Point Of Origin: Anabu-2A, Imus, Cavite
Getting There:
1) Jeep, Anabu-2A to Palapala Terminal = P 12
Other option: Bus, Alfonso-bound
2) Van, Palapala to Calatagan Bayan = P 120
Getting Around:
Tricycle Rental, Calatagan Bayan up to Ronco Beach Resort = P 250
Tricycle Fare, Minimum = P 10
Going Back Home:
1) Van, Calatagan to Anabu-2A = P 140
Other option: Bus, Celyrosa, Pasay-bound
Resorts Along The Way:
From Calatagan Bayan
Same Cove
1) Rosegold Resort (has a website)
Same Cove
2) Playa Calatagan (has a website)
3) Ivory Beach Resort
4) Coral Shore
Same Cove
5) Pantalan Beach (0919-397-7762)
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6) Carpio Beach
Same Cove
7) Villa San Agustin (02-514-1031, 0917-906-3173, 0921-627-7811, svcaparas@yahoo.com)
Same Cove
8) There are numerous beach rest house for rent along the way
Same Cove
9) Ronco Beach Resort (has a website)
Resort Before Coming To Calatagan Bayan
(I did not explore this place)
1) Lago De Oro (has a website)
2) Villa Aureal
3) Punta Baluarte (other side - east side) (has a website)
4) Nacua Fishing & Beach Resort (0921-227-3761)
5) Fishing & Beach Resort (forgot the name)
6) Golden Sunset Resort (has a website)
Travelouge:
Travel Time - From Palapala to Calatagan Bayan is 2 hours. Going back is much longer time because of the traffic at Mendez Crossing.
Tricycle - I was able to bargain the tricycle rent. Starting was at P 300. Upon arrival at Calatagan Bayan, I asked where the terminal for Sta. Ana is located. I went there and asked for a possible rental.
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Food - Upon arrival at Calatagan Bayan, I alighted when I saw a Burger Machine stand. It is there where I took my breakfast and took out my packed lunch. On a nearby bakery, I bought P 20 bread. I already have a 1.5L water with me. There is also a carinderia near the bakery - possible for packed lunch. This is located near the Catholic Church. Further straight ahead is the new market where you can possible buy fruits and raw foods.
Bus & Van Terminal - The terminal for both the bus and the van is near each other and is adjacent to the new market.
Entrance Fee - The entrance fee ranges from P 100 to P 300. Ronco = P 100. Villa Agustina = P 300. Pantalan Beach = Free (I think)
Daytour Tables and Cottages - I find the rate of tables and cottages here expensive - starting at P 1,000.
Accomodation - Also the lodging rates here is expensive, starting at P 2,000. I didn't notice any lodging inns at Calatagan Bayan.
Internet Shops - I spotted one internet shop at Calatagan Bayan.
Boat Rental - And the boat rental system here is absurd. The rental here is time-based - Peso/hour. The boat rate here starts at P 300/hr, depending on the number of passenger. Then, most of them have a minimum time of 3 hours per trip. Absurd!
The Sand - Playa Calatagan areas and Pantalan areas have white sands (yellowish really) and long stretch of shore. Ronco beach area is shorth stretched and has a yellowish-gray sand.
The Sea - The sea floor here is shallow. Some are rocky and some are sandy with seaweeds and some are just sandy (like a sand bar perfect for swimming). It will be interesting to see this floor when it is exposed during low tides - if you are interested in this. So better know the low tides schedule before going to this place.
The Corals - There are corals here. Still in one piece. Both hard and soft corals. But during this time the water below is not clear, although it looks clear from the top. It seems that the mud or small plant or small creatures that used to stick in the rocks are washed up. According to the locals, when the rain comes those things will be gone. I have to understand those things because it hinders me to snorkel freely.
The Fish - Obviously because I snorkeled in a non-marine sanctuary, the fish there are rare. The are some small fishes but no school of fishes. Snorkeling without many fishes is incomplete snorkeling for me. However, I spotted here some crown of thorns (beware of this), starfish (blue, brown spotted, small white, four stars only) and sea urchins (black and white colored).
Public Beach - The favorite public beach here is Pantalan Beach, just beside Punta de Santiago Lighthouse. It a favorite because the area here is big. You can put up your tent for free I think. Shower/CR room costs P 10 per use. Although cottages here should be put in reservation first.