Swimming with Turtles in Anilao, Batangas | Lilom Resort Anilao | Travel Guide

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Anilao, Batangas is a world class dive site that is pretty close to Manila. It is located in Mabini Peninsula. Anilao, Batangas is my regular destination if I wanted to practice freediving or just snorkel and explore its underwater life.

This time, we’ve tried Lilom Resort Anilao, a family owned resort. Situated on the south part of the Mabini Peninsula. The resort has 7 rooms with rustic finish, an open air dining, a garden and 2 sunset soak pools.

We’ve picked their Satcho room because it has a private patio with the best sea view. Also the one closest to the soak pools.

Lilom do have a beach front access but we all know that Anilao, Batangas is not known for its beaches. The beach here is rocky, the sand is coarse with a lot of corals and shells.

What is exceptional about this place is that the sea in front of Lilom is a marine sanctuary. The underwater life even in shallow parts are extraordinary. Among the parts I’ve visited in Anilao, this one has the best seascape and marine life.

After several hours of exploring the underwater scene, we’ve transferred to the soak pool to watch the sunset.

The next morning, we encountered two turtles during our short snorkeling session.

Then, we ate lunch and let the midday sun pass while chilling in our private patio.

Afterwards, we went back to the water to do an afternoon freediving and snorkeling session to explore more of the marine sanctuary. 

We basked in the soak pool for another Anilao sunset.

On our last day, woke up early and headed straight to the sea to practice freediving. To my surprise, I encountered two sea turtles again.

Spent the remainder of our time in Lilom Resort Anilao  in the soak pool while we talked about our remarkable experience in this place.

WATCH THE FULL VLOG HERE

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ANILAO, BATANGAS

Anilao, Batangas is open all year round but the best time to visit is during summer. This is from March to May.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO ANILAO, BATANGAS

• Beach outfit

• Swimwear

• Rash guard / Wetsuit

• Sandals / Slippers

• Protection from the sun

• Snorkeling Gear

• Fins

• Dry bag

• Tumbler

• Camera / Action Cam

• Trash bag

• Food / Snacks / Drinks

• Speaker

• Cards

• Beach Mat

• Towels

• Toiletries

HOW TO GET TO ANILAO, BATANGAS FROM MANILA

The fastest way to get to Anilao, Batangas from Manila is by car. From EDSA, exit to SLEX then to CALABARZON/STAR Expressway. Then take Batangas City exit. At the rotunda, exit at Bauan – Batangas Provincial Road. Before the Diversion Road Flyover, stay on the right. Then turn right on Palico – Balayan Batangas Road. Follow the Bauan – Batangas Provincial road and turn left on Mabini Road. Follow the road until you reach the Mabini Circumferential Road then turn right. Travel time is around 3-4 hours.

Another option is public transportation. Take a bus bound to Batangas Pier via CALABARZON in Buendia. Alight in Batangas Grand Terminal. Travel time is 3-4 hours.

Then ride a jeepney to Anilao. Travel time is around 1 hour. In Anilao, ride a trike to your resort/accommodation.

ANILAO, BATANGAS BUDGET AND ITINERARY

The estimated budget for a 3 days 2 nights stay at Lilom Resort Anilao is around Php7,800.00/pax. The computation is based on Satcho Room, going to Anilao via car and for 2 pax.

 You can still lower the costs if you use public transportation and a cheaper room. See costs details below:

• Lilom Resort Anilao Satcho Room - Php7,000.00/night (Includes full board meals for 2 pax)

• Gas – Php1,000.00

• Toll Fees

  • SLEX Filinvest to Calamba - Php91.00

    • SLEX

  • SLEX to STAR Tollway - Php25.00

  • STAR Tollway to Batangas - Php104.00

    • STAR Tollway

• Bus fare – Php200.00 estimate

• Jeepney – Php50.00 estimate

• Tricycle – Php50.00 estimate

Lilom requires a negative Nasal Swab RT PCR or RAPID ANTIGEN test result taken within 48 hours of check in date and only from DOH accredited clinics.

We’ve used the Keralty Clinic at Festival Mall. Nasal Swab Test costs Php950.00.

NOTE: Rates indicated above may change.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING ANILAO, BATANGAS

• Lilom Resort Anilao

  • San Teodoro, Mabini, (Anilao) Batangas, Philippines

  • Lilom package includes full board meals, pitcher of mojito and kapeng barako.

  • The road going to the parking of Lilom is narrow and steep.

  • Lilom Resort Anilao’s do have a designated parking area.

  • The parking is a few minutes’ walk to the resort. There’s a section where you will need to do a balancing act against a wall.

  • There’s a strong water current in this area. Wear a life vest if you are not a strong swimmer.

• Cash basis.

• There are plenty of ATMs in the town proper.

• Signal is not a problem in this area.

ANILAO, BATANGAS TRAVEL TIPS

• Skyway is your friend especially on weekends.

• Schedule your trip as early as possible to avoid traffic.

• Book in advance.

• No corkage fee for snacks, wine and hard liquor. For beer and softdrinks, you can order in from resort.

• There are plenty of resorts in the area. Expect the place gets crowded during long weekends and summer.

• Best to use a floating stick or bobber with your GoPro in water activities.

• There’s a higher chance of spotting the resident turtles early morning based on my experience.

• DO NOT STEP ON CORALS

• and CLEAN AS YOU GO

WHAT’S IN MY BAG?

If you want to know more about the cameras, gadgets and travel essentials I use, check out “MY GEAR”

See you on my next adventure…. Peace!