Calatagan Beacheneering

Calatagan Beach

by Mark Anthony "Maj" Villacorta

Batangas

How to get there?

Ride a van at the back of McDonald's near Metro Point Mall, the terminal used to be located at the basement parking of the said mall then later moved to a more spacious and well ventilated open terminal. Van fare is Php180 each, Upon reaching ''bayan'' in the church near petron, one can ride the trike going to the beach at Php40 each. It can accommodate 3-4pax depending on the luggage at hand.

Travel time from Taft Ave to Calatagan town proper is around 3hours and trike to the resort varies from 15-25mins.

The Beach

The Beach is pristine with its crystal; clear waters, you can go snorkeling and see colorful fishes in less than 6ft of water.

Depending on the negotiation with the caretaker, the entrance fee for an overnighter is around Php170-200 per person. Maybe less of the same for a 1day stay only. Parking is free and is big enough to house a couple of cars, not sure tho’ if the other resorts can easily accommodate a bus.

At low tide, you can walk for a few meters and you get only a few inches of water, the sea bed is exposed here and you can look (only Look!) at the live corals, plant life and trapped fish in the more deeper pools. A documentary from a popular TV network featured  locals catching live fish for aquariums without venturing out in the open sea. So you would imagination the amount of underwater wildlife you can see when you go swimming here.

Starfish are plenty here, mostly brown-silver colored ones and an occasional blue colored starfish.

There are also a few sea urchins here so be careful on what you step on, the ones we have came in contact this summer was the small one (seen below) and then there are times that the black type with its long needles are abundant.

Where to Stay?

My friend who is a resident there told us that one can visit this place,  Caisip compound, playa Calatagan, Burot for your lodging needs, altho' I have not gone to this place nor have checked it out

We usually make do by erecting tents. A Campsite which is in the vicinity of a resort which has running water (showers/bathroom) and ample lighting plus you can charge your batteries here with no excess charges.

Other Photos you might  enjoy..

 You can visit also the Lighthouse located a few meters away from the beach, arrange transportation via trike (Php40 each)