Playa La Caleta Bataan

The panoramic views were breathtaking, and seeing ostrich, crocodile, monkey and some boars up close was a real highlight. The staff made sure we were comfortable and always welcomed us with a smile. We had an unforgettable stay and highly recommend it to anyone after a bit of luxury in nature.

Days here moved at an easy pace, with birds overhead and fish flashing in the clear water. We watched quiet sunrises, then spent the evenings under the moon and a sky full of stars. The welcoming staff helped the place feel safe and peaceful. Playa La Camera felt like somewhere our family could reconnect and let the soul rest.

A peaceful, relaxing spot where it’s easy to unwind. The surroundings are calm, and the staff were helpful and accommodating. We enjoyed our stay and I’d come back. It’s quite secluded, so mobile reception is limited. The mountain road can also be tricky if you’re driving, though the shuttle service is handy. One thing that would help: a bucket of water in each room or near the gazebos. The shared bathrooms are by the beach, so somewhere to rinse off sand before going inside would be useful.

The beach was the one part I really liked. The water was clear, and you can get drinks at the resort bar or convenience store. The staff seemed friendly enough and smiled at us in the morning, though we didn’t interact with them much. Getting there is hard. The cement road is narrow and one-way, with steep climbs and descents. If you’re in a sedan, think twice, and mind your brakes. Careful driving makes it manageable, but still. The room was a disaster for the price, around 10k, especially since it’s meant for more than 6 to 8 people. There’s a bunk bed, a queen bed that felt more like a large double, two single beds and a sofa. The TV is nearly useless, with no local channels or streaming platforms. There’s a water dispenser, but it only gives warm or hot water. The lighting is very poor, and the two air conditioners have no remote, so you’re stuck enduring the cold. In the middle of the night we heard rustling in a corner. We later found either a rat or a tuko had got in, and there were bite marks on a plastic item under the bed. The pool water seems to come from a spring, but the pool isn’t tiled and has algae on it, which gives it an unpleasant smell. Breakfast is included, but it’s basic Filipino food like tapsilog and longganisa. For a room at that price, it was underwhelming, especially when cheaper places offer a buffet. We were told there’d be an evening fire dance, but didn’t see it. We were also looking forward to watching baby pawikan, or sea turtles, but missed that because nobody told us when it was happening.