Destinations
Calayo is located in the first class municipality of Nasugbu, and is a place we stumbled across out of the blue. Here is a typical local beach with one difference – hardly any people! We had the entire beach to ourselves for most of the time we were there. This is a real hidden gem and still boggles my mind how after all these years of living here, I can still find beautiful secluded beaches like this, especially one of this size.
There isn’t too much to write about the place as there really isn’t much to do there aside from chill in a hammock with some beer, or go island hopping. This place is well worth even just a day visit from Manila just for the chill factor. The beach itself is a fairly large beach, and if your intention is just to chill out for a day, then this sort of beach is perfect. Make sure you pack the esky with some food and drinks as there aren’t many food and drink options available.However, there is a few sari sari stores in Calayo proper with drinks and pinoy style food options.
Although the sand is not quite golden or white, it is surprisingly clean and free from rocks and sea weed and other debris that is usually washed up with the tide. Also, upon entering the water, there are no rocks or coral so you don’t even need to wear any foot protection. For those that enjoy surfing, or SUPing or even kayaking, there are some epic waves, sometimes up to two metres, that roll in on a consistent basis in nice sets, so for those that enjoy some decent waves, you will certainly like this beach, especially around December.
Further to the northern end of the beach there is a little more action as there is a fishing village there and Calayo town proper, so there are quite a few boats and people along with some pinoy style resorts. This is a good place to buy some fresh fish, squid and clams and depending which resort you are based out, they will even cook it for you.
Although they have some Pinoy style kubos on the beach at Sandy Lum, at the southern end of the beach, which are available to rent overnight, there are plenty of better accommodation options in Punta Fuego, Maya Maya, Terrazas De Punta Fuego and Tali Beach. Refer to my write up about Maya Maya for other activities to do in this sensational area if you were looking to make a weekend out of it. This place is a must visit!
I couldn’t believe it when we arrived at Barangay Calayo and were confronted by this view! Not only is it a beautiful looking beach, there were no people at all!
One of the local fishing boats taking some time out on the beach with some sensational mountains in the background.
A small stream that runs into a lagoon behind the beach. The tide hadn’t come in yet which made for a lovely photo looking back out across the ocean.
Approaching Lorelei Island and a fantastic secluded beach on the southern side of the island. How’s the colour of the water?!
Unfortunately the tide was coming in rather rapidly from the south didn’t allow us to spend too much time on Lorelie Island with the small beach as you can see.
Looking at another beach on Lorelie Island to the west of the beach we were at, Unfortunately, although it had beautiful sand, it was a bit too rocky to dock out boat with the tide pushing in.
Back to the mainland at Barangay Calayo and the peaceful surrounds of a private little beach called Tatlong Bituin (which means Three Stars in English). There was a nominal entrance fee of P25/head payable to the local caretaker on duty.
With the beach facing west, there are some epic sunsets to enjoy. And with such peaceful surrounds, it makes for a great ending to the day.
Costs:
If you hire a beach side kubo at Sandy Lum, which you are able to have overnight, the cost is about P3,000 regardless of how many people and regardless if you only want it for a few hours. The size of the kubo can accommodate a dozen or so people. Closer towards the fishing village, you can get a hut for day hire for P2,000 good for 8-10 people.
If you wanted to go island hopping, some of the local fisherman are more than willing to oblige. We were able to hire a bungka boat for 4 hours for P1500.
Where Is Calayo, Batangas?
Comments
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Matt
Calayo is a beautiful destination. It was my first time visiting here and I will definitely will be back. Beach was beautiful, water crystal clear and the sunset was amazing. Really easy to get to from Manila, takes roughly 2 hours with a car. Looking forward to visiting again.
Dezza
Thanks for the message Matt and I’m glad you enjoyed Calayo. It never ceases to amaze me how many beautiful places there are only a couple of hours drive from Manila and why they aren’t crawling with tourists! There are still plenty more places to explore. Enjoy.
Sam
Calayo beach is great. A surprisingly quick trip from Manila (only 2 hours, probably shorter on a good run). The drive there through the national park gives some great views before you reach the beach. The water is beautiful and clear without a rock or any coral in sight. By far an away the best reason to visit Calayo is the fresh seafood you can buy direct from the fisherman and have grilled up for you at your beach hut. Stick around for the sunset! 10/10. I will be back for sure.
Dezza
Thanks for the comments Sam. Im glad you enjoyed it and your comments about the drive there through the national park highlights one of the reasons that Calayo is a destination of choice. Sunsets are epic as you face westwards and you’re right about the fresh seafood – it doesnt get much better that that! Cheers
Marcus
Great location for the family to swim with nice beach, plenty of shade and quite shallow water. The roads to get there are excellent making it a comfortable trip. Friendly locals added to the experience, interacting with groups of kids swimming as well as the local vendors who were more than happy to assist cooking their goods.
Jason
Great beach not too far from Manila. Also had the locals cook us up some freshly caught seafood which was delicious. Will definetly be going back.
Evan
Followed these directions down to a tee and packed a full esky down to Calayo with friends. Found serenity, ample space and a natural beauty you would want from any beach. The gorgeous sunset just capped off one of the better day trips I have ever experienced just outside of Manila. Would go back in heartbeat, this time with a bigger esky!
Dezza
Thanks for the comment Evan. Its easily a place you could spend a whole weekend at, as opposed to just doing a day trip but the fact its only about a two hour drive from Manila, it just goes to show how many hidden gems there are so close to the concrete jungle of Manila. These places need to be explored!