Masasa Beach has recently caught the attention of beach lovers who are on the lookout for new destinations as it created a buzz on social media due to its proximity and accessibility from Metro Manila.

At least three hours away from Metropolis, Masasa Beach is situated in Tingloy, an island municipality of Batangas, just off the coast of Anilao. It is approximately two-kilometer stretch of cream sand beach on a gently sloping seabed reflecting a beautiful turquoise color at broad daylight. Its surrounding waters is teeming with rich and vivid marine life ideal for snorkeling, free diving or scuba diving.

More than Masasa Beach, Tingloy’s other attractions are the hidden coves and beaches around the island as well as its peak known as Mag-Asawang Bato which can be reached on a two-hour trek from the beach.

Masasa Beach may fall short to the caliber of Boracay, Calaguas or El Nido but its accessibility and affordability are its charm. For those in Metro Manila and Southern Tagalog, it is a good alternative for those who wish to escape for the sand, sea, sun and more!

How to Get to Masasa Beach

To get to Masasa Beach from Manila via public transport:

1. Catch a Batangas City bound bus in Buendia, Cubao or Alabang (Jam Liner, JAC, Alps, Tritran, etc), fare ranges from P140 to P160 and travel time is at least 1.5 hours during off-peak hours. Buses bound to Batangas City leave almost every hour, 24 hours a day. Avoid Batangas City via Lipa as travel time takes longer.
2. Get off at Batangas City Bus Terminal and transfer to a Mabini bound jeep to take you to Anilao Port, fare is P40 per pax and travel time is around 45 minutes. Note that during habagat season, boats to Tingloy depart from Talaga Port which is accessible by tricycle from Anilao Port
3. At Anilao Port, catch a boat to Tingloy. Boat leaves as early as 7AM and as late as 430PM during peak season. Fare is P80 per pax and travel time is at least 45 minutes. Alternatively, you may charter a boat from Anilao Port to Tingloy or even direct to Masasa Beach, normal rate is P2,500 one-way (P4,500 round-trip) for a boat that can fit up to 20 people. Smaller boats for maximum of four people charges P500 one-way.
4. If your boat docks at Tingloy Poblacion, take a tricycle to Masasa Beach. Fare is P60 per trike or P20 per person, travel time is 10 minutes. If you dock at Pondohan or Masasa, you can just walk to the beach.

Going Around and Away

Primary mode of transportation in the island is tricycle, minimum fare is P10 per pax. But to best experience Tingloy and nearby islands, you may charter a boat starting at P1,500 for maximum of 4 passengers.

Where to Stay in Tingloy and Anilao

Accommodations in Tingloy are pretty basic, usually homestays, cottages and huts starting at P300 per person per night. Overnight camping along the beach is prohibited but you can pitch a tent at day time. You may bring your own tent or you may rent in Masasa Beach, a lot of locals offer tent for rent starting at P200 for day use of tent good for two persons.

Accommodations in Masasa Beach and Tingloy

Carmen and Ruben’s Transient House
Masasa Beach, San Juan, Tingloy, Batangas
Contact Number: +63975 715 7232
Rate starts at P300 per person

Tita Precy Kubo
Masasa Beach, San Juan, Tingloy, Batangas
Contact Numbers: +6399498363279 | +639301860200
Rate starts at P300 per person

Tita Benie Transient
Masasa Beach, San Juan, Tingloy, Batangas
Contact Numbers: +639217560110 | +639273740754
Rate starts at P300 per person

Nanay Rosie Transient
Masasa Beach, San Juan, Tingloy, Batangas
Contact Numbers: +639196864368 | +639959863780
Rate starts at P300 per person

RNV Transient House
San Juan, Tingloy, Batangas
Contact Numbers: +639357385701 | +639506868480
Rate starts at P300 per person

Tre Bale Vista Inn
Poblacion, Tingloy, Batangas
Contact Number: +63917-9221088
Rate starts at P300 per person

Mandanas Homestay
Poblacion, Tingloy, Batangas
Contact Number: +63917-8255513
Rate starts at P300 per person

Alternatively, you may stay in the hotels and dive resorts in Anilao which offer better facilities.

Recommended/Highly Rated Accommodations in Anilao

Activities in Tingloy and Anilao

• Swim in Masasa Beach
• Beach and island hopping in Sepoc Point, Oscar Island and Sombrero Island (Entrance fee at Sombrero Island is P200 per person) – Island Hopping Rate: P1,500 per boat good for 4 person
• Swimming, snorkeling, cliff jumping and free diving
• Scuba Diving (based in Anilao)
• Trek to Mount Mag-asawang Bato, guide fee is P100 per person minimum of two
• Sunset watching
• Water sports: Floating Island and Banana Boat Ride
• Trek Mt. Gulugod Baboy in Anilao

Sample Itinerary in Masasa Beach (Day Tour)

0400H – 0530H: Buendia to Batangas Grand Terminal (P157  | 1.5 hours)
0600H – 0645H: Batangas Grand Terminal to Anilao Port (P40 | 45 minutes)
0700H – 0800H: Anilao Port to Tingloy (P80 boat + P100 environmental fee | 45 minutes)
0800H – 1400H: Free Time in Tingloy: Trike to Masasa Beach, Island Hopping
1430H – 1530H: Tingloy to Anilao (P80 boat| 1 hour)
1545H – 1630H: Anilao to Batangas (P40 | 45 minutes)
1445H – 1645H: Batangas Grand Terminal to Buendia (P157  |2 hours)

Budget: At least P700 for a day trip

Breakdown of Expenses

Tips

• Best time to go is from October to June.
• Mobile signal is available in the island.
• Electricity is available but limited.
• Bring cash, no establishment accepts credit card or travelers cheque.
• Avoid weekend! Masasa Beach is crowded during weekend.
• Public boat from Anilao to Tingloy departs as early as 7AM to as late as 430PM during peak season.
• Return trip from Tingloy to Anilao starts as early as 6AM and as late as 230PM
• You can do it as a day trip from Metro Manila or Southern Tagalog.
• You can trek to the summit of Mount Mag-Asawang Bato, the highest point in Tingloy Island. Guide fee is P100/person (minimum of two), at least 1.5 hours of trekking going up.

*First published: 28-Jun-2017 | Updates: 7-Feb-2018; 9-May-2018; 24-Jul-2019