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!

Buri Beach: The Unusual Puerto Galera Escapade

I remember my first time in Puerto Galera was spent on the White Beach for a company summer outing a few years back. But, my longtime friend, Ate Rita has been bugging me that she wanted to go to Puerto Galera, too. I told myself that, if I go on a trip with Ate Rita, I don't like to go to the crowded White Beach anymore. So, I made a little research on the prime beach spots in Puerto Galera, and my quest led me to this elegant beach resort, Buri Beach Resort. 

Buri Beach Resort in Puerto Galera is indeed an ideal place for relaxation. We visited the site around December so, traveling by sea was quite wavy. Plus, the way to Buri Beach Resort was the unusual route. To get to Buri Beach, they say that you really have to pass through the waviest part of Batangas-Mindoro sea. It was the longest 2-hour boat ride of my life! From Batangas pier, we hopped down to Muelle pier and then from Muelle pier, a private boat was waiting for us to reach Buri Beach Resort. Alternatively, we booked our boat tickets through the Sicat Bus Transport which was connected with a hotel in Ermita, Manila (sorry I forgot the name of the hotel). They ferry hotel guests by a private bus and then, book the boat tickets for the group. So, we settled for this kind of arrangement just to make sure that we get to Muelle pier in time. Also, during that time we were unsure if there are boats bound to Muelle pier if we are going by ourselves. 

Surprisingly, the short boat ride from Muelle pier to the resort was very peaceful. The scenery also reminded me of Coron, Palawan. 

When you get to the resort, this very cozy pool will welcome you. The accommodations are uphill so, you have to climb several steps to reach the villas. You will feel very close to nature with green surroundings, and it is really an excellent place to retreat from your busy schedule.

We got the Garden Villa which was priced at Php 6000 to 7000 per night and suitable for 2 persons. It was the exclusivity and peaceful time that we were after and so, we did not mind paying for the amount. The Garden Villa is a two-story apartment-like accommodation. There is a veranda, and the big sliding door leads you to the bed. At the back, you will see the outdoor bathroom and stairs leading up the second floor, which can still accommodate 2 more persons but for an additional charge.

We decided to avail of the massage services, which was a bit pricey. Prices range from Php 450 to 1500, depending on the type of massage. We availed of the foot spa/massage as it was the cheapest just to try out what it was like. We were led to the spa area, and it was like a herbal treatment where leaves were applied to the legs.

spa area

view of the villas from the pool area

Buri Beach Resort can be considered really one of the best resorts in Puerto Galera. However, I didn't find anything unique in their restaurant. The ambiance was very nice but food was a bit expensive. Every meal would cost Php 200 per person and it was the usual dishes like roasted chicken, seafood, fish, barbecue, sisig and all the typical food you can think of. We didn't have much choice but to eat in the restaurant because bringing of food (from other establishments) is not allowed in the resort.

Restaurant

dinner

watermelon shake

This was one of the most expensive villas.

Overall, Buri Beach Resort is indeed a good weekend getaway to refresh your mind and body. It is an ideal place for friends, family, and couples. I loved it because it is far from the usual crowded Puerto Galera beach. This is the place where you get pure peace and relaxation at its finest. 

Tamaraw Beach Resort Puerto Galera – A Review

Finally, my long awaited getaway to Puerto Galera pushed through! Thanks to the long weekend break this Halloween season, we were able to set foot at the Tamaraw Beach Resort in Puerto Galera. I thought it was better to stay at Tamaraw Beach rather than White Beach because the latter is known to be a party place and where most people go to. On the other hand, Tamaraw Beach is not so crowded, and the ambiance is just perfect if you want to have a real, quiet relaxation time.

Here are a few things on what I can say about Tamaraw Beach Resort in Puerto Galera:

Location: Tamaraw Beach is easily accessible from Batangas Pier. You can actually buy a ticket to ride a boat that docks directly at Tamaraw Beach Resort.  A more popular alternative is to book a ferry ride going to White Beach then, ride the Tamaraw Beach shuttle (to be arranged with the resort) that will take about 5 – 10 minutes travel time.  In our case, we took a chance and booked tickets that I thought would go directly to Tamaraw Beach (P 300 one-way). But actually, the ferry docked in White Beach first to drop off most of the passengers, and then, there were only 3 of us left who were headed to Tamaraw Beach. Generally speaking, it was a hassle-free ride.

Accommodation: Tamaraw Beach Resort seemed to be expanding because when we arrived, there are construction works on-going. They have this new and modern building which has kitchen facilities for cooking. In our case, we booked the native cottages, which can accommodate up to 3 persons. The bathroom was neat, nothing extravagant, but I liked the hot and cold shower. There were cable tv and air condition. The only problem is that these native cottages are made up of nipa and plywood so, it gets quite hot even with the air conditioner is on, especially at noon time. 

Facilities: Tamaraw Beach Resort has the necessary facilities that you need while you're on vacation.  They have a restaurant and bar from where you can order food. If you just want to chill at the beach, they have available cabanas. If you have children with you, the resort has a playground as well. Everything you typically need is here. In case you need to access your email, wi-fi is only available in the restaurant. Better than no wi-fi at all, right? Please take note that there are power supply interruptions from time to time, which we actually experienced when the cable signal was cut-off. Water sports activities are also available upon request. Overall, the resort facilities cater to almost all age group, whether you're with friends, family, kids, and loved ones. 

Food: Tamaraw Beach resort has a restaurant located on the 2nd floor. Tables are set outside the veranda, so you get to have a magnificent view of the beach. The food was very typical, it can fill your stomach but lacks a particular taste to say that it was"delicious." If you decide to eat here, food costs are around Php 150 – 300 excluding the beverages which cost around Php 30 – 100. Serving time takes about 20 minutes before food is served. You'll need to be patient if you're desperately hungry. The menu was very typical and comparable to that of “lutong bahay,” which was mostly Pinoy dishes. Tamaraw Beach resort has a restaurant located in the 2nd floor. Tables are set outside the veranda so you get to have a magnificent view of the beach. The food was very typical, it can fill your stomach but lacks a certain “zing” for you to say that it was a delicious meal. Meal costs for breakfast, lunch and dinner is around Php 150 – 300 excluding the beverages which cost around Php 30 – 100. You have to wait for 20 minutes or so for the food serving time. It was quite slow if you are desperately hungry. The menu was very typical and comparable to that of “lutong bahay”. Food type was mostly Filipino and American dishes. 

If you're looking for a place to spend some quiet time over the weekend, Tamaraw Beach Resort is definitely the place to be.  It's peaceful and relaxing with the perfect ambiance. This is also probably some of the reasons why foreigners flock to the resort.  If you want to have a taste of the beach party, you can quickly hop on a tricycle just right outside the hotel and go to White Beach. In our next stay, we might actually try a 3D/2N itinerary.

Nevertheless, it was one enjoyable break from the busy work week. Looking forward to our next visit!