Travelled To Anilao... On A Budget

Travelling is something that a lot of us would like to do.

When I was still working in the BPO Industry, this is one of the hottest topics that people talk about.

For some this was their ticket to their 30 minutes of fame. Their teammates would bombard them with questions about the whole trip - From start to finish. It seems that everyone wants to do it. I guess, who doesn't, right?

But how do you do it if you're on a budget?

Is it even possible?

Well, the answer to that question is a big resounding YES.

One night, me and my girlfriend wanted to go on a quick get a way and we just wanted to catch some waves. We wanted to go to a beach that's not too far from Manila but we had a minor concern. We don't have enough money to do a lavish trip.

We were on a budget.

Armed with a strong desire to get out of the city over the weekend, we immediately grabbed our phones and went online to scour a budget friendly get a way beach resort that we can go to over the weekend. As we were going through one blog after another, we got really interested in this place called Anilao.

Now, we have another problem. We don't know how to get there.

With limited cash, bag full of clothes and a determined soul, we went to Anilao the next morning.

Facts About Anilao

Anilao is located south of Manila. It’s a Barangay in the municipality of Mabini, Batangas.

The waters that surrounds this area is teeming with marine life, plenty of corals and an amazing diversity of fishes.

Though Anilao has a lot of beautiful diving spots, its beaches is not recommended for swimming.

There are a lot of resorts within the vicinity which caters to both local and foreign tourists.

The best thing about Anilao is that its only 3 - 4 hours away from Metro Manila.

How To Get To Anilao From Las Pinas, Paranaque and Muntinlupa

• Go to South Station Bus Terminal

• Ride a bus bound to Batangas City. (Don't forget to ask the conductor if they will drop off passengers at the Grand Terminal Station in Batangas)

• Get off Grand Terminal Station

• Ride a jeepney going to Mabini (Don't forget to tell the jeepney conductor to drop you off Anilao)

• Get off Anilao Pier

• Congratulations, welcome to Anilao!!!

What Happened Next?

When we got there, we started looking for a resort that would fit our budget.

We found a resort which was owned by a local. It was right next to the beach and most importantly, it was affordable. Aileen by the Sea is definitely not a 5 start resort but it was clean and the staff was extremely friendly, polite and hospitable.

Facts About Aileen by the Sea

Entrance Fee:

• 100Php: Daytime

• 150Php: Over night

• 800Php - 1,000Php: Videoke rental

• 2,000Php: Boat rental/hour

• 2,000Php - 3,500Php: Room rental/night
  

Strangers In Anilao

Amazingly, there a lot of places that you can go to when you’re in Anilao. It seems that everything is just a boat ride away.

I’ve listed the places that you can go to while you’re in Anilao.

• Sombrero Island: A hat-shaped rocky island surrounded with nice, glittering white sand. Accessible both from Tingloy and Anilao.

• Masasa Beach: Tingloy’s best-kept secret. A short but pristine beach just a tricycle ride from Poblacion.

• Sepoc Point: Another white sand-glazed tip of Maricaban Island. Maybe included in island hopping tours.

• Mag-asawang Bato: Two rock formations atop a hill that can be reached from Masasa Beach.

• Mt. Gulugod Baboy: Literally means “pig’s spine” because of its appearance. It is a range of three hills (Pinagbanderahan, Gitna, and Gulugod Baboy at 525 meters above sea level) that runs across the Calumpang peninsula, perfect for beginners. From its summit, you can have a good view of Balayan Bay, Maricaban Islands, and, on a clear day, Verde Island and Mindoro. The trek starts at Philpan Dive Resort.

• Anilao Beaches: There are also some nice beaches in Anilao, hiding between rocky promontories. You can spot them even from the port.
  

Now, Let's Talk About Budget

• Jeep: Php10 from Tunasan to South Station

• Bus: Php190 - 200Php from Alabang to Grand Terminal Station

• Jeep: Php35 - Php40 from Grand Terminal Station to Anilao

• Entrance Fee: Php300

• Room Rrental: Php2,000

• Food: Php700
  

We only spent Php4,500 for the whole trip, for the both of us!

Not bad for a quick get a away from the city and the monotonous tasks of our daily jobs.

Try visiting Anilao. I'm sure, you'll love it!