A Sudden Playa La Caleta Day Tour Experience

Playa La Caleta Waterfront Estates

Just imagine you're beach bumming on pink sand, staring at the sky with patches of curtain silk clouds, seeing an unspoiled waterfall visible from afar like a soft foam flowing from a mountain slope. A pod of dolphins appears squeaking and flipping out of the water. You may not find these at Playa La Caleta but, it has different natural wonders to offer you will love and enjoy for the rest of your photo-full visit.

Our Playa La Caleta DIY Experience

We gathered at Morong-Balanga terminal in Subic Bay Freeport Zone close to Ayala Harbor Point. Two of our friends live in Barangay Nagbalayong in Morong and they were in charge of cooking our lunch. When we arrived in Morong, we had to wait for thirty minutes before proceeding to Playa La Caleta because our food was not ready.

Playa La Caleta Beach

We decided to hire a habal habal (tricycle) to Playa La Caleta since mini-bus to Balanga City departs at their Morong terminal every hour. At first, the tricycle we hired looks perfect but in the middle of our trip, it started to have problems. We ended up pushing the tricycle once in a while until it restarted.

A must-try swing at Playa La Caleta

When we saw a sign going to Playa La Caleta, we had to stop to check the tricycle. A local saw us and told us while pointing at the old tricycle: "the road is steep"! We learned as well that there was an accident earlier - involving a jeepney full of tourists on their way home. In the end, we hired a tricycle with a more powerful engine.

At the jump-off point (Jaime Hilario Integrated School) or La Salle, as the local calls it, a boatman approached us and asked if we are heading for Playa La Caleta. We said 'yes' and he guided us to the only nipa hut close to the shore. Since the minimum number of passengers for every boat transfer is ten, we waited for four more.  In no time, we found ourselves taking selfies as the boat was on its way to the secluded beach of PLC.

The view from our boat wasn't spectacular except when we were close to our destination. The Sugong Cave is noticeable where tourists are lined up for their cliff jumps. Miguelito Island towered over our boat as we passed by. Then a view of a mountain, a cove, and... Playa La Caleta Beach appeared.

Playa La Caleta, Love It or Hate It

By the time we arrived at Playa La Caleta in Morong Bataan, almost everyone was surprised. We were expecting more! Our friend Maricel from the Visayas Region was observing Paul from Zambales Province while he kept on complaining about the place. Maricel then whispered to Paul "Let's just enjoy the place". I overheard it so I then exclaimed, "Let's eat our packed lunch guys then explore the area. There must be something exciting here beyond your expectations!"

Playa La Caleta's view from our boat.

Exploring One of the Wonders of Morong - Playa La Caleta's Miguelito Island

Facing the West Philippine Sea, we started to explore the left side of the cove. Aside from the swings under trees beside the cabanas, there's a swing at the beach beside a cliff just under a big tree which sparked our interest. We had to hop on to rocks to be able to reach it and it was fun swinging. It's a must-try!

You'll love PLC's bamboo raft

Then we went to the bamboo raft floating a few meters away from the rocky shore. We stayed there for thirty minutes jumping, swimming, and sunbathing like we were Caucasians trying to get tanned. Eventually, we went under the raft for shade.

Manong Pundaquit struck the pose.

We proceeded to Miguelito Island, (a private island owned by Playa La Caleta). We opted not to visit Sugong Cave for cliff jumping because our time was limited and, frankly speaking, I think boat rental provided by PLC is expensive for a hundred pesos per person for one hour only.

An unusually shaped boulder caught our attention perfect for Instagram. Maricel was screaming "tiis ganda!" while having her photo opportunity. The sky was too white though and the light was dispersed resulting in an overexposed background.

Inday strolls Miguelito Island

From afar an old tree overhangs its branches to the beach acting as shade. A family was also strolling and enjoying the area when we got there. We learned that they were also on their way to Miguelito Island. Luckily, it was low tide so the island was accessible.

From sand, pebbles, to boulders...

When we reached the island, Sugong Cave was visible still crowded with visitors for a jump from the cliff. Somehow we felt envious thinking we couldn't experience cliff jumping on this trip. Soon we reached an area full of shells similar to oysters. Adam who lives in Morong, Bataan and who is familiar with marine animals told us they indeed were oysters.

Oysters, anyone?

Then we reached a makeshift ladder and a cliff about 20 feet high. All of us were so glad there was a cliff where we could jump without falling in line, without paying an expensive boat transfer and without paying an entrance fee like at Sugong Cave. It's like a promo! Jump all you can! This made our entire trip a worthwhile experience!

Jeremiah climbing the makeshift ladder at Miguelito Island

While tourists enjoy the day at PLC beachside kayaking, snorkeling, swinging, and camping, our group took the chance for the promo (haha)! We ended up exhausted - jumping and climbing the makeshift ladder over and over again. Jeremiah, my godson wanted to stay longer but we had to go back to the beach so we could catch our ride back to the city.

Maricel, Adams, and Paul had a wonderful day.

We also spotted salt deposits at the sun-dried "death pool" of the island. During high tide, this natural rock pool is filled with water. Sadly we couldn't experience it because of the low tide. However, we might not be able to reach the island by foot during high tide anyway. 

Jeremiah having his "Jump All You Can" promo

Hurriedly, the group went back to PLC to clean up and paid our boat transfer to La Salle Port, then a couple of tricycle rides to Morong Jeepney Terminal.

Why Day Tour Isn't Enough at Playa La Caleta?

In my opinion, a day tour at Playa La Caleta isn't enough because there are lots of activities you will miss. In our case, below are the group's planned activities for two days - one-night stay which we didn't experience.

1. Overnight Camping - Of course you can camp during the day but there are differences between them. For example, at night time you can hear the sound of nocturnal animals like crickets and tokay geckos. Haha!

2. Bonfire - Though you can't directly make a bonfire on the beach sand, PLC can provide a drum where you can burn wood for the bonfire. This is to prevent the sand from the black soot stain that cannot be easily removed.

3. Stargazing - This is one of the most exciting experience when getting away from the city.

4. Socializing - Make friends during your travels. (It is nice to share common interests).

5. Sugong Cave Visit - When you want a higher cliff to jump off, when the cliff at Miguelito Island isn't enough, visit Sugong Cave.

Miguelito Island and its cliff jumping area

Here's the Complete List of Activities at Playa La Caleta

• Kayaking
• Windsurf Board and Sail
• Skimboarding & Surfboarding
• Bodyboarding
• Stand Up Paddle
• Hiking Trail
• Biking Trail
• Volleyball
• Beach Football
• Badminton
• Kite Flying
• Location Shooting
• Board Games
• Boomerang / Hops / Frisbee
• Bonfire
• Water Guns
• American / Aero Football
• Inflatables
• Windsurf Lessons
• Slip n' Slide
• Snorkeling
• Pre-Nuptial Shooting
• Massage Services

Amenities

• Bathroom Pavillions
• Beach Umbrellas and Hammocks
• Board Shack
• Outdoor showers
• Sari-Sari Store
• Lifeguard Services
• Office and Lounge
• Outdoor Grill Areas
• Restaurant, Bar, and Cafe'
• Sports Shop
• Boat and Ferry Transfer Service

Accommodations

• Open Cottages
• Beach Rooms
• Tents
• Gazebos
• Picnic and Boodle Fight Tables

For updated rates, visit Playa La Caleta website.

How To Get There?

From Manila (By Bus): Take a Victory Liner, a Genesis Bus, or Bataan Transit bound for Balanga City. Travel time is around 3 - 4 hours. From Balanga, take a jeepney to Bagac Market. Travel time is 1 hour. From Bagac Market, take a trike to La Salle Port.

From Zambales (By Bus): Take a Victory Liner or mini-bus bound for Olongapo. From Olongapo take either a yellow-top jeep or red-top jeepney bound for SM Olongapo. Stop at SM Olongapo and go to Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Take a jeep or a mini-bus at Morong-Balanga terminal beside the Mini-Stop convenience store. From Morong, hire a tricycle to Playa La Caleta.

Map of Playa La Caleta