Puerto Galera Trip 2019

Puerto Galera is a first class municipality of Oriental Mindoro (from Wikipedia). It can be reached within 1.5 to 2 hours from Batangas Port, by boat. Thus, it's one of the most popular places if you want to experience the complete package of partying at the beach, snorkeling, diving and island hopping.

From Batangas Port to Puerto Galera 

I was surprised at how transportation has improved from Batangas to Puerto Galera and vice versa. They now have bigger boats and published schedule (which varies depending on the weather condition). You can choose the port that is closest to your resort, either Balatero or Muelle and then, choose the ferry that you want to ride (I recommend the fast craft since travel time is 45 to 50 minutes only) and take note of its departure time. In our case, Balatero Port was closer to Tamaraw Beach Resort and then, the resort shuttle picked us up from Balatero. 

I was able to get this boat schedule (as of April 2019) which was very helpful in planning our trip: 

Batangas to Puerto Galera Boat Schedule 2019

Puerto Galera to Batangas Boat Schedule 2019

Boat Description and Travel Time

We rode the air conditioned Roro for P300/pax and terminal fee of P20/pax, which we paid on two separate counters. Take note that you have to secure the ferry tickets and then proceed to the other counter for the terminal fee payment. When you have both (ferry and terminal tickets), only then can you enter the passenger waiting area in Batangas Port. 

Tamaraw Beach Resort

inside the beachfront cottage

It was our second time to go to Tamaraw Beach Resort in Puerto Galera. A lot has changed since then like the new swimming pool, a restaurant by the pool, additional rooms and more organized activities. We would've tried out the new rooms, but we wanted to stay near the beach so, we reserved the beachfront cottage (P3000 per cottage, per night, max. of 2 persons). 

inside the beachfront cottage

pathway right outside our cottage

new rooms 

I liked how Tamaraw Beach Resort has improved its facilities except for the occasional brownouts so, cable signal tends to be cut-off, as well. As for the restaurant menu, I liked how you can choose from the dishes either seafood, chicken, pork or beef and it comes with rice and veggies. Each meal was priced at around P 275 to 400 per meal/pax. 

portion of the pool and restaurant

cabana outside our cottage

less crowded beach

On our second day, we booked for a snorkeling tour through Tamaraw Beach Resort's front desk. The staff instructed us to be in the resort lobby at 8:30am then, the shuttle took us to the boat for snorkeling. It was a great and relaxing experience because Puerto Galera has one of the richest underwater scenery --- very colorful corals and fishes, and the giant clams as well. After snorkeling the boatman took us to an island where we swam and hung out for a while. It was a half day tour so, we were able to enjoy the rest of the afternoon at Tamaraw Beach Resort. 

After sunset, we rode a tricycle (just outside the resort's lobby) going to White Beach for 100 pesos/one way trip. White Beach is where most people go for the night scene, food trip and souvenir shopping. 

Just sharing below some photos taken from White Beach:

sort of food park/food court

the crowd at White Beach

liempo bbq

grilled squid

In going home, we were assisted by Tamaraw Beach Resort's driver (forgot his name) to reserve tickets going to Batangas Port since he knew someone from the ticketing office (just one phone call away). 
On our way to Balatero Port, he drove and took us to the ticketing office to pay P 330/pax and catch the 11:30am trip (fast craft). He said that they are allowed to reserve tickets for the tourist/resort guests, but they don't gain any commission from it. 

Below is the building where the ticketing office was located.  This was such a great improvement --- having a centralized ticketing office. In the previous years, you can easily buy tickets from the boatmen roaming around White Beach. Kudos to Puerto Galera's Tourism Office.

Arriving at Balatero Port was another surprise because there's an air conditioned waiting area for passengers bound for Batangas Port. 

Too bad I wasn't able to take a picture of the fast craft, but it took us 45 minutes from Puerto Galera to Batangas. Our journey was pretty smooth and easy. I just hope they also get to assign seats as it gets chaotic once everyone is inside the vessel (trying to find the most comfortable place). 

Overall, I would say that it was another great and relaxing experience. 'Looking forward to my next Puerto Galera escapade!

5 Reasons Why We Keep Coming Back to Virgin Beach Resort

Summer is definitely a season for barkada getaway. For me and my college buddies, our way or reuniting with each other is by traveling. We really like exploring places, but since it's the summer season, we decided to go back to Virgin Beach Resort in San Juan, Laiya, Batangas. We actually went to Virgin Beach Resort Laiya last 2018, but an overnight stay was not enough to enjoy the place. So, this time, we booked for a 3D/2N stay at Virgin Beach Resort Laiya. 

Based on googlemap, Virgin Beach in Laiya is between 2 to 2.5 hour-drive from Manila depending on traffic conditions. If you are driving to Laiya, Batangas you can opt to take the Ibaan Exit thereby, skipping the Lipa City traffic. For a newbie driver like me, I find it easier to drive around Rosario-Ibaan road. It might seem like a long route, but it's definitely way better since there are fewer vehicles/jeepneys (just watch out for careless motorists and tricycle drivers).

We've previously stayed in the other more expensive resort in Laiya (check out my Acuatico Beach Resort entry here) but, we just love Virgin Beach Resort in Laiya for the following reasons:

1. It has one of the cleanest beaches in Laiya.

We love how Virgin Beach Resort is strategically located along Laiya beach, but quite far away from the usual "Laiya crowd" since the resort has a long shoreline. I guess that's one of the many reasons how the resort, maintained its cleanliness aside from the diligent resort staff who were always on their toes cleaning the surroundings.

2. It's not that crowded.

This is probably one of the biggest reasons why we love Virgin Beach Resort. Even if they have so many guests, you won't feel that it's crowded because of its great location. They were fully booked when we checked-in and yet, it was still very relaxing, no noisy crowd at all. 

3. It has good accommodation and amenities.

As I mentioned, Virgin Beach Resort has a pretty clean beach compared to others and it also transpires on how well-maintained their casitas and cabanas are. The restrooms are very clean, there's a water station on the beach and they even provide you with ice! There's a chapel for beach weddings. You can just chill, read a book or even take a nap in one of the unoccupied parasols and hammocks. They really go the extra mile just to make their guests comfortable.

chapel

parasols

lounging in one of the hammocks

non-aircon cabana

non-aircon cabana for 4 persons

4. The resort serves good food (buffet style).

If you're staying at Virgin Beach Resort, you are required to avail of the meal package which is P 1,750 per person/night. It includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. I actually think their food tastes better than the food served in other Laiya resorts. It's nothing extravagant like a hotel buffet, but it was delicious (especially when they serve grilled dishes and seafood) and satisfying; and each day, every meal was different. It seems pricey, but definitely worth it.

breakfast buffet

one of our dinner meals

another  one of our breakfast meals

5. The resort has a well-trained, warm and courteous staff.

I also commend Virgin Beach Resort's staff for being accommodating to our requests. It took a while before they get back to us which was understandable because the resort was fully booked during our stay.

But they're always polite and attentive to the details/instructions/requests. 

Overall, I'd still recommend Virgin Beach Resort Laiya to family and friends who would want to have pure relaxation or get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 'til next time! :)

P.S. 

I just thought of sharing this updated resort rates as of March 2019.

San Vicente, Palawan

Palawan has always been my favorite destination (a dream destination, actually). I was fortunate enough to explore Coron and El Nido previously and both towns were undoubtedly wonderful. But, I've recently read blogs about San Vicente being promoted as the new  "Boracay." Most articles described San Vicente as a quiet, unexplored and scenic vacation spot.

Airswift plane

So, we booked a flight with Airswift that lands directly at El Nido. There are available flights operated by PAL from Clark to San Vicente but, we did not pursue it anymore due to the recent earthquake incidents in the area. 









Can I just mention that Airswift flights were surprisingly smooth and on time? I would highly recommend flying with them if you're El Nido-bound. 

Dropped off passengers at the newly-opened San Vicente airport

El Nido airport (part of Lio Estate by Ayala)

From El Nido airport, we hailed a tricycle (350 pesos) going to the van terminal that will take us to Club Agutaya in San Vicente. Take note that van from El Nido to San Vicente has one trip that leaves at 8am. Luckily, we were able to ride in time for the van departure and paid 600 pesos each. Since it was a means of public transport, there were several stops to pick up and drop off other passengers along the way. It took us 3 hours to reach Club Agutaya, located in Long Beach, San Vicente. 





CLUB AGUTAYA - THE RESORT

Club Agutaya's lobby

Club Agutaya's beachfront

Club Agutaya is quite pricey but definitely worth every penny. Luckily, we were able to get a discounted rate through Agoda and even got upgraded accommodation upon arrival (there were not many guests that day). I love Club Agutaya for its excellent customer service. The staff was very courteous and warm. The rooms smelled and looked good, even the bathroom was squeaky clean! We were provided with fresh towels, toiletries (except for toothbrush and toothpaste, I guess they encourage you to bring your own), and a cabinet for your clothes and a vault inside to keep your valuables.  

Swimming pool

I also love the swimming pool and the restaurant (Cafe Lily) which served really delicious meals (price range is about 300 to 800 pesos, suitable for sharing)! And most of all, the beach was really calm and ideal for swimming. Club Agutaya has day beds and hammocks in the beach area where you can just lounge all day. It was simply P-E-R-F-E-C-T! 

pork sisig, fried rice, squid in curry and coconut sauce, breakfast spread

breakfast on our last day

Club Agutaya in Long Beach San Vicente

ISLAND HOPPING TOUR


We availed of the Combo Tour where we get to visit 7 sites, arranged through Club Abutaya's front desk and paid 2,500 per pax. I must commend Club Agutaya for arranging everything, from our snorkeling gears, life vest, cold water and soda, lunch and snacks! Even our fellow tourists were surprised at how the resort took care of us. Special mention to Kuya Mackie for driving us to the dock area. I can sense his pride and passion from the way he tells us numerous stories (both life-saving facts and effortless jokes haha!).

First stop is the Exotic and Maxima Island. It was a good place to swim and snorkel. 

Exotic and Maxima Island

Our tour guides/boatmen took us to Inaladelan Island, another snorkeling and picnic site. It was an ideal place to relax after your sumptuous meal since there were beach huts along the shore.

Inaladelan Island

clear waters of Inaladelan Island

A little bit farther from Inaladelan is the Turtle Sanctuary. Too bad our underwater shots were corrupted so, I cannot share photos of the sea turtles we saw. It was such a delight seeing them in action, crawling/swimming underwater. After that, we stopped by the Twin Reef. We braved the strong current and snorkeled with the help of our tour guide pulling us towards the coral garden. San Vicente has a vibrant marine life. The corals may not be as colorful or grand as those in Coron but, I still hope they maintain and protect the magnificent view/creatures underwater. 

Next stop was Port Barton and the Sandbar. Port Barton was surprisingly full of foreigners, not even a local or Pinoy tourist in sight. Residents and resort-owners in Port Barton heavily rely on solar power. Hence, electricity is limited. The atmosphere was very relaxing. There were several restaurants where you can grab a bite or get fresh fruit shakes and coffee. 

seashore at Port Barton

Our last stop was Bigaho Falls. You need to walk for about 15 minutes before reaching the falls. Halfway through the hike, you need to register and place a voluntary donation for the maintenance of the area. Tip: If you are not a good swimmer (like me), I would suggest bringing your life vest so you can enjoy swimming in the cold, fresh water of Bigaho Falls. 

 

sunset after our trek to Bigaho Falls

During our stay, the town was celebrating the Summer Festival and had several programs lined up like a band concert, bikini contest and basically a party at the beach. We would have gone and checked out the activities, but we were too sleepy after eating dinner, and Club Agutaya's staff were very encouraging in their invitation. 

Come to think of it, partying at the beach with all the loud sounds was something I was not looking forward to. After all, I visited San Vicente for its calm, tranquil and peaceful environment. I just wish it would remain that way. There's a certain charm in simplicity that will naturally make you fall in love with San Vicente. 

Club Agutaya - view from our room

fine sand and clear water in Long Beach