Laiya, San Juan, Batangas – A Short and Sweet Get-away

Laiya, San Juan (15)

Planning a weekend trip can be overwhelming, there are so many things to consider like, where and when to go, how much to spend, what to bring, how to go, and the list goes on. Before you know it, you’re struck by analysis paralysis and end up spending the weekend anchored at home.

But there are many places you can travel to for a quick getaway that doesn’t require tedious planning. One of these is Laiya Beach, an idyllic stretch of sand and sea on the edge of San Juan town in Batangas.

Laiya is only three hours away from Manila, not too close, but not too far either. It’s accessible by public transportation, although it’s easier to get there by car.

Getting There

Laiya (89)

The most convenient public transportation from Manila to Laiya Beach are the ALPS buses in Cubao. This bus line has direct trips to the Municipal of San Juan and from there you can get on a jeepney bound for Laiya or hire a tricycle. As you get closer to Laiya the road gets narrower and you’d see more crop fields, lesser commercial structures and begin to feel the ambiance of rural Philippines. Jeepneys and tricycles are hard to come by so it’s advisable to make arrangements with a driver to pick you up at the resort after you check out.

I traveled to Laiya with family by car. Driving there is definitely a more convenient option and offers the opportunity to enjoy green, rolling landscapes along Southern Luzon expressway. A drawback, however, are the numerous toll fees you’d have to pay every few kilometers.

The emergence of GPS has made traveling so convenient for all of us. On this trip, my family and I just found our way to Laiya by google maps. It’s difficult to recall the labrynth of narrow streets and busy highways we traversed. But, the GPS instructions were fairly  accurate and we arrived at Laiya without much trouble. If GPS does not work for you, of course you could always resort to the age-old “tanong-tanong” method.

We traveled along the scenic Calabarzon highway onto the busy outskirts of Lipa City where we encountered some traffic, then moved ahead until we reached a road with three names which finally led us to the narrow Laiya, San Juan street. We made it to the beach in about three hours factoring in traffic and two stopovers at food shops.

The Beach

Laiya, San Juan

Laiya Beach can be a little crowded in the peak of summer. Despite the crowds, the welcoming sight of the ocean with the backdrop of a clear blue sky is still very inviting. In the morning, the tide seems more calm and the waves roll gently toward the shore. Tip – enjoy an early morning walk, soak in the sound of water brushing against sand and a glorious sunrise while the rest of the beach is still in bed.

Another Tip – Laiya is not as cheap as it used to be. As of 2022, high-end resorts seemed to have dominated the coastline, but there are still a few more affordable hostels, you just have to look for them.

Check out these Batangas travel guides for more info on the coolest attractions and things to do in the province

Laiya, San Juan (77)

Planning an out-of-town trip doesn’t have to be a colossal task. It can be as simple as planning a trip to the mall but a lot more fun. Everyone deserves an occasional break from life’s daily grind so mark your calendar, get your leaves approved, stuff your backpack, and head off to Laiya Beach.

Laiya, San Juan

Check out these Batangas travel guides for more info on the coolest attractions and things to do in the province

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Iza Sanchez

Iza Sanchez is a freelance ESL Teacher, adventurer, and moderator of Take The Travel. She writes about solo-backpacking, travel saving tips and other awesome travel resources.

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10 Responses

  1. john paul llabres says:

    hi ms.iza how much po rent ng room yung mura group of employees po kasi sila kaya need ma budget ng tama and yung food po na three ok po ba yan sa 2d1n?

  2. Rey Wally Bondoc says:

    Hi ms iza. How much yung room and may contact numbers kau?

    • Iza Sanchez says:

      Hello, you can contact La Luz, that’s where we stayed po. They have a website and facebook page. Regards.

    • Iza Sanchez says:

      Hello Rey, La Luz and Blue Coral Bay are good ones. Rooms are nice and cozy, and their buffet meals are good. We’ve tried both. Both resorts provide a food package per person. You can check out their websites and facebook pages for further inquiries. Regards.

  3. ian says:

    hi mam iza. may mga cottage b jan malapit sa beach? and how much kaya? plan kc nmen jan pumunta this weekend for only 1 day lang. so khit cottage lang sana

  4. MJ VALLES says:

    Hi just want to ask how much is your rates for overnight stay for 10 adults and 1 kid (2 yrs olf) on june 9 2018
    thanks

  5. Dennis says:

    How much po Ang overnight ..please message me or call me.po..ito po number ko 09682898921..this coming Saturday po sana

  1. August 20, 2017

    […] Laiya is a coastal town in San Juan, Batangas. It’s a great destination for those traveling on the cheap because there are many low-cost lodgings along its beaches, and it is just about 3-4 hours away from Metro Manila. The best white-sand beaches in eastern Batangas can be found in Laiya. It’s also popular for water sports like, kayaking, jet skiing, and boating. […]

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