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.