It is not too late to catch up for a summer-feel experience in the middle of the year. The scorching heat of the sun still lingers so going to the beach to take some vitamin-sea is a great idea. From Bacoor, Cavite we ventured around 122 kilometers of course to San Juan, Batangas. It usually take up to 3 - 4 hours drive via car, no need to worry since expressways connect the metro to the south. If you are not sure on how to go to your destination your ever-dependable navigator is Waze. This plan was initiated by my brother-in-law Mark and his wife Leah. Among a variety of options, we chose Sigayan Bay Beach Resort to be the most budget-friendly and perfect-fit for 20 head counts that is able to cater fully air-conditioned rooms with kitchen (plus free use of utensils, one gallon of water). Not to mention they are not imposing expensive corkage fee like other nearby resorts. Would you agree bringing your own food is cheaper and you could enjoy the food that you have prepared.
August 12, Saturday around 10:30 AM we left Bacoor, Cavite and headed straight to San Juan, Batangas. We traversed the long course of South Luzon Expressway starting from MCX to Calamba exit (Php 97.00), continue ahead until you've reach the entry point of Star Tollway at Sto. Tomas all the way to Ibaan exit (Php 53.00). Then turn left and drive for 2.5 kilometers until you reach the intersection with road sign pointing to Rosario, then we turned left on the intersection. Continue driving from San Juan road - Candelaria road then Laiya road which is approximately 22 kilometers then to Sigayan Bay Beach Resort. Friendly-reminder: the journey is quite long so keep your head cool and just enjoy. Should you decide to have some stop-over along the way maybe have some sip of kapeng-barako or enjoy a hot bulalo meal just allocate some ample time on your travel.
Once you arrived at the resort, you will be assisted by staff to transfer your stuff to your cottage or room. You will have to drop-by at their Information Center for proper check-in procedure. It will take about 5 - 10 minutes, then you will be provided with the key to your room. You will now have access to the several amenities with corresponding fees.
- Restaurant: Open from 8:00am to 7:00pm
- Swimming pool: Php100/head
- Kayaks (double): Php250/hour
- Boating: Php800.00/10 passengers
- Snorkeling Gear Rental: Php100/set
- Jetski: Php4,500/hr
- Banana Boat: Php1,300/5 pax (15 mins)
- Videoke (until 10pm only): Php 5/song (Rental: P 1500/overnight)
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| Adult and kiddie pool. Depth specification: Adult pool maximum depth is 5 feet while kiddie pool is 3 feet. There is an active lifeguard manning the area. |
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| The emblem of Sigayan Bay Beach Resort facing the beach front. |
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| Night swimming. |
There is no much activity and attraction during night time which is a good sign for some who wants a peaceful and quiet short vacation. After dinner perhaps some better way to spend the night is to grab some drinks while chatting with family and friends. Having fun is not prohibited but be mindful of other guests. Playing a loud music and creating a noise is being reprimanded by personnel on duty. Bringing board games like chess, scrabble or playing cards are must-have just to beat boredom.
August 13, Sunday - shortly after taking breakfast, we had our most exciting activity - it's snorkeling time. We were able to get discount for boat rental that only cost Php 1,000 good for 15 pax. The standard rate for snorkeling gear is Php 100/set. Friendly tip: if you can bring your own gagles, flippers, etc it can cost you less on rentals.
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Play time with baby Kian, I am pretty sure this kid find happiness in the water. This is his first time swim in salty water.
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| Capture the moment with a groupie shot while waiting for others to join the snorkeling. Photo credit to Lanie Bulda. |
You can walk on the shore on bare foot since it is not rocky. The sand is off-white in color and fine enough for a good beach experience. There is no barrier between adjacent resort so you can even walk along the entire length of the bay without any problem. There's a lot of vendors selling pearls, necklace, bean jelly (taho) and rice cake (suman).
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| On the way to snorkeling site. Photo credit to Lanie Bulda and Johnna Marie. |
Approximately 10 minutes boat ride from the resort will take you to a fish sanctuary. Safety first, always wear your life vest. The water is clear bluish-green in color so its easy to see the coral reefs and sea floor below. The sea current is negligible and you will not notice it significantly. The school of fishes are well-diversed and colorful.
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| Snorkeling | Happiness comes with the waves. |
This experience has many "first" personally. For me and my wife, this is our first time together to visit Laiya, Batangas and enjoy its marine flora and fauna. First time to go on a beach with Kuya Mac and Ate Leah. This is also Kian's first swimming experience and pretty seems he appreciate it alot. Overall, I can say that Laiya escapade was a fulfilling, memorable and satisfying near out-of-town adventure for couple and group. As a first-timer in Laiya, all is well as expectations were met it is not that white sand nor the crystal-clear water that you can compare to Boracay. Setting comparison aside, I highly recommend this destination for travelers. Given the distance from the metro, affordability and accessibility Sigayan Bay Beach Resort is a must-go place.
