When in Laiya San Juan Batangas

So, you're planning to visit Laiya out of the blue huh? Don't fret! I'm giving you a clue on what to expect there.

Where to Stay in Laiya, Batangas?

There are many beach resorts along Laiya shorelines. From posh to budget inns, Laiya has surely something to offer you. Having said that, going to Laiya without prior hotel booking even on a holiday will not be a problem. During our spur-of-the-moment trip there last Chinese New Year, we stayed at a budget room in Caravana Manor, a resort found inside the premises of Kabayan Hotel Resort. Our room is originally good for five people but since only the three of us will be using the room, the caretaker charged us 2000 pesos instead of the 4500 usual rate. The room is quite cozy. It has its own bathroom, air-condition and refrigerator. There's a complete set of utensils in the room as well. So, it’s really advisable if you bring your own food. Cooking is also allowed outside the room and is free of charge. As for parking, we were able to park our car under a tree just a few steps away from our room.

For guests arriving at night time just like we did, some inns and hotels may not entertain you for security purposes. Don't be afraid if you see men on the sides of the highway. Apparently, they are fixers who can introduce you to hotels or resorts where you can spend the night. Are they legit? I don't know. From what I saw, they will just accompany you to your preferred villa, hotel or inn. Then, you'll be the one to talk  and bargain with the hotel staff.  Perhaps, they receive commission from their referral. But if you're the cautious type, it's best to scout the hotels yourself especially if you brought your own car.

Laiya White Cove Beach Resort: A New Resort in Laiya

Where to Eat?

As I noted above, it will be nice if you can bring or make your own food when in Laiya as most resorts there have cooking facilities that you can utilize. But, for happy-go-lucky travelers like us who just go with the flow of our adrenalines, Kabayan’s resort restaurant is probably the best option. The food is just okay as well as their prices. Well, except for their barbecue that costs 125 Pesos per stick. Yes, you read that right. Per stick! The stick is actually longer than the typical BBQ stick you can buy on the streets plus the barbecue is amazing. So, I guess there’s some justice to your 125 bucks. The food choices in Kabayan is limited though. There's also a convenience store nearby where you can buy stuff.

Kabayan Resort view from the beach

What to do?

Swimming of course! The water is refreshing. Read my personal comment about Laiya's seawater here. But if you want to do other water activities than swimming. You may rent a Kayak boat for about 300 pesos per hour, ride a Banana Boat or stroll around with a jetski. There's also an island hopping package that we didn't avail unfortunately for 1500 pesos. 

Till next mermaids and mermen!

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Holiday Weekend at Laiya Beach San Juan, Batangas

It was a long weekend last week because of the Chinese New Year celebration so my family and I decided to go for some driving to the beach. The trip was really a last minute decision. We were in a baptism that Sunday morning for Pete’s sake! But, papa bear is so persistent which I’m thankful for by the way because my tail is dying to meet some beach water.

Laiya is a coastal barangay in the town of San Juan, Batangas. It takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to get there from Manila. We arrive at the vicinity around 7PM (told ya we were in baptism/christening reception earlier).

Laiya Beach San Juan, Batangas

The Seashore and the Sands

Laiya’s seashore is not the typical long-stretch shorelines. Its shorelines form several slight arches which somehow calm down the waves that hit the shores. In your first steps to the sea water, you will notice that the sands are a little bit pebbly. As you go farther from the seashore, the pebbles disappear as well and are then replaced by fine grey sand. Although, I must say that you must watch out for stones in the middle part as you might get surprised if you step on one.

I guess the gloomy weather is on our favor. We can swim for hours without worrying about the sun!

The Water

Laiya beach has shallow waters. You can go several meters away from the shores and still enjoy the water at chest-deep. This is specially the case during low tides. For those who have sea-phobia, there’s no need to be afraid. The waves are manageable. Not too gentle like that of a swimming pool but not so strong as well that will make you want to bring your surfing board.  At the onset, the water may look murky at the shores because of the waves. But as soon as the water calm down, you will realize that the waters are clear, as you can see your toes underneath.  

As for the water, the seawater in Laiya is less salty compared to that of other beaches that I have been to.  This is probably brought by the freshwater (there’s a river nearby) that flows into the sea. The water did not also irritate my skin or caused them to be itchy. I believe this was attributed again by the freshwater that blends into the salt water. But again, this is my own take on the water, okay? I just don’t know with others who may have more sensitive skins.

I wish we stayed longer at Laiya but we have to be back to Manila in the afternon. I’ll be back there, I promise.

Till next mermaids and mermen!

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