Island Hopping at Ligpo Island, Lemery, Batangas

jump-off point to Ligpo Island

Ms. Sheenah Tan, a former student, told me last summer that I have to go to this spot. And after a series of plans, finally I was able to make the tour!

a resort owned by Japanese

How to get there

1. You can bring you own car and make the 2-hour drive from Manila using the South Super Highway. Use the skyway and then use the AC-TEX and exit in Lipa City and go to Cuenca, Batangas. You will pass the towns of Sta. Teresita, and finally, Taal. From Taal, you have to go to Barangay Baliti, San Luis, the jump-off point to Ligpo Island.

2. From Buendia, Pasay

Ride the bus (DLTB or Jam) going directly to Lemery in Buendia-Taft in Pasay. Fare is P180.00. The bus ride is good for 2-3 hours depending on the traffic. Alight in Taal, take the jeep to San Luis and the fare is only P12.00. The other option is to charter the tricycle for only P80.00 at Petron gas station in Lemery. 

Boat rental is a must.

Trekking the beach resorts involves a very challenging experience!

Bauan Divers Sanctuary

If you are going to charter the boat at Barangay Butong in San Luis, the cost is P1,500.00. It is a lot better to charter the boat at Barangay Baliti also in San Luis, the cost is only P800.00. But I haggled a bit and told the boatman that I would not stay long and take only pictures, and I was able to get the boat for P650.00.

Ligpo Island

And so the island hopping adventure was on for the day. Honestly, there were only 2 islands and the rest are sightseeing of the nearby beach resorts but it was still fun!

Ligpo Island

 

Boat rental

Romeo - 0975 218 3424

Macmac - 0949 907 6943

Ligpo Island Resort

Ligpo Island is known as one of the best diving and snorkeling sites in Batangas. Unfortunately, I was not prepared to do any snorkeling that day and due to time constraints, I can only afford to have an island hopping experience.

Normally, the cost of the boat rental is P1,000.00 (but since it was lean season), I was able to have it a very low price. 

Along the tour we passed the Japanese-owned resort, Bauan Divers' Sanctuary and then Ligpo Island (a private island resort owned by a Korean national). Only the Ligpo Island Resort is open to the public.

Just a couple of minutes away from Ligpo Island Resort, we reached Villa Castillo. One of the premiere resorts in the area.

My boatman-guide was kind enough to tell me details of the resorts in the area and we reached another resort named Portulano Resort.

Last stop for the day was Dive and Trek Resort, the best resort for your diving and snorkeling needs.

 On the way back to the port, I decided to dock at Ligpo Island and ask the permission of the caretaker if I could be allowed to see and roam around at the island. And luck was on my side, we docked and spent a couple of minutes roaming around the island!

 Past two hours, we reached the docking area and paid the parking fee at Portulano Resort's parking area. Parking fee is only P20.00 for the motorcycle.

It's Really More Fun in Batangas!

National Heroes Day Motorcycle Tour

My life as a traveler will not be complete 

if I am not going to travel. 

But my other passion in life (teaching) occupies most of my time. Do not get me wrong. I am not complaining. I simply love teaching in college. And in order to maximize for the lost time and opportunity for my craves to travel, I write all the holidays and special non-working days in a school year and plan ahead of time. And this tour was planned ahead of time. 

The original plan was to go to San Juan, Batangas and see the Old Pinagbayanan Church and Naambon Falls. But I had to change the plan and I opted on the other side of Batangas. The plan involves going to Burot Beach in Calatagan, CML Beach Resort & Water Park and Ligpo Island in Lemery. And I made the right choice! =)

It was a good day to have a motorcycle tour. The weather was not so hot that day and there was only a minimal sign that it was going to rain that day. 

From Tanauan City, I boarded my bike and proceeded to Talisay, Batangas (my gateway to Tagaytay). 

Taal Volcano

Along the way, you will pass Club Balai Isabel (a must-see resort in Talisay). And the ascending drive started. Along the way up, you will be mesmerized by the magnificent and spectacular view of Taal Volcano. It was a bit foggy that day but I did not mind at all. 

There are so many routes going to Tagaytay but this Talisay route is the best route for travelers and adventurers. The twist and turns of the uphill drive will surely cause goose-bumps along the drive.

It was a long motorcycle drive. I was traveling only at an average speed of 80 kilometers per hour. Before I was averaging at 100 kilometers per hour but after 3 motorcycle accidents, my urge for speed diminished.

And after 2 hours, I reached my first destination - Calatagan, Batangas.

 

Burot Beach

Reaching the town of Calatagan, I was 2 kilometers away from my destination. And my first stop that day was in Burot Beach.  

I stayed in the beach only for one hour and took some information about the beach and some photos and sped off to my next destination.

CML Beach Resort & Water Park

From Calatagan, I drove off to Lemery. Along the way, I passed by Balayan and Calaca. These towns are a must for motorcycle enthusiast! The long and straight drive towards Lemery was simply amazing!

And after less than an hour, I arrived at my second destination - CML Beach Resort & Water Park.

My brother, Kuya Derick Villegas, was the one who told me to visit the resort and it was a good thing that I listened to him.

Again, I stayed only for an hour and afterwards, I decided to go to my final destination.

Ligpo Island

From the town of Lemery, I went to Taal (a must-side trip for everone!) and headed towards San Luis. Reaching Barangay Ligpo, Lemery, Batangas. I chartered a boat in order to see the beaches and the famous Ligpo Island.

at Burot Beach

Finally, I went home and reaching Lipa City, heavy rain poured and I got all soaked up but the rain did not dampen the enthusiasm and happiness of the tour that day.

It's Really More Fun In Batangas!

CML Beach Resort & Water Park

CML Beach Resort and Water Park was just launched this year (2014) and is quickly making itself as one of the premiere resorts in Batangas. The resort was imagined and realized by its founder and CEO, Chona Latti. It is located in the town of Lemery, Batangas.

How to get there

1. You can bring you own car and make the 2-hour drive from Manila using the South Super Highway. Use the skyway and then use the AC-TEX and exit in Lipa City and go to Cuenca, Batangas. You will pass the towns of Sta. Teresita, Taal and then, finally, Lemery.

2. From Buendia, Pasay

Ride the bus (DLTB or Jam) going directly to Lemery in Buendia-Taft in Pasay. Fare is P180.00. The bus ride is good for 2-3 hours depending on the traffic. Alight in Lemery, then ride a tricycle going to the resort.

Entrance fee

Adult - P250 (day tour) / P300 (5 pm onwards)

13y/0 below - P150.00 / P300 (5 pm onwards)

Rooms

Royal Ocean Suite - P10,000.00 (Good for 10 pax)

Ocean de Luxe - P6,999.00 (Good for 5 pax)

De Luxe - P5,999.00 (Good for 5 pax)

Cabanas

Big - P1,999.00 (Good for 12 pax)

Small - P1,499.00 (Good for 8 pax)

Contact Person

Nonong Castro - 0917 948 3901 / 0999 408 5575

website: www.cmlbeachresort.com