The Philippines is known for its wonderful beaches and world-class leisure activities. Thousand of spots from different places are frequented by tourists, local and foreign alike, to spend vacation and have an easy escape to the bustling environ of the city. In Batangas, Matabungkay Beach is one of its proudest attractions that has been favorite destination for many locals.

Matabungkay Beach

Matabungkay Beach is in Lian, Batangas with a white sand beach reasonably accessible to Manila 120 kilometres (75 mi) that was originally 'discovered' to be a great weekend or daytrip destination in the early 1950s, allegedly by sun starved German residents of Manila. In fact the German Club had a cottage there then. It was soon a popular target for holiday-lovers and permanent cottages (even deluxe beach houses) were built along the beach line (and some into the beach) in the early 1960s by rich Manila folk.

It has a small coral reef about 50 meters from the low tide mark in the center of the cove which diverts the incoming waves beautifully and creates some that on good days you could body surf on. At present it is a top destination during the Philippine summer season (April to June) and gets very crowded.

Aside from cottages and houses, there are small sheds of bamboo construction one could rent for a day built in some places almost to the high tide mark.

How to get there

Proceed to Tagaytay and head toward Nasugbu for 32km. Turn right after the Sea Oil Gas Station and drive 5.5 km (passing the sugar mill on your left) to the T-Junction(Shell Gas Station on the Left). Turn left and drive 12km, through the town of Lian, until you reach the Matabungkay Beach sign.