Burot Get Away

Feeling the need of a break from work and had just finished my defense grab the opportunity for an R&R.  Before going I made some research, ( thanks to other bloggers ) about the beach. True enough, The beach has been bought by SM but has not made any plans of renovating the place. A lot of caution was detailed that this beach is for people who can live the outdoors and can get by with out electricity.

Being challenged by this and seeing some photos I agreed to go to the place. So  preparations were made. What food to bring, what items to carry, and what have you’s that may be essential to the get away. I felt like a real camper that time ( and I haven’t camped in years). 

It took two days of preparation and so we thought was all prepped up. Come the big day, We went to the  terminal where there are vans going directly to Calatagan batangas at 4:30 AM, (It’s on the back of Kabayan hotel roughly a few meters away). There were lots of passengers and we didn’t have to wait long to have the second van to arrive. It took only 30 mins waiting time before we were on the road. ( Fare for the  van is at 180pesos each person

We had a quick stop at Tagaytay to have a refill by  6 am. Reminds me of Baguio  especially the cold breeze. After that it’s all the way to Calatagan. A word of caution for guys planning to go there; Especially if you are commuting. Make sure you have enough cash and extra’s.  There are simply no Banks in the main town where you will drop off, The banks are on different towns and hours away from each other,

There is a talipapa or a small market in the town to buy all the foods or things you had forgotten to bring.  Make sure that you buy all the things in the market as the beach has only one store and prices are way high.  There are already tricycles in the market that will take you directly to the beach. It cost 75 pesos per person. The first part of the road is cemented while two thirds are still in undeveloped so expect a bumpy ride. AT the entrance an SM guard will provide you with guidelines and house rules. The sense of security is there. So finally we are at the beach. There is an entrance fee of 65 pesos if just for the day or 130  each person for spending the overnight.

The place as other people described it is really undeveloped. Literally, There are no hotels, no cottages, even electricity., All you have to is just running water and public bathrooms That’s it.oh, and the water is not that strong so expect a long queue in the baths and sink area for cleaning and bathing.  Being that we rented a tent for 400. They already increased the rent. By the time we arrived there. There were a lot of campers already. So we chose a quiet spot where we can  set up camp and enjoy the scene. The place has a scenic view and literally a place where one can really think. The place is hot as with all beaches but the ambience is nice. The water is clear and you can see  marine life in the bottom of the sea.  After setting up camp and having lunch. We took a tour on the beach. Even with all the people. There still is serenity in the place. It’s not so loud or as rowdy as other beaches. Even there are other people you will have a sense of privacy. We took shots on the area and at spent some time for a siesta. Wading is better than swimming as the sea floor is not gradually sloping down. But its like a plain so even if you go far ashore the water is still waist deep. And a lot plants you’ll walk on.

As the afternoon wore on there are more campers coming and setting up tents. By the time sunset came everybody is taking out cameras to capture the sunset. It’s a breath taking experience to see the sun gently and slowly setting till it’s dark.

Since there are no electricity. Entertainment is left for you to provide. Even if its’ hot on the day. Better prepare as it suddenly turn cold at night.

The following day is just as hot as ever. So after taking breakfast we decided to pack up and get back to the city.

Burot is definitely one should try at least once and a memory to keep. A good recommendation for people who like the outdoors and rough it up. But not so for those who are sensitive and used to electricity.