Anilao is a quiet coastal town in Batangas province, about 110 kilometers south of Manila. It does not have the name recognition of Anilao or Laiya, but that is part of its appeal — sheltered waters, less crowded beaches, and a growing number of well-run resorts make it one of the more underrated weekend destinations near the capital.

Getting there is straightforward once you know the route. Here is every way to travel from Manila to Anilao, with updated details on drive times, public transport, and practical tips.

Option 1: By Private Car (Recommended)

Driving is the most convenient option, especially if you are traveling with family or a group. The route is mostly expressway until the final stretch.

The Route

• Start: Head south from Manila/Makati/BGC onto SLEX (South Luzon Expressway)
• Continue: Take the STAR Tollway exit (toward Batangas)
• Exit: Take the Bauan exit on STAR Tollway
• Final stretch: Follow the local road into Anilao town proper and toward the coastal barangays where most resorts are located

Drive Time

• Without traffic: 2 to 2.5 hours
• Friday afternoon (peak): 3 to 4 hours (SLEX congestion from Alabang through Calamba)
• Saturday early morning: 2 to 2.5 hours
• Sunday return: Leave before 2:00 PM to avoid the northbound SLEX crawl

Toll Costs

• SLEX: Approximately PHP 200-280 (depending on entry point)
• STAR Tollway: Approximately PHP 100-150
• Total tolls: Around PHP 300-430 one way

Fuel

The full round trip from Manila to Anilao and back runs roughly 220-250 kilometers. Budget PHP 800-1,200 for fuel depending on your vehicle.

Parking

Most Anialo resorts, including Vivere Azure, offer free on-site parking for guests. Confirm with your resort when booking.

Option 2: By Bus

Public buses from Manila to Batangas City pass through or near Anilao. This is the most budget-friendly option.

How to Do It

• Go to: DLTB or JAM Liner bus terminal in Buendia (Pasay) or Cubao
• Take: A bus bound for Batangas City (not Batangas Port — make sure it is the city-route bus)
• Tell the conductor: You are getting off at Anilao junction
• From the junction: Take a tricycle or jeepney to your resort or the town center

Bus Details

• Fare: PHP 180-220 one way (ordinary or air-conditioned)
• Travel time: 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic and stops
• Frequency: Buses depart every 30-60 minutes throughout the day
• First bus: Around 4:00-5:00 AM
• Last bus: Around 8:00-9:00 PM (check current schedules)

Tips for Bus Travel

• Air-conditioned buses are worth the small price difference, especially during summer months.
• Keep your belongings close. Overhead compartments are open.
• The Anilao junction stop is not always clearly announced — tell the conductor your destination when you board and sit where they can reach you.

Option 3: By P2P Van or Shuttle

Point-to-point (P2P) vans operate from select terminals in Manila heading south toward Batangas. These are faster than buses because they make fewer stops.

How to Do It

• Go to: Various P2P terminals in Makati, Alabang, or Pasay (schedules change; check with operators)
• Take: A van headed for Batangas City or Anilao
• Travel time: 2 to 3 hours
• Fare: PHP 200-350 one way

Availability of direct-to-Bauan vans is limited. In many cases, you will take a van to Batangas City Grand Terminal and then a jeepney or tricycle to Anilao (additional 20-30 minutes, PHP 30-50).

Option 4: By Ride-Hailing / Private Transfer

Grab (the Southeast Asian ride-hailing app) can technically book long-distance trips from Manila to Batangas, but availability for this route is inconsistent. A more reliable option is to book a private car transfer through your resort or a transport service.

• Cost: PHP 3,000-5,000 one way for a sedan; PHP 5,000-7,000 for a van

• Best for: Groups, travelers with heavy luggage, those who want door-to-door service
• Book in advance: At least 24-48 hours ahead

Route Map: Key Landmarks Along the Way

Knowing the landmarks helps, especially on the local roads after the tollway exit.

Landmark	What It Means
Alabang / Filinvest exit (SLEX)	You are leaving Metro Manila
Calamba, Laguna	Roughly the halfway point on SLEX
STAR Tollway junction	Turn here; do not continue toward Los Banos
Batangas City exit (STAR Tollway)	Exit here for Anilao resorts
Bauan Municipal Hall	You are in town center
Coastal road toward resorts	Final 5-15 minutes to beachfront properties

Best Time to Travel

Going to Anilao:

• Friday: Leave Manila by 3:00 PM (or after 8:00 PM to skip rush hour)
• Saturday: Leave before 7:00 AM for the smoothest drive
• Holidays: Expect heavy traffic; leave very early or the night before

Returning to Manila:

• Sunday: Leave Anilao before 1:00 PM. The northbound SLEX backup starts around 3:00 PM and does not clear until 8:00-9:00 PM.
• Monday: If you can take the day off, Monday morning returns are stress-free.

What to Know Before You Go

Gas up before the tollway. There are gas stations along STAR Tollway, but fewer options once you exit toward Anilao.

Bring cash. While toll booths accept Autosweep/Easytrip RFID, many local establishments in Anilao

— tricycles, small restaurants, sari-sari stores — are cash-only.

Download offline maps. Mobile signal can get spotty on the local roads between the STAR Tollway exit and the resort areas. Download the route on Google Maps or Waze before you leave Manila.

Check road conditions during rainy season. The main routes are paved and well-maintained, but some resort access roads can get muddy during heavy rains (June-October).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to drive from Manila to Anilao, Batangas?

Without traffic, the drive takes 2 to 2.5 hours via SLEX and STAR Tollway. During Friday rush hour, expect 3 to 4 hours. Saturday and Sunday mornings are generally smooth.

Is there a direct bus from Manila to Anilao?

There is no direct Anilao-only bus. Buses from DLTB and JAM Liner terminals in Manila head to Batangas City and can drop you at the Anilao junction. From there, a short tricycle or jeepney ride takes you to town or the resort area.

How much does it cost to get to Anilao from Manila?

By bus: PHP 180-220 one way. By private car: approximately PHP 300-430 in tolls plus PHP 400-600 in fuel (one way). By private transfer: PHP 3,000-5,000 one way for a sedan.

Can I take Grab from Manila to Anilao?

Grab bookings for long-distance routes are possible but unreliable. You may have difficulty finding a driver willing to make the trip. Booking a private transfer through your resort or a transport service is a more dependable option.

Is the road to Anilao safe to drive at night?

Yes. The SLEX and STAR Tollway are well-lit expressways. The local road from the tollway exit to Bauan is narrower and less lit, so drive carefully after dark, especially on unfamiliar stretches.

Need help getting to Anilao? (632) 8771-7777 (https://vivereazure.com) to arrange private transfers from Manila or get detailed directions to the resort. We are happy to help make your travel as smooth as your time on the beach.