Tingloy, Batangas: The soft sand and rocky waters of Masasa Beach

I hate to admit it. I have been residing in Batangas for almost two years and it is only now that I got to visit one of its beaches.

In my defense, I am not really a beach bum. Never was and never will be. I hate feeling sticky after a dip in the sea and sweeping away the sand that comes from the beach. Well, that is what I thought until Masasa.

I’ve heard about the growing popularity of the place and I imagined it to be like the White Beach of Puerto Galera with resorts, commercial establishments and hawkers along the beach. Boy, was I wrong! Sometimes I really have to do my research.

Despite the growing number of visitors, Masasa remains undeveloped and that for me that is the allure. It is just a stretch of white sand beach with some boats which could take you island hopping on one end and a single mom and pop store where you can get some noodles and water if you happen to be hungry or thirsty. There would also be balut, iced candy and turon vendors milling around but that is about it.If you want, you can pitch your tent so you have some place to leave your stuff while enjoying the crystal clear waters.

It is unlike Kwebang Lampas in Quezon where you have to be constantly on your guard while swimming so as not to be hit by the incoming outriggers and it’s got none of those giant jellyfish which I saw in Borawan. It does not have the long stretch of white beach that they have in Pagudpod, Ilocos Norte or Bolinao, Pangasinan but I’d say, Masasa is still the best beach I’ve been to in this region with its crystal clear warm water and very fine soft sand. More importantly it is situated in a small, quiet community which turns in early at night. If your intention is to party and go wild, Masasa is not the place to go. It is for those who want to enjoy the water and commune with nature.

Getting there:


1. Take a bus going to Batangas City.

2. From the grand terminal, taje a jeepney bound for Anilao port in Mabini. Fare is 40 pesos.

3. From Anilao port, board a ferry bound for Tingloy. Fare is 80 pesos.

   Note: In Anilao port, tourists have to pay an environmental fee of 30 pesos.

4. Upon reaching Tingloy,  take a trike or walk depending where your homestay is located.

Our itinerary:

Day 1

1. We started off from Lipa at around 7 in the morning. Spent some time at Anilao port market buying our groceries and reached Tingloy at around 10:30.

2. We went straight to our homestay (Mandanas Homestay)  where we got our room organized and had lunch.

3. Took a pedicab to the beach by 1:30. (The pedicab does not drop you right at the beach. A bit of walking is involved.)

The downhill hike ...

Walking past the fields.. 

4. Swam and enjoyed the beach. The only downside to this place is once you step on the water, it is rocky. The soft sand ends at the beach.

Unbelievably clear waters..

Sunset at the beach.

5. Went back home to our homestay in Tingloy. Prepared dinner followed by a few drinks.


Day 2


1.  Woke up at 4 pm. Had coffee.

2. Took an early morning trek to Mag-asawang Bato to view the sunrise. (We paid 100 per person for our guide. Since, we went there very early at dawn, we really did need one.)

View of the sunset at Mag-asawang Bato

3. Was back at the homestay by 9:30.

4. Had brunch and started packing up.

5. Left Tingloy by 12:30 and was in Lipa by 3:30.

What we did not do:

Some things we did not do while in Masasa include island hopping and snorkeling. There are some boatmen by the beach who offer island hopping for around 1500 php. Personally, I am not really keen on the island hopping because it just involves going around the islands but the snorkelling could be something especially that the area is near the Verde Island passage, considered to be the center of marine biodiversity.

Homestays in Tingloy:

1. Mandanas homestay: Message them in Facebook. Once you do they will send you their number. This homestay is located right very close to the port in Tingloy. The owners are very accommodating especially with the use of the kitchen. I definitely recommend the place. The beach is one tricycle ride away from the beach but it is definitely home away from home. The owners are very accommodating and easy to talk to.

2. Kuya Ancing transient house 

This is a 5-minute walk away from the beach. A little up the hill.

3. Kuya Marying's transient house
This is a bit farther than Kuya Ancing's but still pretty close.

4. Pudade's Place
This is the closest to the beach. Maybe 3-minute walk.