The Poor Traveler Itinerary Blog

AQUARIA WATER PARK, BATANGAS Travel Guide + Requirements



Located in Barangay Sta. Ana in the municipality of Calatagan, Aquaria Water Park is part of Calatagan South Beach (CaSoBe), a vast seaside residential and resort community that is continually being developed by Landco. It is a full-service resort with rooms, cabanas, and three dining places. It also has swimming pools with varying depths and features a thrilling water slide. Although it bears “water park” in its name, don’t expect a great variety in the slides. Think of it as a more exciting family resort.

While it has an exciting water slide and several swimming pools, the resort lies along the beach, so you can also enjoy the company of nature as you laze on the supple, cream-colored sand and watch the gorgeous sunset.

It is now operating, yes, but because the COVID-19 threat is still present in the Philippines, there are safety protocols to be followed to ensure the safety of everyone — including both the guests and the staff.

For those planning to visit soon, here are the things you need to know before you go.


Who are allowed to visit?

As of April 2022, Aquaria Water Park welcomes guests of ALL AGES from Alert Levels 1,2,3 (GCQ and MGCQ areas). Tourists from Alert Level 4 are also welcome but with point-to-point travel arrangements.


Do we need to make a reservation?

Aquaria Water Park accepts both overnight and day tour guests. However, as of writing, WALK-IN GUESTS ARE NOT YET PERMITTED in any Calatagan resort. This is mandated by the local government of Calatagan.

All resorts are required to forward a list of guest arrivals to the local government a day before to allow entry of tourists into Calatagan.

If you want to book through an online booking platform, you might also score a discount. Make sure you contact the management to inform them of your booking. Show your booking voucher, so the management can confirm your reservation. Secure the other requirements as well. Check the previous section for the necessary travel documents.

CHECK RATES & RESERVE HERE!


How to Book

Guests need to reserve or book their visit in advance. You may do so through any of the following:

  • If you wish to visit on a DAY TRIP, you may book here: AQUARIA DAY PASS
  • If you plan to stay at CRUSOE CABINS, book via Agoda or this website.
  • If you plan to stay at COCOONS AT CASOBE, book via Agoda or this website.

You may also email the following:

Day Trip: aquaria@millennial-resorts.com
Cocoons at CaSoBe: reservations.casobe@millennial-resorts.com
Crusoe Cabins: crusoe.casobe@millennial-resorts.com

Then do the following:

  1. Contact Aquaria Water Park. You may email them through the corresponding emails above. If you booked via their website or third-party site, send them a copy of your booking. If you haven’t booked yet, then inquire for availability first and provide the total headcount, your choice of lodging (if any), and the date of your visit. Bookings done via the official website can be paid by credit card transaction. Otherwise, you can pay through bank transfers and then send a copy of the deposit slip through email.
  2. Save and print a copy of the booking voucher or confirmation letter. You’ll be presenting on the day of your trip. Make sure you have two (2) hard copies of the confirmation letter. One will be handed over at the checkpoint.
  3. Complete all the requirements. The resort staff will also tell you all the requirements that you need to have prior to your trip. Make sure that you secure all the necessary documents for your trip.
  4. Have all the requirements ready for checking on the day of your visit or check-in date. There’s a representative per resort at the checkpoint. They will check your documents and your name on the resort’s guest list.

Aquaria Water Park Travel Requirements

As of April 2022, here are the requirements when traveling to Aquaria Water Park:

  • Confirmed Reservation. This can be your Confirmation Letter or Booking Voucher. This will serve as proof of your booking or reservation.
  • For guests 18 years old and above, a vaccination card for fully vaccinated guests or an RT-PCR or Antigen Negative test result for unvaccinated guests. For vaccinated guests, at least 14 days have passed after your second dose before the arrival date. For unvaccinated guests, the negative test result must be within 48 hours (RT-PCR) or 24 hours (Antigen) before the arrival date.
  • For guests 12-17 years old, must be at least partially vaccinated (had the first dose of a two-dose vaccine brand). If unvaccinated, a negative RT-PCR (swab or saliva) test result, 48 hours before arrival date OR negative Antigen test result, 24 hours before arrival date. The result must be done or certified by a DOH-accredited test center.
  • For guests 11 years old and below, they must be accompanied by fully vaccinated parents/guardians. The birth certificate shall be presented instead of the Valid ID/S-Pass travel permit. The accompanying guardian must complete all the requirements.
  • Valid Government-Issued IDs
  • Travel Coordination Permit (TCP) through S-Pass. Calatagan is a restricted municipality in Batangas requiring TCP via S-Pass account. If you don’t have an S-Pass account yet, here’s how to register: How to Get S-Pass: Travel Coordination Permit (TCP).

Notes:

  1. Make sure to bring two (2) hard copies of the documents. The officer-in-charge/an Aquaria staff will ask for a copy at the checkpoint. The other one will be presented at the resort’s registration counter.
  2. When uploading your requirements for S-Pass TCP, you can upload the vaccine card if fully vaccinated in the “RT-PCR Negative Result or Equivalent” section. You may upload a copy of your booking confirmation voucher/receipt in the “Other Documents” section.
  3. These restrictions are subject to change based on the prevailing local government policies.

Is there a checkpoint going to Calatagan?

Yes, usually.

“Usually” because we’ve been to Calatagan a few times this year and there was always a checkpoint each time, except on our recent trip. We asked the Aquaria staff why we didn’t encounter any checkpoint this time around and we were told that it has since become occasional. That said, visitors are still required to bring a copy of their S-Pass TCP and all the other requirements because you’ll never know when the checkpoint will be there and because it’s the right thing to do.


How to Get to Aquaria Water Park from Manila

Aquaria Water Park is located in Barangay Sta. Ana on the western coast of Calatagan in Batangas. Coming from Manila, the travel time is three to four hours, depending on the traffic conditions.

By Private Car

Traveling via private vehicle is the safest option these days. Going to Calatagan from Manila, the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) is the fastest route. Another route is via Aguinaldo Highway. Whichever route you choose, road tripping is now easier when you consult Waze or Google Maps for direction.

  1. From SLEX, you can either take Santa Rosa Exit or Mamplasan Exit. The latter is a faster route with the launching of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX). Ready your Autosweep and EasyTrip (if taking CALAX).
  2. Whatever route you take, you will be driving along Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road. Continue driving until you reach Tagaytay Rotonda.
  3. Continue driving along Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road. You will reach the Batangas-Cavite boundary, driving past the arc with a “Welcome to Nasugbu” greeting.
  4. Take a right turn when you reach the Palico Rotonda or junction. The landmarks are Jollibee and Caltex.
  5. Continue driving along Palico-Nasugbu Highway until you reach the Lian-Nasugbu Intersection / Rotonda. Your landmarks are Shakey’s and Shell gasoline station.
  6. Take the Calatagan-Lian Highway, passing through Lian town proper. There may be a checkpoint upon entry to Lian so make sure you have the requirements and tell the staff that you’re bound for Calatagan. Continue driving until you reach the boundary of Calatagan and Lian.
  7. You will reach the checkpoint where you need to present the travel requirements. See the previous section for the new normal entry/travel process.
  8. When you are already cleared, continue driving through Calatagan town proper. You will pass by Lago de Oro. Follow the signs.
  9. Continue driving passing by Stilts. Shortly after, you will see the CaSoBe entrance to your right.

Alternative Route: Another route from SLEX is to continue driving to STAR Tollway then take Batangas City Exit. Then drive through the towns of Bauan, Lemery, Calaca, and Balayan to reach Calatagan.

By Public Transportation

  1. Make your way to DLTBCo Buendia Bus Terminal, located just next to the LRT Gil Puyat Station.
  2. Board the bus bound for Calatagan. P180-200. Get off at Calatagan Town Proper.
  3. Hail a tricycle to Stilts. Fare: P200-250.

Pre-pandemic, there was a Calatagan Van Terminal in Pasay City. It’s located along P. Zamora Street between Kabayan Hotel and Metropoint Mall. This is the point where MRT trains terminate at Taft Station along EDSA. But we’re not sure if this van service remains operational.


New Normal Admission Procedure

The team had recently been to Aquaria (November 2021). Here’s our entry process experience:

  1. At the gate, the guard will ask you about your business and your booking confirmation.
  2. There’s a staff member who will assist you at the parking lot, guiding you to the registration area.
  3. From the parking lot, you will go through the foot bath or foot sanitation area.
  4. After that, you will be asked to wash your hand inside the restroom. One person at a time.
  5. After washing your hands, you will be asked to sanitize your hands with alcohol when you exit the restroom.
  6. You will then be led to the registration counter. There are significant floor markings and signs reminding you of the health and safety protocols.
  7. Before you approach the registration counter, you have to go through thermal scanning to check your temperature.
  8. Check in and register. You will find different QR Codes there. These are for the following:

    – Registration Form
    – Waiver
    – Health Declaration Form

    You can also accomplish the first two forms online prior to your arrival.

  9. Pay the ecological fee. It costs P30 per person. This is government-mandated.

Welcome and enjoy! Don’t forget to observe social distancing and other safety protocols.


Operating Days and Hours

  • Office Hours
    8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    Monday – Friday (except holidays and with 1-hour lunch break)
  • Resort Hours
    8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    Monday, Wednesday – Sunday
  • CLOSED
    Tuesdays

Notes:

  1. The aqua park conducts weekly maintenance that prompts the management to close the park for one whole day (Tuesday) every week.
  2. For those staying overnight, no swimming at the beach beyond 6:00 PM. Most pools are open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM only, but there’s one that remains open until 8:00 PM.
  3. For group package or events, check the official website or contact the management for the available schedule.
  4. There are also dates when the park is closed for private events, weather-related reasons, or maintenance. It’s better to check the official website or FB page prior to your visit or booking.

Day Tour vs Overnight Stay

Which is better depends on how much time you have, what you want to experience, and what your mode of transportation will be. The place is not too big or complicated and is pretty easy to explore. If you have your own ride, it’s possible to have a grand time even on a day tour.

If you want to explore the water park unhurriedly and you have the budget and the luxury of time, then you may opt to book an overnight stay. This is also a wiser choice if you’re taking the bus + tricycle because public transportation options are still limited due to the pandemic-related restrictions.


Day Tour Rates

Entrance Fee

OFF-PEAK SEASON (August 1 – September 30)

  • Weekdays
    P850: Adults
    P425: Children (4ft and below)
    FREE: Infants (1 y/o and below)
  • Weekends
    P1,000: Adults
    P500: Children (4ft and below)
    FREE: Infants (1 y/o and below)

PEAK SEASON (January – July, December 1-29)

  • Weekdays
    P1,050: Adults
    P525: Children (4ft and below)
    FREE: Infants (1 y/o and below)
  • Weekends
    P1,200: Adults
    P600: Children (4ft and below)
    FREE: Infants (1 y/o and below)

OCTOBER 1 – NOVEMBER 30

  • Weekdays
    P1,000: Adults
    P500: Children (4ft and below)
    FREE: Infants (1 y/o and below)
  • Weekends
    P1,150: Adults
    P575: Children (4ft and below)
    FREE: Infants (1 y/o and below)

HOLIDAYS

  • Weekdays
    P1,100: Adults
    P550: Children (4ft and below)
    FREE: Infants (1 y/o and below)
  • Weekends
    P1,250: Adults
    P625: Children (4ft and below)
    FREE: Infants (1 y/o and below)

Notes:

  1. The rates depend on the season. Peak season rates are different from the lean or off-peak season rates.
  2. The peak season period is January to July and December 1 to 29, while the off-peak season is August to September.
  3. The rates are inclusive of free use of swimming facilities — pool, beach, and shower rooms.
  4. Day Trip Schedule is from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM only.
  5. The Calatagan Municipality has mandated the collection of P30 per person for the Tourism Ecological Fee. This is normally paid at the resort either upon check-in or check out.

If you want to book through an online booking platform, you might also score a discount. Make sure you contact the management to inform them of your booking. Show your booking voucher, so the management can confirm your reservation. Secure the other requirements as well. Check the previous section for the necessary travel documents.

RESERVE HERE!

Hut & Table Rentals

You can rent tables and chairs, picnic tables, and open-air cabanas. Here are the rates:

  • Beach Front Cabana: P1250 (Maximum of 5 pax)
  • Boardwalk Cabanas: P1,750 (Maximum of 6 pax)
  • Pool Cabanas: P2,100 (Maximum of 6 pax)
  • Medium Cabanas: P1,550 (Maximum of 5 pax)
  • Large Cabanas: P2,100 (Maximum of 8 pax)

Overnight Rates

If you’d rather spend the night at Aquaria, you have two options: the pricey Crusoe Cabins and the more budget-friendly Cocoons.

Cocoons at CaSoBe

We created a separate post about Cocoons here: COCOONS AT CASOBE TRAVEL GUIDE!

Crusoe Cabins

For Crusoe Cabins, here are some types of accommodations:

  • Beachfront Cabin
  • Seaview Cabin
  • Garden Cabin
  • Premiere Garden Cabin

You can check the rates and book here: Crusoe Cabins

Notes:

  1. Every booking already includes access to the water park so you don’t need to purchase a day pass separately.
  2. Each cabin type has both family and barkada configurations/options. Family option rooms have one queen-size bed and one double-deck bed, while barkada option rooms have two double-deck beds.
  3. Each cabin has a bedroom, a living room, a porch terrace, bathroom, flat-screen TV, and a mini-bar among other amenities.
  4. The Garden Cabin is a pet-friendly option.
  5. For an overnight stay, check-in time is at 3:00 PM, while check-out time is at 12:00 PM the next day. This will allow the resort to disinfect the cabins properly.

Camping is not allowed.


Things to Do at Aquaria Water Park

The facilities and amenities of Aquaria Water Park promise a fun-filled day for the resort guests. Splash and slide at the pool areas, sunbathe and watch the sunset at the beach area, go island hopping, try some of the water sports, and make the most of the amenities.

Highlight Attractions

  • 3-Storey High Pool Slide. This is the most notable feature of the water park. Note that the landing pool is 6-feet deep.
  • Resort Pools. There are a number of pools inside the aqua park, including the popular Cove Pools.
  • Kiddie Pool. A 3-feet deep swimming pool area for the little ones.
  • Fine-sand beach. The property also boasts over 500 meter stretch of beach.

Other Activities

  • Island Hopping Boat Tour. Aquaria partners with Edna’s Boat Ride for a three-destination tour that includes Starfish Island, Snorkeling Site, and a sandbar the locals call “Little Boracay”. The rate is at P500 for the duration of two and a half hours.
  • Beach Volleyball
  • Beach Soccer
  • Kayak
  • Banana Boat
  • Jetski
  • Bonfire

The island hopping tour was operational during our visit, but water sports may be temporarily suspended until further notice. Check the resort’s Facebook page or contact the management for updates.

Other Resort Amenities

  • The Boardwalk. This is a beach promenade, stretching 400 meters. It is dotted with cabanas, outdoor showers, lifeguard stations, and restaurants. It also features a regatta walkway.
  • Welcome Center. You will be greeted warmly at the Welcome Center where you will be served refreshing welcome drinks.
  • Bath Houses. The resort’s spacious shower and changing rooms. If you forgot to bring your towel, you can rent or purchase one. Towel rental is P50 for a day. If you want to buy one, the price is around P650.

Where to Eat

You have a number of dining options within the complex.

  • The Sands. This is one of Aquaria Water Park’s in-house restaurants, serving Filipino-themed meals, snacks, and beverages. The Sands is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Contact Number: +63 961 875 9226
  • Taza Mia Coffee. In-house coffee shop, brewing and serving iconic Batangas coffee, Kapeng Barako. The coffee drinks are brewed and served by Taza Mia. It’s open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Contact Number: +63 947 169 7302
  • Rib Shack. This restaurant serves ribs and Peri-peri chicken. It also offers pizzas, buns and sandwiches, snacks, seafood, soup, salad, and kid-friendly meals. Rib Shack is open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Contact Number: +63 968 883 3198
  • Swing Bar. This unique bar features swing seats. Drink your favorite cocktails while bonding with friends or watching the sunset. You can also order your favorite comfort food here from the Rib Shack.

We were able to try the Rib Shack and we had surprisingly good food, especially the honey BBQ ribs, peri-peri chicken and the pulled pork pasta. The drinks were a letdown, though.

Rib Shack
Honey BBQ Ribs for 2 (P625)
Peri-peri Chicken – Half (P365)


Rules and Regulations

  1. Guests must fill out the Health Declaration Form upon arrival for proper screening and contact tracing.
  2. No face mask, no entry policy. Guests must wear their masks (and face shields) properly at all times except when swimming and eating.
  3. Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, especially in situations when you have to take your face mask off (like when eating or swimming).
  4. Make sure to keep your hands clean. Sanitation stations and handwash stations are located around the resorts, particularly in common areas or high foot traffic areas like food places and restrooms. Better if you can bring your personal alcohol or hand sanitizer.
  5. Observe social distancing. There are markers on the floor for your guidance and follow the standard maximum capacity of each area.
  6. Food delivery to your cabin is permitted; however, the resort staff is only allowed to deliver outside your cabin to reduce physical contact and protect both parties.
  7. Alcohol and masks will be provided when you book a cabin for an overnight stay.
  8. Cashless transaction or contactless payment is highly encouraged. The preferred mode of payment is via credit card, debit card, BDO Pay, or PayMaya. Cash is still accepted for additional charges while inside the water park.
  9. Regular sanitization of areas and high touch items is strictly implemented. Cabins are also cleaned and sanitized thoroughly before the next guests check in.
  10. No outside food are allowed inside the water park except for chips and light snacks.
  11. You cannot bring food inside the pool cabanas.
  12. Wear proper swimming attire: bathing suits, rash guards, board shorts, and trunks. No cotton material. You may also wear aqua shoes.
  13. Guests must be at least four feet (4ft) in height to access the Giant Slide.
  14. The swimming pools are open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM only. No swimming in the pool before 8:00 AM and beyond 6:00 PM.
  15. Locker rooms are available for rent.
  16. Guest parking is free of charge.

Other Tips for the Poor Traveler

  • Day trippers can only stay until 5:30 PM. If you want to make the most out of your day, arrive at 8:00 AM, which means you will have to leave Manila at 5:00 AM.
  • Protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Bring sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
  • Please use coral-friendly brands. A study conducted by the 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 the ones that do not contain these chemicals.
  • Wear comfortable footwear or aqua shoes. The sand can be too hot when the sun is high, especially at noon.
  • Always observe social distancing and follow the resort’s safety protocols and procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are kids and senior citizens allowed? Yes! Just secure all the necessary documents required by the resort. However, pregnant women and persons with comorbidities are not allowed. This is in accordance with the guidelines of Administrative Order No. 2020-006-C.
  • Can I bring outside food? As of writing, only snacks and chips are allowed inside the water park. Outside heavy meals and food are prohibited. You can bring in outside drinks, but they are subject to corkage fees.
  • Are there places to eat inside? Yes. As mentioned before, Aquaria Water Park has in-house dining places like The Sands, the Rib Shack, Swing Bar, and Taza Mia at Coffee Shack. You can order your meals, snack, and drinks here. They have a good selection of food and drinks on the menu. There are also kid-friendly choices.
  • Can I use the restroom or shower if I’m on a day tour? Of course! The rates are inclusive of free use of swimming facilities — pool, beach, and shower rooms.
  • When is the best time to go? Weekdays (Mondays to Fridays) in off-peak season. As mentioned before, Aquaria Water Park gets the highest volume of visitors between January and June, covering the high summer months of March, April, and May. The rates are also higher during these months. But the busiest days are Holy Week, Christmas, and New Year.

    The off-peak season is the relatively calmer period — fewer crowds and cheaper rates. The rainy or wet season falls during this period which is between July and December.


Aquaria Water Park Contact Details

Aquaria Water Park office schedule is Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

  • E-mail Address: aquaria@millennial-resorts.com / reservations.casobe@millennial-resorts.com / crusoe.casobe@millennial-resorts.com
  • Landline: +632 8836 5055
  • Mobile Numbers: +63 919 866 0587 / +63 919 866 0581 / +63 999 225 3333 (Aquaria) / +63 999 227 2222 (Crusoe Cabins). Note that the last two mobile numbers are available only on weekends.
  • Websites: www.aquaria.com / www.crusoecabins.com
  • Social Media: Aquaria Water Park (Facebook) / @aquariawaterpark (Instagram)

Calatagan Emergency Hotline and Contact Numbers

  • PNP: 117
  • Calatagan PNP: 0917 337 5190 / 0998 598 5687
  • Calatagan Fire Station: 0977 849 9162
  • Calatagan Medicare Hospital: 0917 817 7310
  • Calatagan RHU: 0917 822 9129
  • DOH COVID-19 Hotline: (02) 894-26843 or (02) 894-COVID / 1555 (For PLDT, Smart, Sun, and TNT Subscribers)

2022 • 04 • 20


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