Masasa Beach Budget DIY Expenses and Itinerary

More than a decade ago, I traveled to Tingloy Island and Masasa beach in Batangas with some college friends for our school project. We were about to produce a Travel Show, and since a friend knows someone from the island, we decided to shoot there.

I haven’t heard of Tingloy at that time. I was just a student then, and I didn’t have any idea that one day I would be a Travel blogger hahaha After further research, I learned that Tingloy is an island municipality of Batangas. The only town that is separated from the mainland.

I could still remember the exact feeling when I first set foot on the island. Tingloy has a unique charm, it has a vibe that is welcoming. Locals are very nice. We interviewed some students and took some videos of the beautiful spots on the island. Until one local told us, that we should go to the beach.

Well, after an entire day of working on the project, it would be nice to relax, and we could actually take some shots of the beach as an added videos for our supposed “Travel Show” Hahaha!

We hiked for about an hour, passing through some lush forest, hills and some rice fields until we reached the beach.

Imagine we were just students then we seldom see a shore or an ocean except for Manila Bay and then we were welcomed by this beautiful, unspoiled beach. I remember the sand was white and the water was crystal clear. It was so inviting, we literally ran towards the beach. Oh, we were just kids then. Hahaha!

It was so beautiful, we got intrigued and asked if the beach has a name or what they call it, a local who became our guide said, It’s Masasa.

“Ah Masasa.” We replied.

Masasa Beach during my recent travel to Tingloy.

After many years, Masasa has become a tourist destination. Many travelers and weekend warriors spend their weekends to this island beach to escape the stress of work and city life. I’ve been reading a lot of blog posts and social media posts about Masasa and every time I see one it seems like a lot of memories are coming back. I realized that Tingloy has become a part of my student life, that I would want to go back.

Until recently, Eloi (my girlfriend) and I, traveled back to the island the DIY style. By the way, Eloi was my group mate for the project when we first traveled to Tingloy. Revisiting Masasa and the island is extremely special to both of us. Yihiii! Hahaha!

HOW TO GET TO MASASA BEACH DIY

1. Ride a bus going to Grand Terminal, Batangas City

Early morning we went to Jam Transit bus terminal in Cubao for a 4AM trip to Grand  Terminal, Batangas. Fare is Php 165.

If you’re coming from Buendia Terminal, it’s Php 157 each. While, if you decided to ride the bus from Alabang, the fare is Php 127.

Choose the bus with the sign CALABARZON on it, because the travel time will be faster because it will not pass through some towns like Tanauan, Lipa, etc. Travel time can be as fast as 2 hours, especially if it’s an early morning trip.

2. From Batangas Grand Terminal, ride a jeepney going to Talaga Port in Mabini

It was about past 6 AM when we arrived at the Grand Terminal, we just asked some people there for the jeepneys going to Talaga port. We were directed to some jeepneys parked at the back of the comfort room, passing through some carinderia and eateries.

We were the first passengers in an empty jeepney, we waited for a few minutes until we traveled bound to Talaga Port. Fare is Php 37 each. Travel time is about an hour.

3. From Talaga Port, ride the public boat going to Tingloy (Masasa).

Talaga Port or Anilao port in the town of Mabini is actually a market where you could buy some food and ingredients that you need to bring to the island. You have to pay Php 30 for the environmental fee going to Tingloy.

The boats there can either dock at the Tingloy main port or at Masasa. So if you already have a transient house to stay, just tell them the name of the transient house and they will tell you if your drop off point is in Tingloy main port or Masasa. Boat schedule is not that fixed, so be sure to be there at the port in the morning but there are enough boats. The latest update is the last trip is until 2:30 PM.

Fare is Php 80 for the Tingloy main port and Php 100 if you’re going directly to Masasa. Our transient house is just near the Masasa beach so we got off at Masasa. That’s 100 pesos for us each.

TRAVEL TIP 1: There are basic necessities available on the island. You can actually buy bottled water there, so you don’t need to bring gallons of drinking water from the mainland to Tingloy. That’s too much inconvenience for you. Just bring small bottles enough to quench your thirst during travel. After that, you can buy bottled water on the island. If you’re lucky your transient house can even provide you free drinking water.

We arrived at about 10 am at the Masasa port. It’s actually a small port near the Barangay Hall of San Juan. Just a walking distance going to Masasa Beach.

WHERE WE STAYED IN MASASA BEACH, TINGLOY?

A few meters before arriving at the port near Masasa, I already spotted our transient house. It’s the one I contacted a few days ago to book a room.

How did I immediately recognize the house?

Because it is located on top of a hill, with a spectacular view of the sea. This is RNV House Transient. Aside from the good location of the house which is about 10 minutes’ walk to the beach, the owner Ate Neneth and her kids were so nice, making us feel like we were staying with a relative. 

We were the only guests at that time. Why? Because Ate Neneth had to decline other guests for that day because their entire clan was busy for their fiesta celebration! Oh yes, we were so lucky hahaha to visit Tingloy, and witness the town as they celebrate this festivity. Ate Neneth’s eldest daughter was the crowned queen of the barangay. And it’s so nice of them that they invited us to eat for dinner. Yes, nakikain kami sa handa nila. Hahaha!

READ: Fiesta in Masasa: When our transient house owner fed us with good food 

Welcome to RNV House Transient

CLICK HERE TO SEARCH FOR HOTELS ON YOUR NEXT TRIP!

Aside from exploring Masasa beach, our stay at RNV House was very memorable and special. We were able to witness how the entire family prepared for the gown and makeup of their queen. As well as how they all helped one another to cook and prepare their delicious handa (food). If you’re looking for a place to stay, I highly recommend Ate Neneth’s RNV House Transient. They’re really nice and accommodating. 🙂 Their contact numbers are 09957003071 and 09494656688.

It’s only Php 300 pesos per person for groups. If you want to go for a separate room especially for couples, it’s Php 1000 per night for a fan room. For the aircon room, it’s Php 1,500. There are times that RNV gets full, but don’t worry there are a lot of transient houses, resorts, accommodation, and homestay in Masasa. 

TRAVEL TIP 2: It is no longer allowed to spend overnight through tents at Masasa Beach. This is after a series of unfortunate events happened like robbery and some travelers caught doing some unlikeable things. Hahaha! The local government is imposing all travelers to stay at Transient Houses. It’s also for our security and protection. Travelers can pitch a tent at the beach until 7 PM only. Please be reminded that there are no hotels, you know the usual hotel establishment on the island.

EXPLORING MASASA BEACH

It’s just a 10-minute walk from RNV House going to Masasa Beach. Actually, Ate Neneth is offering a free boat ride to her guests going to Masasa beach for those who don’t want to be exposed under the heat of the sun. (Huh?) In short sa mga pabebe. Hahaha!

We opted to walk to feel the vibe and experience the town first hand. Just a few meters of walking on the road, we spotted a vendor of halo-halo. So we decided to rest first and chill while eating the dessert. We were refreshed before we take on the walk.

Before we reach the long main beach of Masasa, we were able to pass by some hidden small beaches tucked between rock formations. These are truly gems of Masasa that you need to explore. Masasa is more than the long main beach. It was also a chance for us to take some photos. We truly enjoyed it.

Before we reach the main beach, we saw this huge rock formation with cemented stairs going up. You know what happened next we climbed and reached the top. Then we rest for a while to enjoy the view. Please be careful while climbing, okay? The stairs are narrow and the wind can sometimes be strong enough for you to lose balance.

CLICK HERE TO SEARCH FOR HOTELS ON YOUR NEXT TRIP!

The main beach brought back a lot of memories of my first travel. The cave on the side and the long stretch of sand. We were so lucky to visit Masasa on a Friday, very minimal tourists. It was like we owned the beach when we decided to swim.

The cool and clear water was just perfect to ease the heat of the sun. The place was so peaceful, the only thing we could hear was the sound of the crow (uwak).

TRAVEL TIP 3: Going to Masasa on a weekend is good. But if you can arrange it, please visit the place on a Friday or a weekday, for you to fully enjoy the beach. Less crowd.

THINGS TO DO IN MASASA BEACH

1. Go Island Hopping – There are boatmen who offer island hopping activities for tourists, you can avail it through your transient house. Some of the islands to explore are Sepoc Island, Sombrero Island, Gulugod Baboy and Oscar Island. Standard Rate is Php 1,500 for a group of four. Please coordinate with your transient house.

   2.  Snorkeling – The place surrounding Tingloy island is rich in marine biodiversity. It is a worthwhile activity to snorkel while you’re in Tingloy. Snorkeling is part of the island hopping tour.

 3.  Free Dive – Masasa has rich marine life and perfect for freedivers.

  4.  Hiking – At the Masasa beach, you can see the hill there that is free for everyone to hike. This is good for beginners. One of the popular hiking spots there is a rock formation that they call Mag-asawang Bato.

BUDGET BREAKDOWN

This is our budget on our trip to Masasa per person.

This budget is for couples.

It is much cheaper when you’re with a group because the rate for transient houses is just Php 300 per person for a group. Since we’re a couple, we decided to have a separate room which is Php 1,000 per night (that’s 500 pesos each).

I admit that we overspent on food like buying halo-halo, kikiam, coke, water, etc hahaha Considering we got free dinner from Ate Neneth because it was fiesta! But If you’re with a group or barkada and you’ll contribute everything especially for food, you can explore Masasa for only 1,000 pesos each ALL IN! Yes, that’s sulit weekend getaway for you! 🙂 Now who says traveling is expensive? Hahaha! Remember you can buy ingredients and rice beforehand and cook it at your transient house without an additional fee. Hope you liked this review!

MASASA BEACH ITINERARY 2D1N

DAY 1
4:00 AM – ETD at Jam Bus Terminal in Cubao
7:00 AM – ETA Batangas Grand Terminal
7:30 AM – ETD Going to Talaga Port in Mabini
8:30 AM – ETA in Talaga Port
9:00 AM – Breakfast and buy supplies
10:00 AM – ETD Boat going to Tingloy
11:00 AM – Check in to Transient House
11:30 AM – Hit the beach. Swim at Masasa, Take Pictures
(you can opt to also do the island hopping during this time)
5:30 PM – Back to Transient House
7:30 PM – Dinner
8:00 PM – Drinks. Socials. Chill

DAY 2
8:00 AM – Wake up
9:00 AM – Check out. Go to the port
10:00 AM – ETD going to Talaga Port
(Note: According to locals, the last trip is 1:30 PM but better be early)
11:00 AM – ETA at Talaga Port
12:00 N –  ETA Grand Terminal
12:30 PM – Bus going back to Manila

WHERE TO STAY IN MASASA?

Aside from RNV House, there are a lot of options for beach resort accommodation, homestay, transient house or even room for rent in Masasa, Here are some of it. Just contact and talk to them and choose what’s the best accommodation for you.

1. Nanay Rosie ’s Kubo – Contact Number 09196864368 – The kubo style of accommodation near the beach and I heard Nanay Rosie is really warm and accommodating. My sister stayed here when she and her friends visited Masasa.
2. Teacher Benny’s Transient Home – Contact numbers: 09178048427 and 09997762755
3. Homey Comfy Transient House – Contact Details 09057764903
4. Carmen & Ruben Transient House – Contact Details 09265224463 and 09757157232
5. Tatay Vivin Transient Homes – Contact Number 09264123655
6. Fhe Salazar Transient Kubo – Contact Numbers 09357385701 and 09506868480
7. Teacher Mafe’s Transient Home – Contact number: 09178310651
8. Tita Precy Kubo – Contact Numbers 09498363279 and 09301860200
9. Nueva Point Guest House – Contact Numbers: 09277111701 and 0985447155
10. D Mariners Masasa Beach – Contact Number 09279722679
11. DMC Transient House – Contact Numbers 09052240792 and 09753143945
12. Tita Precy Masasa Beach – Contact Numbers 09498363279 and 09301860200

STAY IN ANILAO, THEN SIDETRIP TO MASASA

To those who are staying in Anilao for a vacation or for diving, a side trip to Masasa is a worthwhile experience for a day tour. You may coordinate with your resort to arrange the boat rental. It’s usually Php 4,500 for 10 persons. Here are some of the resorts in Anilao which are near Masasa.

EAGLE POINT BEACH AND DIVE RESORT
Barrio Bagalangit, Mabini, Batangas
Book a Stay at Eagle Point Dive Resort

PLANET DIVE
San Teodoro, Mabini, BatangasBook a Stay at Planet Dive

CHARTER A BOAT FROM TALAGA  PORT TO MASASA

If you want to just have a day trip to Masasa beach, you can rent a boat to the island, the hassle-free way.

From Talaga port, there are boats for rent for a day trip to Masasa. Ask around the port and you will be directed to the boatmen. This is usually the option of those who just want a day trip to Masasa and then spend the rest of their vacation in mainland Batangas. Most tourists who have a place to stay in Mabini and nearby towns choose this option.

The standard rate is Php 4,500 for a day tour for 10 persons. Aside from Masasa you can also do a sidetrip to Sombrero island for additional Php 200 entrance and the nearby islands.

MASASA SIDETRIPS

Aside from the beauty of Masasa Beach in Tingloy, Batangas, you can also enjoy some other spots and activities while enjoying the island life. This can be a hike or dive – you choose.

• Hike Mt. Gulugod Baboy – Surprisingly Mt. Gulugod Baboy is just a short boat ride away from Masasa. There are some organized group tours and travels that offer a hike to Mt. Gulugod Baboy and then side trip in Masasa in the afternoon. I have already hiked Mt. Gulugod Baboy, so I can say that it is a worthy experience. It would be cool to experience the beauty of Masasa after a tiring climb.
• Manta Ray Dive Wing Experience – There’s a new exciting activity in Batangas! You can avail of this activity at the Sicilian Reef Dive Resort. Book a stay at Sicilian Reef Dive Resort and contact them directly to avail of this activity.
• Diving – Of course, Anilao is a popular diving spot with one of the best underwater experiences with rich marine life. Those who experience this and stay in a resort in Anilao can also visit Masasa by boat.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS AND TIPS

1. Please don’t leave trash on the beach and in any parts of Tingloy. We’ve seen some garbage in some parts of the beach, something that made us really sad. Most were bottles of brandy and beer! So meaning these are trash of tourists. We’ve talked about this with Ate Neneth and she said that they are doing their best to keep Masasa clean by doing coastal clean up twice a week in cooperation with boatmen and transient owners. They are aware that they should protect Masasa because it’s the main reason why they have tourists, so they are also appealing to travelers to be responsible.
2.  Electricity is only until 12 midnight. So be sure you have your powerbanks with you and your gadgets fully charged. If you’re staying with a Transient House that has a generator, you can enjoy longer electricity.
3. Trips from Talaga port going to Tingloy are usually in the morning until 9 to 10 AM depending on the influx of passengers. So just to make sure that you’ll catch the public boat, be there early.
4. There are times when tourists in Anilao would rent a boat and do a quick visit at Masasa Beach. If you want this option, there are a lot of resorts in Anilao.

FINAL WORDS

It was a nice feeling to see Masasa once again after so many years. It felt that the place looks the same at first, but when I looked intently I realized that it’s not. It has changed in some ways. There are some garbage in some parts of the beach. There are also some annoying huge placards of an Attorney shouting to the world to back off it’s their property. Hahaha!

You can’t avoid changes but we can definitely do something about the garbage. Let’s all be responsible, and take the Leave No Trace principle seriously. With all the efforts of the locals, there is still hope and for us travelers, let’s all do our part. 

Masasa Beach Map

[ READ: Best Beach Resorts in Batangas ]

Masasa Beach Weather

Check the weather in Masasa through the Accuweather website. Click here.

*PS: First published on June 25, 2017
Updated on April 6, 2018/ Updated for 2020

More Batangas Blog Posts:

• Batangas to Caticlan by Ferry
• How to get to Masasa Beach in Tingloy, Batangas
• Mt. Talamitam in Batangas
• Mt. Gulugod Baboy in Batangas
• Batangas to Puerto Galera by ferry
• Batangas to Calapan by ferry
• Starlite Ferries: Batangas to Roxas City 
• Best Beaches near Manila

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