Looking back at the pictures just makes me miss what I believe is one of the happiest beach vacations of my life haha! Looking at them also frustrates me. Not being able to go to the beach is just one of the saddest things about 2020.
Well, we're just over 2 months from 2021. Maybe we can finally get a dose of vitamin sea this summer, yes?
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Boat ride from Talaga Port. |
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Arrival at Tingloy Port. |
So, let me tell you more about Tingloy. It is a municipality in the island of Marikaban in Batangas. You get there from ports in Mabini (Anilao Port or Talaga Port). Tingloy is known for Masasa Beach with her light beige sand and crystal blue waters... under which sea turtles are usually seen snooping around for food.
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Tricycle ride to the other side of the island. |
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First glimpse of the South coast. |
Tingloy Port is at the North side of the island while Masasa beach is at South. So to get there you take a 2.5 km bumpy uphill and downhill tricycle ride.
The coastal town of San Jose, where Masasa Beach is located, is actually underdeveloped and that contributes to its unspoilt charm. Electricity is only available in the daytime. There are no noisy bars and restaurants or souvenir shops. Just sari-sari stores. Not even a carinderia. Transient houses are mostly huts or cottages and it's rare that you will find an air-conditioned room. If these details takes you aback well Masasa isn't for you haha! Go to Puerto Galera or Boracay instead. Tingloy is perfect for those who like to commune with nature and momentarily enjoy the rural life.
I stayed at the Lagoon Bay transient house where you can sleep in one of their camping tents for only Php 300 a night. Their nice little service boat took me there real quick. It is a kilometer away from Masasa Beach but still along the coast. The shoreline in this area is rocky and it has it's own appeal. This is where u can go pick up shells and coral fragments for souvenir.
But really I didn't mind walking a kilometer to get to Masasa Beach because of the scenic seaside views and interesting rock formations I saw along the way.