Laiya: A Precious, Hidden Gem

Laiya:  A Precious, Hidden Gem

               At the easternmost tip of Batangas province is a quiet seaside village known for its magnificent coastline. The village is called Laiya. The clear, clean waters of Laiya certainly tempt one to take a dip and refresh the tired body and, consequently, the spirit. Laiya is part of the municipality of San Juan and the number one tourist attraction of the town. 

             With numerous beach resorts in the area providing basic facilities and good service, Laiya is stamping its mark as hundreds prefer to spend the holidays there frolicking under the sun and leisurely riding in motorboats that can take them to the nearby Verde Island. It is a laid back village in a laid back town.

              At the break of dawn, Laiya momentarily goes back to its age-old practice where fishing boats berth near the shores while fish vendors haggle with the fishermen with their catch for the day.  In about forty minutes, trading is finished and everything is back to normal. No dirt or litter is left behind.

              From time to time, a hawker sneaks inside the resort selling seashells and native delicacies.  A young man also offers body tattoo service for P50.  A hawker can also get to be too personal: "Hindi nyo ba gusto pagkain dyan?  Pwede ko po kayo pagluto sa amin ng sinampalukang manok.  Dalhin ko po dito pagkaluto."

              As one enjoys the cool sea breeze while relaxing on a wooden bench, a few speed boats can be seen testing the waters while local outrigger boats are docked on the shores.  Some fishing nets are left hanging by the side of the boats. Mount Daguldol to the right serves as backdrop.

              Laiya can be reached via the Lipa-Padre Garcia- Rosario route.  Or through the national road near Candelaria, Quezon.  It is about 2 1/2 hours of leisure driving from Metro Manila.  Laiya is like a precious, hidden gem.  Hard to find but worth the time and the effort.

- Konted

Laiya is a tranquil coastal village in San Juan, Batangas.

Clear and refreshing waters of Laiya

The outrigger boat is the standard boat in almost all coastal towns in the archipelago.

A boat ride is available anytime.

Fishermen taking a break with their boats clustered together

Fishermen of Laiya depend, to a great extent, on the finely woven  fish nets.

Simulating the "Smokers"of Water World

Maximus trying to find a way to start the engine

The outrigger serving as take-off point

Maximus waiting for the boatman

Relatively safe wading in the waters of Laiya

A hawker sneaking in

Goods are nicely wrapped.

The never-say-die Panutya and the everlasting Bucayo

Body tattoo for P50

Skilled hand

Quiet, peaceful surroundings

Made from driftwood

One of the few souvenir shops along the Laiya stretch

Laiya's Banana Boat

Mount Daguldol , in background, is popular among mountain climbers.

Pretty Boy Phoenix not allowed to wade in the waters 

There is wide, open space in Laiya.

Good for group outings

Having a nice time

Fish vendors haggling with fishermen early in the morning

Tulingan

Fish vendors use the house- to- house style of selling

Trading is finished.

Nothing messy

With Pretty Boy Phoenix

At the main road of Laiya

Souvenir shot

It's your turn.

Next please

One last shot