Enjoy a Private Sanctuary at This Beachfront House in Mabini, Batangas

The sea is within your reach.
by Ina Louise Manto | October 01, 2020

With months of isolation and missing sunny days out on the beach, a day trip would certainly be not enough once you have the chance to go for a drive again. You might as well stay overnight, and what’s better than having a private house by the beach?

Batalang Bato Beach Retreat

Location: Mabini Rd, Mabini, Batangas

Batalang Bato Beach Retreat is a beachfront house in the municipality of Mabini, Batangas. (Did you know “batalan” is a porch in old Pinoy houses that’s meant for washing or storage of water?)

The resort is the perfect retreat for three reasons: it’s a few hours’ drive away from the Metro, it’s in a less crowded area of the cove (you can social distance in peace) and it’s the home of rich marine life, which the municipality is known for.

Whether you’re a newbie in diving or simply want to go snorkeling, you’ll have a private reef just a few steps from your accommodation. Don’t forget to bring your beach shoes as the cove is rocky! There are also multiple photo spots for the gram, like a cave on the far end of the property. It’s a popular location among couples taking their prenup photos.

Be ready to experience an off-the-grid stay as Batalang Bato is nestled among the trees where the surroundings are left untouched to avoid disturbing the habitat of insects.

You might see some spiders, geckos, butterflies, and bees – everything you would expect in the province. Make your stay more relaxing in the evening by keeping the area as dark as possible – you might spot tinkering fireflies!

The cottage

The one-bedroom cottage can accommodate up to eight people. It has two double beds, four single beds, two bunk beds, and two floor mattresses, which should keep everyone comfortable.

Guests can also cook their own meals in the fully-equipped kitchen or outdoor barbecue area. The resort can also provide banana leaves if you wish to have a boodle fight.

You can get fresh food from the market in Anilao, which is approximately 20 minutes away from the resort. If you want more choices, you can go to Bauan. The town has a wet market, fast food chains, and a supermarket, but it’s 45 minutes away.

There’s also a bonfire area that’s perfect for hanging out in the evening. What’s more perfect than spending time with friends or family while enjoying the sea’s cold breeze and relaxing sound of the waves?

Activities

What’s a trip to the beach without enjoying water activities and seeing Mabini’s reefs? For a small fee, guests can rent the resort’s two kayaks, life vests, and four sets of snorkeling equipment.

An island hopping tour can also be arranged, with up to 10 pax per boat. The tour may cost from Php, 3,200 to 6,000, depending on the distance. Scuba diving can also be arranged two weeks before your stay.

Rates at Batalang Bato Beach Retreat start at Php 8,000 per night. For more information about the resort, follow their Facebook page, or visit this Airbnb listing.

More places to see in Batangas: 

These Airbnbs in Batangas will Give You a Slice of Paradise Near the Metro
Go on a Dreamy Sunset Cruise at this Unique Yacht Airbnb in Batangas
Go Glamping by Taal Lake at This Picturesque Resort in Batangas