacation. If you must travel within this period, avoid the weekends and the holidays (especially the Holy Week) because the thick crowds will probably spoil the fun and make the beaches less appealing.
I personally enjoy traveling around Batangas (or the Philippines in general) in January-February.
Is Calatagan safe?
Calatagan is generally safe. But as in any other destination, please observe usual safety measures. Don’t leave your things unattended. Always wear a life vest especially if you don’t know how to swim. And because Calatagan has rich biodiversity, don’t touch anything that you don’t know.
Here are some local emergency hotlines to take note of when in Calatagan:
- 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 - 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
You can also report gender-based violence should you encounter one on your trips.
- Aleng Pulis (PNP)
PNP Women Child Protection Center Hotline: 177 / 8532-6690
Aleng Pulis Hotline: 09197777377 - Tisya Hustisya (Free Legal Advice Support)
fb.com/tisyahustisya
Globe/TM: 09533826936
Smart/TNT/Sun: 09510774412
What type of power plug and socket is used in Calatagan?
Electricity Info: 220V, 60Hz. Socket Type A, mostly.
Can we bring outside food from into the resort?
Depends on the resort. Manuel Uy Beach allows it. You’re actually encouraged to do that because aside from a small sari-sari store, there is no other source of food on site. But at Stilts Calatagan, bringing in food or drinks will incur a corkage fee.
What time is the last trip back to Manila?
Some say the last trip bound for Manila is at 4pm, others say it’s at 6pm. I’m not sure which one’s right. I forgot to confirm at the terminal. 😞
Update Log
2024 • 04 • 07 – Updated prices; added Little Boracay floating cottage and join-in tour option
2020 • 12 • 21 – Pandemic updates
2018 • 05 • 08 – Original publication
More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Is this post helpful to you?
