LAKI BEACH: Your New Getaway in Bataan (2024 DIY Travel Guide)

Last summer, I planned to travel to Laki Beach in Mariveles, Bataan.

I recall discussing and preparing for our trip to this beach with Eloi. Unfortunately, we learned that the beach had suddenly closed to travelers. It appears that Laki Beach is privately owned, and the caretakers advised the tourists present to leave. This incident occurred in April 2017.

I also came across blog posts from fellow travel bloggers who experienced this unexpected situation. They shared that what was supposed to be an awesome summer getaway was cut short without warning, they were asked to vacate the premises immediately, with a deadline set for 4 PM.

This situation was particularly disheartening because Laki Beach is nestled in a secluded cove, surrounded by mountains and forest, accessible only by motorboat. This logistical challenge adds to the frustration of travelers who had made the effort to visit.

Approaching Laki Beach

Fast forward to December 2017, we learned that Laki Beach is open again for visitors and the situation has stabilized. Laki Beach is only open between Friday to Sunday with an increased rate for entrance fees (details below). Most of the time, renting a motorboat going to Laki Beach is packaged with Five Fingers Cove island hopping, which we availed. This is called Five Fingers Cove because when you check out Google Maps and you zoom out, the series of coves look like five fingers!

You either have the option to travel to Mariveles then rent a boat going to Laki Beach and the Five Fingers island hopping (Travel Guide below), or you may avail the services of travel agencies and tour operators in Manila offering the Laki Beach plus Five Fingers adventure.

Approaching Laki Beach

Look at that!

The heat was like summer. After hours of touring the Five Fingers Coves of Mariveles, our last stop was Laki Beach.

Honestly, in a way, I’ve read some social media posts about Laki Beach that it’s unspoiled and beautiful but I didn’t take that seriously. But wow, I was surprised by what I witnessed the moment we arrived.

The white sand beach glistened from afar with all those coconut trees swaying, as if welcoming us with so much vigor.

When we finally stepped on those sands, I couldn’t help but pause for a while and just look at the beauty that surrounded me. I didn’t expect all that!

Dramarama sa hapon hahaha!

We found a perfect spot under the coconut trees to rest and eat lunch. We decided to eat first to ensure we had enough energy to explore the beach later.

It’s important to note that there are no eateries, carinderias, or restaurants there. You really need to purchase food in the town proper of Mariveles before heading to the beach. If you’re planning an overnight stay, it’s wise to buy extra food and, of course, ensure you have enough clean water!

Despite it being the first week of December, the sun’s heat was relentless. However, that didn’t deter Eloi and me from exploring the beach. Our shared enthusiasm for beach exploration and indifference to getting a tan highlight why we get along so well. We value experiences over concerns about our skin getting darker; we find humor in it and don’t mind at all!

Seizing the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful beach is something we always advocate for. Instead of staying in the shade of a cottage and limiting swimming to the afternoon while wearing rash guards, malongs, or, even worse, using umbrellas, we encourage you to fully embrace the experience.

Believe me, basking under the sun and savoring the moment is worthwhile. We’ve embraced this philosophy at Calaguas, Jomalig Island, Burias, Cabongaoan Beach, and Maniwaya Island. And you know what? The resulting darker skin was totally worth it!

So, aside from swimming, another activity we love at the beach is taking pictures! We walked along the shore, capturing numerous photos. Afterward, the trees at the back provided another dramatic setting for our photoshoot.

Eloi and I indulged in what we enjoy most at the beach: simply sitting there, admiring the beauty before us, and feeling grateful for everything.

Laki Beach 2024 DIY Budget Itinerary Expenses

How to Get to Laki Beach, Mariveles, Bataan

For those opting for a DIY trip from Manila, the process is straightforward. Board a bus bound for Mariveles. Bataan Transit and Genesis are two bus companies offering daily trips to Mariveles, with terminals located in Cubao and Pasay. The fare is about 300+ pesos.

Upon arriving at Mariveles town proper, where the bus terminal is situated, look for a tricycle to Barangay Balon. Inform the tricycle driver that your drop-off point is Porto. A notable landmark is a small basketball court, and just a few steps from there is the beach area where you can hire a boat to Laki Beach. The tricycle fare is approximately 75 pesos, accommodating up to 5 passengers.

Be prepared for operators and boat owners to approach you with their services. If you already have a contact, simply inform them, and they will assist you.

For effective budget planning, it’s advisable to organize your trip to Laki Beach as a group, as boat rental fees can be steep for solo travelers or couples. The cost for a day tour, which includes hopping around Five Fingers Cove before concluding at Laki Beach, is 2,500 pesos for up to 10 persons. For an overnight stay, the charge is 3,500 pesos, which also covers tours from cove to cove, with the same boat returning for you the next day.

Laki Beach Entrance Fee

Laki Beach, being privately owned, charges an entrance fee. It’s somewhat peculiar that the entrance fees vary. During our visit, we paid Php 250 through a tour operator who acted as our liaison with the caretakers. It’s unclear whether part of this fee was a commission for the operator.

However, according to the most recent information I found on DIY Philippines, posted by a traveler who visited independently, the entrance fee is Php 300 for a day tour and Php 400 for an overnight stay. It seems prudent to budget for additional costs related to the entrance fee, as various factors could influence its fluctuation.

Laki Beach Itinerary

Here is a suggested itinerary for your Laki Beach adventure. Feel free to customize it, but I recommend leaving Manila early to maximize your beach time.

Day Tour

2:00 AM – Depart from Manila
6:00 AM – Arrive in Mariveles
7:00 AM – Breakfast
8:00 AM – Begin Five Fingers Cove tour
1:00 PM – Arrive at Laki Beach
1:15 PM – Lunch
2:00 PM – Beach bumming / Take photos
5:00 PM – Depart from Laki Beach
5:45 PM – Arrive at Mariveles Town Proper
6:00 PM – Depart from Mariveles
8:00 PM – Dinner
10:30 PM – Arrive in Manila

Overnight Stay

2:00 AM – Depart from Manila
6:00 AM – Arrive in Mariveles
7:00 AM – Breakfast
8:00 AM – Begin Five Fingers Cove tour
1:00 PM – Arrive at Laki Beach
1:15 PM – Lunch
2:00 PM – Beach bumming / Take photos
7:00 PM – Dinner
8:00 PM – Socials
9:00 PM – Lights Out

Day 2

7:00 AM – Wake Up
8:00 AM – Breakfast
9:00 AM – Free time / Swim
11:00 AM – Depart from Laki Beach
12:00 Noon – Arrive in Mariveles
1:00 PM – Lunch
2:00 PM – Depart Mariveles for Manila
6:00 PM – Arrive in Manila

Laki Beach Travel Tips

• Bring your own food and provisions. There are no eateries or carinderias on site. If you’re staying overnight, ensure you have enough food. While there is a source of fresh water, it is not potable. Bring your own bottled water.
• There are no accommodations, so bring a tent for overnight stays.
• Laki Beach is great for disconnecting; cell phone signal is scarce.
• Cottages are available for free use.
• There is no electricity at Laki Beach, so ensure your devices are charged or bring power banks.
• A small sari-sari store is present but has limited items. Bring essential travel items.
• Restroom facilities are basic. Set your expectations accordingly.
• Following the incident in April 2017, Laki Beach has stabilized. For an alternative, Lusong Beach/Cove is recommended, with an entrance fee of Php 100.
• For day tourists in Bataan wanting a Laki Beach adventure, consider staying at nearby hotels.
• For boat reservations to Laki Beach, contact Kuya Tikboy and Ate Melca at 09075946138 / 09971074378. For a hassle-free visit, check out some tour services. Remember, there are no ATMs near the beach, so bring enough cash.

Be Responsible Travelers

Recent feedback indicates that Laki Beach’s beauty has been marred by litter left by visitors. Let’s all practice the Leave No Trace principles. Do not expect beach caretakers to clean up; instead, bring your trash back to the mainland or Manila for proper disposal. Let’s collaborate to preserve the beauty of Laki Beach.

I hope you find this guide and my personal experiences helpful for your trip to Laki Beach. For further inquiries or clarifications, feel free to contact me. I’m eager to assist.

Updates Log
First Published on December 28, 2017
Updated: May 26, 2018 / Updated for 2020 and 2021
Updated for 2024

More Bataan Blog Posts:

• Five Fingers Cove Adventure in Bataan (Day Trip and Itinerary)
• Padyakan sa Bataan
• Top Beach Resorts in Bataan 

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• Masasa Beach Budget DIY Expenses and Itinerary
• Batangas Beach Resorts
• Best Beaches near Manila

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