moisul's travelogue: Masasa Beach... a hidden treasure of Nasugbu

My friends and I initially aspired for Fortune Island in Nasugbu. Upon researching and contacting persons for details we found out that the cost will be too much for 3 or 4 pax. We decided to look for another destination and found a write up of the same blogger on a beach called Masasa in Tingloy, Batangas.

We worked on the details, took note of the Boat schedules and prepared our Itinerary. With 5 pax we headed for Buendia bus terminal and boarded a Batangas bound bus that will alight at Balagtas Grand Terminal. We left the bus station at around 7:45 am and arrived at the terminal at around 9:30 am. Jeepneys were already available at the terminal. We just asked around which one goes to Anilao Port. (Note: There are 2 ports that cater passengers to Barangay Tingloy in Maricaban Island, the Anilao Port and Talaga Port. The latter has a much earlier schedule so it's still best to choose Anilao Port).

The Anilao-Tingloy public boat reminded me of the boats in Batangas Port bounded to Puerto Galera. It was big and can carry up to a hundred or more passengers. We left Anilao Port at around 10 am and after less than an hour we arrived at Tingloy Port.

Kat at Tingloy Port

The author at Tingloy Port

Anilao -Tingloy Ferry Boat

tricycle terminal at the port

Tricycles were already available at the port to carry us to Masasa Beach jump off. We had to pass by a carinderia to buy our take out lunch. At the jump off we prepared for the 10 min trek down and through the rice fields. It was noon already but the heat did not spoil our spirits and off we went down to the beach.

As soon as we arrived at the beach area we surveyed for a good camping spot but since a lot of people arrived earlier than us most of the good spots (especially the cave spots) were occupied. We settled in an area were there were trees to give us some shades. We cleaned the spot and set up our tents. Ate our lunch and headed to the beach.

our campsite with twin tents

our take out lunch

After our photo ops, we prepared our dinner. Since we need to catch the last schedule of the boat to Anilao Port we decided to wash up that night. We trekked a little to get to the water source. A well was waiting there beside some houses. They prohibit bathing near the water source so we had to do our baths a few feet away. It was also the source of their drinking water.

of course we also tried the underwater shots :)

The next day we woke up at around 5 am, enough to have some breakfast, packed up our tents and went on another round of photo ops. We allotted an hour just to catch up with some pictures (as if we did not have enough hehe) .

10 mins trek through a rice fields

We were just in time for the 8 AM boat. We were actually the last passengers for the 8 AM boat. The last trip was 9 AM. We chose to stay at the back of the boat. It was standing ovation but worth it. We passed by some islands and the blue sky and sea were amazingly beautiful. We did not mind standing all through out the ride because we were so busy taking pictures.

At Anilao Port we found out that there was no direct trip back to Grand Terminal, but manong trike driver said that he will drop us at the Diversion and from there we can ride a jeep going to the Batangas Terminal. At the Diversion, a tricycle took us to the terminal which was just 5 mins away and at 10 pesos each. It was far if you will decide to walk. The terminal offers a lot of buses going to the usual routes of Alabang and Cubao.

Masasa Beach feedback:

The sand was powdery white. The water was so clear and not that deep which reminds me of Cagbalete Island. There were lots of rock formations. It has a long stretch of beach. One side had the coconut trees alongside concrete wall. We did not camp there even though there were still few spaces because the picture background will be the wall and we feared of getting hit by coconuts. The other side was where the caves and rock formations reside.

The beach itself was clean but the shore unfortunately had a lot of garbage from probably years of camping and picnicking in the area. Sadly the community was not aware of the big potential the island has. It's a public beach but I still wish that the Barangay will be involved enough in preserving the area. An entrance or registration fee of small amount will not hurt the tourists. Actually we saw some locals from nearby island/place to be the ones leaving all kinds of trash. As outdoor enthusiasts we live by the LNT principle...Leave No Trace... but we cannot impose this to local residents, all we can do was to carry all trash that we can and set as a good example.