SABANGAN is a Filipino-themed resort at the beachfront of Laiya, Batangas. Only a 2 ½ hours travel from Manila which makes it a very convenient place for abrupt unwinding and escape from the city.



Check in time was 2pm, but since we arrived earlier than expected, Sabangan were nice enough to let us stay at the pavilion. The pavilion has a billiard table, a foosball table, a tumba-tumba and seats to rest. They also lent us a rice cooker and barbecue grill so we could prepare lunch as we wait for our check-in time. As we prepare food, they were cleaning our reserved two-bedroom bungalow, and just for the record, they were really clean down to the last dust.

Beds were nice, smells clean and comfortable. Room 1 has two beds, a reserved futon and a TV which was a major PLUS. The other room has one large bed and a reserved futon. Both were air-conditioned. All-in-all, nine of us were able to squeeze in to two large rooms. Cherry on top was the WiFi availability. It gave us the chance to do some internet stuff during down time and emergency email checks.


On the porch, there were two tables we were able to use, a two-burner electric stove, a refrigerator, a kitchen sink, cabinets and a wash room. There was even a place to hang wet clothes. These little details on the accommodation lifted us from worries like utensils, food preparation and storage.



At the beachfront, lined parasols were waiting for us and it’s FREE. The sand was well-maintained and manicured all the time, we wouldn't really have noticed until we've stepped on the rake tracks. It was only Sabangan that had their sands raked regularly among the all the beachfronts we've walked through.



The beach was exquisite. It was the blue green waters that give you a glimpse of aquatic paradise. Large waves greeted us, kind of expected since we came on a windy August (with threats of pours). But good thing the sun shone brightly for the whole day though it didn’t tame the waves. Because of this, it kept most of us near the shore trying to brave the current. It was actually fun wrestling with the waves, a little tiring but physically challenging and thrilling. After, we were still able to enjoy the view and the beach.

The next morning, we walked from the beachfront of Sabangan all the way to the big rocks at the end of the shore. The guards actually warned us not to loiter and standby on other resort’s beachfront but since we were only passing by, we were tolerated. The sand wasn’t a Boracay contender since it was artificial white sand but it was pleasant enough to walk on, especially Sabangan’s. I should know because I lost a flip-flop from the big waves and my partner and I had to take turns walking barefooted noticing even the little strayed gravel.

The resort also offered a massage so I instantly grabbed it. We had it, not on the patio which was an option, but on the lounge seats covered with a futon under the comfy parasols right at the beachfront. Well, if you’re ready to reveal a little skin for public viewing, you should try it. (There weren’t too many people so it was ok for me.) The sound of the sea waves rushing to the sand made the relaxation and ambiance top notch. It was like being cradled by Poseidon himself, swear! The massage itself was heaven. It was formulated, as usual, but they don’t stop on areas until the stress bubbles disappear. So overall, I was dozing in the middle of the massage because it was so stress-relieving and simply divine. They needed to nudge me a little to mark the end of the session.

Overall, Sabangan is definitely something you should visit and revisit. It is an impromptu answer to your backbreaking weekdays.