Best Beaches in Batangas: Laiya San Juan, Calatagan, Nasugbu and More

As a coastal province, there are more than a handful of Batangas beach resorts here where travelers can enjoy a peaceful stay by the sea. While Batangas boasts some of the top beaches near Manila, not all of them feature the same scenery, landscape, and more. Others have more powdery sand, similar to the shores of Boracay, while a number of them have rocky beaches but are closer to well-known diving sites. 

This article will help you decide on which of the best beaches in Batangas is perfect for you, depending on your preferences and what you want to try out during your vacation. 

Laiya Beach, San Juan Batangas

Laiya is the best-known beach and one of the most beautiful beaches in Batangas, thanks to its white sand and clear waters. Similar to Boracay's Puka Beach, parts of Laiya Beach also feature bits of crushed shells. Aside from swimming in the clear waters, travelers can try out various activities here, like jet skiing and kayaking, which are often offered at the resorts lined along the shore. 

Among the top places to stay here for a vacation are the Acuatico Beach Resort and Acuaverde Beach Resort, two of the best Batangas beach resorts near Manila. As one of the top beaches in San Juan, Batangas, Laiya Beach is also close to Mt. Daguldul and Mt. Hugom, two coastal mountains that are suited for a mountain hike near Manila. 

Beaches in Calatagan Batangas

Calatagan is a coastal town in Batangas that is best known as a go-to camping site, especially for those living in the metro looking to spend time in nature. It is also home to powdery beaches bordered by crystal blue waters teeming with marine life. 

Calatagan Beach

Photo by Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort

Calatagan Beach sits along the western portion of Batangas, making it one of the best places to watch the sunset in the province. This white sand beach also boasts crystal waters where tourists can discover vibrant marine life, making it one of the top beaches in Batangas. As for where to stay in the area, the most popular accommodation here is the Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort. 

• Book a Little Boracay Calatagan Batangas beach day tour
• Check out this Stilts Calatagan day tour

As its name suggests, the resort features villas built on stilts that allow guests to relax and sleep while listening to the gentle waves below them. Aside from spending time on the beach, Calatagan is home to a thriving mangrove forest as well, which serves as a natural habitat for different types of birds and more. 

Manuel Uy Beach

Photo by The Real Adventure

Situated close to the Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort, Manuel Uy Beach is another of the popular beaches in Calatagan, Batangas. This beach is supposedly named after its owner, who is said to have migrated to the United States. As it also faces west, this is another ideal place to watch the sunset as you get unobstructed views of the horizon from here. 

Since the water by the beach is generally shallow most of the time, it is a perfect place to play with toddlers and small children for a family getaway near Manila. If you want to swim in deeper waters, it's recommended to go on an island-hopping tour to nearby islands such as Starfish Island. 

Those who wish to spend a night or two here can check out the Manuel Uy Beach Resort, where you can pitch tents and listen to waves lap the shore as you fall asleep. 

Starfish Island & Little Boracay Sandbar

Starfish Island and the Little Boracay Sandbar are two of the top island-hopping attractions in Calatagan, largely due to their crystal waters and powdery white sand. True to its name, Starfish Island features several starfish that you can easily spot while walking along the sand. However, please remember not to pick these animals up for a photo to avoid disturbing them and possibly harming them. 

As for the Little Boracay Sandbar, this stretch of sand lives up to its name as it resembles that of the world-famous shores of Boracay Island in the Visayas region. This sandbar is a few KM from Starfish Island, so they are often part of the same island-hopping tour. It is best to visit this sandbar in the morning when the tide is low, so you can easily stroll along the sand before it gets submerged under the waves when the high tide comes in. 

Burot Beach (CLOSED)

Burot Beach is a small beach in Calatagan that has been popular among backpackers due to its proximity to Manila. Aside from shrubs and a rocky area, this spot is largely untouched, which is its main draw. To get to this serene hideaway, you will have to take a tricycle from the town center. 

If you want to spend a night here, the only option is to pitch a tent by the shrubs. It's best to bring your own camping gear and tent to avoid spending extra on a rental tent. Beyond lounging at the beach, you can visit nearby attractions such as the Punta de Santiago Lighthouse.

Beaches in Nasugbu Batangas

The municipality of Nasugbu is famous among local travelers due to the various Batangas resorts situated along its shores. This first-class municipality sits about 100 KM from Manila, so you can easily escape to the beaches in Nasugbu, Batangas, for some well-deserved rest and relaxation on its white sand beaches. It is also home to top tourist spots in Batangas that you can visit during a day tour in Batangas, such as Fortune Island. 

Tali Beach 

Photo by Tali Beach Resort

Tali Beach sits along the western coast of Batangas and is located inside a private community. Thanks to its more exclusive location, the beach is generally well-kept and features powdery sand and clear waters. For visitors who want to spend a night here, you will have to book a stay at any of the resorts in the area or any of the Batangas vacation rental beach houses here. 

Thanks to the number of Batangas beach rental properties developed here over the years, Tali Beach has become a popular getaway spot for large groups of friends and families who want to spend time together on one of the Batangas beaches near Manila. Along with lounging at the beach, Tali is a great place to try cliff diving, as the cliff diving spot here is free of sharp rocks. It is also one of the best beaches near Lipa, Batangas. 

Fortune Island

Fortune Island is situated about 14 KM from Nasugbu's coast and boasts a white sandy beach, a cliff diving spot, and clear turquoise water. Among the island's most noteworthy features is the Grecian Acropolis, which stands atop a limestone cliff. This area features Greek-esque pillars and remnants of a statue that was previously part of a luxury resort on the island. However, the resort eventually closed down due to its high maintenance cost and the absence of freshwater sources needed for bathing and drinking. 

To get here, travelers will have to visit the Fortune Island Resort along Nasugbu's coast. You will then have to pay an entrance fee at the resort before boarding a boat that will take you to the island. For a more convenient trip here, you can also book a Fortune Island day tour ahead of time. Guests can swim, snorkel, trek, and visit the lighthouse here during their visit. While there are no more resorts on Fortune Island, tourists who wish to spend a night here can rent any of the cottages here, or you can pitch or rent a tent as well. 

Nasugbu Beach

At Nasugbu Beach, tourists can lounge on powdery sand and swim in azure waters. This stretch of sand faces the West Philippine Sea and is a perfect spot to watch the sky turn vibrant shades of red and orange as the sun starts to dip behind the horizon. 

As for Nasugbu Beach accommodations, there are several kinds you can find here that range from budget to luxury. For those on a budget, you can spend a night in a homestay or pitch/rent a tent in any of the camping sites in the area. If you want a more comfortable stay, Canyon Cove Hotel and Spa and Terrazas de Punta Fuego are some of the top resorts in Nasugbu Beach, Batangas. 

• Enjoy a Batangas Canyon Cove day tour

Bituin Cove

Photo by Bituin Cove

Bituin Cove, also known as Angara Cove, is a privately owned spot along Nasugbu's coastline. Since the nearby hills naturally protect it, the water here is often calm, and the waves that lap the shore are gentle. Along with its natural protection, the owners have built a breakwater out of large stones. Bordering the beach are verdant forests that provide an escape from the sun when you want to take a break from sunbathing or playing in the water. 

• Book a Papaya Island Cove Batangas beach day tour

Overall, the area provides a different kind of escape compared to the white sand beaches in Batangas, as the sand here is a pale yellowish-brown color and is mixed with small pebbles. However, since the area is not as developed as the more famous spots in Nasugbu, it offers an idyllic atmosphere for visitors. Tourists can pitch a tent to spend the night by the water. 

Calayo Beach

Photo by Pamana Beach Resort

Calaya Beach is one of the best public beaches in Batangas. It is situated in the coastal fishing village of Calayo, in the northwestern area of Nasugbu. This tropical getaway spot features fine sand and clear, cool waters that are great for swimming. It is protected from the winds by nearby hills covered in lush greenery, so the waters here are typically calm with gentle waves, making it an ideal destination for a beach trip with young children. 

Along with swimming and snorkeling here, tourists can rent a kayak or a banana boat for a more thrilling time out at sea. If you choose to spend a night camping here, you can also stargaze once the sky darkens. 

Hamilo Coast

Photo by Hamilo Coast

Hamilo Coast is a privately owned area that boasts calm waters since hillsides naturally protect it on both sides. It is best known for its white sand beaches and various activities available for visitors, making it a famous beach in Batangas for a family trip. Among the top things to do here is swim, ride a banana boat, and drive a jet ski. For some fun times on the shore, you can rent a volleyball for free or relax in any of the lounge chairs to soak up some sun. 

There are also beachside restaurants where you can order refreshing drinks and enjoy tasty snacks. While camping is not allowed here, visitors can spend a night in the Pico Sands Hotel, a part of the privately-owned complex. The hotel has seven floors and is known as one of the best resorts in Batangas. If you don't want to spend the night, you can simply go on a day tour here, as Pico de Loro is a popular spot for a Batangas beach resort day tour. 

Santelmo Cove

Photo by Hamilo Coast

Santelmo Cove is one of the 13 coves located along Hamilo Coast and is another private beach in Batangas. This area remains mostly undeveloped and offers a more serene escape to visitors. Thanks to its pristine environment, sea turtles have also reportedly gone ashore here to lay their eggs during the breeding season. Aside from sea turtles, you can find more marine animals, such as giant clams and schools of fish, a few feet from the shore, especially if you opt to go snorkeling or diving. 

To get here, you will need to enter the Pico de Loro complex and request a day tour from the staff. Once you're cleared to go, you will board a boat from Pico de Loro Cove and sail to Santelmo Cove. 

Loren Island or Pulo Island

Loren Island, also known as Pulo Island, is an undeveloped islet off the shores of Nasugbu town in Batangas. The island is said to be owned by a local politician named Loren Legarda, hence its name. While privately owned, the island is still open to tourists looking for a beach getaway. 

The most popular spot here is the small cove, where visitors can swim in clear waters and snorkel to discover the local marine life in the area. Along with the cove, another noteworthy spot on the island is a narrow sandbar that connects the island to a rocky islet nearby. Visitors can also camp on the island's powdery shores by the cove for an additional fee.

Beaches in Anilao and Tingloy Batangas

Anilao and Tingloy are two adjacent municipalities in the southwestern portion of Batangas. Anilao sits on the mainland, while Tingloy is located off the shore of Anilao. Both areas feature welcoming beaches but are better known as Batangas diving spots thanks to the diverse marine ecosystems that thrive in their waters. It is also a great place to learn to dive since there are several dive centers in the area. 

Anilao Beach

Anilao is a perfect destination for travelers who want to lounge on a beach and do some scuba diving as well. The beaches here are made up of more coarse sand than other areas in Batangas but are still bordered by the same clear waters, making it an ideal vacation spot for travelers who love to swim. Beyond swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving are top activities here, too, since Anilao's waters are home to vibrant coral reefs in which many aquatic animals live. 

On top of the area's rich marine life, Anilao's proximity to other attractions like Mt. Gulugod Baboy, Sepoc Beach, and Sombrero Island add to the municipality's appeal and the handful of activities you can try during your getaway here. Among the top resorts, you can stay at in Anilao are Aiyanar Beach and Dive Resort, one of the best Batangas resorts with pools, and Camp Netanya, a resort that feels like Santorini in the Philippines. 

Masasa Beach

Masasa Beach is one of the most visited Batangas beaches in the municipality of Tingloy, as it boasts turquoise waters that are great for swimming. Thanks to its proximity to the Verde Passage, it has also become one of the top scuba diving destinations in the province. Besides spending time exploring the island's waters, you can go trekking to a local rock formation as well that's called the Mag-asawang Bato. 

To visit the island, you can board a boat from the Anilao Port or Talaga Port. As for accommodations, travelers can spend a night in one of the homestays or transient houses on the island for a peaceful night near the sea. 

Sepoc Beach

Photo by Eagle Point Beach and Dive Resort

Sepoc Beach is a small stretch of sand located along the northwestern tip of Marikaban Island in Tingloy, Batangas. While it is connected to the main island, there are no readily available roads leading up to the beach, so the only way to get here is by taking a boat straight to its shore. Travelers will have to go to Eagle Point Beach and Dive Resort in Anilao to arrive here, as the resort maintains the beach. 

The sand here is a bit more coarse than others in the province, as it is mainly made up of crushed corals that were eventually washed ashore by the waves. Aside from the usual beach activities such as swimming and sunbathing, visitors can also trek to a nearby hill where you can get a panoramic view of the sea and the nearby Sombrero Island. 

Sombrero Island

Photo by Solitude Acacia Resort

Sombrero Island sits to the northeast of Sepoc Beach in Tingloy, Batangas. The large rock formation on the island resembles the silhouette of a hat when seen from afar, hence its name. Aside from its unique shape, the island features white sand and clear waters, making it an ideal destination for swimming and lounging on the beach. However, the island also has areas composed of medium to large rocks, so be careful to avoid these when walking barefoot along the beach.

Except for a few bamboo huts on the island, there are no other structures here, so the island remains largely untouched and pristine. The main activity here is snorkeling, as the surrounding waters are already teeming with marine life. 

Beaches in Lian Batangas

The municipality of Lian sits along the western coast of Batangas, specifically below Nasugbu and above Calatagan. This area is best known for Matabungkay Beach, a long stretch of powdery sand that features calm waters. 

Matabungkay Beach

Photo by Matabungkay Beach Resort

Matabungkay Beach is another white sand getaway in Batangas that offers a scenic view and clear waters to visitors craving a day at the beach. As the water is usually shallow for the first few meters from the shore, it's best to go out about 50 meters if you want to snorkel. The marine life here is generally made up of several vibrant corals and small fish species. 

Aside from swimming, you may also rent floating bamboo cottages where you can chill and eat snacks in between taking a dip in the cool water. If you want to extend your stay here, you can book a room in any of the resorts that line the beach. Among the most notable accommodations here is the Matabungkay Beach Hotel.

Verde Island 

Photo by Punta Verde Resort

Verde Island is an island off the southern coast of the province that boasts one of the best unspoiled beaches in Batangas, scenic views, and a biodiverse marine ecosystem for Verde Island Passage scuba diving. To get here, you will have to hire a boat from barangay San Agapito. While the beaches here are ideal for the usual sunbathing and swimming, the island's main draw is its proximity to the San Agapito dive site. The site is a seamount with three peaks that is considered to resemble a small fraction of the world-famous Tubbataha Reefs. 

If you want to spend more time on the island, you can choose from the handful of resorts along the coast. Among the popular places to stay here are the Sawang Dive Camp, Verde Island Resort, and Punta Verde Resort.

Visit the beautiful beaches in Batangas

As one of the best places in the Philippines for family vacations, Batangas has different beaches and activities fit for all kinds of travelers. Spend time swimming on any of these scenic beaches, explore its underwater ecosystems with Batangas scuba diving courses, and visit nearby Luzon tourist spots. 

The province also has some of the best resorts and hotels near Manila that are often part of all-inclusive family vacation packages and vacation packages for couples, so you can enjoy a hassle-free trip. Along with enjoying the many beaches in the province, Batangas is also one of the best road trip destinations near Manila because of other attractions such as Mt. Batulao, Fantasy World, and the Caleruega Church.