“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
– Mark Twain
It was quite rainy in Manila, and so was in Puerto Galera as I have heard, but nothing could stop a wanderer by heart to travel and explore the beauty of the Philippines.
It was around 6 AM when we bought bus tickets at the bus station in Cubao (behind Alimall), and at around 6:30 AM, our bus left. It took us roughly 3 hours to reach the Batangas port, thus I suggest to buy snacks before the trip so you won’t get hungry as there will be no bus stops. Upon arrival, there were a bunch of people asking where we would go and we told the lady (who seemed to be a guide) that we’re planning to go to Puerto Galera. She led us to the ticket booths and asked that we buy from her store as an exchange. After struggling which food to buy as they were all overpriced, we ended up buying Shingaling then went ahead to purchase tickets (340 PHP for one person). Surprisingly, there weren’t any trips going straight to the White Beach anymore. So if you are planning to go to the White Beach, buy a ticket bound to Balatero port. Aside from the fast craft ticket, we also paid 30 PHP for terminal fee.
Trip is less than an hour for a fast craft which is way better compared to the bangka. When we arrived at Balatero port, we paid another 50 PHP for environmental fee and walked straight to where tricycle drivers were waiting for passengers which they take to White Beach and other places. For us, we asked the tricycle driver to take us to Aninuan where we have booked a room and it costed us 180 PHP for a special trip (45 PHP per head). Tip: It is best to purchase a return ticket on the day of arrival at Balatero port to avoid possibility of getting stranded (in case there is typhoon). Should you miss the opportunity to get a trip back to Batangas port from Balatero port, there is still another option: Calapan port (an hour away from Balatero port).
Using a scooter from www.book2wheel.com, we were able to roam around the island for only 500 PHP compared to hiring a tour guide which might cost us 2000 PHP or more. Unit already includes helmets and full tank gasoline. The experience of riding the scooter, feeling the fresh air against our skin, seeing wonderful views and stopping by whenever we want, and having our own itinerary made our trip more fun and exciting.
Discover the beauty of Puerto Galera. Plan ahead and book a motorbike/scooter at www.book2wheel.com