Isla Verde Travel Guide for First-time Visitors
Isla Verde Travel Guide 2025: your complete guide for your next trip to Isla Verde, Batangas City.
If this is your first time going to Isla Verde, we recommend you to download our DIY guide. Otherwise, please thoroughly read this post. I guarantee you that your trip will be smooth and easy. Start learning all the ins and outs of planning a trip to our island paradise!
Let me begin by giving you some facts about Isla Verde, Batangas City.
- Official Name: Verde Island
- Location: Verde Island Passage (World’s Center of the Center of Marine Biodiversity)
- Local Government: Batangas City, Province of Batangas, CALABARZON (Region 4A).
- Population: Approximately 5,000 (2020)
- Ethnic Group: Tagalogs
- Nearest Nautical Distance (Mahabang Buhangin) from Mainland (Ilijan) Batangas City: Approximately 7.9 km.
- Isla Verde is generally off-the-grid. Most parts do not have power and water lines. People rely on gas and solar power generators and deep wells.
- 3G / 4G Cellular signal is available in some areas.
- There are no big shops, banks, drugstores, hospitals, and restaurants; only small sari-sari stores.
Here’s what you need to know about boat trips and accommodations in Isla Verde.
Summary of the Isla Verde Travel Guide 2025
- There’s only one trip time for public boats bound to Isla Verde and back to Batangas City.
- Ports to Isla Verde: Isla Verde Boats are NOT in Batangas City Pier.
- There is only one (1) public boat regularly servicing passengers bound to Sampalukan (Engracio’s Beach Resort)
- Rent a private boat if you can’t join the public boat trip.
- There are a few resorts, homestays, and vacation home rentals.
- Fun and exciting things you can do: swimming, snorkeling, free diving, beach hopping, trekking, and hiking.
Trip Schedules
Tabangao to Isla Verde: ETD 9:00 AM
Isla Verde to Tabangao: ETD 5:00 AM
Boat Service Providers and Service Areas
- MB Saint Paul: Mahabang Buhangin, Sampalucan, and Pajo.
- MB Roxane – Bagong Pook
- MB Rising Sun – Bayanan
Going to Isla Verde
- Trips are in the mornings only.
- Time you must be at the port going to Isla Verde: 2 hours before ETD.
- There is no seat reservation.
- To catch the trip to Isla Verde, ideally, you have to be at the port by 7:00 AM.
Leaving Isla Verde
On the other hand, boarding time of boats leaving Isla Verde varies depending on your location. Your resort will provide you the information.
Ports for Boats Bound to Isla Verde: Tabangao or dela Paz
Port Location: Tabangao Port, Brgy. Tabangao, Batangas City.
Alternative Port Location: Barangay dela Paz (during Habagat season)
Boat service providers make announcement regarding change in docking location at around 5:00 AM. Engracio’s Guests Services Team picks up the information and passes it on to our guests.
See Transport Directions to Tabangao Here.
Boat Trips Back to Batangas City
We have mentioned that boat trips back to Batangas City are at 5 AM. However, in some cases, providers change schedule, sometimes at an earlier time.
For guest leaving from San Agustin Kanluran, here is the typical boat trip itinerary:
3:00 AM – Boarding Time at Sampalucan
4:00 AM – ETA Mahabang Buhangin, to pick-up passengers and for Coast Guard inspection
5:00 AM – ETD to Tabangao Port
Boats Bound to Engracio’s Beach Huts Rental
Engracio’s Beach Huts Rental is located in Sitio Sampalucan, San Agustin Kanluran, Isla Verde. Not all boats to Isla Verde get there. Upon arrival at the port, ask for the boat bound to Sampalucan. As of this writing, there is only one boat servicing passengers going to San Agustin Kanluran: MB Saint Paul.
MB Saint Paul’s Route:
Tabangao – Mahabang Buhangin – Sampalucan – Pajo
Other Boat Service Providers Servicing Sampalucan-Bound Passengers
Note that the following boats don’t regularly accommodate Sampalucan-bound passengers. However, they do, especially when MB Saint Paul has already reached its maximum capacity or when it is out of service.
- MB Roxane – final stop: San Andres
- MB Rising Sun – final stop: San Agapito
FARE and Land Vehicle Parking Prices
Bus
Less than 300 pesos (Pricing varies depending on point of origin.)
Jeepney
Grand Terminal to Tabangao (2 Rides): Around 40 pesos
Grand Terminal to Ilijan (3 Rides): Around 100 pesos
Boat
Tabangao to Isla Verde (San Agustin Kanluran): 200 pesos
Parking Fee in Tabangao and Ilijan
150 – 200 pesos
Other Things You Have to Pay For at the Port and by the Boat Service Provider
1. Porter’s Fee – a minimal amount is charged per person, depending on the quantity of baggage you carry. Around 5-10 pesos per passenger with 1 backpack.
2. Extra Cargo
If you are taking heavy or bulky items into the boat, like a cooler, water dispenser, the boat service provider will charge you on top of your fare. Around 20 – 100 pesos per item.
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What To Do If You Miss the Public Boat Trips
- The number of pax
- The size of the boat (maximum capacity)
- Service providers
How to Book a Private Boat Service
At Engracio’s Beach Huts Rental, we help our guests find a private boat service. No agent’s fees. No hidden charges. Just send us a message and we will be happy to assist you.
How to Go to Isla Verde Batangas by Private Boat
NEXT in our Isla Verde Travel Guide 2025: Finding Your Best Isla Verde Accommodation
When it comes to finding the best accommodation in Isla Verde, you’ll find a few great options depending on the kind of escape you’re after.
Some travelers seek beachfront cottages, others prefer staying close to snorkeling spots for easy underwater adventures.
You’ll also find accommodations in peaceful, secluded areas for total relaxation…
…or in livelier spots if you’re after a more social, party-like atmosphere.
Let’s take a look at the 3 most popular vacation destinations in Isla Verde, in no particular order:
Mahabang Buhangin, San Agustin Kanluran
The name translates to “long beach”. It is the longest and widest white-sand-and-pebble beach in the entire Isla Verde. Thus, it is a favorite spot for tent pitchers. Bustling all-summer, it is also the most crowded vacation spot in the island.
Bayanan, San Agapito
The bright and sunny side of Isla Verde, Bayanan beach is located on the southeastern part of the island, facing the open sea. This vibrant beach community is home to many popular scuba dive resorts and a favorite destination for campers. Here, you can enjoy instagram-worthy views and a lively, youthful vibe.
Sampalucan, San Agustin Kanluran
Engracio’s is located in Sampalucan. See accommodation features here.
Sampalucan is the most laid-back vacation spot in Isla Verde—perfect for slow mornings, quiet walks, and breathtaking sunsets. Its wide stretch of powdery white sand seabed is a favorite among both tourists and locals from other parts of the island.
Offers both relaxation and adventure
Sampalucan neighborhood offers a charming rural island life experience. On the other hand, its vibrant marine environment adds a sense of thrill and excitement.
Just a quick dip into the shallow waters reveals coral reefs teeming with fish and other aquatic life. Nearby, the Sampalucan Fish Sanctuary is a haven for free divers, where massive coral formations and thriving marine biodiversity are nothing short of awe-inspiring.
The Gateway to Mt. Dagit-dagit Peak
Are you not into water adventures? Do you prefer the mountains instead? Sampalucan also serves as the gateway to Isla Verde’s most popular hiking destination—Mt. Dagit-Dagit peak.
Accommodation Options
There are a few resorts, homestays, and vacation home rentals. Whichever you choose, make sure you look for the following:
1. Convenient freshwater supply
People rely on deep wells for freshwater. In many accommodations, you have to pay by the drum for water supply. Price: 160.00 (delivery fee included).
2. Privacy
Privacy becomes a bit of a challenge in the most popular destinations in Isla Verde. Cheaper accommodations, like tent pitching and open-type kubos may not give you enough privacy.
3. Ample Toilets and Bathrooms
When choosing a place to stay, consider the number of toilets and bathrooms—especially if you’re traveling with a group. Some homestays or transient houses can accommodate many guests but may have shared facilities. It’s best to ask in advance if they offer rooms with private bathrooms.
4. Power supply
Most accommodations provide a 3-hour power supply per night — just enough time to recharge your electronics. Some have power on all-night, depending on the occupancy level or on whether guests are willing to pay extra for power generator service.
5. Accessibility
Accessibility is an important factor when choosing where to stay in Isla Verde. Some resorts are set on elevated or uneven terrain, which may not be ideal for seniors or guests with mobility concerns. Others may be located farther from the beach, requiring a bit of a walk. If accessibility is a priority, it’s best to check with the host about walking distances, terrain, and available facilities before booking.
Average Accommodation Prices
Per person: 425.00 (homestays, shared tents)
Per Room: 1,750 for 4-5 pax
Entrance Fee: 0 – 100 per pax
Other Fees
- Environmental Tax: 100 per person
- All night power supply: 1,500 to 2000 for 12 hours
- Water per drum: 160.00
Accommodations at Engracio’s Beach Huts Rental
Engracio’s Beach Huts Rental offers affordable off-the-grid accommodations in Isla Verde. We are at the beachfront of Sampalucan, San Agustin Kanluran. Review Sampalucan’s location features here.
Good to Know about Engracio’s Accommodations
- Each room and cottage has e-fan, ensuite toilet and bathroom, bunk beds for four (4) pax, and picnic table or seating area.
- We use water pumps to supply water directly into the bathrooms and kitchen.
- Power supply is from 6 pm to 9 pm or all-night depending on occupancy level.
- Pitching slots are available. Tent size limit: single. Guests bring their own tents. We provide complete beddings.
- Price range:
– Tent: 1,000 per person
– Room / Cottage per night: 2,000 (camper rate); 5,650 (standard rate) - No need to pay extra for freshwater supply
- Standard rate covers kitchen with gas stove and cookware and 12-hour power supply.
- No entrance fees
Sample Itinerary
Here’s a sample Isla Verde Overnight Stay Itinerary.
If you need to go shopping for food or other essentials, we suggest you do at least a day before your scheduled trip. Alternatively, you can adjust your arrival time at Batangas City, and go to Bagong Palengke (public market) before heading to Tabangao Port.
Thank you for reading our Isla Verde Travel Guide 2025!
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