Last March 05, 2017 I found one majestic paradise in the heart of Nasugbu, Batangas- the Layag Layag Beach Cove or Layag Layag Island. It’s in Brgy. Papaya, Nasugbu Batangas.

We arrived in Nasugbu proper around 2 in the afternoon. There us a PUV in SM Lipa route to Nasugbu town that costs Php125.00 From Nasugbu, we have our contact Kuya Rodel who will accompany us to the beach. We rode a tricycle that took us 45 mins to reach Brgy. Papaya and that costs Php700.00 back and forth. Going to Layag Layag Beach, you have to take a boat that costs Php220.00 per head. From Brgy. Papaya to the island, it took 15 minutes. (yan lang yung expenses plus food since wala naman entrance fee and cottage #budgetarian)

Why Layag Layag? Because the rock formation in the middle of the sea looks like a sail or layag. This is indeed a virgin beach since there are no cottages, no nearby stores, no electricity, no comfort rooms nor shower rooms. Just pure nature, and I think it’s beautiful because that’s where the real adventure begins.

You have to bring your own tent or hammock so you can have something to sleep in. We have our food, water, bread, chips and canned goods. We did not bother to cook anyway. Around 4pm we reached the picturesque island. When we arrived, some people were already leaving, which I find a little bit awesome, so we can have the island all by ourselves. LOL We put up our tent, while inhaling the sea breeze and indulging our eyes to the breath-taking view that is in front of us. By 6pm we watched the sunset. One of the best feelings in the world!! And then we started swimming, you just have to wear slippers to be safe from rocks and sea urchins.

Since there’s no CR to shower up, I thought it would make me sticky, but no. Ang sarap kaya nung pakiramdam na natutuyo ang tubig-alat sa balat mo.

When the darkness crept in, I can really feel the serenity and the calmness. Sobrang parang kinakalma at hinehele ang buo kong pagkatao. I can hear the ocean waves rustling while reggae music is playing in the background. What is chill?

By 10pm, we started to doze off. I thought I’m not going to have a good sleep but I’m so wrong. That’s one of the best sleeps I’ve ever had. My sister even told me that I’m snoring! (wait, whaaaat?!)

The next day, we had our morning walk, we took pictures and we took our final dip in Layag Layag’s seawater. At 10AM, we decided to text Kuya Rodel for him to fetch us since we still have work on that day. Bilang napakabuting tao ni Kuya Rodel, sa kanya kami nakisuyo para makiligo at makapagbihis ng maayos.

Layag Layag Island escapade is my most memorable experience this 2017 so far. Maybe because it’s full of fun, laughter, craziness and spontaneity. At dahil din siguro ang dami kong “firsts” dito. First time kong makapag- boat ride, first time to camp and first time to sleep in a tent. Haay lahat masarap sa pakiramdam. Hindi lang ako nag enjoy, ang dami ko ring realizations. Una, napakasimple naman pala talaga ng buhay, tayong mga tao lang ang nagpapakomplikado. Sina Kuya Rodel at ang pamilya nila, ang simple lang ng pamumuhay pero ramdam ko naman na masaya at kontento sila. Pangalawa, meron pa rin talagang mabubuting tao, na kahit hindi mo masyadong kilala o isang beses mo palang nakita ay handa kang tulungan ng bukal sa puso. Si Kuya Rodel, hindi nagdalawang-isip na patuluyin kami sa bahay nila para makapaglinis kami ng katawan. Pangatlo, simple things do matter and sometimes those simple things can make you the happiest.

It’s official, my summer starts in this stunning haven! So stay salty everyone!