The Dying Paradise Of South

Summer is such an anticipated mark on our calendars. It is indeed the best time to beat the init by series of fun activities like hiking, swimming and stuff. But if summer is about hitting the beach, I am not the first one to feel excited about it among the group because I am such a thalassophobic person— someone who's afraid of sea(?) not quite sure though. Despite of my thalassophobic condition, summer 2018 has become way different to the previous ones we had. When vacation was just starting to approach on April, I decided to dare myself to conquer my fear of seas by planning several beach trips along with my friends and family. A friend suggested Masasa beach at Tingloy, Batangas. I was not quite familiar with the beach so I had to check it out on the internet.

Knowing about Masasa Beach

Located at Tingloy, Batangas, Masasa is undeniably a paradise from the south but is also indeed a dying one. Last year, the beach has received its awful remark from the people when a photo of it posted on the internet went viral showing a bunch of both people and trashes everywhere. Included in the caption of the photos were discouraging statements stressing to the readers that Masasa Beach is not the best getaway experience to relax and deal with the nature. Such reviews made me pretty unenthused and almost lose my interest towards visiting the place. BUT! Below, I'll give you some tips such as the best time to visit the beach to enjoy what it has to offer you and also other things you can do and spots you can visit in the island.

Travel Guide to Masasa Beach

We met up at JAM Liner-Buendia and boarded a bus bound to Batangas Grand Terminal. Travel time is roughly 2-3 hours from Manila. But to make your travel even faster, board a bus with a CALABARZON sign-board because it passes several cities so travel time really gets shorter. Alighting in BGT, look for jeepneys bound to Anilao Port. Reaching Anilao Port, you'll have to take public boats to reach Tingloy Port. Upon arriving to this port, your destination already varies depending on the location of your homestay. We stayed at Nanay Rosie's Transient Homes so from Tingloy Port, we rented a boat for 25 pesos per head.

T O  T I N G L O Y  P O R T

Note: Below, I'll include the transportation and homestay damages.

The Lagoon

The Lagoon in Masasa is something I am really excited to share to everyone. My friends and I did not know about the lagoon. We were just informed about it by the residents when we came. Hearing about the lagoon, an extreme excitement—that I should've already felt before arriving here—suddenly kicked in. 

W I D E R  V I E W  O F  T H E  L A G O O N

Afraid of waves? Oops! Be careful! The Lagoon looks really cool but it seems like it's waves hub! Hehe!

It was a good decision to have the Lagoon visited first before the beach because there were only 5 persons enjoying it when we came. We spent half an hour (I guess) in the lagoon then we transferred right away to the beach later on.

The beach is just a typical one. It's sand is white but not as white as Boracay's. There were only few people when we came—enough to enjoy the beach. What made me feel sad about the beach were the trashes in some areas like paper plates, plastic spoon and fork, styro cups and stuff like that left by the irresponsible travelers. I hope the local government is taking certain action towards such problems to maintain the beach, or if possible, to restore it. And on our part as travelers, it should be an automatic responsibility to refrain from littering and and the like wherever we go to.

I just love how the sky turned purple during our stay!

Reminders:

     A. To enjoy the beach without a bunch of people, do not visit during holidays. Whether it's vacation or not, do not visit on Saturdays and Sundays as well to avoid the same scenario.

  B. You can reserve transient homes for an assured accommodation. Worry nothing because I have 2 contact numbers here:

     Nanay Rosie's Transient House- +63 919 686 4368

     Teacher Benny Transient House- +63 909 339 0179

    C. You can also try island hopping. Just inform the owner of your homestay and they'll help you process it. Aside from that, during our stay at Nanay Rosie's Transient House, we were informed that they can organize trekking if we feel like it but we were not able to give it a try though.

     D. Electricity gets shut off in the island at 12 midnight until around 10-12 in the morning I guess. 
     E. Be courteous to the residents. Be responsible travelers. Leave no harm to the place but memories worth reminiscing.

Transportation and Homestay damages. Excluding the food expenses and fare going back to Manila, the total damage is 983 pesos.

Public Boat Schedule

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