Some 140km south of Manila, the resort of ANILAO (the name refers both to the village and the 13km peninsula beyond it) is primarily a diving destination, popular with city folk at weekends, when the area can get a little busy.
During the week it’s much more peaceful and you can often negotiate a discount on your accommodation. The best time for diving is March through June; there’s little point in coming just for the beach.
To reach Anilao by public transport, take a bus to Batangas City and then a jeepney west to Mabini or the wharf at Anilao village, then continue by tricycle along the coastal road to your resort. All the accommodation reviewed here is on the road beyond the wharf at Anilao, along the west coast of the Calumpan peninsula.
Accommodation
Aquaventure Reef Club
Barangay. Bagalangit T02/584-1328, Wwww.aquareefclub.com.
Comfortable, unpretentious resort 3km along the coastal road beyond Anilao. Operated by Manila-based dive outfit Aqua One, it’s primarily a scuba resort, though it also offers island-hopping and snorkelling trips in rented bangkas. Double rooms come with fan or a/c and ; buffet-style meals are served in a nice open restaurant overlooking the sea.
Casita Ysabel Barangay
San Teodoro T917/610-0005, Wwww.casitaysabel.com.
Preferred hideaway for non-divers (as well as divers), with its Tree Earth Spa and cosy casitas just off the beach (and local reef). Owner Linda Reyes-Romualdez has used Bali as inspiration for the nicest casitas, most of which have ocean views. Meals included.
Dive Solana
BarangaySan Teodoro T02/721-2089, Wwww.divesolana.com.
Along the coastal road beyond the Aquaventure Reef Club, this is a charming and slightly bohemian little retreat popular with divers and owned by Filipina film-maker Marilou Diaz-Abaya. There are a/c and fan rooms (but no TV), some right on the beach, with an ethnic touch, and the rate includes three buffet meals a day. It’s always full at weekends because people keep going back, so book in advance. Prices rise ten percent at weekends.
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