The after-graduation escapade

Jeus Musngi
Apr 17, 2017
4 min read

Batangas, where richness of culture and tradition lives, known for their captivating ancestral houses and structures preserved way back 19th century, their remarkably strong and unique accent, hometown of one of the decade volcanoes in the history – Taal Volcano. Wait! I have forgotten something right? The Beaches! Numerous beaches that provide relaxing aura to the whole province.

Many prominent beaches in Batangas are often advertise in social media world these days, travel agencies that offer water activities are here and there, which really thrills me to spend the rest of the vacay, yey and slay!

Fortune Island in Nasugbu, Matabungkay Beach in Lian, Burot Beach of Calatagan are just some of those must visit beaches in the Province of Batangas.

A great place for after-graduation escapade? Looking for a new and perfect place to sun bath on summer? Of course, which suits the budget. Worry no more! LAYAG-LAYAG BEACH is waiting!

(Located at Barangay Papaya, Nasugbu Batangas)

Reaching the town proper of Batangas after 6 hours straight travel is kind a bit tiring especially when you do the “commute” thing. So, me and my friends had decided to take a walk, be wowed on what Batangas has to offer, stretch those bones who enjoyed resting a lot and of course feeding our hungry babies (our tummies I mean). Another 30-minutes tricycle ride going to the barangay where the island is located is butt tiring. And Yes! We reached the place and guess what? Another 15 minutes boat transfer going to the isolated island of Layag Layag, for real?! Thus, became my favorite part. Witnessing an amazing work of art made me speechless for fifteen minutes, the feeling of being surrounded by a large body of water says it all, astounding rock formations waving at us left and right, crystalline water displayed the true beauty under the sea, corals represent as landscape under water, fishes who swam freely reminded me of life. I must say, that fifteen minutes ride isn’t enough to experience the whole thing.

Finally! Touch down Layag Layag Beach.

White sand beach it is! 6 hours and 45 minutes travel paid off! The sky really meets the sea! And it calls me. Settle the bags, prepare the tent and we’re ready to swim, how about putting a sunblock first before diving in? Great idea!

Want some sort of adventure? Perfect for you, Cliff Diving! (20 feet high) a must try activity here!

To tell you it’s scary, at first. But then, you’ll get used to it, knowing the fact that every time you do free falling in any style, a crystal-clear water is always there waiting to catch you. It is a mind-blowing experience! And it is my first time, I’m so proud of myself that I conquered one of my fear in life.

Another plus point for this beach, jaw-dropping rock formation which serves as a background of the island. So, I did my part, live, pose and capture the moment.

(Handstand with pointed toes here)

(Doing my yoga poses there)

The latest version of sun bathing is on.

(Ready for Sunburn shots)

I also tried "Flat Laying" thingy, I wish it worked.

What’s next after posing around IG worthy spots in the island, performing mind blowing activities, accidental drinking of salt water (which you believe that salt makes it salty, well probably not all the time, sometimes those who swim with you adds salty factor too) and burning your skin too much after 15 minutes sun bathing? (the temperature is extremely hot, swear!) You know what I mean folks, it’s time to feed the babies!

What’s for lunch?

Grilled fish, grilled hotdog, grilled rice? (almost) salted eggs matching chopped tomatoes and chicharron Batangas were served for lunch, watermelon and bananas completed the day! Well unexpected things happen all the time. During our stay there, we met this incredible couple who’s completing their travel list in the same island, and who happened to be our neighbor. We’ve exchanged sidesplitting conversations, ate lunch together, took group photo and followed each other’s Instagram account. (@pamchavez and Joilo Sumayang) We really had an unforgettable summer experience with you guys!

See you next summer adventure!

(In the photo: @jansenmclub @Irizsbaking @Missabitinio @Michaelvictorious @jocelyngalveinong @pamchavez, Rommel Roxas, Joilo Sumayang)

I’m sure you’re looking for a night life, Party night, whatever you call it to complete the summer getaway. Well you can’t find it here, FYI it is a peaceful place for those who wish to relax, meditate and have some peace of mind at night, which I loved the most! Outside the tent, bonfire serves as our heater against the wintry wind that night, the perfect shape of the moon together with the twinkling stars up in the sky sang us lullaby. It made me realized that life is indeed wonderful no need for add ons, the beauty of the world is effortless, yet people recklessly destroying it just for their own good (the saddest part).

Our 3 days and 2 nights stay there went well except for our skin, the feeling of being grilled though, it sucks. Well it is part of every summer stories I believe. Learning in everything you do is the best part of every adventure, it’s not always enjoying what matters, it is the fulfillment or the insight you’ve gained or shared that counts.