The Azure Waters of Laiya: A Quick Serenity Fix Just Outside the Metro

The images of grey, white and bright lights of the city can be a strain in the eyes. Well, what is worse sometimes is finding only a few work leaves left so that a relaxing, long out-of-town vacay is far, far on the horizon. But if all you need is a quick fix of blue-green waters for your weary eyes and salt spray beaches for your stressed-out spirit, then head out to Laiya, Batangas for that much-needed soul medicine without hurting your schedule.

The beaches of Laiya lie in the municipality of San Juan at the southernmost tip of Batangas. It is about 120 kilometers south of Metro Manila, just less than a two-hour ride if you take the STAR tollways route. Upon reaching San Juan, another 20 minutes and you will arrive at the fine beaches of Laiya. There are a number of resorts lying along this coast which caters to all types of weekenders – from the magnificently expensive to the reasonable and rustic accommodations.  Well, whichever suits your mood and your wallet meter, these resorts share the same azure coastline anyway, so check them all out. #laiya #bluewaters #philippinebeaches

Laiya faced the Verde Island Passage in the south, a sea highway taken by vessels plying the Batangas-Marinduque route.  On early mornings, the majestic Mt. Halcon takes a peak to say hi from Mindoro. #laiya #bluewaters #philippinebeaches

The enigmatic Mt.Banahaw stands imposing in the north because San Juan is bounded by the towns of Candelaria and Tiaong.  I'm not sure what the other mountain is to the left, Mt. Maculot? dunno, Mt. Makiling? maybe.  #laiya #bluewaters #philippinebeaches

Laiya features shallow waters for a mile, where you can walk through thigh-high waters especially during low tides. Perfect for a dip. On a wonderful sunny day, the sea reflects wonderful hues ranging from minty green, deep blue, azure blue and aquamarine - the colors of serenity, exactly what my frazzled eyes need. #laiya #bluewaters #philippinebeaches

The waters here are calm enough to swim. no big waves just soft, relaxing ripples. Laiya enjoys a portion of south Luzon where a semi-cove is carved out, thus, partially shielding it from the open sea. #laiya #bluewaters #philippinebeaches

Early mornings reveal a different zen - a wonderful sunrise. The sun is not directly seen from here, but the skylights during sunrises offer a colorful sea-and-cloud play if you're lucky. #laiya #bluewaters #philippinebeaches

There's mangroves and fish pens in the eastern side of the beach. #laiya #bluewaters #philippinebeaches

Early morning toil. By the time I woke up, these fishermen were already on their way back. Met them on the beach for a chit chat on their early catch. #laiya #bluewaters #philippinebeaches

Low tide and a mile....wading through shallow waters offers a different kind of zen. Or was it Neptune coming out of the sea? any way you describe it, the image evokes peace. Whoever he is, he looked at home with the waves. This shallow, who would'nt want to try? uhmmm...maybe just me.  #laiya #bluewaters #philippinebeaches

To the east is Tayabas Bay and beyond the hills in the west lies Lobo, another town where beach resorts also abound. #laiya #bluewaters #philippinebeaches

Well, it's not white sand here like Boracay. It's the azure waters that are perfect. Boats can be rented throughout the beach for snorkelling and island hopping though a bit pricey. Other resorts offer jet skis, banana boats and other waterly fun.#laiya #bluewaters #philippinebeaches

A break from my sea reverie: we encountered peddlers on the beach who are selling these. Its sweetened coconut meat using brown sugar - Bukayo. Tastes good, but what tickled my fancy is the unique packaging. I forgot what it is...is it dried banana stalks? formed like a square bottle, where stacks of little trays are lined inside filled with bukayo....hmm...ingenious! you can buy three packs for P100. #filipinofood #coconut

This is where we stayed, Estrellas de Mendoza Playa Resort. The rooms and pool are nice, and the buffet breakfast too! A night here would cost P6,800 for two. Check their sites for promos: http://estrellasdemendoza.wix.com/estrellasdemendoza  Try browsing also through the net for a resort that suits your needs...and taste. A lot of them offers different amenities and experience.

I borrowed this map from www.motorcyclephilippines.com just to show you how to navigate your way to Laiya. For driving directions, check this link for instructions: Driving instructions to Laiya

Again, don't expect powdery white beaches here. It's still Boracay that suits that description to a tee...and Caramoan...and Siquijor....

But when all you need is to relax in the midst of the big blue, a sneak to the beach amidst work deadlines...then Laiya is for you. For just a day or two, you can have that coffee-by-the beach much needed break....enjoy! 

Check this link for more beach resorts: Map and Sites of Laiya Beach Resorts 

 

Images of El Nido, The Island Series Part 3: Swimming with the Fishes at Simizu and Last Run for Seven Commandoes

Our trip to El Nido did not really start with Tour A, but after going through it we realized that the destinations included in this trip are guaranteed A++. Rephrasing, it is A for a reason: A for adventure, A for excitement and A for satisfaction guaranteed.  Definitely, definitely start your trip with Tour A!

The waters of El Nido: full of life, full of wonder! #elnido #simizuisland

Tour A covers the islands of Simizu, the famous lagoons of El Nido and the beach at Seven Commandoes. This post covers the first and last destination of the day: the island of Simizu and the beach of Seven Commandoes. I'll save all the lagoons for the next post, so watch out for it! #elnido #simizuisland

Mornings at El Nido, always a great way to start. #elnido #elnidosunrise

Since Tour A is power-packed, it's always better to start very early so you'll have the time to linger and breathe in the wonders of the islands, restful and easy not hurried and wearying for a memorable El Nido trip. Around 7 or 8 am is preferred. #elnido

The first stop for the day was Simizu Island. It was a small island with rocky cliffs on almost all sides, small patches of white sand beaches and scattered rocks all over the shoreline. The view from the sea approaching the island was definitely picturesque, one of those living-in-a-postcard moment!  #elnido #simizu

If this is your first island at El Nido, it very much sums up everything you've heard of this piece of paradise: jade waters, towering cliffs, green mountains, blue sky, white sand beaches, calm waters....and with you in it? dolce vita!....#elnido #simizuisland

But why are we anchored on water 20 ft deep when the white sand and rock formations on shore are within reach? You see the boatman knew best. Ha! he had his pockets ready with small pieces of bread then threw them out in the water! You said what? then a frenzy of colorful fishes just popped out of nowhere! #elnido #simizu

My friends wasted no time putting on their vests, snorkels and fins to throw themselves out in the water too, following those pieces of bread. Confronted with life on sea, it was too thrilling not to get onto those waters...you see yellow, blue striped fishes....not fingerlings! like you're swimming in the biggest aquarium of all time! #elnido #simizuisland

We were screaming with excitement fish! fish! fish! (oh well, forgive the city boys and girls...), but the moment was just too crazy not to get too worked up! after a while, the mood changed from near-hysteric frenzy to one that is serene, calm and zen-like...#elnido #simizuisland

With the slow, easy waves, and the quiet lull of the sea, feeding the fishes at Simizu Island can be almost therapeutic. An offshore retreat surrounded by islands with sharp, jagged cliffs but otherwise scenic. Being one with nature, and just enjoying the tranquility amidst the busy but hushed chop-chopping of the fishes feeding on the bread at your fingertips, that definitely is what life is all about! if only we have saved some of that bread for ourselves....oh well! #elnido #simizuisland

Simizu Island, definitely a prime spot. One can stay here all day...snorkel, dive, kayak, rock-climb, feed the fishes or just sunbathe under the sun. Simizu is now officially on top of my list for best destination at El Nido. #elnido #simizu

The view of the islands on our way to the last destination of the day....those cliffs are like lofty guardians of the sea, simply breathtaking! #elnido

The Seven Commandoes Beach is still part of the El Nido mainland but only accessible through  sea. Well we didn't really know the story why it came to be called such, the boatman didn't know either. People have otherwise speculated that being the last track of land of the mainland and protected by thick jungle and high limestone cliffs, it became a sanctuary for rebels. Not even the boatman can confirm that story, so we just left it at that. #elnido #7commandos

Anyway, we came here almost sunset but people still dotted the beach. We can also hear loud music playing, a first in this trip. Looked like a store has opened up and expanded to entertainment. The lively, party sound was not really distracting, just different from the islands that we visited. Anyway, it was a nice change for people who wouldn't mind. We just walked along the beach to cool down from our action-packed day. #elnido #7commandos

As the sun set at Seven Commandos beach, we bided our time and relished the moment....#elnido #7commandos

It was time to go, all boats are required to be back on shore before dark lest they get lost and get struck at rocks protruding at some points near the islands especially when the tide ebbs out into the sea. #elnido #7commandos

There was a restaurant outside of town serving dinner, cocktails and a few alcohol where a full view of the sunset can be seen. Our friendly tryke driver took me to this little resto which I unfortunately forgot the name. They were friendly enough to take me in to get some pictures. Thanks so much but I'll research and ask around so I can write it down here. #sunsetatelnido

For the highlights of Tour A, read on to the next post...


Missed my post on the islands of Tour C?  follow the links below:
Images of El Nido, The Island Series Part 1: From Helicopter to Snake with a Star in Between
Images of El Nido, The Island Series Part 2: Matinloc Shrine with a Hidden (Lagoon) and a Secret (Beach)

If you need some pointers on going to El Nido, check these out:
A Piece of Heaven on Earth Called El Nido: My Best Shots 
A Piece of Heaven on Earth Called El Nido: Getting There and Other Things 

Images of El Nido, The Island Series Part 2: Matinloc Shrine with a Hidden (Lagoon) and a Secret (Beach)

Although the cluster of islands included in Tour C are equally splendid and touristy, well....the islands in this post are fascinating. I considered them the highlights of the day! scroll down and judge for yourselves...

The Hidden Lagoon, with its idyllic waters and beautiful limestone cliffs....and the only way to get there? well, swimming! #elnido #hiddenlagoon

The hidden lagoon is a small beach enclosed in two towering limestone cliff islands. It has two waterways located at both ends, but are so small and shallow making it impossible for these boats to pass through safely. The waters at one end where the safest entry can be made are relatively shallow...about 9 feet, but are lined with corals and limestone rocks underneath. Swimming towards the sandy beach inside is the only way.#elnido #hiddenlagoon

The hidden lagoon, so beautiful yet so vicious. #elnido #hiddenlagoon

Well, you have to be a strong swimmer 'coz the lagoon is really playing hard-to-get to - the waves are ridiculous! they'll keep pounding on you like crazy! and be careful of those rocks!, according to the boatman, they can really cut skin. I have strong swimmer friends, but they were careful and opted to be pulled by our sea-boy guide. Well, just look at that wave! on a side note, our sea-boy guide was only about 13 or 14 yrs old, but golly how he swam! like he was born out there at sea with the mermaids and the mermen. #elnido #hiddenlagoon

If you are equally obstinate and strong-hearted (coupled with strong swimmer arms!) like the Hidden Lagoon, you will be rewarded with a majestic and impressive view! light sandy beach, shallow jade waters enclosed in soaring-high rocky cliffs.  My friend Andrew took this picture when they got there. I have seen this place on so many magazine covers, guess this is one of El Nido's prime spots! #elnido #hiddenlagoon

With all it's beauty, I don't have a sweeping, nice landscape image of it. If you're guessing the reason why? well, you're probably right, so there! I have a stubborn-heart but weak arms so I waited it out in the boat, took selfies and made friends with our boatman while my friends are having the time of their lives swimming, exploring, sunbathing, taking pictures of each other...at all angles...bah! pathetic, them? no, me! #elnido #hiddenlagoon

The next destination is secret...shhhh! It's a secret beach according to our boatman. After a short boat ride, you go to the next island, stop in front of a high, flat limestone wall and wonder where the secret is. We also did not see it at first, but there it was...a small hole along the water line where only one person or two can pass through. #elnido #secretbeach

See? well, there were already people inside so it wasn't that big secret after all, ha! It was good that time because the tide was not yet high so you can still pass with your head up above the water. When its high tide, I guess you have to dive....another one for the adventurous spirit! yey! not me.... #elnido #secretbeach

Secret beach...no other option but to swim. But hey, it was tame compared to the Hidden lagoon. No waves here, no sharp rocks, only deep waters (if its good news for you). My friends swimming to the hole.....uhmm, I guess being dragged to the hole is a bit accurate...but they enjoyed it. See you later travel buddies, don't worry I'll guard the boat! That is our sea-boy guide! He is really a tough one! #elnido #secrebeach

The following images are Andrew's shots inside the secret beach. That's the view of the hole from inside. I guess the sea floor there is a bit rocky, shallow but rocky. #elnido #secretbeach

Its a smaller area compared to the hidden lagoon. You can swim in the shallow waters towards a small patch of white sand in the enclosed beach. The high cliffs really looked like walls guarding the area. This shot is also from Andrew. #elnido #secretbeach

Secret beach...access to it is literally through a hole-in-the-wall!  Based on Andrew's shots, I guess some parts are just knee-deep, you can walk around. Just look at the limestone walls. If you're thinking geological, that's really strange: flat, high, enclosing....unique! #elnido #secretbeach

Secret beach...a last look at that intriguing place. Enclosed waters protected by a flat limestone wall against a deep blue sea. #elnido #secretbeach

A view of the surrounding sea on the top of a medium-sized cliff at Matinloc Island. #elnido #matinloc

Have I seen this before? hmmm....looked like the view from Jeremy Renner's movie, where a flash view of Palawan was shown. #elnido #matinloc

Matinloc Island is also home to a shrine for the Virgin Mary. It featured a heart-shaped stone in front of the circular base of the Virgin representing Matinloc which they say is really heart-shaped...maybe at a particular angle, but not on google. Stories abound for the reasons on having an abandoned shrine in the middle of...nowhere. Well, its one of the few-man-made structures at El Nido that has become a tourist spot bolstered by visionary stories and a few creepy ones. We did not see the hidden museum beneath the altar, guess it wasn't there anymore or we were too tired.  The hidden museum reportedly has pictures and stories that tells of a vision of a heart-shaped island being the next Jerusalem. Even the dome constructed for the Virgin was reportedly part of the vision. Some find the island creepy, but I found it peaceful...with the shrine there, it resonated calm and retreat.  #elnido #matinlocshrine

Matinloc Shrine can be accessed via a cemented dock in the middle of the island, on a part where the sea boasts clear views of nearby islands...like being surrounded by them. If you're not aware of the legends and creepy stories (us among them!) that made this island famous, you will come to marvel at the view from this dock. The colors of the water when the sun is high ranges from blue, blue-green, aquamarine, turquoise, emerald and jade green....simply AMAZING. Love this part! #elnido #matinloc

The multi-tone waters contrasted beautifully against the black granite stone cliffs at the dock of Matinloc and the lush green of the nearby islands scattered around Bacuit Bay and Tapiutan Strait. Like a postcard hanging on a wall, this place is picture perfect...better take that selfies, group pics, jump shots or scripted shots you have in mind. #elnido #matinloc

Sunsets...like an integral part of the trip, can be enjoyed anywhere in El Nido. This was the end of Tour C, next on our itinerary was Tour A. My assessment? At the end of the day, you'll have sleepy eyes, tired muscles but a happy heart. Rest well for the night for the morrow comes another adventure! #elnido #sunsetinelnido

Visit my other posts on the wonders of El Nido:
A Piece of Heaven on Earth called El Nido: My Best Shots
A Piece of Heaven on Earth called El Nido: Getting There and Other Things
Images of El Nido, The Island Series Part 1: From Helicopter to Snake with a Star in Between