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.

It makes me giddy thinking about going to one of my favorite places in the Philippines! This time I'll be spending the long weekend with college friends. Since we had a short time planning for this trip, we are on a tight budget so, we will be traveling through 2Go. But, we booked a promo ticket via Seair in going back to Manila. 


I hope our trip will be blessed with good weather so we can enjoy the beach and for the safe travel via sea. I'm actually very curious about 2Go's services. It's also my first time to go on a "cruise" as there is minimal information about 2Go. I'll blog about the details when I come back.

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!

My First Trip to Palawan: A Flashback

My first ever out of town trip (and first, ever plane ride!) was in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The mere experience of booking plane tickets, scouting for a hotel and arranging tours felt pretty exciting, for a first-timer like me. I travelled with an office buddy who was like me, starting to build a career back then. Luckily, we learned about Cebu Pacific "Piso Fare" promo; so, we were able to buy our round trip tickets for approximately Php 2,800/per person only.

With just a few clicks, we've reserved our plane tickets through Cebu Pacific. As "newbie" travelers on a tight budget, our next agenda was look for a pension house or inn. After a few phone calls and email inquiries, we decided to stay at Puerto Pension Inn. Instead of booking for a guided city tour, we explored on our own via tricycle rides. The only guided tour we booked was the Underground River Tour which cost around Php 1,200/per pax for a whole day tour including lunch, entrance fees and boat rides (take note this was the rate wayback 2006).

Most people say that travelling need not be expensive and that is indeed, TRUE. It just entails SAVING UP for your trip and the plain truth is, YOU-NEED-MONEY to travel. But, the beautiful experience, new discoveries and new-found friends are all WORTH IT. And this, first-time experience ignited my interest for travel and taking a break from "work life".

random mangrove area we chanced upon

entrance to the Underground River

dock area for boats outside the entrance

manunggul jar from the museum we visited