Discovering Burot Beach of Calatagan Batangas

Our group had an unexpected trip to this beautiful place in Calatagan, Batangas. Since our group wants a last shot outing for summer, we decided to have a beach trip. Our original plan was a weekend getaway to Laiya Batangas but as per my inquiry to several resorts there, they were all fully booked so we ended up searching for new destination in Batangas and found out about this secluded white sand beach in Calatagan, Batangas known as Burot Beach.

Burot Beach in Calatagan Batangas, formerly known as "Elizalde beach" but now a private property of SM Group of Companies is an undeveloped, unspoiled and peaceful beach. Getting there from Alabang is roughly 3 hours drive passing by Tagaytay and towns of Lian, Balayan and Calatagan Batangas.  It’s still open for public so if you’re planning to visit the place, make it soon before SM totally close the property to construct a Beach resort and Golf Course.

Before going to Burot Beach, you must first get in touch with Mang Cesar (+63915-6028907) the caretaker of this private property that can help you in renting tents and other additional queries.  It’s your choice if you want to stay for just a day tour trip which will cost you 65 pesos only while 120 pesos for an overnight stay. You can also rent a nipa hut (good for 6 to 8), table or tent ranging from 200 to 300 pesos. No need to worry if you are bringing your own vehicle because the whole place is so spacious that you can even park your car beside the nipa hut of your choice and most of all parking is free. Cottages and rooms are not available in the area so if you are planning to have an overnight stay make sure you have your tents with you otherwise you can rent some tents for 300 pesos.  Moreover, there is no electricity in Burot beach but there are available bonfire woods (250 pesos per bundle) that you can use to be your light the whole night.  Two public toilets and two showers are available in the area but with slow flowing faucet. Since Burot beach is now discovered by many, I do hope that management can add more toilet facilities for visitor’s convenience. Also be ready if some fishermen will offer you an island hopping to the nearest sand bar for 40 pesos per head. Too bad it’s already high tide when we got there but still we enjoyed the view and the clear water.

Tent pitching at Burot Beach

View from our rented nipa Hut - Burot Beach

Just a friendly reminder, there is a sari sari store in the area where you can buy some drinks and the like but it’s too pricey so better buy all your needs at Calatagan public market just after Sto. Domingo Church before heading to Burot beach. You may also bring your own food to cook, drinking water, ice box and grilling/cooking equipment to complete your beach bum experience.

Here’s the direction going to Burot Beach in 2 ways:

By private vehicle

1.       From Manila, drive all the way to SLEX (South Luzon Express Way) until you reach the expressway after Alabang junction. Straight ahead and exit to Eton Greenfield. From here you will pass by Nuvali Sta. Rosa and Tagaytay City. Drive all the way to Nasugbu, Batangas until you reach a junction then take the right turn going to Lian. Drive straight ahead.

2.       After passing the CADP (Central Azucarera Don Pedro) Sugar Refinery, take a left at the intersection (Landmarks: Shell and I-Gas Gasoline Stations). Drive ahead to reach Sto. Domingo Church then turn right. You will pass by a public market then turn left in M. Apacible Street. From here you can also ask some tricycle drivers or locals that will pass by for clear directions.  But most likely you will see rough road on your right side that leads to a cemetery and an eco center. Drive straight until you reach a gate with uniformed security guard that will count the number of visitors.

gate going to Burot Beach Calatagan Batangas

By Commute

1.       You can hunt for buses in Starmall Alabang en route Nasugbu Batangas that will pass by Calatagan. You can also found a Bus Terminal located along EDSA near MRT Taft Station (at the back of McDonald's and Sogo Hotel) bound for Calatagan. Travel time is approximately 3 to 4 hours. Don’t forget to ask the conductor to drop you off at Calatagan Market. Then, at Calatagan Market, you can hire a tricycle that will bring you to Burot beach for Php150.00 or Php60.00 per person.

Aside from boasting a cream fine sand and pristine waters, Burot Beach offers a gorgeous view of the sunset.

Burot Beach Sunset

Burot Beach Gorgeous Sunset

Burot Beach Gorgeous Sunset

  

Emo mode haha - Burot Beach Gorgeous Sunset

Burot Beach Gorgeous Sunset

Burot Beach Gorgeous Sunset

Burot Beach Gorgeous Sunset

Burot beach is a newly discovered destination few years ago and is unfamiliar to many that made the place so relaxing and not that crowded. It has creamy white sand, crystal clear water, beautiful rock formations, beautiful sunset and lot of trees which provide shades and cool wind. It’s an ideal place for relaxation and perfect way to end summery days! So, if you're planning to visit a peaceful and relaxing beach destination in Batangas, make it to Burot beach, the soonest!

 

Burot Beach White Island

Starfish in Burot Beach

Burot Beach Calatagan Batangas

Burot Beach

Undeveloped Burot Beach 

Burot Beach 

Burot Beach Calatagan Batangas

View from Sandbar near Burot Beach

Burot Beach

Picturesque cloud formation - Burot Beach

Burot Beach

Burot Beach

Discovering Calaguas Island

It was summer of year 2011 when our group was invited for a vacation by one of my  bestfriend, Rhems in the town of Daet, province of Camarines Norte. Daet is said to be the “gateway to Bicolandia” as it is under the first province that you will pass by once you have entered Bicol Region.

We traveled 10 hours by a service jeepney that includes traffic all the way to Daet. We stayed in Rhems’ Aunt’s house just walking distance the famous Bagasbas beach where surfers really enjoy big waves. While in Bicol, we really enjoyed our stay there as we’ve got bonded with the Madrazo clan, played with dogs, meeting new friends, breathed fresh air, enjoyed the sun & beach, and ate delicious home-made Bicolano dishes especially fresh fish and “sinantol” (ground santol with coconut cream).  It's been quite a while since I've been home to Bicol, my Nanay’s province. I’ve visited Barcelona Sorsogon when I was 18 years old and Nanay go there at least once a year for summer vacation and to visit our farm. I so miss “baylehan”(sayawan) and the bicolano dishes, the province I will not getting tired of coming back.

Bagasbas Beach

During our 2^nd day at Daet, we have decided to visit the famous Calaguas Island. We’ve been hearing about Calaguas Islands long time ago which boasts off white sand and azure waters. From then on, we promised ourselves that whenever had an opportunity to visit Bicol province we will drop by Calaguas Island. Our original plan was to go there on Black Saturday but the patrol boat which is managed by Rhems’ Uncle who worked at the Municipal hall was only available on Good Friday. We have no choice but to proceed with the plan. We dauntlessly conquered the 3 hours bumpy boat ride from Bagasbas beach to Calaguas Island. Honestly it was not an easy ride as we need to be in the middle of the sea for 3 hours while dancing with the big waves once in a while but the beautiful side of it was the breathtaking views of mountains and sea that you will pass by on your way to Calaguas Island. 

On our way to Calaguas

How to get to Calaguas Islands;

Getting there you need to travel 6 to 7 hours by by bus from Manila to Daet and an additional 2 hours boat ride from Paracale or Vinzon Route.  Philtranco or Superlines offers travel from Manila to Daet, they also have direct way to Paracale trips with non air conditioned buses. Alternatively, you can ride Daet bound buses and get off at Talobatib junction then ride another bus for less than an hour to get to Paracale town and then proceed to Paracale fishport by trike. Then ask some local fisherman if they can get you Mahabang Buhangin aka Calaguas Island. They usually charged from 1500 to 3000 pesos depending on the number of person. 

For Vinzon route:

From Daet proper you can catch jeeney to Vinzons and get off at the fishport and look for a boat to Mahabang Buhangin aka Calaguas.

After conquering the 3 hours bumpy boat ride, all our efforts paid off as we finally see the beautiful paradise of Calaguas Island. It was a very peaceful place with oh-so-white sand that shines with the reflection of sun rays. Beach lover will surely enjoy this place as this island is so pure with pristine waters and it’s not that commercialized unlike other beaches in the Philippines.

Beautiful Calaguas Island

Calaguas Island

Calaguas Island

Calaguas Island

Calaguas is a group of islands clustering in the Pacific Ocean off the shores of Camarines Norte.  Among locals, Calaguas is most commonly known as “Mahabang Buhangin” which has one of the finest sand beaches in the country.  Calaguas is definitely a must-visit paradise and because it’s not that commercialized you will not find any hotel or room accommodation but there are cottages in the island that you can rent for day or night stay. However, if you want to spend a night in the island it is required to bring your own tent, water and food.  You will enjoy the serenity of the place with just the white sand, azure waters, calm waves and nature at its best. It's so unwinding hearing the beach waves while walking by the sea shore from end to end and let the fine white sand touches your feet. A very relaxing experience you shouldn't miss.

Pristine white sand of Calaguas Island

Picturesque Calaguas Island 

Calaguas Island

B4LIFE invades Calaguas Island

Calaguas Island

Calaguas Island

Calaguas Island

Locals go fishing at Calaguas Island

Calaguas Island

Shell fossils on rocks Calaguas Island

We really enjoyed our day trip in Calaguas Island, witness to that is our overexposed skin resulting to sunburn hahaha. But it’s all worth it; we’ve got to enjoy the scorching hot sun rays, the beautiful white sand and the clear waters. Calaguas is truly a paradise; one of Philippine’s treasure that needs preservation so next generation will have a chance to embrace this paradise as well.

Paradise Island of Calaguas

Alluring beach and pristine white sand of Calaguas Island

Relaxing view of Calaguas Island

Azure waters of Calaguas Island

A Paradise of Camarines Norte - Calaguas Island