Calatagan, a perfect getaway for whole family

Calatagan, a perfect getaway for whole family
By Jo Erlinda Gabot
Posted in Philippine News Today US, September 18, 2008
As a mother of four - my youngest is three and my eldest is 12 - I always scout for a nice and affordable vacation place during summer. In 2006, I discovered Calatagan, Batangas and my family and I have been going there since.
The first time I arrived at Ivory Beach Resort in Calatagan, I immediately was awed by its beauty. For only 50 pesos per person, the beach is yours for a memorable ocean adventure.
Add a few more pesos and you can stay for a day plus free table and chairs! If you want to stay overnight, just pay double and rent a room.
But I don’t prefer renting room. I suggest you bring your own tent for the whole family to make and enjoy bonfire at night. You don’t need a picnic hut to rent. It’s full of trees to give you a very nice shed even during summer.
Bring your ipod with speakers if you want music while having barbecue during the stay.
For only a few know the still and clear water white sand beaches there. The place is quiet and not crowded and thus is good for a whole family, like you are renting a private resort.
The whole family will get to enjoy a nice swim on Calatagan’s shallow clear water even a small kid could manage. Give them snorkeling gadgets, they will enjoy a whole day of fun at the sea or give them a big bucket, it will return to you full of starfishes and shells!
Calatagan shore is a fun way to explore the marine life living between South China Sea and Balayan Bay .
The coast is full of sea grass. Different color of shells, starfishes, crabs and colorful fishes can be found at the clear stumpy water which are a good starting place to introduce snorkeling for children.
You have to walk long before you get into an inter-tidal zone, a very interesting place for people who are interested in marine life and biology.
You’ll get the chance to enjoy the view of sunset. Sunsets in Calatagan are very beautiful and enchanting because it’s right on the west coast of Batangas.
If you want to see a coral reef garden, try to visit the Elizalde Beach resort. There you’ll find a big sign ‘Danger Zone’! Yes it’s a very dangerous zone, yet you’ll find the amazing coral reef garden in a sheer drop! Next to it is real deep water. You can’t even see the seabed and what lies ahead. So beware for those who are just starting into snorkel. I suggest even for the expert swimmer and snorkelers to put on their life vest.
Don’t forget to ride a motorized banca in early morning during low tide to take you to the islet of white sand! Surely, you’ll love to walk and swim on very shallow sugary white sand. Beside it, it’s for a snorkel wannabe exploration!
Calatagan in Batangas is only about two hours away from Manila via the South Luzon Expressway, into the Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Highway and on to Batangas.
So, see you there!