Playa Laiya, San Juan Batangas

   Batangas is a first class and a blessed province that has something to showcase. It is well-known to pristine beaches and excellent diving spot with wide array of landscape. It is geographically located in the southwestern part of Luzon. Among those popular tourist destinations are Punta Fuego in Nasugbu, Matabungkay in Lian, Ligpo Island in Bauan, Sombrero Island in Tingloy, Anilao in Mabini and Laiya in San Juan. Just like any other provinces, Batangas is just an easy access from Manila and hence we decided to have this family escapade in San Juan.

   It’s not my first time to visit this beautiful province, actually I’ve been there countless times already. The latest was when we had this birthday treat to my fiance’s mom with her family and had an early summer getaway as well. We opted to book for an overnight reservation in a private resort, Playa Laiya, thru my fiance’s highschool friend as the resort has the exclusivity only to the LandCo land owners and their guests. After three-hours of land trip, all were paid-off, the beauty of this peaceful private resort welcomed us warmly. Being a driver from a long mile distance with lack of sleep due to an overtime work starved to take a nap in this relaxing view of the seaside. We’ve been there a weekend ago (February month) which was a ‘not peak season’ and therefore only few visitors just like us came-in. A perfect time to relax with the whole family as the resort was not crowded.

the Cabanas

mini pool and Olympic size infinity pool in behind

deck restaurant

   The resort has strict security staffs, they won’t allow you to enter the resort gate unless you have an invitation or endorsement from the land owners. All the guests are obliged to wear the wrist band pass to notice the visitors and who are not. There’s enough space for the vehicle open parking in front of the resort, and it’s secured so no worry. Their well designed-look restrooms are very neat and spacious. If you would want to take a shower, you can choose either in restroom or in shower area located in the resort side near the pool area. One of the highlight amenities of this private resort is the Olympic-size infinity pool surrounded by Cabanas. It is where you can have a perfect captured photo moments especially during sunset time. If you need to buy or to have some snacks and refreshments, there’s a restaurant located in the second floor of the resort lobby and you could also enjoy your snack time while looking the view of the offshore from there. Cabanas are the only temporary shelter the resort could provide you, meaning it’s not a typical hotel room with wall sides or an air-conditioned closed rooms. But not bad for a huge number of guests, their cabanas are spacious that consist of wooden blinds for sunshine protection or to minimize outside cold condition.

not the ordinary turtle in a half shell.

   It is suggested to bring your own electric appliances such as electric fan, electric stove, rice cooker, speaker, radio (or any other music source gadgets) and extension cord. Also do not fail to bring your own pillows and blankets. The resort allows the guests to cook food on their own, there’s also an available grill and it is free to use just approach the resort staff. Also don’t forget to bring mosquito repellant. The guests could also bring their own tent but only allowed to assemble and to place it in the seaside, few walks from the resort cabanas to avoid the resort walkway blockage.

restroom at night.

How to get there in Playa Laiya?

   We’ve been there via private vehicle and so I have no exact idea on how you could possibly get there in San Juan Batangas via public transport. Even before with my past company outings and friends getaway, we usually been there via our own vehicle. The route is only via South Luzon Expressway and Star Toll from Manila. About exiting the Star Toll, you would have many options. You can take an exit to Sto. Tomas and head towards San Juan via San Pablo, Tiaong, and Candelaria but not advisable due to long hours of travel. Other option is to take an exit to Malvar and head towards San Juan via Rosario and you will pass along the Batangas Racing Circuit. Same apply if you take an exit to Lipa wherein chances of meet at landmarks of Jollibee and Mercury Drugstore crossing from Malvar exit route. The other option is via San Jose-Ibaan Road and head straightly towards San Juan, Batangas. There’s a signage of Playa Laiya resort in every kilometers of trip that will guide every visitors.

guest pass.

What to do in Playa Laiya?

   You can take many pictures as you can within the resort as you will surely appreciate the beauty of the architectural scenery of the resort. From the view deck of the restaurant, to infinity pool and sea offshore. You can take a swim on their tame and peaceful Olympic-size infinity pool with nice view of continuous water connecting-look from pool to the sea water. There’s also some jet ski and ferry boat rentals in the seaside. Jet ski rental rates are ranging from Php2,500 to Php10,000 depending on the desired number of hours of usage. In our case, we rented a banana boat which was Php250 per person but we got it for only Php2,000 all-in (depends on your negotiation skills hehe) that was for 11-persons ride, one at a time for 6-persons capacity banana boat ride. The guests can also do bonfire, camping and have a sky lattern activity in the offshore at night.

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Playa Laiya Private Resort Rating (with 5-stars as the highest):

Room (Cabana): ★★★

Service: ★★★★

Location: ★★★★

Amenities: ★★★★

Overall: ★★★★  

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   Our overnight stay was a blast and very much enjoyed. Our mom’s birthday celebration was absolutely fun indeed. Our family had a great time experiencing this one of a kind private resort in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas.

EAT.SLEEP.EXPLORE.repeat.