The province of Batangas has many beach destinations, and yet many still flock to the same beaches in Calatagan, Laiya, and Nasugbo. Did you know that there's a beautiful island called Isla Verde. It's a secluded paradise located between Luzon and Mindoro.
Described as center of center of the world's marine biodiversity, Isla Verde features crystal blue waters and powdery white sand dotted with some coconut trees. There’s something for everyone, be it diving, swimming, trekking, or camping. This secluded beach will surely bring you a good dose of vitamin sea.
How To Get To Isla Verde
By public transport – From Cubao, take a bus bound for Batangas Grand Terminal. Travel time is 2-3 hours. Fare is P160-P180. Bus companies (Jam transit, BLTB, Ceres) serving this route have daily trips that leave hourly.
From Batangas Grand Terminal, ride a jeep going to Bagong Palengke. Fare is P12. Tell the driver to drop you off to the place where you can ride a jeep that will go to Tabangao Aplaya. Travel time is 30-45 minutes. Fare is 18. You may also rent a tricycle for a special trip going to Tabangao Aplaya. It can accommodate 3-4 pax. Fare is around P300.
From the port, you may take a passenger boat bound for Isla Verde. You will find several boats in the port and each boat will go to go directly to specific resort or sitio/ barangay. Travel time is 1.5 hour and fare is P150. Please be advised that there's only one trip daily going to Isla Verde. Boat leaves at around 9AM.
Places to visit to Isla Verde
Mahabang Buhangin
Located in San Agustin, Mahabang Buhangin is Isla Verde's famous beach. It features a long stretch of white sands beach, crystal clear waters and some rock formations. The sand is combination of small pebbles and broken sea shells and hard corals. You can find here some small resorts that offers accommodation at reasonable price.
Sawang Area
The Sawang area is one the destinations that you can visit. It features white sands and pristine water. You can also find here a cave where you see several rock formation. Other things to do here is swimming, beach bumming and diving.
Mt Dagit Dagit
Mt. Dagit Dagit is a great mountain destination in the island. At the top, you can see Isla Verde's beach area, the town and nearby provinces. Going to the summit will take around 2 hours.
Sawang Area
The Sawang area is one the destinations that you can visit. It features white sands and pristine water. You can also find here a cave where you see several rock formation. Other things to do here is swimming, beach bumming and diving.
Mt Dagit Dagit
Mt. Dagit Dagit is a great mountain destination in the island. At the top, you can see Isla Verde's beach area, the town and nearby provinces. Going to the summit will take around 2 hours.
Other destinations include San Antonio Beach, Maliit na Nalalayag, and Surface Interval Resort.
Entrance Fee and Other Charges
Environmental Fee- P40
Private Boat- P2000-P3500
Isalnd Hopping- P1500-P2000
Camping Fee- P300- P700
Cottage Rental Fee- P1500-P3000
Habal-Habal- P50
Some Resort entrance fee- P25-P100
Tabangao Port Parking Fee: P100 (overnight)
Where To Stay in Isla Verde
Surface Interval Resort
San Agapito, Verde Island
Contact Number- 0930 292 4754
Engracio’s Beach Resort
Aplaya, Sampalukan, San Agustin
reservations@islaverdecottages.com
Isla Verde Tropical Friendly Resort
San Agustin, Verde Island
+6327825833 or +639164408647
Sawang DIVE CAMP Resort
San Agapito, Isla Verde
0917 182 8347
Jun Jun Transient Home
Sampalukan, Isla Verde
09083445675
During my visit to Isla Verde, I stayed in Jun Jun Transient Home. He's a local and he knows almost everything about the island. His mother's house was converted to a transient home where a stayed for overnight. The house comes with 2 spacious room ( with basic bed, pillow and blanket ), a restroom and kitchen. Kuya Jun and his family was very accommodating. They make sure I'm alright all the time. By the way, you can cook in their transient home or they can cook for you. Just let them know in advance the food you want to eat. Their electricity is available from 6PM to 6AM.
Isla Verde is perfect destination for beach lovers, backpackers and for those looking unspoiled beach with stunning diving spots. Personally, I love the island. I found a peace of mind here- no pollution, no traffic jam and no toxic job. It's a great place to chill and unwind. The island is not a good place for delicate travelers who want high end resorts with a lot of amenities and beach areas with pure find white sands. It's a very laid back island with people living in a simple life.
Tips and Reminders
1. Be early in the port. There's only one passenger boat daily that will take you to the island. Boat leave at from Tabangao
2. Bring Cash. There's no banks or ATMs in the island
3. Both Smart and Globe and other networks have strong 4G/ LTE signal
4. Electricty is available from 6PM-10PM.
5. Best time to visit to Isla Verde is during Amihan months of January to May.
6. It's cheaper to take a passenger boat which will cost from P120- P150
7. Parking space is available in Tabangao Port.
10. It's advisable to bring bottled water and food. Their goodies in the is a bit pricey
11. There's no restaurants and bars in the island
12. Isla Verde is just one hour boat ride going to Lobo, Batangas and Puerto Galera, Mindoro.
13. Prepare your Isla Verde Itinerary
During my visit to Isla Verde, I stayed in Jun Jun Transient Home. He's a local and he knows almost everything about the island. His mother's house was converted to a transient home where a stayed for overnight. The house comes with 2 spacious room ( with basic bed, pillow and blanket ), a restroom and kitchen. Kuya Jun and his family was very accommodating. They make sure I'm alright all the time. By the way, you can cook in their transient home or they can cook for you. Just let them know in advance the food you want to eat. Their electricity is available from 6PM to 6AM.
Isla Verde is perfect destination for beach lovers, backpackers and for those looking unspoiled beach with stunning diving spots. Personally, I love the island. I found a peace of mind here- no pollution, no traffic jam and no toxic job. It's a great place to chill and unwind. The island is not a good place for delicate travelers who want high end resorts with a lot of amenities and beach areas with pure find white sands. It's a very laid back island with people living in a simple life.
Tips and Reminders
1. Be early in the port. There's only one passenger boat daily that will take you to the island. Boat leave at from Tabangao
2. Bring Cash. There's no banks or ATMs in the island
3. Both Smart and Globe and other networks have strong 4G/ LTE signal
4. Electricty is available from 6PM-10PM.
5. Best time to visit to Isla Verde is during Amihan months of January to May.
6. It's cheaper to take a passenger boat which will cost from P120- P150
7. Parking space is available in Tabangao Port.
10. It's advisable to bring bottled water and food. Their goodies in the is a bit pricey
11. There's no restaurants and bars in the island
12. Isla Verde is just one hour boat ride going to Lobo, Batangas and Puerto Galera, Mindoro.
13. Prepare your Isla Verde Itinerary
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