Sun, sand, and sea—Laiya in Batangas was the perfect escape for relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable beach vibes. Curious how I spent my getaway? Read my blog!

Disclaimer: All views expressed on this blog are my own based on my own experiences and do not represent of any entity with which I have been, are now or will be affiliated

July 23, 2022
Manila, Philippines

Date of Trip – July 17, 2022

I’ve been in Batangas for a year and have yet to visit the tranquil beaches on the outskirts of San Juan. This journey was made possible by my YouTuber buddies in Lipa. I hadn’t seen them in months and was thrilled to be traveling with them again; they are so much joy to be around. If you’re seeking for entertaining water activities or simply resting by the beach, Batangas is always the first place that comes to mind.

The distance from Lipa to Laiya Batangas is about 1 hour and 45 minutes by car. The lengthy stretch of beach, the cream-to-white sand, the clear waves, and the fantastic water activities have made this place famous. It is also well-known for its lovely hotels and holiday homes on the beach. When you visit Laiya, you will have the opportunity to unwind and have fun. Its proximity to Manila also makes it an ideal weekend escape destination.

Restrictions

Batangas is accepting leisure travelers provided that they follow the standard health protocol. No medical certificates, S-pass, RT-PCR test or vaccination card to be presented to some establishments or checkpoints. But I suggest to always bring your vaccination card and for your protection, have yourself vaccinated.

Getting Around San Juan, Batangas

We went to Laiya, Batangas, with some friends, my brother’s family, and Joey the Batuchow. While we did bring two vehicles, however, Phoebe will not be able to join us this time due to capacity constraints.

Located only a short distance to the southeast of Lipa, Laiya may be reached by public transportation in around 1 hour and 45 minutes. You can use the Waze app to help you get there. Cocoons at Club Laiya was the name of the resort we visited.

Budget

My budget for this trip is Php2,000 inclusive of food, entrance fees and more food haha

Cocoons Club Laiya
Accommodation – Php5,500/night
Day Tour – Php1,200

You must pay Php20 per person in ecological fees to the Municipal Tourism Office before visiting any of the Laiya beach resorts. Since our trip’s sole purpose was to grab some caffeine, we didn’t have to shell out any cash.

Cocoons Club Laiya is a unique vacation destination. Millennial Resorts is behind this ambitious new hotel concept. Cocoons are a tubular style of room with Instagram-worthy beauty, but they can only accommodate two people and have a shared bathroom.

In addition to the many exciting beach activities, they also provide al fresco dining alternatives at their cafes and restaurants. The fact that this resort welcomes pets and has free parking is a major plus for me.

We visited for the day, and I was impressed by the resort’s immaculate cleanliness, the helpfulness of the staff, and the pleasantness of the beach. Spending the day at the beach with loved ones is one of life’s greatest pleasures. I didn’t pack my swimsuit since I assumed we’d just be having coffee, but when I see a beach, I had to go swimming.

While at the resort for breakfast, we indulged in some iced lattes (Php250/pitcher) and mango shakes for a refreshing treat. Though cheap for a pitcher, the coffee lacked the flavor and strength I was seeking. Nonetheless, I have no grounds for complaint; I was merely enjoying myself at the beach. Considering I was let in free of charge, I can’t really complain.

The resort was excellent, and I would suggest it to everyone. I would most likely venture out to sample new restaurants and cuisines. The beaches in Batangas are fantastic.

Food in Batangas

Raztapahan
Poblacion, Padre Garcia
Php150-Php300

We stopped at the Raztapahan restaurant in Padre Garcia for our first meal before heading to Laiya. You can pick between tapsilog, bacsilog, porksilog, or chicksilog for breakfast. Silog consists of fried rice with eggs.

Two eggs, daing (sun-dried fish), and tapa came with my sagad meal, a massive breakfast dish. At about Php200, it was a little pricey and way too much food for just one person. Everything was excessively sweet for my taste, and the restaurant itself did not measure up to the standards of other Batangas eateries I visited. There’s a good chance I won’t be back to give this another shot.

Nuevo Comedor
Javier St., San Juan Batangas
Php150-Php400
Parking – Yes

After a morning of fun at the beach, we made our way to Nuevo Comedor for a late lunch. Nuevo Comedor transports visitors back in time to the Spanish Colonial era. The 1940s home that has been converted into a restaurant is architecturally and aesthetically stunning. It had a vintage vibe that was also hip. Lunchtime was quiet and peaceful.

The cuisine is delicious, too. The Filipino dishes on the menu were delicious, and the prices were reasonable. Everything about this is just right! If you find yourself in San Juan, you should definitely make a reservation at this restaurant. The lechon kawali, sinigang, bulalo, and BBQ were the dishes I craved the most.

Batangas is one of those places that keeps me coming back for more. Even though I am not a native speaker, I feel at home among my new friends in Batangas, and I plan to continue writing about how much I enjoy living here.

Love,
Maria, sometimes, Niskie