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Matabungkay Beach

Пляж Матабунгкай
Philippines · Beach · Tagaytay
moderate
Best month: April

Best for

Ideal for families and groups of friends seeking affordable beach holidays with floating cottages and water sports. Suitable for picnics and active recreation. Not suitable for those seeking a secluded beach with crystal-clear water.

Best month

April

Water
+28.0°C
Length
500 m
Matabungkay Beach is a scenic beach on the Batangas coast, known for its floating cottages (balsa). It is a popular spot for swimming, picnics, and water activities, reachable from Tagaytay.
Surface
sand
Waves
calm
Entry
gentle
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
Matabungkay Beach is a scenic beach on the Batangas coast, known for its floating cottages (balsa). It is a popular spot for swimming, picnics, and water activities, reachable from Tagaytay.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • Affordable prices: 50 pesos entry, 1000-2500 pesos cottage
  • Floating cottages for relaxation on the water
  • Water sports: snorkelling, SUP, banana boat
  • Coral reef 50 metres offshore
  • Free parking
  • Boat rental for fishing
  • Popular spot for picnics and family outings

Cons

  • Can be crowded on weekends and holidays
  • Water is not always crystal clear
  • Sand is not very white
  • Paid cottage rental and parking
  • Mosquitoes and sandflies in the evening
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for families and groups of friends seeking affordable beach holidays with floating cottages and water sports. Suitable for picnics and active recreation. Not suitable for those seeking a secluded beach with crystal-clear water.
Features
What makes this beach unique
Matabungkay Beach is known for its floating cottages (balsa) that can be rented for relaxation right on the water. The coral reef 50 metres offshore protects the beach from waves and creates calm swimming conditions. The beach was "discovered" in the 1950s by German expats from Manila.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
white
Sand Texture
Grain size
medium
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
30 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
mixed
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
desirable
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
500 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
turquoise
Water Clarity
moderate
Underwater Visibility
5.0 m
Average Water Temp
+28.0 °C
Max Water Temp
+30.0 °C
Wave Type
calm
Wave Height
0.3 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
January
Season end
June
Best month
April
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
low
Water Quality
Water purity rating
moderate
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
none
Crime Level
Overall safety level
safe
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
15.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
No serious threats. The beach is located in a popular tourist area with a low crime rate.
Dangerous creatures
sea urchins
mosquitoes
sandflies
Insurance & Connectivity
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
No
Umbrellas
No
Showers
No
Toilets
No
Changing Rooms
No
Lifeguards
No
First Aid
Yes
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
No
Kids Playground
No
Sports Ground
Yes
Restaurants Nearby
3 pcs
Best restaurants

Matabungkay Beach Club Restaurant

Filipino

Beach club restaurant with local cuisine and seafood

Lian Restaurants

Filipino

Lian restaurants with local cuisine, 5 km from the beach

Beach Cottages

Filipino

Local kiosks and cottages with snacks and drinks

Nearby cuisines

Filipino

Traditional Filipino cuisine with emphasis on rice, seafood and pork

Must try: Adobo, lechon, kinilaw, fresh grilled fish

Seafood

Fresh seafood from the South China Sea

Must try: Prawns, crab, squid, fish
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
active
Crowd Level
crowded
Silence Level
moderate
Sunset Quality
beautiful
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
Yes
Natural Shade
little
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
Yes
Diving
No
Surfing
No
Kayaking / SUP
Yes
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Water Towel Swimsuit Water shoes Headwear Snorkel mask Cash (Philippine pesos)
Best Time to Swim
The best time for swimming is the dry season from January to June. In the morning the water is calmer and there are fewer people.
Local Rules
Swimming is allowed only in the designated area. Exercise caution due to the rocky bottom and sea urchins. Take all litter with you.
Getting there & Car rental
Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Tagaytay

City with Taal Volcano and scenic views, 30 km from the beach

Taal Volcano

One of the world-s smallest active volcanoes, a popular excursion spot

Taal Lake

Scenic lake with a volcanic island

Nasugbu Beach

Neighbouring picturesque beach with white sand

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Matabungkay Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity moderate, average temperature +28.0°C, warms up to +30.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Matabungkay Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.3 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Matabungkay Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 30 metres from the shore. Bottom — mixed. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Matabungkay Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — white. Texture — medium. Beach length — 500 metres.
Matabungkay Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in January. It ends in June. The best month for a holiday is April. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Matabungkay Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as moderate. Rip currents are unlikely. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Matabungkay Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: sea urchins, mosquitoes, sandflies. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Matabungkay Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: parking, sports ground. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Matabungkay Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming. A first aid station is available.
Matabungkay Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Matabungkay Beach Club Restaurant, Lian Restaurants, Beach Cottages. Cuisines available: Filipino, Seafood. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Matabungkay Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Water shoes, Headwear, Snorkel mask, Cash (Philippine pesos).
Matabungkay Beach: when is the best time to swim?
The best time for swimming is the dry season from January to June. In the morning the water is calmer and there are fewer people.
Matabungkay Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Swimming is allowed only in the designated area. Exercise caution due to the rocky bottom and sea urchins. Take all litter with you.
Matabungkay Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Matabungkay Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for families and groups of friends seeking affordable beach holidays with floating cottages and water sports. Suitable for picnics and active recreation. Not suitable for those seeking a secluded beach with crystal-clear water.
Matabungkay Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Matabungkay Beach is known for its floating cottages (balsa) that can be rented for relaxation right on the water. The coral reef 50 metres offshore protects the beach from waves and creates calm swimming conditions. The beach was "discovered" in the 1950s by German expats from Manila.
Matabungkay Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Affordable prices: 50 pesos entry, 1000-2500 pesos cottage, Floating cottages for relaxation on the water, Water sports: snorkelling, SUP, banana boat, Coral reef 50 metres offshore, Free parking, Boat rental for fishing, Popular spot for picnics and family outings. Cons: Can be crowded on weekends and holidays, Water is not always crystal clear, Sand is not very white, Paid cottage rental and parking, Mosquitoes and sandflies in the evening.
Matabungkay Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Tagaytay, Taal Volcano, Taal Lake, Nasugbu Beach. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Matabungkay Beach: how do I get to the city of Tagaytay?
The beach is located near the city of Tagaytay. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Tagaytay.

City

Tagaytay

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.