Laiya Beach: Then and Now

I found this picture in my computer files. This was taken in Laiya in San Juan, Batangas almost 6 years ago. We were in Laiya during the Labor Day weekend in 2004.

Fiona was just 4 months old then. Zoe had just turned 4. Trish was just 8.

It's the Labor Day weekend again and we find ourselves back in Laiya.

Fiona is now 6, Zoe is 10 and Trish is 14.

Andrea Beach Resort in Lobo, Batangas

Lobo, Batangas is a not so popular beach destination but that's where our barkada ended up last Thursday. Getting to Lobo was an adventure in itself. Google provided very little and vague information about Lobo. The website of Andrea Beach Resort (where we stayed) said that the resort is 45 minutes away from Batangas City. In reality, it was about an an hour and a half drive of mostly winding (read: zigzag) and unpaved (read: rough) road traversing Mount Liguayen.

The resort had very basic amenities. But the best thing was that the rates were very reasonable. They had air-conditioned rooms ranging from Php 1,500 to 3,500. Best of all, they allow guests to bring in and cook their own food for a minimal corkage fee. The resort owner's daughter who manages the resort and the local staff were all very pleasant.

The resort also offers dive packages. Boat rides to dive and snorkeling sites could easily be arranged with the local boatmen.

The beach was rocky but the water was crystal clear. Aqua shoes are a must. We laughed our heads off as we recounted that while we arranged for the reservations, we were told over the phone that the sand was neither white nor black. Indeed, there was very little sand!

But the sun and sea were picturesque.

That, coupled with good company make for a nice getaway.

this photo is courtesy of DH

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.