Sun-tanned in Batangas

Summer is usually just one of those reasons for me to pack my swimsuits and head out to the beach with just about anyone.  So before summer ended for me last May, I joined some people in the office and headed out to Anilao in Batangas.  It was my first time in Batangas since I was not able to join the company outing last year.  I wanted to see what the fuss was about in this town south of Manila.



Beach bums love a good jump shot!



Anilao, Batangas

Sights around Anilao

Rock formation inAnilao

Rock formation in Anilao

Anilao East

Batangas is popular locally since it is a mere two-hour drive from Manila (and it's a breather compared getting stuck to two hours in traffic!).  Anilao itself is a popular driving destination among locals and foreigners alike. We stayed at the Aguila Beach Resort located at Anilao East.  It wasn't the best accommotion available, but it was acceptable.  The resort does not have a beach itself, rather you step out to Anilao's public beach, but the waters are clean and good to swim in, nonetheless.

Aguila Beach

Outside of Aguila Beach Resort

Since the beach wasn't that inviting that afternoon, we decided to go island hopping and head out to Sombrero island.   This island is named as such as on the surface, it resembles a hat underwater.  It is a good place to snorkel as you can see a lot of marine life without having to going out far from the beach.  The sand is not as smooth or powdery, so wearing slippers while walking around is recommended.  There is a fee for using the cottages, but since we just swam the whole time we were there, we didn't really get one.

Off to go island hopping

On the way to Sombrero Island

The crystal clear blue waters of Sombrero Island

Sombrero Island

Sombrero Island

Beach bumming in Sombrero Island



Enjoying an afternoon swim



Sombrero Island



Running for the next cover of Sports Illustrated?



Sombrero Island

Around the island

Enjoying an afternoon in Sombrero Island

The rocks around Sombrero Island

Smile for the camera!



Bathing Beauties



Enjoying a relaxing afternoon at Sombrero Island

On our way back to the resort

Smile for the camera!

By the time we got back to the beach resort, the sun was starting to set.  A few of my companions went kayaking.  I stayed at the beach to wait for the awesome sunset that was famed around these parts.  And I wasn't at all disappointed with the view.

Off to go kayaking

The fishing boats around the Anilao coastline

Sunset at Anilao

A gorgeous Anilao sunset

Enjoying the beautiful sunset

Dusk at Anilao

Back from kayaking

Gorgeous Anilao sunset

A wonderful way to end a beautiful day

Since I do hail from Cebu, which has some of the best beaches to offer, in my opinion,  I have to say that seeing Batangas for the first time did not impress me much. But I did enjoy myself.  It is hard to find a good beach if you live in Manila and I guess I have not seen the best of what Batangas has to offer.  Still, it was a good break from the urban jungles of Manila.  And I really wouldn't mind heading out here again for some sun, sea, and good old r&r.