Nothing beats a 24-hour Batangas itinerary. Whether you called in “sick” to escape the hustle and bustle of the manila grind or just need a breather from inhaling too much carbon from unregulated vape use around the metro or to escape the heavy traffic that lines up Marcos Highway, we’ve got you covered.

The Village Pipol team was given the chance to join the “Sun and Beach” tourism program launched by the CALABARZON Tourism Department, showcasing the region’s beaches, cozy stays, and must-visit experiences through the #LoveThePhilippines #DiscoverCALABARZON initiative. 

To honor their generosity, we’ve made a perfect 24-hour Batangas itinerary just for you. all doable, and Gen Z stamina friendly.We’ve lined up the perfect day in Batangas, with Fortune Island as the highlight just for you. 

So take a break from all the doomscrolling because we are going to do a heck ton of Batangas nature strolling, shall we dive in? 

24-hour BATANGAS ITINERARY

4:00 AM — Depart Manila Early start is non-negotiable, this will make your journey as smooth sailing as possible, we can’t deal with any more of that traffic fiasco. Manila cleansing starts here at this moment. Take note that travel time via SLEX to Batangas is around 3–4 hours, depending on your jump-off point.

8:00–8:30 AM — Arrival/ Hotel Check IN  & Prep for Fortune Island.

 Before you hop on a boat to Fortune Island, you’ll want a home base that fits your vibe and schedule. Here’s a quick guide based on the nearest jump-off port: 

📍Lian, Batangas (most common + fastest)

Barangay Binubusan (Lian Coast / Binubusan Beach Area)

📍 Nasugbu, Batangas (alternative option)Wawa Port / Wawa Beach Area (Nasugbu)

📍 Calatagan, Batangas (less common, longer route)

Calatagan Coast / Floating Cottage Areas (varies by operator)

Hotel Recommendations (Short Term Stay) 

MLCC Country Club – Classic, spacious, ~5–10 min from Lian Port; ideal for rolling straight onto the boat. 

The property offers wide open grounds, a pool, sport courts and plenty of space to unwind, making it a practical yet comfortable base if you want a smooth, no-rush start to your island day. Not to mention, they make the best breakfast Tapsilog if ever you’re craving for one after that long drive.

Villa La Maria – Cozy boutique, slightly more private, ~10–15 min from Lian Port; it’s actually right beside Matabungkay Beach if you ever decide to be spontaneous and try their bandwagon ride and banana boat to add a little bit of thrill in your itinerary. 

Hipnautic Beach Resort – Modern, nautical-themed, ~20 min from Lian Port; great for social vibes, photos, and beach access and the rooms are spacious, you can also inquire for a Boodle fight if you’re travelling in a large group, and they offer a lot of amenities, even karaoke. 

9:00 AM — Boat Ride to Fortune Island

Take note that the Boat ride is approx: ~30–40 minutes but this varies depending on sea conditions. Booking tip: Reserve 2–3 days ahead, confirm weather, and ask about life vests and inclusions.

Main Event

10:00 – 11:00 AM Fortune Island

This stop alone makes the long hour drive worth it. Fortune Island is currently only available for viewing, no swimming. But trust us, the Greek-inspired ruins, dramatic cliffs, white sand and the turquoise waters makes the trip more than worth it. 

The photos we’d seen online did it absolutely no justice. It’s the kind of place that feels unreal in person, almost like you’re in a dream entirely. where the scale and the scenery hit all at once. Walk around, take photos, pause longer than planned, and let it sink in. 

One hour here is the sweet spot, but the feeling stays with you long after you leave. If you’re an avid fan of scenic European films like Call Me By Your Name or simply craving that sun-drenched, Grecian-meets-European aesthetic without breaking the bank. Fortune Island delivers! no international flight required, just the undeniable beauty of Philippine shores.

Golden Hour, Slow Nights, and Staying a Little Longer

11:30 AM–12:30 PM — Return & Reset Boat back to Lian (~30–40 min). 

Take an hour to rinse off, change, hydrate, and rest at the hotel before the afternoon. 

12:30–3:30 PM — Floating Cottage (Calatagan) Drive to Calatagan (~45 min–1 hr). 

Here’s your floating cottage experience: Lunch with fresh seafood Swim, float, or nap Take in the sun and water vibes Total realistic travel: ~1.5 hr from Fortune Island → Calatagan, plus settling in for ~2 hours on the cottage. 

Villa La Maria Tip: If you’re based at Villa La Maria, a longer drive to Calatagan can feel rushed. Instead, consider heading back toward Matabungkay and enjoying the other rides or thrilling water rides closer to the hotel less transit, more chill/fun.

4:00–5:30 PM — Golden Hour, Your Way 
This is where Calatagan really shines. Known for its clear, shallow waters and wide-open horizon, the area feels slower and softer, perfect for long swims and unhurried afternoons. Once you settle into your floating cottage, local “sea vendors” come by

offering fresh urchins, cold drinks, and snacks, making the whole experience feel both convenient and community driven. Lunch here is best done boodle-fight style, hands out, food laid down, and no rules except to eat well. Between bites, jump back into the water, float under the sun, or simply lie back and take in how calm everything feels. It’s relaxed and deeply local, the kind of experience that turns a day trip into a core memory.

6:30 PM — Dinner, Then Call It a Night

As evening settles in, head back toward your hotel and take advantage of the many local dining spots in the area. From seaside grills to no-frills comfort food, Batangas does dinner well, fresh, flavorful, best enjoyed without overthinking it. This is the kind of meal that feels earned after a full day out on the water.

Overnight & The Morning After

Sleep comes easy after a day spent under the sun. The next morning is unhurried, maybe a quiet breakfast, a short beach walk, or simply sitting with your coffee before the drive back to Manila.

Honorable Mentions (If 24 Hours Turns Into a Long Weekend)

If your quick Batangas escape starts feeling too good to cut short, these stays are worth extending your trip for. They’re a bit farther from the Fortune Island jump-off, but the amenities alone make staying longer the whole point.

G7 Golden View Hotel (Nasugbu)

Godly and golden sunset views. A solid, no-fuss stay that’s great for group trips and social plans. Think spacious rooms, shared hangout areas, and easy beach access perfect if your idea of rest includes friends, laughter, and not stressing over logistics.

Insert post link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DSFjLU7kh-L/

Unwnd Calatagan (Calatagan)

Wellness vibes with a twist. Unwnd is all about chilling in style, but there’s also kayaking, multiple pools, a spacious social area, paddle courts, and billiards. Basically everything you need to mix reset mode with lowkey fun. Ideal if you want to stay longer and balance relaxation + activity.

Bali Vibes

Nawa Wellness (Calatagan)

Think, HBO’s White Lotus without the dark storyline, that’s exactly what Nawa is. Full retreat energy. They focus on holistic wellness, peaceful surroundings, serene pools, and curated experiences that make unplugging feel natural. Best enjoyed over multiple days because rushing this kind of calm would be a crime.

And that’s a wrap on 24 hours in Batangas. Whether you “called in sick” to escape Manila for a bit, needed a breather from traffic and pollution, or just wanted some sun, sand, and turquoise water, this little trip has you covered.

From Fortune Island’s jaw-dropping views to floating cottages in Calatagan, golden hour hangs, and hotels that match every vibe, it proves you don’t need a long vacay to reset. Pack light, move at your own pace, and enjoy it. Batangas does the rest.