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.

Boracay Trip 2019

It's been YEARS since I last posted an entry. I think it's high time to revive my blog and what a better way to start by posting about my recent Boracay trip. I was actually inspired by the improvements (still ongoing in some parts of the island) in Boracay that I thought are worth sharing. 

I was already impressed with Boracay even way back, the first time I visited the island. Now that it re-opened, I appreciated it even more after its rehabilitation. Many people said that the newly-revived island looked like Boracay in the late '90s to early '00s--- less crowded, more organized, more peaceful and cleaner!

So let me share with you about my Boracay Trip 2019! For someone like me who lives in the South, Ube Express and P2P buses are such blessings for daily commuters. This transportation system is highly commendable as they provide safe and comfortable transportation in going to the airport (Ube Express) and Makati area (P2P bus). From Nuvali-Sta. Rosa, we hopped on the Ube Express bus going to NAIA Terminal 3 for our Manila to Kalibo flight. So, I texted this Ube Express contact number 0915-654-6115 to "reserve a seat" for two persons just to be sure. Somebody actually replied and reminded me to be in the Nuvali terminal (near Robinsons Nuvali) before 5am. The fare from Nuvali to NAIA Terminal 3 is 190 pesos per person. You can pay either in cash or by using your beep card. I would recommend paying via beep card to avoid the hassle, but, if you are going to pay in cash, it's always better to prepare the exact amount. Since we boarded the early bus trip,  travel time took about one (1) hour or so since the Ube Express bus dropped off passengers at all NAIA Terminals. The last stop was  Terminal 3 so, you better allocate a few hours lead time for the check-in process.

Nuvali to NAIA Terminal 3 is 190 pesos

Inside the Ube Express Bus in Nuvali

Upon arrival at Terminal 3, we grabbed a quick bite and proceeded to the check-in counter, waited for a bit, and finally boarded the plane. 
It was actually my first time at Kalibo airport because the last time I went to Boracay was via Caticlan airport. You may check out my first Boracay blog entry here to make your comparisons as well. 

Counters for Bocaray Island Transfer

Upon arrival at Kalibo Airport, you can immediately see several transportation providers for your Kalibo to Boracay Island transfer. Based on my research, the most recommended was Island Star Express since they have a shuttle bus which was more comfortable for a 2-hour ride, unlike others who only have vans. We paid 650 pesos for one person, which included the bus ride, boat ride, e-jeep ride and environmental fees (from Kalibo Airport-to-Cagban Port-to-Station 1 Royal Park hotel). 

Kalibo Airport

Take note that you need to go through a verification process in Kalibo airport to check if you have a hotel reservation and if the hotel is accredited by the Department of Tourism. It's important that you have a printed copy of your hotel reservation because the assigned staff will place a stamp on your voucher after the verification process.  

verification form

hotel voucher

We made reservations at the Royal Park Hotel located at Station 1. I got a good deal from Agoda where we got a 23 % discount for the 4 days and 3 nights stay (breakfast included). We only paid approximately 10,000 pesos and even got upgraded to a Suite Room considering that Station 1 hotels are really, really expensive! The Korean lady who was always present at the front desk as well as the front desk staff was very cheerful and accommodating. Even the other hotel staff were all warm and courteous. The hotel itself would probably need some renovation in terms of pest control ('heard rats in the ceiling) and repainting. But overall, I would still recommend staying at Royal Park Hotel because of its strategic location, reasonable price, and pleasant atmosphere. The hotel food was average, but for less than 10, 000 pesos with breakfast buffet, it was okay, I guess. I've shared some photos below for your reference. 

Royal Park hotel

the beach right at your doorstep

egg, longganisa, stir fried veggies and fruits

pansit, tocino, egg, watermelon, pineapple, coffee

longganisa, galunggong, veggies, salad, fried rice

Aside from swimming and beach bumming, I was honestly looking forward to eating at one of my favorite restaurants in Boracay, Real Coffee(home to the famous calamansi muffin). They moved to a new location in Station 2 near D'Mall and they also have a new product, the mango muffin which was a bit expensive compared to the calamansi muffin. Real Coffee now has a second floor where you can just chill with your favorite meal or simply enjoy the sea view. If you're planning to take home some calamansi or mango muffin from Real Coffee, you have to order at least one day in advance.

Real Coffee kitchen

waiting for a spot by the window

 calamansi and mango muffin plus iced coffee

new location at Station 2 near D'mall

Another one of my favorite places in Boracay is Smoke. It's probably one of the original establishments on the island, however, they are now in D'Mall and has a smaller space, so you have to wait for a little while until you get seated. But, the food didn't change a bit... still tasteful and served hot, not to mention one of the most budget-friendly places to eat. One meal usually costs an average of 250 to 350 pesos--picture is posted below for your reference. 

kao pad and beef salpicao

It was very obvious that Boracay is also a good place for business. I actually think some foreigners go there not to enjoy the beach, but to look for business ventures. So, we found these two dessert places in D'Mall which is Coco Mama and Halo Mango. Both have long cues at any time of the day! It was crazy how people would patiently line up just to buy these two delightful desserts.

Coco Mama was basically coconut ice cream with shaved coconut, mango slices and rice crispies placed in the actual coconut shell. For a dessert-lover like me, I was looking for that certain sweet taste. A bit of brown sugar or condensed milk would probably make it better. Nevertheless, it was refreshing and the presentation was really interesting. The price was 150 pesos per serving (if I remembered correctly). The picture was from my Instagram (with filter) to make it look brighter.



Halo Mango, on the other hand, I think was more worth it lining up to. It's soft-served, mango-flavored ice cream. What probably made it special is the base ingredient, which was genuine mango puree. When we were in line, I actually saw gallons of mango puree placed inside the ice cream machine which made me kind of curious. The thought of eating an all-natural, pure mango ice cream was exciting because usually mango ice cream sold in stores or supermarkets was processed with other ingredients. You can also choose from the many sizes available, but we opted to buy the cheapest one at 180 pesos. It was indeed SWEET, PURE MANGO ice cream! I was very proud because it was the real Philippine mango. No wonder people just waited patiently to grab this dessert.

menu with prices

regular size

large (-est) size

Meanwhile, we came across this restaurant named HOY PANGA. It was right at the beachfront between Station 2 and 3 (or so I think). The interior was very nice and well-ventilated. The food tasted really, really good and the price was not that expensive. A budget of 1000 pesos for two persons would be enough.

liempo, tuna belly, salted egg salad and frozen ice tea

grotto

view from Station 2

Station 2 - paraw sailboats area

Police enforcers were more obvious in the new Boracay. It gives a sense of security and you really get to appreciate that they are doing their job watching over the violators. So, better be conscious that eating on the beach area is not allowed anymore, there are designated areas for smoking and most especially, throw your trash in the proper bins.  A little research will guide you a lot if you're planning a  trip to Boracay.


  

Station 1 at sunrise

It only takes simple steps to make a big difference. I just hope they will be able to maintain this renewed Boracay and take care of it. After all, it's one of the most beautiful places on Earth!