8 Beach Destinations You Can *Easily* Commute To

No private car? Too lazy to drive? No problem.
by Ina Louise Manto | May 30, 2023

We’ve all been through it: planning a short getaway is all fun and games until the person with a vehicle backs out or feels too lazy to drive. Here’s to the bunch who still can’t get enough vitamin sea – whether you’re going alone for some muni-muni or with friends, here are some commute-friendly beach destinations near the metro:

Anilao, Batangas

 

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If you’re looking into experiencing free diving, scuba diving, or snorkeling, Anilao is one of the best places to see vibrant marine life near the metro. Mabini, Batangas is a popular spot among divers, and there are many resorts to choose from.

How to commute to Anilao, Batangas

1. Ride a bus going to Batangas City (Batangas City Terminal).
2. Ride a jeepney going to Mabini.
3. Take a tricycle to your resort.

Laiya, Batangas

 

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There’s no need to fly to Boracay to experience white sand when there’s Laiya Beach in San Juan, Batangas. It doesn’t have the same powdery sand, but it’ll pass, especially if it’s just a day tour. From cottages to luxe resorts, there’s going to be one for every type of traveler.

How to commute to Laiya, Batangas

1. Ride a bus going to Lipa City and asked to be dropped off at the bus terminal.
2. Ride a jeepney going to San Juan and alight at the town’s market.
3. Take a jeepney to Laiya and make sure to ask the driver if he’ll pass the resort you’re going to. If not, you can take a tricycle going to your specific resort.

La Union

 

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A favorite destination for its surfing, dining, and partying, La Union is very commute-friendly.

How to commute to La Union

There are bus operators like Partas that drive northbound from Cubao and drop off passengers at San Fernando, La Union. Another bus operator is Viron Transit, which hails from Sampaloc, Manila.

If you want to reserve bus tickets in advance, you can book online instead. You’ll also have the choice to select which type of bus you want to book: from regular seats to deluxe sleeper buses.

Liwliwa, Zambales

 

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If you’re looking for a beach destination good for surfing but don’t want to deal with a crowd, heading to Liwliwa Beach in San Felipe, Zambales is your next best bet. It’s got a chill relaxing vibe with great beachfront dining options too.

How to commute to Liwliwa, Zambales

1. Ride a bus in Pasay going to Sta. Cruz or Iba, Zambales.
2. Alight at San Felipe bus stop.
3. Take a tricycle going to Liwliwa Beach.

Hundred Islands, Pangasinan

Island hopping near the metro is possible when you visit Hundred Islands in Pangasinan. It’ll take you about four or five hours to get there via bus.

How to commute to Hundred Islands, Pangasinan

1. Ride a bus going to Alaminos, Pangasinan.
2. Take a tricycle to Lucap Wharf
3. Rent a boat for island hopping.

If you want a hassle-free trip, you can join tours as well, which you may find in Facebook groups or tour offices.

Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

Speaking of riding boats, getting to Puerto Galera is also easy.

How to commute to Puerto Galera, Mindoro

1. Take a bus going to Batangas Pier/Batangas Port.
2. Go to the ticketing booth and purchase a RoRo or Fascraft ticket to Puerto Galera. Take note of which port is the closest to your resort.
3. When you arrive at your port in Puerto Galera, ride a tricycle going to your resort.

Cagbalete Island, Quezon

 

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Quezon Province isn’t just mountains and greenery; you can find coastal towns too, just like Cagbalete. Nestled on the east coast of Luzon, Cagbalete Island boasts white sand that’s picture-perfect, especially during low tide. It’s not completely remote and has a number of established resorts, so it wouldn’t be difficult to find comfy accommodations. Travel time is around 40 minutes to one hour.

How to commute to Cagbalete Island, Quezon

1. Ride a bus going to Lucena and alight at Lucena Grand Terminal.
2. Ride another bus to Mauban, which is the municipality that governs the island.
3. When you get there, head to Mauban Port where you can ride a boat to Cagbalete Island.

Fortune Island, Batangas

 

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Known for the ruins on top of a hill, Fortune Island was once an exclusive resort in Nasugbu, Batangas. Now, ruins remain, with day trips or overnight camping available to its visitors. If you’re up for a remote island experience, the adventure is going to be worth it.

How to commute to Fortune Island, Batangas

1. Ride a bus going to Nasugbu, which will take you about 4 hours. Tell the driver to drop you off at Jollibee-Nasugbu.
2. Ride a tricycle to Fortune Island Resort.
3. Rent a boat to go to the island.

Looking for other places to explore? Join WindowSeat.ph’s official Facebook community What’s Your Trip PH for more recos!