Matabungkay Beach

Matabungkay Beach, Batangas

Matabungkay is a popular beach destination in Lian, Batangas, around three hours’ drive from Metro Manila. It’s been attracting visitors for decades, particularly families and groups looking for a relaxing weekend by the sea.

I’ve been to Matabungkay about three times, with my first visit dating back to around 2004. It’s a nice place, with relatively white sand, clean water and generally calm swimming conditions. It’s not somewhere I’ve visited regularly, but I’ve always enjoyed my time there.

What I like about Matabungkay is that you don’t really need to do much. Find yourself a decent resort, spend some time on the beach, have a swim and just chill out.

Best Time to Visit Matabungkay

I’d recommend January to April, when you’re generally more likely to get sunny weather, calmer seas and good conditions for swimming.

From June to October, the southwest monsoon brings more rain, and beach conditions can be less predictable.

I visited with my daughters in July 2023, and it rained heavily on the drive there but cleared up within 24 hours.

Things to Do in Matabungkay

For me, Matabungkay is more about relaxing than ticking off a long list of attractions. There are a few things worth doing, though.

Enjoy the beach: Relax on the sand, go swimming or simply enjoy the coastal scenery.
Hire a floating bamboo raft: Matabungkay is famous for its traditional balsas, where you can relax and eat out on the water.
Try some water activities: Depending on the weather and resort, boating and other water activities may be available.
Spend time at your resort: Many have swimming pools, gardens and recreational facilities.
Explore nearby Calatagan: Another coastal area worth visiting if you’ve got extra time.

I’ve never hired one of the floating bamboo rafts myself. On my visits, I’ve been quite happy swimming, sitting on the beach and enjoying the resort facilities.

My Experience at Matabungkay

My first visit was around 2004, when I went down with work colleagues for what I remember being a company Christmas outing. We stayed at Coral Beach Club, which was already a well-established property back then.

I also remember playing golf at Calatagan during that trip.

My most recent visit was in July 2023, when I went with my daughters and stayed at Matabungkay Beach Hotel.

Despite the miserable weather when we arrived, we had a really enjoyable couple of days. We spent most of our time swimming, sitting on the beach, talking and just relaxing.

The beach itself is quite nice. The sand is relatively white, the water was clean on my visits and the swimming conditions were pleasant. It’s also fairly sheltered compared with some of the more exposed beaches around the Philippines.

Matabungkay can get a little crowded, particularly during busy periods, although I’ve generally found it to be a pretty relaxed place.

There’s nothing particularly spectacular that stands out from my visits, either good or bad. It’s simply somewhere I’ve enjoyed spending time, and I’d happily go back.

How Many Days Do You Need?

I’d recommend one or two nights, depending on how much time you’ve got.

You could visit Matabungkay as a day trip from Manila, although personally, I think that’s a lot of driving for a few hours on the beach.

An overnight stay gives you time to relax without rushing, while two nights is ideal if you want a proper break.

Where to Stay in Matabungkay

There are plenty of accommodation options around Matabungkay, from smaller local resorts to larger beachfront properties.

I’d recommend staying somewhere with direct beach access and a decent swimming pool, particularly if you’re visiting during the wet season.

Where I’ve Stayed

Coral Beach Club

I stayed here around 2004 during a company outing. It’s one of Matabungkay’s longstanding resorts and was already well established when I first visited. From what I understand, it has Australian ownership connections.

Matabungkay Beach Hotel

I stayed here with my daughters in July 2023. It’s a big property with different accommodation areas, plenty of greenery, swimming pools and recreational facilities.

I particularly liked the spacious grounds, including a section that felt almost like a little forest. The pool was good, the beach was enjoyable and the food and cocktails were decent. I’d happily stay here again.

How to Get to Matabungkay

Matabungkay is in Lian, Batangas, approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours from Metro Manila by car, depending on traffic and your departure point.

By private car: From Manila, take SLEX and CALAX towards Santa Rosa, continue through Tagaytay towards Nasugbu, then follow the road through Lian to Matabungkay. This is one of the main routes recommended by local resorts.

By public transport: From PITX in Parañaque or the DLTB terminal in Pasay, take a bus towards Nasugbu via Lian. Get off in Lian town, then take a jeepney from the public market towards Matabungkay. A tricycle may be needed for the final stretch to your resort. Allow around 3 to 4 hours or more for the journey.

By private van: If you’re travelling with family or a group, hiring a van with a driver is worth considering. Confirm whether fuel, tolls and driver expenses are included, then split the cost between everyone.

Good to Know Before You Go

Matabungkay gets busy on weekends and holidays, so book your accommodation ahead.
The beach is generally suitable for swimming, although conditions depend on the weather.
Floating bamboo rafts are popular, so agree on the rental price beforehand.
Some resorts charge day-use fees if you’re not staying overnight.
Bring sun protection and check the weather, particularly during the southwest monsoon season.

Dezza’s Tip

Matabungkay is one of those places where I’d recommend finding a decent beachfront resort and simply enjoying yourself. You don’t need a packed itinerary.

I’ve visited during Christmas and the wet season, so I’d actually like to go back between February and April and enjoy it when the weather is more favourable.

And don’t get too caught up comparing Matabungkay with Laiya, Nasugbu or other beaches around Batangas. They’re all a little different, and it really depends on what you’re looking for.