Batangas is known for its breathtaking beaches that have been attracting hundreds of tourists each month.
Some of the well-known wonders of Batangas are Anilao, the jump-off point for dive sites, and Fortune Island that’s prominent for its Greek-inspired architectures. However, most accommodations in these sites are costly, which not everyone can afford.
The good news is I recently visited a place in Batangas where you can have as much fun and adventure without breaking the bank!
Let me introduce to you Layag-Layag Island ….
A few hours away from Manila, Layag-Layag is part of Barangay Papaya in Nasugbu Batangas.
Layag-Layag Island Activities
Boat Ride
Witness amazing rock formations and feel the sea breeze in a half-an-hour boat ride before reaching your camp site. Your guide will provide you with life jackets which you will also use for your next adventures which are snorkeling and cliff jumping.
Camping
The first thing you want to do when you reach the camp site is to rest. Choose a perfect spot to build your tent and start preparing the food you will need for the rest of the day. You can’t rent tents there so be sure to bring your own. But I prefer just lying blankets on the sand to sleep.
Swimming
The sand in Layag-Layag is white, and the water so clear you can see colorful little fishes swimming just by the shore line. Best to wear aqua shoes as the bottom can be rocky.
If you prefer swimming in a less rocky and clearer water, there is this part of the beach which is partly hidden but worth the hunt.
Snorkeling
Both swimmers and non-swimmers will definitely enjoy snorkelling! It may seem scary at the first try, because it feels entering a world you’ve never been before. But the reefs, fish and the rest of the underwater view are fascinating.
Hiking
There are nearby mountains which you can climb– just be sure to have someone with you who knows the route well.
Cliff Jumping
If you want to satisfy your adventure-hungry soul, go and try jumping off the cliff. It looks pretty scary, but all you need is courage. Leave everything behind, including fear. Take a leap and allow yourself to be embraced by the water.
Fish Feeding
After swimming, it’s time to feed the fish! We brought a loaf of bread, which the schools of fishes enjoyed.
How To Get There
From Buendia, Makati ride a bus bound to Nasugbu (3-hour trip)
(I suggest DLTB Co. bus terminal located in Taft avenue)
Ride a tricycle to get to Brgy. Papaya (30-minute trip)
The people there know about the beach; just ask where Layag-Layag is and they’ll help you get there.
From here, it will take about an hour to reach your camp site.
Expenses
P160-bus fare from Buendia to Nasugbu
P100-tricycle fare from Nasugbu to Brgy. Papaya
P350-2days, 1night Island Tour
(If you’re a group of more than 10 you will spend less because the tour costs P3,500 per group)
P500 – food budget
P20 – eco-fee
What to bring
Toiletries (There is no shower or toilet in the island so make sure to bring all the essential hygiene products.)
Shades
Lotion
Clothes
Blanket
Tent
Sleeping Bag
Towel
Slippers/Shoes
Food and Water
Cellphone (The place has good mobile signal, so you can still keep in touch with family and friends.)
By Panahon TV Intern- Rosselle Manuel
Among the top outdoor activities that continue to gain popularity today is hiking. Aside from the physical exercise, it is also a best way to reconnect with nature, breathe fresh air, and escape the hustle and bustle of the city life.
On January 9, 2016, Panahon TV, together with AIR21, led a tree nurturing and cleaning activity in Mount Makiling located in the province of Laguna. The contour of the mountain is believed to be the sleeping profile of Maria Makiling, a mystical and legendary character that inspired folk tales, poems and legends.
After an approximately two hours from Quezon City, our team finally arrived in the vicinity. There I learned that we will be joined by some residents of Makiling and members of the University of the Philippines – Los Baños, Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME). The more, the merrier!
But we weren’t here only for the physical challenge, we came to give Mother Nature a helping hand. Safety gloves, trowel and other planting tools…ready!
The participants were divided into four groups and were handed bags of fertilizer, which will be distributed among the plants and trees. It was my first time to visit Makiling and my first nurturing activity as well!
We have the heart, not only for weather reporting, but also for nature.
Dr. Nathaniel Bantayan from UPLB Laguna said he was looking forward to more environmental activities in the future.
Meanwhile, Panahon TV Executive Producer, Donna May Lina, also welcomed everyone and encouraged us to continue participating in activities like this. She mentioned the importance of protecting and saving the planet from the adverse effects of Climate Change.
Planting trees is great help in combating the challenges of Climate Change. Since greenhouse gases from human activities are the main cause of the warming planet, we have to be responsible for our actions.
Trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas which comprises the major concentration in the atmosphere. Aside from reducing carbon, trees absorb water during heavy downpour, and are a source of clean air.
We enjoyed pulling the grass, digging the soil and putting fertilizer. The scorching heat did not stop us from finishing our task – to make Mother Nature smile!
We made it! It was a little slippery on our way down. Some of my groupmates and I slipped at least thrice, I think. But we were okay, still safe and laughing! We were able to go back to our station earlier than the schedule.
A bit tired and filthy, we changed clothes, hydrated ourselves and took a brief rest while waiting for our lunch.
This tree nurturing and cleaning activity was also a celebration of UBE Media’s 12th anniversary. Everyone sung a birthday song before blowing the big purple cake.
Our team also prepared presents for the kids in the Makiling community.
The activity and the program ended so well. We thanked everyone who participated, hoping to see more faces the next time we vist.
This 2016, don’t forget to include Mother Nature in your resolutions. Lend some time to protect, save and bond with her in your own simple way.
