Matabungkay Beach Hotel & Resort

Lian, Batangas’ most popular beach resort. Admittedly, this was never a top choice for us because of the few times we’ve checked out or dined there, I would check out the beach and never liked the multitude of balsa (bamboo rafts) for rent docked along the resort’s beachside, waiting for customers to hire them. You won’t be enticed to swim or hang out by the beach because it seemed like you have a lot of spectators, stealing your privacy. Because we booked quite close to the date, we resorted to this place. And boy was it a great decision. We booked the Octagon Villa (Sea View), which was good for 5pax (max of 8, with additional fee). It was one of the old rooms on the resort but still has the luxury feel with its spacious 2 bedroom unit, including a bedroom with a commanding view of the sea and the beach. What makes it better is the beach is now balsa-free! Chats with staff revealed that in 2020, the owner requested to have all balsas on specific sections on either sides of the resort to keep the main beachfront free of them and with only the beautiful sea-view to showcase. This move also helped revive the clean waters and white sand that the resort used to be famous for. The resort facilities might feel old, as it really has been decades since the resort was opened. The beach pool seems like the most modern and that’s where we stayed most of our time as it’s very relaxing. The restaurant and room service has a good variety of options. We especially liked that they are open to customize some dishes considering my parents’ specific dietary restrictions. This personalized service is evident throughout our stay - the staff is attentive, very polite, and considerate of our special needs (they put a ramp on our villa’s stairs to aid with my dad’s wheelchair). Everyone had an easy smile while they serve - truly commendable! If there’s one opportunity for improvement I would want to point is that I hope they start practicing sustainable tourism activities such as using paper cups vs plastic cups, using refillable glass/ceramic shampoo/soap containers, and just generally avoiding single-use plastic items. With the industry they are in, they would best benefit if they contribute to helping protect the environment and helping educate their guests the same. Overall, we enjoyed our stay and are already looking forward to visiting again before the year ends. Hope to see sustainability in action then.

This place has seen better days. It is so antiquated that we don't think it is suitable to still be called a "hotel". We would never come back to this place even if it offered its rooms at half of its price. Restroom: it is FULL of molds. The bidet, the tiles, and even the ceilings were just so so so full of molds that one would hesitate touching anything. The building: It seems right out of a scary movie and they also turn off all the lights come midnight when they think all their guests are asleep. Mind you, the hotel was fully booked when we came, so we could not understand why they would turn off the lights when they have guests occupying all their rooms. Amenities: they allow guests the use of karaoke which is placed in the middle of their grounds, so this would mean the entire grounds/area of the resort would be filled with the sounds and songs coming from the guests using their karaoke. (I don't get why folks would opt to go to a quiet, isolated place only to make noises. Isn't that something that we already get to do at home or in the city? I thought people go to a quiet place to relax, reflect and renew one's spirit because we all are tired from the noise and the chaos of the city) The beach: it was just full of sea weeds and sea grasses making it not safe for swimming. All in all, it was just waaaaay too expensive for its price. Would just go straight to Stilts, Calatagan the next time.

I had doubts booking this hotel since some reviews said it was old, drab, and outdated. Was even concerned there was no hot water in the shower so I lowkey panicked. But! The overall experience was great and our stay was really memorable!

First its too far from manila , second the beach is filled with grass and rocky i dudnt enjoy swmi The ocean cause u have to walk very far just to reach the deeper part bcos its so lowtide the only u can swim it and not lowtide when its evening which is i dont like it , the pool will ne close during evening which is a bummer ,rooms and foods are okay , theres pool but idk its so chlorinated. The place was great but never comeback again

Nice for a quick getaway from the big city. 3 hours from Metro manila. Food is a bit pricey. Acceptable rooms but a little dated. Nice dining area.