Zeian Palo
Batangas is known for many things: centuries-old churches, irresistible delicacies, a volcano within a lake, a strong accent, and the balisong (butterfly knife). But more than anything else, the one thing that first comes to mind when Batangas is mentioned — beaches. Even the Eraserheads knew this, when they sang about driving to the beach.
For the longest time, Burot Beach was a best-kept secret. But that has changed recently as more and more beach-chasers discovered it. It’s a short cove tucked in the western edge of Punta de Santiago in Calatagan. It is said to have been purchased by development giant SM, but it remains open to those who seek a short affair with nature.
The beaches of Nasugbu are among the first in the province to undergo major development. There are resorts everywhere, many of which have their own cove: Hamilo Coast and Punta Fuego, to name a few. I believe there are still public beaches, but you would still have to go through private subdivisions to access some of them.
Fortune Island is part of the municipality of Nasugbu. It’s actually a surprise that not many people outside Batangas know about it. I grew up hearing about this island all the time. The island’s most prominent features are the Greek columns, ruins of what looks like a private rest house.
Anilao is a barangay in the municipality of Mabini that is more popular as a jump off point for dive sites. Indeed, Anilao’s best assets are hidden under the waves. But its coast hides pockets of sand for those who wish to stay above the surface.
Completely isolated from mainland Batangas, the humble municipality of Tingloy remains untouched by the claws of development. Its best beach is called Masasa, a long, off-white stretch concealed in the southern edge of Maricaban Island (Tingloy’s main island).
If you like trekking, you’ve probably heard about Mt. Gulugod Baboy in Mabini. And if you’ve conquered Mt. Gulugod Baboy, you’ve probably heard about Sombrero Island. Most mountaineers and hikers coming down the hill opt to go on a day trip to this island before coming back to Manila.
So called for its shape, Sombrero Island has a rounded peak surrounded by a bed of sand, where beach bums can laze and just enjoy the clear water.
While Laiya and Nasugbu attract most Manila-dwellers, Malabrigo has managed to fly under the radar all these years, preserving its natural beauty and pristine state. Two things can take credit for it. One is its location. Nestled in a relatively obscure municipality, it can be reached by meandering along mountainsides. The other reason is that it’s not your typical beach. It’s a pebble beach. Instead of fine sand, its beach is composed of small- to medium-size grey and white cobbles. There’s also a beautiful lighthouse nearby.
If locals are to be believed, Matabungkay was “rediscovered” in the early 1950s by Germans who were looking for a go-to paradise within proximity to the bustling Manila. Since then, Matabungkay transformed from a simple fishing village into a tourism destination. The shore is strewn with ashen sand that sparkles a white glow when hugged by sunlight. It is bordered landward by a long, cramped lane of resorts and stores. Beware though, the last time I was here, I could not help but notice the trash littered on the beach.
Verde Island is part of Batangas City, but it is in no way as commercialized as the rest. Situated 45 minutes off the mainland, it cradles a number of beach attractions that are almost untouched including Mahabang Buhangin and Cueva Sitio.
The island also sits in the middle of Verde Island Passage, which is described by a 2007 Smithsonian Institute study as the “center of the center” of the world’s marine biodiversity citing the high concentration of marine species.
