Laiya Beach in San Juan, Batangas

Our company had a much-needed bonding and R&R last Friday in Laiya in San Juan, Batangas. Due to budget constraints, we chose to stay overnight in Casa Remo Apartelle. For only P 6,200, our group of 5 gals and 6 guys had 2 rooms, each with 2 double beds and extra mattresses. Cooking facilities were available too. On the minus side, the resort is not beach front, we had to walk about 100 meters to get to the beach.

Our trip's highlight is the boat ride for snorkeling.

I had a grand time lying on the boat, gently rocked by the waves and soothed by the blue blue sea.

I've always liked Laiya for its white sand and quick access from Manila. My family has been going to this stretch of beach since about 10 years ago, when it was still undeveloped. We even rented a fisherman's hut and went back to basics at that time. We witnessed Kabayan Resort when it was just starting. We've stayed at the Laiya Resthouse Beach Resort at one time. We've also stayed at the Sabangan Beach Resort and Virgin Beach Resort. We haven't had the luck to get booked in La Luz as it is always packed.

Ten years ago, we had to take the road via Quezon. And then we tried the road via Lipa, Batangas. Those 4 hour trips were cut down to about 2 hours when the Star Toll Expressway opened. The road from the San Juan City Hall leading to the resorts were still rough, unpaved and dusty back then. Now, the road is cemented all the way.

Laiya is still the nearest white sand beach and its accessibility to Manila is quite an advantage.

We've kept coming back and I don't think we'll ever stop.