calatagan beach

Calatagan Beach on a Budget: Manuel Uy Beach

When I went back to Philippines last January, I brought my family (mom, dad, brother, his girlfriend and kid) to Manuel Uy beach in Calatagan for a short beach getaway. Although Jomalig and Zambales are great options, a daytrip would not be enough to have a relaxing stay. I have proven that a Calatagan Beach in Batangas is a perfect destination for those longing to get a dose of the beach by spending only 3 hours on the road each way. However, if you have more than 2 days to spare, you definitely should consider the amazing island of Jomalig; click here for Jomalig Island DIY budget guide.

The Manuel Uy Calatagan Beach

Calatagan Beach: Camping on Manuel Uy Beach grounds
Calatagan Beach: Camping on Manuel Uy Beach grounds

The pretty long stretch of fine golden sand on the shore with tiny rocks on the base of the ocean, clear clean ocean water and sunset-facing coastline of Manuel Uy Beach makes the 3-hour drive from Manila worth it. For a cheap entrance fee of Php50 per head, you can enjoy an entire day of bumming by the beach and exploring its surrounding resorts. There are also amazing corals near the shore and it is best to visit this beach with snorkeling gears. We brought two with us and my mom just couldn’t stop watching colorful fishes that inhabits the vast brown corals. I highly recommend that you bring it since a lot of colorful fishes are just beneath the shallow water. You don’t even have to swim on a low tide!

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Calatagan Beach: Manuel Uy Beach front
Calatagan Beach: Manuel Uy Beach front

Walk to the left of Manuel Uy Beach and you will find an elevated cliff that provides an amazing viewpoint of the entire coastline!

You can bring your own tent if you’re staying overnight as there is a long stretch of campsite covered by a trees. You can also rent tables for your picnic for P300.

Don’t miss out the sunset photo opp which I was not able to do because we were on a daytrip and we had to leave before sunset.

From whereisjoanne.wordpress.com

 

How To Take Maldives-Like Photographs?

On the right side of the beach (facing the ocean) lies what was dubbed as the Maldives of the Philippines. Indeed, its floating cottages gives you a feel of Maldives. So how can you take Maldives-like photos without paying for Stilts’ expensive entrance fee? When you walk past the property of Manuel Uy Beach, Stilts staff would hinder you from entering. The technique is to tell the guard that you wish to inquire and he will gladly let you in. Be brave and stroll to the walkways of the floating village.

Calatagan Beach on a Budget: Manuel Uy Calatagan photo Opp at Stilts
Calatagan Beach on a Budget: Manuel Uy Calatagan photo Opp at Stilts
Calatagan Beach: photo opp at Stilts
Calatagan Beach: photo opp at Stilts

Transportation

By car: Drive to Calatagan via Tagaytay-Nasugbu road. Travel time is 3 hours. Right after you pass by Stilts Calatagan, you will see a little unpaved road with tall grasses on both sides. That leads to the entrance of Manuel Uy.

By commute: From Taft, ride a van at the back of Metropoint Mall in Pasay to Calatagan Market (Php180 one way). First and last trip is at 3:30 am 7pm respectively. From Calatagan market, ride a trike that can accommodate up to six for 150 php.  Make sure to get the contact detail of the tricycle driver so you can ask him to pick you up on your departure. Make sure that you also ask the van driver about the schedule of last trip to Pasay.

Actual Expenses for Day Trip

360 – RT Van fare from Pasay to Calatagan Market
300 – RT tricycle fare (good for 6) from Calatagan Market to Manuel Uy Beach = 50 each
50 – Entrance fee for day trip (100 for overnight)
300 – Table for picnic (shared by 6) = 50 each

TOTAL: Php510 excluding food

Toilet fees (if i remember correctly)
5 – pee
10 – poop
15 – shower (unlimited water)

What To Bring:

Tent (to save 500 pesos rent)
Water
Food (you can buy from Calatagan Market)
Fully charged gadgets and power bank
Snorkel gears

Important Tips

-You can also rent a tent if you don’t have your own tent, you can rent one from the resort for P500 good for 3 pax.
-You can contact Mang Kiko (tricycle driver who also offers tent rental for P400 per night) at 0920-3426812.
-No free electricity but you can pay P100 for an extension cord that you can use to plug your devices
-You can ask the resort to lit a bonfire for you at night for P100

Conclusion

I highly recommend Manuel Uy Beach for those seeking a calm weekend getaway on a budget. If you’re not used to camping, then you should spend more money on accommodations like Stilts. But for the budget traveler by heart like me who likes to spend more time in the nature rather than inside a room, this beach is perfect!

50 Responses
  1. hi.. so kapag solo traveller lang tapos whole day and overnight stay meron bang store na nagtitinda ng mga noodles na pwede na dun magpaluto? kase i am thinking of spending my ME time dito pero ang worries ko wala naman kase akong madadalang pang luto ng food kaya malamang puro fastfoods and breads lang talaga madadala ko na food.. ung store ba can they allow me to cook like noodles? i just really need to travel alone long weekend starts today kase thanksgiving sa US walang work ang mga kagaya kong freelancers eh.. pls help answer me asap kase actually bukas na sana ako ppunta 🙂

  2. Sis, do you still remember me? 🙂 We’re going there too tomorrow… I’m more convinced that I’m gonna enjoy this getaway while reading your blog… Thank you for this… Til next time. God bless!

  3. contact : kuya Romy tour guide ( tricycle driver )

    ADVENTURE TO MANUEL UY BEACH
    i’m sure you can enjoy
    the beautiful white sand, the clean water
    you can relax the beautiful place
    Try it Believe it
    just call or text :kuya Romy
    to guide you any time you want
    or tricycle ride to Manuel Uy Beach
    Please bring your own tent
    or rent a tent to kuya Romy
    contact #: 09266452950

  4. Hello! What if we are just going to accommodate the day tour? Is it required to rent or have a tent? Are there any chairs or tables where we can just put our things? Thank you 🙂 Were planning to stay for I think a couple of hours lang sana haha salamat!

  5. Seulgi

    Hi, pwede po ba magpaluto ng kanin? Tapos magdadala po ba kami ng bigas or may tinda nadin sila? Thank you!

  6. Paul

    Good day, do you think pag gabi kame dumating jan sa beach eh ma aaccommodate kame o magkakaroon kame ng pwesto? Wala nmn sigurong cut off time ng pagpunta jan diba? Thanks.

  7. Ulexite

    Hi! Ilang hours po yung Calatagan Market papuntang resort? Saka yung sa trike po, 150 pa rin ang singil kahit 2 ang sakay? Thanks po!

    1. Jonai Republica

      Pls check the map. I haven’t experienced riding the van na 2 lang sakay eh so I wouldnt know. Baka maghintay pa un ng ibang sakay….

      1. Claudine Gutierrez

        Hello! What if we are just going to accommodate the day tour? Is it required to rent or have a tent? Are there any chairs or tables where we can just put our things? Thank you ? Were planning to stay for I think a couple of hours lang sana haha salamat!

        1. Jonai Republica

          Once you are in their vicinity, they will not stop you from picture-taking. that’s based on my experience 🙂

    1. Jonai Republica

      It’s just a campsite… if you want accommodation, stilts resort is just beside it. it’s just too costly for budget travelers

  8. SoloRideAdventurist

    Thank you for sharing. I’ve been looking for a cheap beach resort at calatagan but none of those are affordable. You’re a life saver.

  9. Ivan P De Castro

    Good Day. I just want to ask kung rough road ung daan papuntang manuel uy beach resort, kaya ba ng car? thanks

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