BUROT BEACH is an untouched paradise located at Calatagan, Batangas. It is ideal for an overnight camp by the beach with your family or friends.
How to get to Burot Beach from Manila:
There are different bus options to choose from. There's one in Cubao, in Buendia, in Coastal Mall and one near MRT Taft. We chose the nearest to us, the terminal in MRT Taft. The regular bus fare is around Php 180.00. I'm a student so I still have a discount (I only paid Php144.00)
Honestly, it was our first time and we kinda got lost, we travel longer than we expected (and I think more than we should). We went off at Nasugbu instead at Calatagan. When your bus dropped you near the town proper of Nasugbu, you have to ride a jeepney going to Calatagan (fare: Php 35.00) with atleast 1 - 2 hours of travel. Tell the driver to drop you off at Calatagan Public Market.
If you happen to ride the right bus with direct route to Calatagan (make sure to ride the bus with the sign "Calatagan" on it), its last stop will be on Calatagan Public Market. When you reach the market, ride a tricycle and tell the driver that you will go to Burot Beach. The tricycle fare is Php 50.00 per person. If you are a group of four, you can haggle the price around Php 150.00 (just like we did).
It's already dark when we arrived at the beach, and we easily observed the loads of people camping in the area. Well, it's Holy Week that time so it was understood that people were into vacations like this. Upon our arrival, a caretaker approached us and asked for the fee which was Php 130.00/pax for an overnight (Php 65.00/pax only for a day tour).
We walked through the beach and looked for a spot. Unfortunately, we found none because the beach was full and all the good spots were already taken, so we installed our tent instead where it's available.
This was my first real camping experience, and if it's yours too, say a little hooray with me. Camping is super fun, especially when you are with the best company and when you have a very beautiful view and a good spot. Speaking of spot, make sure to place your tent under the trees unless you want to be grilled under the scorching sun, just like what happened to us. Plus, camping requires resourcefulness and readiness. Here are some things you MUST NOT forget:
- Tent (of course)
- Match sticks or lighter (Lighter is better, I swear especially if you're new in making campfires)
- Drinking water (a lot especially on an overnight camping)
- Firewoods (you need this and I regret that we didn't buy one. Other campers gave us few, huhu faith in humanity restored. Anw, the caretakers of the beach sell firewoods for Php 100.00)
- Blanket or sweater (Depends where you will camp, but since camping is outdoor, it is usually cold from midnight to morning)
- Foods and other essentials like toiletries, of course
We only got the chance to explore the beach after the sunrise. This was when I first fell in love with mornings during camping. The morning was cold yet lovely and the feeling was relaxing and at the same time fulfilling.
As I said, it was already dark when we arrived so it was only after the sunrise that I fully I appreciated the place. The sand was creamy white and very soft. It was low tide so the sea water was shallow yet very clear. What disappointed me was the trash everywhere, the people were disappointing.
One of my favorite parts in the beach was this rocky bar which I suspected to be a man-made waterstop. The other side of the beach and of this bar is very deep and wavy so be careful. But I think you will love to risk it to see corals and some fishes. I am always fascinated whenever I see live sea creatures, they are amazing. Slippers are very essential in this part for the rocks hurt.
Starfishes were also everywhere, but sadly, I witnessed numerous of dead starfishes scattered around the beach. Aside from that, we also saw this poor dead fish near the shore. People, PLEASE, it is fine to enjoy these beautiful creatures, but please don't play them around, and bring the starfishes back to their natural habitat. They are as precious as we are.
Over all, our experience was amazing. The beach was great, and the sea and its creatures were impressive. I would love to go back when given a chance, but I would rather have it on weekdays or when I know it'll be not that crowded.
Note:
If you are planning to have an overnight, head here earlier. Aside from having a longer time in the place, you can find a better spot for your tent.
Before heading here, make sure that all your things are complete. It is very difficult to camp with incomplete things.
Get the cellphone number of the tricycle driver you rode going to the beach, so in case there's no tricycle waiting there, you can text the driver if he can pick you up.
Again and again, plan your trip on weekdays or when you know that it'll be not so crowded, so you can fully enjoy the beach. You won't know, maybe you and your group will be lucky that you guys are the only people in the place.
Feel free to comment and ask questions. Thanks for the read!
