Inithing

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

– Mark Twain

It was quite rainy in Manila, and so was in Puerto Galera as I have heard, but nothing can stop a wanderer by heart to travel and explore the beauty of the Philippines.

It was around 6 AM when we bought bus tickets at the bus station in Cubao (behind Alimall), and at around 6:30 AM, our bus left. It took us roughly 3 hours to reach the Batangas port, thus I suggest to buy snacks before the trip so you won’t get hungry as there will be no bus stops. Upon arrival, there were a bunch of people who were asking where we would go. We told the lady (who appears to be a guide) that we were planning to go to Puerto Galera and she guided us inside. In exchange, she asked that we buy a food from the store where she works. It is up to you if you buy or not, cause we did and we just realized that the food we bought was overpriced (haha). 

We went ahead to purchase tickets and noticed there weren’t any trips anymore to the White Beach. So if you are planning to go to the White Beach, buy a ticket bound to Balatero port. Trip is less than an hour and it felt safer with a fast craft compared to the bangka. We paid terminal and environmental fees (30 PHP and 50 PHP) respectively. At the port, there were tricycles which can take you to the White Beach. I did not ask how much it would cost but it would be less than what we paid for (180 PHP) since we booked a room in Aninuan which is a few minutes away from the White Beach. Tip: It is best to purchase a return ticket on the day of arrival at Balatero port to avoid possibility of getting stranded (in case there is typhoon). Should you miss the opportunity to get a trip back to Batangas port, there is still another option: go to Calapan port (an hour away from Balatero port). 

Using a scooter from Book2wheel, we were able to roam around the island for only 500 PHP compared to hiring a tour guide which might cost us 2000 PHP or more. Unit already includes helmets and full tank gasoline. The experience of riding the scooter, feeling the fresh air against your skin, seeing wonderful views and stopping by whenever we want, and having our own itinerary made our trip more fun and exciting. Puerto Galera has several beaches and falls to go to so better explore the island than just stick at the White Beach.

Budget for an overnight stay (per head for 2 pax):

• Bus from Cubao to Batangas port: 232 PHP
• Fast craft from Batangas port to Balatero port: 250 PHP
• Terminal fee: 30 PHP
• Environmental fee: 25 PHP
• Tricycle from Balatero port: 45 PHP per head
• Room at Aninuan: 1250 PHP (breakfast included) (Note: You can find cheaper rooms at the White Beach. Just book in advance.)
• Motorcycle rental: 500 PHP
• Entrance fee at Tamaraw Falls: 30 PHP
• Tricycle to Balatero port: 45 PHP per head
• Fast craft from Balatero port to Batangas port: 250 PHP
• Bus from Batangas port to Cubao: around 230 to 250 PHP (Note: Do not be deceived by Tricycle drivers at Batangas port informing you that there are no buses at the port going to Cubao and that they will take you to the grand terminal).
• Food: Around 600 PHP would be enough

Total: 3500 PHP (approximately) per head.

Plan your trip and book a scooter/motorbike at www.book2wheel.com . Or send a message here directly so we can connect you to motorcycle rental owners/shops in Puerto Galera.

Like and follow our FB page: Inithing, and get a 5% discount on motorbike rentals in Manila plus unlimited mileage should you decide to take the scooter/motorbike from Manila to Puerto Galera, and back, or if you just plan to rent in Manila and take the unit somewhere else.