It’s officially summertime and everyone deserves a break!
The month of May is normally the peak of the summer season in the Philippines, and the warm atmosphere in the city can be terribly punishing, so escaping elsewhere to loosen up is on everyone’s mind.
If you are a budget traveler and just want an uncomplicated holiday escape with no plan to dip into extreme adventure activities, a beach destination with a rare blend of a state-of-the-art swimming pool is an excellent choice. And where else to experience this but at the Aquaria Beach Resort in Playa Calatagan, Batangas, less than a three-hour drive from Metro Manila.
The three-story slide of Aquaria beach resort
I had visited Aquaria with a friend last May 2014 and it was an amazing experience. I like the pool side area because of the elegant garden. Cool! It enhances the gorgeous landscape of the swimming pool area, which surely fascinates photography enthusiasts. I also love the beach side because of its spacious area. I had a grand time frolicking along its long coastline, enjoying the soothing afternoon breeze. Simply the best of both worlds!
The swimming pool area has a beautiful landscape of flowers and plants
If you are a beach person but dislike the idea of being roasted under the blistering heat of the sun, you can relax at the pool side, enjoy the warm water, and just take pictures. Or you may try the kiddie swimming pool facility to reconnect with the child in you; just for fun while waiting for the harsh sun rays to subside. The resort has a mini-restaurant along the beach area which travelers will surely enjoy, with its wide selection of delectable dishes.
The wide beach side is ideal for any types of activities and ball games. In fact, it can hold wide gatherings of special celebrations. However, don’t expect white sand here as it is slightly far from that category. But the tranquil view of the sea is enough to compensate everything.
The downside of this resort is the transportation. There are no public utility vehicles traveling to and from the beach. It’s more convenient if you visit there with a car. But for commuters, tricycles are available in Calatagan ready to take passengers to Aquaria. To ensure your return trip to the town, make an arrangement with the tricycle driver to fetch you at the end of the day.
Aquaria opens at 9:00 in the morning and closes at 6:00 in the evening. Unfortunately, the resort does not have cottages, so an overnight accommodation is not being offered at the moment. Entrance fee is Php 400.00 with no corkage on food.
How To Get There
If you are traveling from Manila, you may catch a bus from Coastal Mall and look for a route going to Calatagan, Batangas. This trip is rare as buses to Calatagan are only few, so you may also take the Lian bus route instead. Tell the driver or the conductor to drop you off at Lian. Look for a a a tricycle that would take you to the market where waiting jeepneys traveling to Calatagan can be found.
Upon entering Calatagan, tell the jeepney driver you’re heading to Aquaria beach resort in Playa, so that he can drop you off near the terminal going to Brgy. Sta. Ana where Aquaria is located.
Budget Breakdown to Aquaria Beach Resort
- Bus fare from Coastal Mall to Lian, Batangas: 149.00
- Tricycle going to public market in Lian: 10.00
- Jeepney for Calatagan, Batangas: 38.00
- Tricycle from Calatagan to Playa: 75.00
- Entrance Fee in Aquaria: 400
- Lunch: 155.00 (rice + calamari without drinks)
- Tricycle back to Calatagan: 75.00
- Transient Room: 200
- Dinner: 50.00
- Fare (van) from Calatagan to Pasay: 180.00
Aquaria Beach Resort and Beachside Condominium
Playa, Brgy. Sta. Ana, Calatagan, Batangas
Tel#:(02)425-6890
