Puerto Galera Transportation

Philippine's busses are the famous jeepneys, modified american jeeps used nowadays as public transportation.

From Puerto Galera to all other beaches (Sabang and White Beach a.o.) the main transportation is done by those jeepneys.

Unique experience...

Vessel - Fare (One way) - Port
1. Si-kat - PhP 350 (incl. bus) - Muelle
2. MV Super 85 - PhP 350 i(ncl. bus) - Muelle
3. Blue Eagle - PhP110 - Muelle
4. Lady of Mer - PhP 110 - Muelle
5. Viva Lines - PhP 80 - Balatero
(drive on ferry
6. Outrigger Boat - PhP 75 - Sabang

From Batangas City Pier (which is a 1 1/2-2 hours bus ride from Manila Fare: less than 200 pesos ) ferries are available to take you to Puerto Galera. The bigger ferries (Superkat and the likes Fare: a little more than 200 pesos ) docks at the Balatero pier at Puerto Galera. From Balatero you may take the jeepneys Fare: about 25 pesos or motorcycles Fare: a little over 50 pesos

In the earlier days, ferries or motorized small bancas Fare: a little over 150 pesos do not bring vacationers from Batangas pier. You really have to pass by the pier in Balatero and take the jeepneys to White Beach. It's sad that it's being allowed these days. For sure, marine life and the water itself is being damaged by the ferries that dock in the shore.

We arranged everything through our resort and have their representative meet us at the airport. He waiting for us at the Passengers' Arrival Area which is across the street as you exit the terminal.

Getting to PG was a pain! As it was a holiday, traffic was so bad that it took the driver more than 3.5 hours to reach Batangas City (normally takes 2 hours).

Unfortunately travelling in old van is really uncomfortable. Bring a small pillow if you can as it is a bumpy ride.

Then it's another 1 hour boat ride in a "bangka" to reach PG island. We arrived at night and the place looks rather nice with its lights.

Different story in the morning!

Step as follows:
(1) BUS to BATANGAS PORT
~~If you are going from the north of metro manila, the nearest stations are in CUBAO, EDSA or ORTIGAS. Vans are also accessible in some parts of department stores terminal. If you are nearer to the south, it is better to catch a bus in BUENDIA (GIL PUYAT STATION OF TAFT). From there, you have lots of bus "brands" to choose from. They have JAM, GREENSTAR, TRITRAN, etc. There are also several bus stations in ALABANG.
~~As much as possible, choose a trip via stargate tollway/CALABARZON as they take an alternative high-way route which is considerable faster. Travel time is around 2 hours and 30 minutes and bus trips are as frequent as every 30-minutes on a summer and weekend or 1 hour intervals during regular days. They leave pretty much on sched. Fare is around P150 ($3), one way.
(2) BOAT
~~Just be careful of some porters who will offer rides in return of money for carrying your luggages. If you really need the service, then by all means seek them. But if do not have spare change and will let them carry your bags with valuables, then forget it. They walk really fast! So, if you really want to let them carry some of your baggages, I insist you be vigilant and let them take something you think you can afford to lose! Hehe.
~~It costs P 170 and a one time terminal fee of P 10, so a total of P 180 ($4). The boat we happen to ride upon going there was SOL Y MAR and MB NATIVIDAD upon leaving.
~~Trips going to WHITEBEACH is around 1 hour and 30 minutes the least and 2 hours and 30 minutes the most, if the waves were harder to navigate (usually around after lunch onward). There were some minor splashes but you can ask one of the boatmen to put down their covers for you if it wasn't still.
~~We left Batangas Port on time eventhough there's only around 10 of us. So again, be conscious of the time! And don't forget to savor in the breeze of the sea! If you're lucky enough, you might see the whales! :)

Going to Mindoro should not be a problem. There's a bus terminal in Buendia corner Taft Avenue. Get on the bus that go to Batangas Pier as early as 3 am for the estimated 2 hrs of bus ride. Once there, immediately book yourselves for a boat ride to White beach or your preferred destination, first trip usually starts at 6 am and a regular 1 hr interval thereafter. The boat ride should be 1.45-2 hrs of sometimes bumby ride, the waves can sometimes be scary and if you are lucky, you can spot some dolphins in and out of the water. you'll get there in no time. You can also booked your trip going back to Batangas pier when you arrived in galera

I recommend M/V BRIAN as it goes directly from Batangas Pier to White Beach, PG. NO STOPOVERS.

Boat fare as of March 2010 for roundtrip transfer is P450. One way is P250.

Additional Costs:
Environmental fee = P50
Terminal fee = P25

If you're from Manila, you can ride the Jam bus at Gil Puyat/Buendia Taft, right next to the LRT station on the left side (if you're facing South). Look for the bus with Batangas pier sign. Fare costs P146.50, and the bus will let you off right at the Batangas pier. Length of the trip is 2 to 3 hours, depending on the time you left (it's better to leave early... we left at around 6am, and we already encountered some traffic).

When you get to the pier, you'll find yourself bombarded with people trying to get you to ride their respective ferry boats. Go inside the terminal, and if you're going to White Beach, these are some of your choices of boats to ride on: M/B Russel John, M/B Natividad, M/B Commandos, M/B Golden Falcon and M/B Brian. Length of the trip is 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

One way tickets cost from P180-P200 + P10 boarding pass, while round trip fare costs P340 + P10 boarding pass. If you get a one way ticket, it's easy to buy a return ticket once you get to White Beach since they have numerous stalls lined on the beachfront for all the boats going back to Batangas.

Make sure that the boat you're going to ride on is heading straight for White Beach, 'coz some boats claim to be going to White Beach, but instead they head for Muelle Bay and then they give you a free shuttle ride to White Beach. I suppose it's not so bad since the shuttle is for free, but it's still a hassle since the ride lasts for around 20 mins.