Laiya Beach

Laiya Beach, located in Laiya-Aplaya, San Juan, Batangas, is a popular beach destination in the Philippines.^[1]

Due to the beach's white sands, clear waters, and proximity to the country's capital, Manila, it has become one of the most famous and most visited beaches in the country, particularly for those from the National Capital Region.^[2] The area is fully developed with numerous accommodation facilities ranging from budget friendly resorts to high-end luxury resorts. The travel from Manila is a 2-and-a-half-hour drive, while commuting by public transportation would take four to six hours at most due to heavy traffic in the cities and multiple stops along the way.

Laiya has white sand beaches and clear waters, earning frequent comparison with Boracay,^[3] which is the country's top beach choice for local tourists, celebrities, and foreign tourists alike. Weathering-formed crushed shells and corals make up both beaches' white sands,^[4][5] with Boracay's being noticeably finer and whiter. Laiya is one of the beaches that have gained popularity recently; thus, there are not as many luxury resorts and activities in the area as compared to other beaches in the country. This makes Laiya a better option for those who prefer a more peaceful ambience, without the overwhelming crowd and night life noise of other famous beaches in the country.

Aside from tourism, the locals in the area also make a living from fishing. Fishing boats are frequently seen with banana boats and jet skis along the shores. While most fishing villages elsewhere in the country would sell the catch to the market or a middleman, most of the catch of the fisherfolks in the area are sold directly to resorts in Laiya. Vendors are also frequently seen roaming in the beaches, selling souvenir items such as bracelets and butterfly knives or balisong in local language. The province of Batangas is known for making the country's finest balisong knives.^[6]

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