Last updated: 8 DECEMBER 2021
When we were planning a trip to Batangas, our top choice of destination was Laiya in San Juan, Batangas. We wanted to spend a weekend at a beach resort, and Laiya has some of the most reputable, high-rated properties.
The first thing we did was contact the local government to ask about the requirements for leisure travelers. Once we had those taken care of, we then got in touch with the management of our preferred resorts. Unfortunately, due to some personal and financial reasons, we had to abandon our Laiya plans in favor of a more convenient destination — Calatagan — also in Batangas.
So no, our Laiya trip didn’t happen. But we were able to gather a lot of information during our trip planning and we didn’t want them to go to waste, so we’re sharing them with you in this article.
Just to clarify: Laiya is the name of two barangays in the San Juan, Batangas — Laiya Aplaya and Laiya Ibabao. But many resorts in other barangays (like Hugom) have also become associated with Laiya. But they are all under the jurisdiction of the municipality of San Juan.
Without further ado, here are the travel requirements that you need to secure when planning a trip to Laiya!
Who are allowed to enter San Juan, Batangas?
Tourists of any age coming from areas under Alert Levels 1-3 are welcome to visit Laiya or San Juan in general, provided that they comply with the policies and present the requirements. See next section for the list.
However, the following are NOT allowed:
- Tourists from areas under Alert Levels 4 and 5
- Tourists with comorbidity
- Pregnant women
- Tourists without requirements
Laiya Tourist Requirements
Here are the travel requirements that the local government of San Juan will need from you.
For Fully Vaccinated Tourists
- Confirmed resort booking. The reservation should be with a resort that has been granted a Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO).
- Vaccination card. You’re considered FULLY vaccinated if it has been at least 14 days since your second jab of the vaccine (or only jab for 1-dose brands).
- P20 Ecological Fee. To be paid at the San Juan Tourism Office Area.
For Unvaccinated/Partially Vaccinated Tourists
- Confirmed resort booking. The reservation should be with a resort that has been granted a Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO).
- Any of the following (whichever applies):
– For 18 years old or above: Negative antigen or RT-PCR test result, taken within 72 hours prior to arrival
– For 3-17 years old: Medical Certificate, must be signed by a medical professional and issued within 3 days prior to the date of arrival.
– Batangas residents: Barangay health certificate - P20 Ecological Fee. To be paid at the San Juan Tourism Office Area.
You may also be asked to present a valid ID to verify age or address.
At the San Juan Tourism Office, present the above documents and pay the ecological fee. You will then get a Referral Slip, which you will present to the resort staff upon check-in.
The Tourism Office is located in Brgy. Buhay na Sapa, along Laiya Road after La Vista Subdivision. It’s on the right side of the road.
❗️ IMPORTANT! Some resorts may have additional requirements and protocols. For example, resorts like Acuaverde and Palm Beach require guests to undergo a same-day rapid antigen test. You may also need to present a valid ID. Hence, get in touch with the resort first and ask about their policies first before booking.
List of Resorts in San Juan
As of June 2021, over 100 beach resorts, hotels, homestays, house rentals and inns in Laiya and other parts of San Juan have been awarded a Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO).
Below are just some that are available for booking on Agoda.
- Acuaverde Beach Resort and Hotel
Laiya Aplaya, San Juan, Batangas
Check Rates & Photos! - Acuatico Beach Resort and Hotel Inc.
Laiya Aplaya, San Juan, Batangas
Check Rates & Photos! - Cala Laiya
Laiya Ibabao, San Juan, Batangas
Check Rates & Photos! - Clara’s Guest House
Pueblo de Laiya, Laiya Aplaya, San Juan, Batangas
Check Rates & Photos! - Halydan’s Beach House
Pueblo de Laiya, San Juan, Batangas
Check Rates & Photos! - Hannah Bianca’s Beach Staycation House
Pueblo de Laiya, San Juan, Batangas
Check Rates & Photos! - Home Pointe Transient House
Pueblo de Laiya, Laiya Aplaya, San Juan, Batangas
Check Rates & Photos! - La Luz Beach Resort & Spa
Hugom, San Juan, Batangas
Check Rates & Photos! - Laiya Grande Beach Resort
Laiya Aplaya, San Juan, Batangas
Check Rates & Photos! - Laiya Riviera Resort and Spa
Laiya Aplaya, San Juan, Batangas
Check Rates & Photos! - Palm Beach Resort
Hugom, San Juan, Batangas
Check Rates & Photos! - Paseo Verde Beach Resort
Laiya Aplaya, San Juan, Batangas
Check Rates & Photos! - Sabangan Beach Resort
Laiya Aplaya, San Juan, Batangas
Check Rates & Photos! - Severina’s Garden Resort
Sitio Balacbacan, Laiya Aplaya, San Juan, Batangas
Check Rates & Photos! - Two Roses Staycation Beach House
Pueblo de Laiya, San Juan, Batangas
Check Rates & Photos!
For the full list, VISIT: LIST OF REGISTERED ACCOMMODATIONS IN SAN JUAN, BATANGAS!
How to Plan a Trip to Laiya in the New Normal
- Find a registered resort. You’ll find the list of approved hotels and resorts in the above section.
- Contact the resort management. Once you have chosen a resort, get in touch with the staff to find out about what you need to prepare beforehand. They will tell you about the updated LGU requirements as well as their additional requirements and protocol. Policies may change quickly and the resorts are usually the first to know, so it’s always best to ask them before making any move.
- Secure all the requirements. Bear in mind that resorts may have additional reqs on top of the LGU’s.
- Book your chosen resort. Once you have all the requirements or you’re confident that you can get them all in time, confirm your resort booking.
- Submit the other requirements. The resort may send you a copy of the health declaration form that you need to accomplish. They may also ask for more information.
- On the day of travel, make a stop at the Tourism Office. It’s located along Laiya Road after La Vista Subdivision in Barangay Buhay na Sapa. It’s on the right side of the road. Here, present the requirements listed above and pay the P20 ecological fee. Once done and cleared, get a Referral Slip.
- Proceed to your booked resort. Clear the health and safety checks implemented by the resort. Upon check-in, submit the Referral Slip handed to you at the Tourism Office. Some resorts (not all) may require you to take a SAME-DAY RAPID ANTIGEN TEST, which you must also pay for.
That’s it! Enjoy your stay! Stay safe!
Frequently Asked Questions about Laiya New Normal
Are there checkpoints going to Laiya?
Tourists are required to drop by the Municipal Tourism Office Area to present the requirements listed above.
When we visited Laiya a month prior to the pandemic, it looks like this so this should be your landmark:
I’m visiting on a day trip. Do I still need a hotel reservation?
Yes. You’ll still need a confirmation from the resort you’re visiting, even if you’re a day tripper.
How much is the entrance fee for day trippers?
That depends on the resort. So far, we only have the information from these resorts:
- Acuaverde Beach Resort – P1500 nett per person.
– Inclusive of day fee and food & beverage voucher worth P800 per person. - Palm Beach Resort – P1150 per person
– Inclusive of lunch and afternoon snack
– Day trippers are required to book a cabana worth P2500
– If you’re a party of 10 or more, cabana rent is free of charge.
In addition, Acuaverde also offers the following day tour packages.
Are walk-in guests allowed?
No. Resorts are required to submit in advance a list of expected guests to the Tourism Office. Hence, they need all guests to confirm reservation first so that they could add them to the list, which will then be checked by the Tourism Office.
How much is a rapid COVID-19 antigen test?
This may vary from resort to resort.
Acuaverde charges PhP 1500 per person for a test, while Acuatico P1700 per person.
Other resorts may have a different rate.
Are pets allowed?
That depends on the resort.
I know Acuaverde Beach Resort does allow pets in. P600 pet entrance fee applies.
I have more questions. How do I contact the Municipal Tourism Office of San Juan?
You may get in touch via these numbers:
- SMART: 0961 955 2607
- GLOBE: 0977 156 8826
You may also message them via their official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/juanderfulsanjuan.
They’re very responsive so kudos to them.
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