When it comes to beaches in Batangas, Calatagan is always among our top choices. It has fair sand and shallow waters, and it’s not as crowded as other beach destinations in the province. We recently returned to Calatagan to find out what has changed since our last visit. In this article, we’ll focus on one of its most iconic attractions — Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort!

Accommodations in Calatagan range from undeveloped coves to more upscale resorts, from rugged camping sites to luxurious villas and water parks. Stilts Calatagan is on the higher end of the spectrum. It is a well-known venue for team buildings and special occasions like birthdays, debuts, and most especially, weddings.

The most distinct feature of the resort is the cluster of overwater bungalows, linked by wooden boardwalks, reminiscent of the water villas in the Maldives. These villas and other overnight cottages/rooms might be too expensive for budget travelers, but sun chasers and beach lovers can make do with a workaround — day tour and beach camping.

DAY TOUR vs OVERNIGHT STAY

When planning a trip to Stilts Calatagan, the first thing you should do is decide whether you’ll be visiting for a day or spending the night (or nights) at the resort. What’s ideal depends on your budget and the things you want to do at the resort.

Day Tour is cheaper, but you have limited time to enjoy the resort and the beach. If you want to maximize your time, you need to be there early.

Overnight stay is costlier, but you have more time enjoying the amenities and other activities at Stilts. You can split the cost if your group is big and you are traveling with friends. Or you can camp out. If this is your long-awaited family outing and you have the money to spend, then, by all means, opt to stay overnight.

Day Tour Rates

Entrance Fee

• Off-Peak Season (January, February, and from July to November): PHP 600
• Peak Season (March to June, December, and holidays): PHP 700

Notes:

1. The Calatagan Municipality has mandated the collection of PHP 30 per person for the Tourism Ecological Fee. This is normally paid at the resort either upon check in or check out. You only need to pay this once. If you’re visiting multiple resorts, you only need to settle this at your first resort.
2. The entrance for children six (6) years old and below are FREE.
3. The day tour rates are inclusive of welcome drinks, free use of the swimming pools, and access to the beach areas.
4. The day tour rates also include access to the shower rooms, souvenir shops, and other amenities like the restaurant.
5. You can avail of the water activity packages and tours, but these are on top of the entrance fee. These have separate rates.

Hut/Table Rentals

HARMONY BEACH AREA

• Cozy Nooks (Wooden Tables and Benches)
  Capacity: 5-10 pax
  Peak Rate: PHP 600
  Off-peak Rate: PHP 500
• Open Huts
  Capacity: 15 pax
  Peak Rate: PHP 1,250
  Off-peak Rate: PHP 1,100
• Small Pavilion
  Capacity: 20 pax
  Peak Rate: PHP 1,500
  Off-peak Rate: PHP 1,300
• Big Pavilion
  Capacity: 50 pax
  Peak Rate: PHP 3,000
  Off-peak Rate: PHP 2,500

SERENITY BEACH AREA

• Cozy Nooks (Wooden Tables and Benches)
  Capacity: 20 pax
  Peak Rate: PHP 600
  Off-peak Rate: PHP 500
• Open Huts
  Capacity: 20 pax
  Peak Rate: PHP 1,250
  Off-peak Rate: PHP 1,100
• Small Cabana
  Capacity: 10 pax
  Peak Rate: PHP 1,500
  Off-peak Rate: PHP 1,300
• Big Cabana
  Capacity: 20 pax
  Peak Rate: PHP 1,500
  Off-peak Rate: PHP 1,300
• Pavilion
  Capacity: 60 pax
  Peak Rate: PHP 3,000
  Off-peak Rate: PHP 2,500

DESTINY BEACH AREA

• Cabana
  Capacity: 15 pax
  Peak Rate: PHP 1,500
  Off-peak Rate: PHP 1,300

INFINITY POOL AREA

• Open Huts
  Capacity: 15 pax
  Peak Rate: PHP 1,250
  Off-peak Rate: PHP 1,100
• Garden Cabanas
  Capacity: 15 pax
  Peak Rate: PHP 1,250
  Off-peak Rate: PHP 1,100
• Pavilion
  Capacity: 40 pax
  Peak Rate: PHP 3,000
  Off-peak Rate: PHP 2,500

Overnight Rates

If you are planning to stay overnight at the resort, you have lots of accommodation options — beach cottages, villas, bungalows, tree houses, and the iconic floating cottages. The rates are on the pricey side, so prepare to splurge for an overnight stay.

Regardless of you choice, here are some important notes:

• Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM, while check-out time is at 12:00 PM.
• The peak season is from March to June (summer), December, and holidays. The off-peak season is January, February, and from July to November.
• The rates cover welcome drinks and access to the designated areas.

Floating Cottage Rates

To give you an idea, these are the rates of the floating cottages (overwater rooms) that have become synonymous with the resort:

• Small Cottage
  PHP 8,540 to 9,400 per night (good for 3 pax)
  + PHP 1,300 per additional pax
  maximum of 10 occupants
• Medium Cottage
  PHP 12,200 to 13,450 per night (good for 5 pax)
  + PHP 1,300 per additional pax
  maximum of 15 occupants
• Large Cottage
  PHP 17,080 to 18,800 per night (good for 7 pax)
  + PHP 1,300 per additional pax
  maximum of 20 occupants

Tree House Rates

On the other end of the spectrum, the most inexpensive rooms are the tree houses:

• Serenitree
  Price: PHP 5,000 per night
  Good for 2 pax
• Eternitree
  Price: PHP 6,000 per night
  Additional person: PHP 1,300
  Good for 3 pax, maximum of 4 pax

All rates are inclusive of welcome drinks, breakfast, and use of amenities including the pool area.

There are many other types of accommodations available: villas, beach cottages, and rooms. You may check the rates here.

Camping Fee

If you are on a budget and don’t have a problem staying in a tent, you can opt to go camping or glamping! Commune with nature as you pitch your tent at the designated campsites. You may bring your own tent or you may rent tents from the resort.

• PHP 1,100/person: Off-Peak Season
• P1,200/person: Peak Season

Notes:

1. If you are bringing your own tent, you just need to pay the camping fee per person.
2. If you are renting from Stilts, you still need to pay the camping fee per person. The tent rental fee covers the mattress and linen set up, the use of fans, lights, tables, and benches at the designated campsite area.

Tent Rentals

• Small Tent
  Capacity: 2-3 pax
  Rate: PHP 1,500/tent
• Medium Tent
  Capacity: 4-6 pax
  Rate: PHP 2,500/tent
• Large Tent
  Capacity: 7-8 pax
  Rate: PHP 3,500/tent
• Extra Large Tent
  Capacity: 8-10 pax
  Rate: PHP 4,500/tent
• Folding Bed
  Rate: PHP 300 (24 hours)

HOW TO GET THERE

Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort is located in Barangay Sta. Ana on the western coast of the municipality. Coming from Manila, the travel time is three to four hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Manila to Stilts Calatagan by BUS

1. Go to DLTB Buendia Terminal. It’s situated close to the LRT Gil Puyat Station.
2. Board the bus to Calatagan. Travel time: 3 hours. Bus fare is PHP 294.
3. Alight near Calatagan Public Market or anywhere in the town proper.
4. Charter a tricycle to Manuel Uy Beach. Travel time: 20 minutes. Fare: PHP 200+ (good for up to 4 pax).

Pre-pandemic, there was also 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 to this day.

Manila to Stilts Calatagan by Car

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. But if you are curious about how to do it old school, read on.

1. From SLEX, you can either take Santa Rosa Exit or Mamplasan Exit. The latter is now the fastest route with the launching of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX). Ready your Autosweep and EasyTrip (if taking CALAX).
2. Either route, 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. Drive 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. You will pass by Central Azucarera Don Pedro.
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. Drive around the rotonda to the Calatagan-Lian Highway. You will pass through Lian town proper. Last time we passed through here, there was a checkpoint upon entry to the town center. If there still is one, just tell them you’re just passing through to Calatagan and show your documents when asked. Continue driving until you reach the boundary of Calatagan and Lian.
7. Clear Calatagan checkpoint. This is located just after the Calatagan welcome arch. Someone will approach you to ask which resort you’re booked with. Then, a representative from that resort will verify. Have your Guest Confirmation Voucher and Medical Certificate ready just in case they ask for proof.
8. When you are already cleared, continue driving through Calatagan town proper. You will pass by Lago de Oro and Calatagan Golf Course.
9. Continue driving and follow the road signs. There is a part where the national road becomes one-way and you have to turn right. Continue driving until you see the sign to Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort to your right.
10. Turn right and continue driving until you reach the resort’s main gate.

Alternative Route: In case there’s a major traffic build up in Tagaytay, 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.

Stilts Calatagan Tour Package from Manila

If you’re more comfortable joining a group tour, try booking day tour packages from reputable and DOT-accredited travel agencies or through your trusted online booking platforms.

The Stilts Calatagan Day Tour package usually includes the following:

• Roundtrip land transfers from Metro Manila
• Local English speaking tour coordinator
• Entrance fee
• Fuel and toll fees
• Travel insurance

✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE!

Notes:

1. Check the package you are booking and the corresponding inclusions before confirming. One package covers the entrance fee, while another one does not.
2. Meals are not included.
3. The usual pick-up spot is at SM Mall of Asia.

HOW TO CHECK IN UPON ARRIVAL

1. Upon reaching the resort’s main gate, the guard will ask for info such as the number of guests, the names (or at least the one who booked the reservation), and/or duration of stay (day tour or overnight). The guard will then give you a parking assignment.
2. Continue driving to the parking lot. The resort has four parking areas: the main parking lot, the small parking lot near the Main Frontdesk, the parking lot near Serenity Beach and the Tree Houses, and the parking lot near Destiny Beach and Infinity Area. Go to the lot that was assigned to you by the guard.
3. Proceed to the Main Frontdesk area to check-in and register. Your group will be given a map of the entire resort. There are some areas that are off-limits. These will be marked on the map.
4. Each guest will be given a waterproof wristband. And then you may proceed to the Sweet Spot Restaurant for the welcome drinks.
5. You can either walk to your designated spot (cottage, table, or villa) or you can avail of the resort’s service vehicle.
6. Settle down and enjoy!

OPERATING HOURS

• Office Hours
  9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  Monday – Saturday
• Resort Hours
  7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  Daily

Note: For guests on a day tour, the main gates open at 7 AM and close at 10 PM.

THINGS TO DO AT STILTS CALATAGAN

Three Beaches

THE BEACHES! Stilts boasts three beaches:

• Serenity Beach
• Harmony Beach
• Destiny Beach

It also has two sets of swimming pools with kiddie pools. The swimming pools are open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM only.

• Main Pool Area. This is located near the restaurant and the main front desk.
• Infinity Pool Area. This is located along Harmony Beach. Pre-pandemic, the day tour entrance is situated in this area.

BUT THERE’S MORE! Aside from swimming and lazing on the beach, Stilts offers other fun activities that will fill the day’s itinerary of both day-trip visitors and overnight guests. Here are activity packages and their corresponding rates. For activity reservation and inquiry, you need to contact this number: 0955-4390857.

Aqua Sports & Outdoor Activities

• Stand-Up Paddle: PHP 375/hour
• Single Kayak: PHP 375/hour
• Tandem Kayak: PHP 500/hour
• Floating Island Platform: PHP 4000 (up to 4 pax per platform)
• Banana Boat: PHP 525/person per session (or PHP 3,150 for minimum of 6 pax, maximum of 10 pax)
• Beach Volleyball: PHP 125/hour
• Biking: PHP 350/hour

AQUA SPORTS EQUIPMENT RENTAL

• Floater: PHP 200/hour
• Snorkel Sets: PHP 175/2 hours
• Fins: PHP 200/hour
• Booties: PHP 150/hour

Scuba Diving

• Intro Dive A
  Participants: 1-2pax
  Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours, including briefing and theoretical
  Rate: PHP 3,950/pax
• Intro Dive B
  Participants: Minimum of 3 pax
  Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours, including briefing and theoretical
  Rate: PHP 3,500/pax
• Fun Dive (Certified Divers)
  Rates: PPHP 2,500/pax (Minimum of 4 pax); PHP 3,000/pax (Minimum of 3 pax); PHP 3,500/pax (2 pax); PHP 4,500/pax (1 pax)

DIVE GEAR RENTAL

• Tanks: PHP 350/tank
• Buoyancy Compensator (BCD): PHP 350/day
• Weights Belt: PHP 20/kilo per day
• Regulator Set: PHP 350/day
• Dive Computer: PHP 350/day
• Shorty: PHP 250/day
• Full Suit: PHP 300/day

Notes:

1. Intro dive covers briefing, traveling to the dive site, gearing up, practicing underwater dive.
2. Fun dive covers boat rental, tanks, weights, and a dive master.
3. Intro dives are non-certification courses.
4. If you are planning to avail of the intro dive package, it is recommended to give the resort a heads up at least one week before your trip. This activity is subject to the availability of a dive professional.

Boat Adventure Tour

• Medium Banca (Local Outrigger)
  Duration: 1.5 hours
  Rate: PHP 2,600, good for 6 pax
  Additional pax: P400/head (up to 10 pax only)
• Large Banca (Local Outrigger) A
  Duration: 1.5 hours
  Rate: PHP 3,400, good for 8 pax
  Extra: P400/head (up to 15 pax only)
• Large Banca (Local Outrigger) B
  Duration: 1.5 hours
  Rate: PHP 4,200, good for 10 pax
  Extra: P400/head (up to 18 pax only)
• 115 HP Fiberglass Speed Boat
  Rate: PHP 6,000/hour, good for up to 6 pax
• 90 HP Fiberglass Speed Boat
  Rate: PHP 5,000/hour, good for up to 4 pax

ATV Adventure Tour

• Basic Course
  Duration: 45 minutes
  Trail Length: 5 kilometers
  Rate: PHP 1,175/pax
  Backrider rate: PHP 425
• Complete Course
  Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
  Trail Length: 11 kilometers
  Rate: PHP 1,675/pax
  Backrider rate: PHP 525

Both Basic and Complete courses are inclusive of the briefing, a practice run on the training course, and the guided tour along the covered ATV trails.

WHERE TO EAT

Stilts has its own in-house restaurant called “Sweet Spot”, located just beside the Infinity reception area. They can also deliver the food to your assigned hut or table.

As in most beach resorts, prices are a bit steep but the servings are big. On our last visit, we were able to try the following:

• Pork sinigang, P500
• Chicken and pork adobo – binalot sa dahon, P350
• Lumpiang hubad, P300
• Onion rings, P250
• Saba con hielo, P120
• Mais con hielo, P120

Here are the prices of other popular items on the menu (that we did not order):

• Pizza (margherita, pepperoni, vegetarian, four-cheese, deluxe), P600
• Pancit (bihon, canton, mami, bam-i), P235-P500
• Calamares, P500
• Dynamite Shanghai, P365
• Bulalong Batangas, P1,120
• Tinolang manok, P370
• Bicol Express (binalot), P490
• Pork Belly binagoongan (binalot), P450
• Grilled liempo, P330
• Pork sisig, P385
• Pasta Bolognese, P310
• Pinoy spaghetti, P330
• Halo-halo, P250
• Chocolate cake, P130
• Banana split, P270
• Saba con hielo, P150

Can I bring outside food?

Yes, but outside food are subject to corkage fees. Please see next section for the corkage fees.

Corkage Fees and Other Service Fees

• Heavy meals/cooked food: P200/head
• Local hard drinks: P200/bottle
• Imported hard drinks: P500/bottle
• Soft drinks: P300/case
• Beer or other alcoholic beverages: P500/case
• Basic Cooking Fee: P150/kilo (steaming, frying, grilling, boiling, etc.)
• Specialty Cooking Fee: P300/kilo (caldereta, sinigang, teriyaki, menudo, etc.)

HOW TO BOOK

Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort accepts both day tour and overnight guests. We visited as day tour guests only. Here’s how we secured our slots:

1. Contact Stilts Calatagan. We sent an e-mail to the management inquiring about the day tour rates. Here are the contact details:

   – E-mail Address: stilts.sales@gmail.com

   – Landline:(+632) 967-0820

   – Mobile Numbers: 0917 5863343 / 0917 5807653 / 0917 5237777 / 0908 8662254

2. Provide the info needed for the formal quotation. Stilts management will ask for details such as the total headcount, your choice lodging, and the date of your visit. Then, they will send you the quotation, bank details, requirements, and other reminders.
3. Complete the necessary requirements and pay the 50% downpayment. Your reservation is tentative until you send a copy of your deposit slip to the given e-mail address. Make sure to pay on or before the applicable Payment Option Date. Stilts Calatagan reserves the right to cancel your booking if no deposit is made.
4. Accomplish and submit the necessary forms. After sending a copy of your deposit slip (50% downpayment), the management will forward the following:

   – Guest Confirmation Voucher, which contains the cost breakdown, your visit details, and the inclusions.
   – Guest Registration Form, which is a list of all the names of the guests and the waiver.
   – Health Declaration Form
   – List of rules and regulations
   One Registration Form per group, but each guest must submit a Health Declaration Form. You must send via e-mail at least one day before your scheduled visit or check-in date

RULES & REGULATIONS

1. Wear proper swimming attire. There are posters at the pool area showing what to wear and not to wear when using the pool. For women, wear swimsuits or other swimwear like board shorts and dri-fit sando (sleeveless top). For men, wear swimming trunks or board shorts. Rash guards are also allowed.
2. Again, the swimming pool areas are open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM only.
3. Refrain from any unruly and violent behavior. Guests engaging in fights or under the influence of illegal drugs will be asked to leave the premises. The resort reserves the right to evict such guests.
4. Be mindful of others. Make sure that the volume of your music player is not too loud to avoid disturbing other guests.
5. Corkage fees apply to outside food (heavy meals/cooked food) and drinks. You can order at the restaurant and eat there or have the food served at designated areas along the beach.
6. No cooking inside the cottages (enclosed lodgings). You can avail yourself of the resort’s cooking service for a fee. You may also use the grilling station along the beach.
7. Please check out on time to give the staff enough time to clean and sanitize the rooms for the next guests. You may ask the management to assist you with your stuff and luggage.
8. Children must be accompanied by their parents or guardians and must be supervised at all times. There are lifeguards stationed at the beach areas and the swimming pool areas; however, the resort will not be held liable should anything happen to the children while unsupervised/unaccompanied.
9. Do not litter. Please dispose of your garbage properly. There are trash bins provided per cottage/hut and all around the resort. The trash bins are labeled for segregation purposes. Kindly practice proper segregation.
10. Do not take anything from the sea, beach, or water — corals, sand, shells, starfish, and other sea creatures. Respect ocean life and wildlife.
11. Take care of your belongings and valuables. Secure your wallets, cellphones, jewelry, gadgets, and other valuables. Make sure there is always someone looking after your stuff. Don’t leave your things unattended. Lock your cottage doors. For those staying in open huts, there are shelves and a locker/storage cabinet per hut. Keep the key with you at all times.
12. For guests staying overnight, you will be charged for any damaged or lost resort items inside your room/cottage/villa.

MORE TIPS FOR THE POOR TRAVELER

• 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.
• Explore the three beaches. Each has its own charm. Harmony is a long and wide stretch of fine almost-white-sand beach. Serenity Beach is characterized by trees and grassy areas, giving off a rustic, secluded vibe. Destiny Beach has a unique shore that is marked with interesting rock formations with a small wooden bridge leading to the Lovers’ Point.
• Don’t forget to drop by the reception or the main front desk upon exit. A gate pass will be handed to you. You will have to present this when you exit the main gate.
• Protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Bring sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Speaking of 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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are pets allowed at Stilts?

Yes! Be a responsible pet owner. Make sure to clean up after your pets and keep them on leashes. If staying overnight, please bring your pet’s enclosure or bed because they are not allowed on the beds or on other furniture inside the cottages/rooms.

Can I use the restroom or shower if I’m on a day tour?

Yes, of course. What we love about Stilts is that it has more than enough restrooms with numerous shower and toilet cubicles. Each cubicle is spacious too!

Can I take photos at the stilts area where the overwater villas are?

No. The water villas are exclusive to those who booked them. You may take photos of them from the designated viewing deck/platform. You can also take photos of the water villas from the Sweet Spot Restaurant.

Can I fly a drone?

No, not anymore.

A couple of years ago, we were allowed to fly one as long as it won’t go above the overwater villas. But as far as we know, drones are no longer allowed today.

CALATAGAN EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Here are some local emergency hotlines to take note of when in Calatagan:

• Rural Health Unit (RHU)
  +63 930 816 8484
• Calatagan Medicare Hospital
  Emergency Room
  +63 917 817 9508
  +63 43 419 0300
• 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
• Batangas Electric Cooperative (BATELEC)
  +63 908 8142145

Updates Log

2024 • 05 • 01 – Changed font of featured image
2024 • 04 • 06 – Updated post-pandemic prices
2022 • 02 • 26 – Updated to reflect 2022 changes
2021 • 03 • 09 – Original publication

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