Commuting Guide: How to get to Puerto Galera

Commuting Guide: How to get to Puerto Galera

Getting to Puerto Galera from Manila is fairly easy, and shouldn’t take you more than 3 to 4 hours. You’ll first need to arrive to Batangas Pier, then take a ferry to Puerto Galera beach from there. Since there are a few different options for doing so, i’ll cover each and let you decide which one works best for you.

Puerto Galera is located in Oriental Mindoro, and is considered one of the most popular beach getaways from Manila. There are more than 40 different beaches to choose from, each offering a unique style and different attractions. The main reason Puerto Galera beach became so popular though, is because it provides an easy alternative to the famous tourist spots like Palawan or Boracay. You can find luxury resorts and beautiful beaches there, while keeping your vacation budget much smaller. (Also Read: Puerto Galera: Above and Under)

Bus terminals to Batangas Pier:

• BUENDIA JAC Liner Bus Terminal
• Ali Mall, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City
• Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Buses leave every 30 minutes or so, and the fare is slightly less than PHP 200. it’ll take around 2 hours to get there, so make sure you leave Manila at 2PM or earlier – otherwise you might miss the last ferry to Puerto Galera.

Ferry from Batangas to Puerto Galera

• Go to terminal 3 and find the ticket booth
• Tickets cost PHP 280 per person
• You also need to pay PHP 30 terminal fee and PHP 50 for the environmental fee
• There are ferries going to 4 different locations : Sabang, White Beach, Muelle Pier and Balatero Pier – so make sure you pick the right boat
• All drop off points are relatively close, so even if you go on the wrong boat there’s nothing to worry about! Just grab a tricycle and you’ll be fine<
• The ferry ride takes between 60-75 minutes

The first ferry departs at 7:30 AM each morning, and the last one at 4:30 PM.

Drive there yourself

• Proceed south along SLEX
• Drive roughly 40 kilometers to Calamba toll plaza
• Take the Calamba exit and turn right to Sto Thomas and Batangas
• Keep driving for 7.5 kilometers then turn right to the STAR tollway to Batangas
• Follow the signs until you get to Batangas
• At the Batangas exit, continue straight for roughly 10 kilometers until you reach the port entrance area

(Also Read: What to wear in Puerto Galera)

Other ways of getting there

If you are with a large group or just want to travel in style, there are some options you can consider. These will all cost more, but will provide a much smoother and more comfortable travelling experience. If you choose to book one of these, it might be better to do so through a travel agency. You can find a good one here : www.philippinestravelpackage.com/puerto-galera/. They’ll probably be able to help you negotiate the prices down, as well as find good resorts to stay at.

1. By taxi / van:

You can grab a taxi at any of the NAIA terminals, and they’ll gladly take you all the way to Batangas. This should cost between PHP 2000-3000 including the toll fees, but it really depends on how well you can haggle.

Another option is renting a van, which can be done for as low as PHP 3000, if you book in advance and do some market research beforehand. Since the vans accommodate up to 8 passengers, it might actually be a decent option for large groups – only 100 PHP more per person compared to the bus. The price goes even further down if you book it as a roundtrip – they’ll be waiting for you once you arrive back to the Batangas Pier.

2. By SuperCat ferry:

If you don’t like taking those small banca boats, there’s also a larger, safer ferry operated by 2GO. These ferries have a strict schedule so no risk of delays. Tickets costs PHP 360 per adult and 180 for a child between 3 and 11 years of age.

This ferry will drop you off at Calapan, which is an hour drive from Puerto Galera. You can take a van for PHP 200 per person, or find a jeepney instead. Tamaraw Falls are on the way, so consider making a stop there – it’s one of the most beautiful attractions in the whole area.

3. By plane:

Unfortunately there’s no airport at Puerto Galera, but that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. There’s a sea plane going from Manila Yacht Club at the harbor bay, and landing at Puerto Galera bay. This flight is operated by Air Juan, and takes 20 minutes to complete. Prices start at PHP 5000, depending on season and demand.

Until our next discovery in the City!

またね Mata ne! 

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