Mariveles, Bataan | Camaya Coast | Travel Guide

In this travel blog, we’ve spent time in Bataan to experience Camaya Coast - a leisure beach resort and residential development. Camaya Coast is situated in the southern part of Bataan peninsula in the municipality of Mariveles. Mariveles has numerous coves facing Mariveles bay from the south, up to West Philippine Sea to the west. One of the main attraction in Marviveles is the Five Fingers Cove hopping.

Camaya Coast is around 25 minutes’ drive away from the main town of Mariveles through the zigzag road of Bagac-Mariveles Highway. The entrance of Camaya Coast is in the highland part so the road to the hotel is mostly downhill and some parts has steep incline. This is another 10 -15 minutes’ drive to the hotel.

During our visit, the only hotel that was operational was Aqua Fun Hotel. The hotel has 49 rooms and a Figaro coffee shop. Beside the hotel is the Aqua Fun Water Park. The room was spacious and modern complete with TV and refrigerator.

Since it was already late afternoon, we decided to spend the remainder of the day at the beach. The beach area is around 3 minutes from the hotel by service.

One section of the beach area (right side facing the beach), is where the restaurants are located. There’s Army Navy, Yellow Cab, Pancake House, The Wood Pavilion and Sand Bar. Some of the restaurants do have a dine-in area but the area is spacious enough to have several sections of beach tables. They also have a station for Potato Corner and Big Chill.

There’s a dock for boats at the opening of the cove. This is for the tourist that will visit Camaya Coast via ferry from Manila.

On the left part, there are several cabanas and beach chairs available. The cabanas are for rent but the beach chairs are free to use.

The cove has a kilometer wide beach with fine, creamy sand. The inflatable is in the left side of the beach, while the middle to the rightmost part is allocated for swimming.

The water on this beach is clear but dark in color even in sunny weather. The beach is child friendly because the sand is fine, no strong waves or currents and has a gradual increase in depth. However, there are no corals or fishes in the area. It is not for someone who wants to do a freediving or snorkeling. The beach is perfect for leisure activities.

Camaya Coast experience includes a band and a fireworks display at night.

 The next day, we woke up early and went to the beach area. Just for fun, we tried the inflatable island.

After brunch, we stayed for a little while in the infinity pool. This is located at the far end of the beach area. The pool is multi-level and irregular in shape. It doesn’t have the infinity pool effect because the view is obstructed by the trees and roofs of the pavilions.

That afternoon, we tried Aqua Fun Water Park. The park is ideal for kids but adults can also enjoy the falling coconuts and the tandem water slide. Would love to capture the experience with a GoPro but Camaya Coast doesn’t allow action cams in all slides.

We brought our beach mat and some drinks to watch the sunset late afternoon.

For our last day, did a short swim and spent time at the beach before our check out.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT CAMAYA COAST IN MARIVELES, BATAAN

Mariveles, Bataan is open all year round but the best time to visit is during summer. This is from March to May. Due to its proximity to Manila, expect crowded beach even during off season.

During our visit, Camaya Coast was only open from Friday to Sunday.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO CAMAYA COAST IN MARIVELES, BATAAN

• Comfortable clothes

• Beach wear

• Swimwear

• Sandals / Slippers

• Protection from the sun

• Tumbler

• Dry bag

• Camera / Action Cam

• Floaty / Bobber or Floating stick

• Toiletries

• Towel

• Snacks / Drinks

• Cooler

• Beach Mat

• Speakers

HOW TO GET TO CAMAYA COAST FROM MANILA

To get to Camaya Coast, there are 2 options: by car or by ferry.

The fastest way to Camaya Coast is via ferry. You need a ticket reservation from Camaya Coast office. Once confirmed, the ferry is in SM Mall of Asia Seaside Esplanade Terminal. Travel time is less than 2 hours.

To get to Camaya Coast via car, from EDSA, drive north and take Balintawak exit to NLEX. Then, take San Fernando Exit. Follow the Jose Abad Santos Ave up until you reach Dinalupihan Exit. Just go straight Bataan Provincial Highway / Roman Superhighway. Once in Mariveles, continue to follow the Roman Superhighway to Bagac – Mariveles Road.  Follow the Bagac – Mariveles Road until you reach the entrance of Camaya Coast. Travel time to Camaya Coast is around 4 hours.

If you are coming from cities south of Manila, best to take the Skyway NLEX-SLEX connector.

CAMAYA COAST BUDGET AND ITINERARY

The estimated budget for a 3 days, 2 nights stay in Camaya coast is Php15,000.00 per person. This is computed based 2 pax, via land travel and with 5 meals and 2 snacks within the resort.

See costs details below:

• Toll Fees

  • NAIA Skyway Entry - Php35.00

  • NLEX – SLEX Connector – Php264.00

  • NLEX San Fernando Exit – Php 197.00

    • NLEX

• Gas – Php2,000.00

• Camaya Coast Room Rate – Php10,500.00

• Food for 3 days, 2 Nights stay for 2pax (Estimate)

  • 5 meals – Php1,000.00/meal

  • 2 snacks – Php400/snack

NOTE: Rates indicated above may change.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING CAMAYA COAST IN MARIVELES, BATAAN

• Travel Time to Camaya Coast is around 4 hours.

• Camaya Coast

  • FB: @OfficialCamayaCoast

  • eMail: reservations@camayacoast.com

  • Tel Num: (+63) 917 520 6192 / (+63) 917 543 056

• Camaya Coast do have a regular ride from hotel to beach area and vice versa. I think the interval is around 5 minutes.

• Since pandemic, some of the amenities are not available or have operating hours limitation. Take note of the schedule of the amenities and restaurants and plan ahead.

• Beach is child-friendly.

• Camaya Coast encourages to use their Privilage Card when paying. Credit card is accepted but do bring cash just to be sure.

• There are several ATMs within the resort.

• Here Globe signal is way better than Smart.

CAMAYA COAST TRAVEL TIPS

• Book in advance.

• If coming from south, SLEX and NLEX-SLEX Connector is your friend especially on weekends.

• Schedule your trip as early as possible to avoid traffic.

• Camaya Coast is not accessible by public transport, best to bring your own car if traveling via land.

• There’s limited food options within the resort. Also, no convenience store within the area. Best to bring snacks and drinks.

• There are only few restaurants in Camaya Coast. Expect slow service from the restaurants during meal time. Best to order in advance or eat early/late.

• Resort do have a free WIFI but is slow. You can bring a pocket WIFI with GLOBE SIM card.

• Secure your GoPro when doing water activities. Best to use a floaty, floating stick or bobber with your GoPro.

• Do not leave trash behind.

  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Camaya Coast Travel Requirements

  • As of March 2022, Camaya Coast only requires the vaccination card.

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See you on my next adventure…. Peace!