TRAVEL | Matabungkay in Batangas

Matabungkay in Batangas

It was a weekend, I got invited to join a day trip in Matabungkay in Batangas. Despite the sleep deprivation I was to go through for this weekend's high intensity activity, I decided to push through. It's not everyday that I can visit Philippine beaches. And I never regretted.

The Travel: From Taguig to Matabungkay
Mental note, where did the word "Matabungkay" come from?

From Taguig, we travelled by van going to Matabungkay.

Taking the Tagaytay-Cavite-Batangas route, we reached Matabungkay at 11.30am (we left Taguig at 07.30am), a solid 4-hour drive from Manila.

We reached this resort called - GOLD FISH RESORT.

Upon entering, the guards allowed our van to park near the cottages so we did not have to walk. A korean speaking staff greeted us and ushered us to the next available cottage.


The Authentic Sea Experience

After a few minutes, all of us headed towards the "balsa" where our lunch was served. It was definitely a feast. Included in the menu are - chicken barbeque, pork barbeque, grilled prawns and squid, as well as kimchi and bean soup.

After an hour, we were taken by a small boat to the deeper part of the beach to fish. I never thought that fishing will be truly enjoyable, especially that it was only I who was able to catch a small parrot fish, which I released back to the water.

Afterwards, we were taken to the snorkeling part of the waters. We were all given our breathing apparatus. And although the water was a little rough, the sea floor was still visible and I saw so many fish and corals. The small fish even swam with me whenever I pass by them. For a moment, I thought this is never going to end - NO, I never wanted this moment to end. Just calm and away from all life's stress.

When we got tired of snorkeling, we started free diving. From the boat, we kept jumping and jumping till we got exhausted. At this point, I already removed my life vest because it was too cumbersome to dive with vest on. Anyway, the boat was just nearby so it was not really a big issue.

At around 3pm, we all decided to call it a day and head back to the shore. We thanked the boat men who were all really nice and kind.

A quick shower, change of clothes and then we drove back to Manila.


My Takeaways

• There will always be moments when we would want to back out and just make up some lousy excuse to not come. Please DON'T! It's never OK to ditch an arranged plan. Stick to it, and have some word of honor.

• The best experiences are the ones you never plan. The fishing, the diving, the nice people during the drive - you never expected it to go this way, but it turned out an awesome experience.

• Live in the moment. Keep your mind to the joy of living in the moment. This moment may not happen again, but be thankful that at least, for once in life - it did happen.