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

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

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 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

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.

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

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