You need not travel far to get your beach fix.. and you need not spend a ton just to enjoy this Batangas Trip.

Tipid Transpo
Laiya is a stretch of white-sand beach in San Juan, Batangas, and is accessible by a three-hour car drive from Manila. Or, you can take the Jam Liner bus from Manila to Batangas; fare is about P120. From Lipa City Market, take a jeep going to San Juan, P40. Get off at the San Juan Town Market, then ride a jeepney to Laiya, P27.

Sulit Stay
Expect world-class hospitality and affordable accomodations at La Luz Beach Resort [tel. nos. (02) 726-6687 and 726-4977]. The gang will so love the beachfront, the amenities, cordial staff, and relaxing cabanas. Overnight stay at the air-conditioned Standard Room costs P5,600, or P1,400 per person for two nights. (If you’re really making tipid, La Luz has fan rooms that only cost P3,200 per night, or P900 per person).

Fun Food-Trippin’
In La Luz, just shell out P1,050 and your four meals – all buffet! – will be covered. Don’t worry; these fresh, homecooked meals are not nakakaumay, as they serve a variety of pork, fish, and pasta dishes. For super tipid meals, venture out of the hotel and take a jeep to the Centro, near baranggay hall, to dine in at the local haunts.

Tours and Treats
Try snorkeling (P100 for three hours), kayaking (P200 per hour), and beach volleyball (P50 per use of the hall). Hold a bonfire or hike to Mt. Daguldol. Hire a tour guide for P350, good for the whole day.