Anilao isn't a place on the map — it's a strip of coastline in Mabini, Batangas, about 130 km south of Manila. Getting there is straightforward once you know that no bus drops you directly at a dive resort. Here are the three options divers actually use.
Option 1: Public bus + jeepney (₱260–₱340)
The cheapest route. Catch a Batangas City bus at one of these Manila terminals:
- JAM Liner — Cubao or Buendia
- Tritran — Buendia
- Ceres — Buendia
Buses leave every 20–30 minutes during the day, hourly at night. The trip takes 3–4 hours via SLEX and the STAR Tollway and costs around ₱160–₱200 for the air-conditioned coach.
Get off at the Batangas Grand Terminal. From there:
- Walk to the jeepney bay and find one labeled "Mabini" or "Anilao". Ride costs about ₱40.
- The jeepney drops at Anilao Pier or further along the Bagalangit road depending on its terminal.
- Hire a tricycle for the last stretch to your resort — ₱60–₱100 depending on distance.
Total time door-to-door: 4–5 hours. Total cost: roughly ₱260–₱340.
Option 2: Private van transfer (₱4,500–₱5,000)
Most resorts will arrange a door-to-door van pickup from your Manila hotel or NAIA. Quotes range from ₱4,500 to ₱5,000 per van (not per person — split across your group). Book directly with your resort or through transfer specialists.
Time: 2.5–3 hours including pickup. Worth it if you're carrying dive gear or arriving late.
Option 3: Self-drive (₱2,500+)
Take SLEX → STAR Tollway → Batangas City exit → Mabini. Tolls run about ₱400–₱500 each way. Add fuel and parking at the resort. Anilao roads are narrow and winding past Mabini town — drive in daylight if you can.
Tips
- Travel light if going by jeepney. Dive gear bags are awkward on packed jeepneys.
- Arrive before sunset if possible — the road from Mabini to Bagalangit has limited lighting.
- Most resorts include a pier-to-resort tricycle pickup if you message them with your arrival time.
- NAIA to Anilao direct is doable but expect 4 hours total via private van thanks to Manila traffic.