Masasa Beach Travel Guide 2024

If you are looking for a great waterside experience near Manila, then Masasa Beach is an ‘easy to reach’ weekend destination that is a perfect place to unwind from the rigorous city life. Located at Tingloy, Batangas, the beach is only a three to four-hour trip from Manila, including a boat ride from Cubao. Aside from the pristine beach, Masasa is budget-friendly, making it a favorite among fellow backpackers.

How to Get There?

1. From Cubao, ride a bus going to Batangas Grand Terminal.
2. Upon arrival at Batangas Grand Terminal, ride a jeepney to Mabini (Anilao port is the last stop).
3. At Anilao port, wait for public boats. The first trip is usually at 10:00 AM, but boats may leave as early as 7:00 AM if there are enough passengers. The boat ride takes around 45 minutes.
4. At Tingloy port, ride a tricycle to Masasa Beach. The tricycle will drop you at the nearest point to the beach. You’ll need to walk for 15-20 minutes to reach the beach shoreline.

Activities:

• Swimming
• Snorkeling
• Hiking (Magasawang Bato)
• Camping
• Stargazing

What to Expect?

There are not enough shady trees, so expect to feel the sun’s heat. This public beach could be better maintained.

Where to Stay?

Bring your own tent, or you can rent one for 150 pesos for your entire stay. You can also stay at Nanay Rosie’s Kubo, which costs 200 pesos per person.

For food, Nanay Rosie can prepare meals for a fee. Her place is located at the rightmost part of the beach. Contact: 09196864368.

Things to Bring:

• Drinking water (at least 4 liters)
• Flashlights
• Power banks/chargers
• Toiletries
• Trash bags
• Sleeping bag/tent (optional)
• Snorkeling gear (optional)
• Cookware/kitchen utensils (optional)
• Extra clothes
• Extra money
• Personal medicines/first aid kit

Tips:

• When you arrive at Anilao Port, buy anything you might need on the island. You can have breakfast at the port and buy takeout food for lunch.
• Freshen up for free at the public washing area (a well). If you prefer privacy, a bathroom is available for 25 pesos.
• Respect other campers, especially late at night. Avoid shouting or being too loud.
• Be a responsible human – take your rubbish away with you and help keep the beach clean.
• Travel in a bigger group to save money.
• If you have more time, hike Magasawang Bato (guide required) for a bird’s-eye view of the island. You can also go island hopping around the Maricaban Islands, including Sombrero Island.

Boat Schedule:

From Tingloy to Anilao Port: 6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM (last trip). If you miss the last trip, you can charter a boat for Php 2500.

Our Itinerary:

DAY 1:

• 4:00 AM: ETD – Cubao (Jam Liner)
• 7:00 AM: ETA – Batangas City Grand Terminal; ETD to Anilao Port
• 8:00 AM: ETA – Anilao Port; Buy goods from the wet market
• 8:30 AM: ETD – Anilao Port
• 9:00 AM: ETA – Tingloy; Free time
• 10:30 AM: Trekking to Masasa Beach
• 11:30 AM: Tent pitching and dinner preparation
• 12:00 Noon: Lunch
• 7:00 PM: Dinner
• 9:00 PM: Socials/Beach Bumming

DAY 2:

• 7:00 AM: Lights on; Pack-up
• 8:00 AM: Trekking to Masasa Beach
• 9:00 AM: ETD – Tingloy
• 10:00 AM: ETA – Anilao Port
• 11:00 AM: ETA – Batangas City Grand Terminal
• 1:00 PM: ETA – Cubao

Summary of Expenses:

Expense	Cost (PHP)
Cubao-Batangas Grand Terminal	165
Batangas Grand Terminal-Cubao	152
Jeep Terminal to Port RT (37/way)	74
Anilao Port-Tingloy RT (65/way)	130
Tricycle (60 per way, good for 4 people)	30
Environmental Fee	30
Food	324
Pasalubong	75
Charge/Soap	47
Snorkeling	100
Total	1,127

Final Thoughts

A big bunch of thanks to Mark (@gelorabago) who worked with me on this article. If you live in Manila, pack your bags and visit Masasa Beach!