Summer in my mind: our Puerto Galera Adventure

When I think of a beach getaway, one of the destinations that comes to mind immediately is Puerto Galera. It is very accessible because it is near Manila. It is relatively affordable, too. Plus, it holds a sentimental spot in my memory as it is my first beach getaway with some of my closest friends. It was our very first real barkada summer getaway.

I remember the time when we were planning the trip. From an initial 15 people, we were down to 5 by the time we were about to leave. We still pushed through though because it was a long overdue vacation and we wouldn't let anything hinder us from leaving.

Think about the excitement when we boarded an early morning Jam Liner bus trip from Buendia in Pasay to Batangas Port. The 2 hour ride was fast and smooth because it was still dark when we left. By the time we got to Batangas Port, the sun was not yet up plus there were not any boats that travel to Mindoro.

It was an opportunity to bond through crazy photos and by playing mobile phone games. We were so engrossed that before we knew it, it was already 7 am. We got our tickets at Php70 per head and in a few moments, we were already on a small boat bound for White Beach in Puerto Galera.

What was even more unforgettable about the trip was, along the way, we saw a group of dolphins jump out of the water. In about an hour later, we disembarked on White Beach. We were a bit disappointed because we were expecting fine, white sand. Not Boracay but at least close to it. But that was not so. The beachfront was crowded with bars and commercial establishments. It looked like it was in disarray.

Good things we asked a tricycle driver if he knew a place that is quiet and secluded. Some location that is more idyllic. Here offered to take us to Talipanpan Beach for Php100. A 30-minute tricycle ride took us to Talipanpan. He referred us to the owners of GM's Beach Resort, a pleasant couple who was genuinely happy to welcome us to their quiet little place. Our accommodation included set meals which the owners said they cook fresh before each meal, the ingredients they bought from the wet market every morning.

As soon we set our bags down, we waited no more and headed to the beach. The sand was gray but the beach front was not crowded; it was a whole lot better than White Beach. We ask one of the resort employees if they offer activities like a tour around Puerto Galera or island-hopping. Luckily, they do arrange island hopping and snorkeling tour as well as a trek to the waterfalls.

For our first day, we had sightseeing downtown to the Church and the ferry port. After lunch, we hiked to see the waterfalls. It was just a small falls with a small pool, not really extraordinary but it was still scenic.

On our second day, we went island-hopping. We went snorkeling in the open sea, then spent about 30 minutes in an uninhabited island, and then to a secluded beach.

Third day was our last day. We were scheduled to depart for Batangas Port late in the afternoon so we went to the public market very early in the morning to buy souvenirs and other items.

After our trip to the market, we packed our bags and got ready to leave. By 4M, our boat was waiting for us. We bade goodbye to the nice and gracious hosts and told them that we would someday visit them in their lovely resort.

Transportation options going to Puerto Galera

How to go to Puerto Galera by bus via Batangas Pier:

·         Via JAC Liner Bus Terminal in Buendia

·         Via buses in Alabang, Muntinlupa City

·         Take buses from Ali Mall, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City

Buses leave every 30 minutes, around that time. Meanwhile, bus fare is around Php200. Travel time is more or less 2 hours to get there. Make sure to leave Manila early in order for you to catch the last ferry or boat bound for Puerto Galera.

Ferry from Batangas to Puerto Galera

·         Find the ticket booth at terminal 3

·         Pay the boat fare, terminal fee, and environmental fee.

·         Ferries go to four different locations – Sabang, White Beach, Muelle Pier and Balatero Pier

·         All drop off points are relatively close to one another, they are just a tricycle ride away

·         The ferry ride takes around an hour

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

Via private vehicle

·         Drive through the south Luzon Expressway

·         Exit to Calamba toll plaza

·         Turn right going to Sto. Tomas in Batangas

·         Drive for around 7.5 kilometers then make a right to the STAR tollway to Batangas

·         Drive all the way to Batangas

·         From the Batangas exit, drive straight until you reach Batangas Port

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