Burot Beach | A Beach Getaway on a Budget

With countless resorts and developed beaches, Batangas is truly a place for an easy escape from the hustle and bustle of the Metro Manila's city life. But did you know that a hidden gem could be found on this province? A beach only known to few. A beach that has yet to develop. A beach which is almost paradise, Burot Beach in Calatagan Batangas.

It was already summertime in the Philippines and the days passing by were so humid. It feels like it's getting hotter everyday. Our trip last weekend in Batangas was so perfect as I was so drooling for beach, I couldn't take the heat at the metro anymore.

How to get to Burot Beach? We rode a bus at the terminal near the MRT Taft Station just at the back of the Sogo Hotel. There are no fixed schedule on bus going to Calatagan but the bus we rode left at 8:00 AM. It gets full easily so better get to the terminal as early as 6:00 AM. There are also vans that gets to Calatagan. The terminal is located at the back of Kabayan Hotel, just along the street between Metropoint Mall and Kabayan Hotel. The first trip is 4:00 AM and the last trip is 8:00 PM.

Bus fare to Calatagan Batangas costs PHP 190.00 (something).

It was almost lunchtime when we arrived in Calatagan, Batangas. We were dropped off at the terminal and public market. We ate our lunch first then shopped for things we needed during our stay at the beach.

Afterwards, we looked for tricycle that will going to take us to Burot Beach. The standard fare to Burot Beach costs about PHP 150.00 but we were able to haggle the amount down to PHP 120.00 since we contracted the driver to fetch us the next day. Here's our tricycle driver's number, Kuya Cesar 09152244206.

The road to the beach is rough and unpaved which take us about 30 minutes to get to the beach.

Burot Beach. The beach also known as Elizalde Beach is now owned by SM. But since there are no plans yet for this property it is still open for public. But an entrance fee shall be paid upon entering the premises, the fee costs PHP 120.00 each.

There are cottages and tables available for use. I supposed they are free since they didn't charged us when we used them.

A not so decent comfort rooms and a sari-sari store are also available at the beach. But I advised to buy your food and all the things you needed before getting to this place as items being sold here are a bit expensive. 

There are no accommodations on this site so we brought a camping tent which we used during our overnight stay.

We pitched our tent before sunset. We're a group of six so imagine how we were able to squeeze in all ourselves in that tent. There our also bamboo beds available if you wish to spend your night open-air, just bring mosquito repellent and sarong. 

Going back, there were already groups when we got to the beach. We dropped off our things. We roamed around the beach area and took some photos of it.

The sun is scorching as the sea is so inviting. 

We went to the right side of the beach then eventually explored the area. There were burned / dried trees. 

Actually, this scenario is all around the area even on our way here. I wasn't sure if its because of the sun or kaingin, burning of trees for cultivation purposes. 

A deeper area of the beach at the right side of Burot Beach. Mostly locals are in here as per my assumption.

We took a swim under the burning sun. It was calm and shallow. You need to get far to get to the shoulder deep area. But I didn't get far from the shore. The only thing I don't like about the beach was the sea weeds. I don't like stepping on them.

I have no complaints about the sand. It was a little fine but not the finest. The beach is white sand. It's just weird that cemented area could be found on some area when we dug the sand.

We went to the other side of the beach area, at the left side to explore more of it. Rock formations could be found and some small shore areas that still part of the Burot Beach.

The rock formations made we want to go cliff jumping as if its a cliff. But the sea is too shallow that could be dangerous if I jump in to it. There are also small fishes in the sea that we seen clearly from our location, at the top of the rocks. I was so amazed how these small fishes form a school of fish.

From here, we waited for the sun to set.

Bagets setting up for the sunset.

After a little while the sun goes down.

Feeling dramatic?

It was indeed one of the beautiful sunset I've seen.

We eventually went back to our campsite when the sun went down.

There are no lights in Burot Beach so don't forget to bring flash lights. We took another dip in the water before we had our dinner. We had canned goods for our dinner. Feeling lazy to cook and so unprepared for camping because I forgot to bring a lot of things. ;)

Our night is so full of happenings and story telling, from serious to comic ones. But as the saying goes, what happened in Burot will be left in Burot. ;)

We slept around 12:00 AM then woke up around 6:00 AM.

We were fetched by our tricycle drivers at around 7:30 AM. We left Burot beach and bid our goodbye to this beautiful beach.

From L-R; Kenny, Me, Carla, Elal, Chino and Joanne.

This time, we rode a van from Calatagan to get back to the city. Van fare for Calatagan to Pasay costs PHP 180.00 (something). Travel time is 3 hours.

Not all travels need to be expensive. You don't also need to get far to get to a white beach. Burot Beach would be perfect for friends and family looking for a weekend getaway to relax and enjoy the beach without breaking the bank. A beach that could bring enjoyment and fun to its visitors.

Though this beach wasn't developed yet, let's not forget to be responsible with our surroundings. Please don't leave your garbage behind. When you visit  Burot beach or any other beach, please dispose your waste properly. There are garbage bins available in the area, so please let's use those for our trash. Let's all be responsible tourist.

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Trip Tips:

• Go to the terminal as early as 6:00 AM as the terminal gets packed with commuters especially on weekends.
• There are no accommodations in Burot Beach so I suggest to bring camping tent. There are also no lights so bring flash lights. 
• Please be mindful of your belongings.
• Dispose garbage properly