No Gatekeeping: Meraki Place Batangas Is The Next Beachfront Resort You Should Visit

You, our long-time readers, know how much I love featuring resorts, especially family-run businesses that are perfect for beach getaways. I remember visiting Pagkilatan in Batangas a few years ago with friends, and so on our last family trip I looked for a private resort in the area where we can spend a good time together, whether that’s for relaxing, adventuring, or just enjoying the warm water under the sun.

Meraki Place Batangas is one of the hidden gems of barangay Pagkilatan in Batangas City, a family-run beachfront property that truly embodies the Greek word “meraki” — doing something with soul, creativity, and love.

Our stay at Meraki Place Batangas

Meraki Place Batangas is run by a local couple, Tito John and Tita Sara. An assuming door will lead you to an open area that serves as a hang-out/dining area, with an unreal view of the ocean. The shades of blue and green are so vivid here that you’d immediately want to jump to the water!

A long building offers six rooms with en suite bathroom (four airconditioned rooms, two fan rooms) and good-to-have amenities like rocking chairs. The sleeping spaces are simple, which only adds a charm to the place. And may I just say, as someone who often looks for family-friendly resorts, it is rare to find a place with this many bedrooms and bathrooms, in such a good location too!

A cottage and hammocks serve as resting spots. Like other resorts here in Pagkilatan, you will need to take a flight of stairs to get to the beachfront. The beachfront is a bit rocky but swimmable especially during low tide. There is also a shallow saltwater pool with a small fountain, which the kids in our family loved.

Activities

Snorkeling, freediving, kayaking

One of the highlights in staying at Meraki Place Batangas is the house reef surrounding the area. The hosts offer snorkel, but for dedicated snorkelers and freedivers, it is best to bring your own.

Tito John actually accompanied us in exploring the surrounding waters and helped us find sea turtles! I’ve seen plenty of sea turtles during my travels, but seeing them gliding peacefully in the water never gets old. It also brings up sentiments about protecting our sea, where these beloved wildlife animals live.

Aside from the sea turtles, there are plenty of corals and fishes to see. Far to the left side, you can see several giant clams. They are hard to find on their own, so it is best to have a guide to show you.

Alternatively, you can also use their single-person kayaks.

Island hopping

The hosts can also help arrange island hopping for you, where you’ll visit Verde Island, one of the top diving spots in the Philippines. But don’t worry, even for non-divers, this is a fun activity.

Spots to see: Snorkeling area, Mahabang Buhangin, and (optional) beach along Surface Interval Resort.

The snorkeling area features a beach, but it is not very kid-friendly as you need to navigate scraggly rocks to get to the beach area. From there, you can snorkel to see different corals and fishes. On the side of the beach is a coral wall, where more underwater beauty awaits.

Meanwhile, Mahabang Buhangin is a beautiful beach with one of the clearest waters I’ve seen in the Philippines (and you know I’ve been to the edge of the country, including Balabac Islands). The beach is a mix of sand and smooth rocks, but it is very swimmable including for kids. If you are coming here with kids as well, allot plenty of time here as I’m sure they’ll find it hard to leave!

Island hopping can take 5-6 hours, depending on you. You need to bring you own food and water.

Our verdict

We love, love Meraki Place Batangas. Admittedly, it is not for everyone. It does not have the luxury bells and whistles of high-end chains, but its charm lies in its peaceful ambiance, beautiful ocean view and location, and personalized service. Our hosts Tito John and Tita Sara were so accommodating and we felt we were really taken cared of during our stay.

What we love:

• Stunning beachfront location with vibrant marine life.
• Family-like welcome and home-cooked meals. You can bring you own food and cook, or you can ask them to cook for you (for a reasonable daily fee). You only need to provide the menu. I personally love everything they prepared for us — including hipon, grilled liempo, and Batangas kaldereta (slightly spicy, yum!).
• Pet-friendly! No pet fees, but make sure your pet wears diapers inside the rooms.
• Affordable rates compared to other beachfront resorts.
• Peaceful and uncrowded, great for a low-key escape.

Things to consider:

• As you need to climb down a flight of stairs to get to the beach and pool, it is not suitable for those with mobility issues.
• Mobile data and WIFI are weak in some rooms, notably those far from the reception area.
• Water pressure may get interrupted sometimes. As per our hosts, this is an ongoing issue in the area since there are plenty of resorts competing for water.

This is hands-down one of my favorite beachfront resorts we’d visited in the past years.

Tips for Travelers Visiting Meraki Place Batangas

To make the most of your stay at this Batangas resort, here are some practical tips:

• Book in advance: Especially during peak season like summer and holidays. You can find them in Facebook – Meraki Place. They also have Airbnb listing for individual rooms.
• Pack essentials: Limited pairs of snorkel are available, so I recommend bringing your own snorkel gear. Don’t forget sunscreen.
• Best time to visit: Aim for dry months (December to May) for optimal weather. Avoid typhoon season for safer travels.
• Eco-friendly practices: Respect the marine environment; avoid single-use plastics and follow “leave no trace” principles.

How to Get to Meraki Place Batangas

Getting to Meraki Place is straightforward, especially if you’re coming from Manila. The resort is about a 2-hour drive south, making it an accessible weekend destination.

It is just past the Montemaria International Pilgrimage & Conference Center. This stunning spiritual landmark features the world’s tallest statue of the Virgin Mary (the Mother of All Asia – Tower of Peace at 98.15 meters), along with attractions like the thrilling glass walkway, mirror deck, and panoramic views of Batangas Bay.

In conclusion, Meraki Place Batangas delivers an authentic, soulful escape with its beachfront allure and heartfelt service. If you’re after the best of Batangas resorts without the crowds, this spot won’t disappoint!