Puerto Galera, My Favorite Summer Destination

Sunset on my First Day!

With the rising temperature in the city, spending the day off a beach somewhere is just too tempting.  Just these past months, I have been to Puerto Galera, twice already and 3 times this year.

It has become my favourite beach destination mainly because of convenience.  A bus ride to the port takes less than two hours and two hours more, you'll be setting your feet on the white sand of White Beach.

An overnight would cost almost the same as a night out with friends.  Its best that you find accommodations that suits your budget.  My favourite is VM Resort.  They are now available through  Agoda, which guarantees you a booking prior to your departure, or just haggle your rate once you arrive.

Being a regular guest, I'm able to haggle my room.  Last Holy week, I was able to get a bargain for my 4 night stay, considering I'm staying alone in a 4 pax room.

I also try to avoid the crowd.  Nothing beats an unobstructed view of the sunset and a bottle of Ice Cold Red Horse on a Happy Hour.

Coco Aroma, My Happy Hour Place

I arrived ahead of the Holy Week Crowd

Loving my Aussiebum Shorts

Puerto Galera, Holy Week 2014

I have been going back to White Beach yearly for almost 10 years now.  Except for the year we went to Sta. Ana, Cagayan, it has become my yearly tradition.  The first years were spent with housemates, and the last 2 was with my Waray Zumba Expert Friends.

Going there at these time is a challenge.  You would have to expect long lines at every transportation station, starting at the bus terminals in Manila.  This year was no different.  When I arrived at our meeting place at JAM Terminal along Taft corner Buendia, the end of the line has reached 7 Eleven around the corner excluding the many turns of the queue.  My tip, is that JAM is not the only terminal in the area that has trips to Batangas Pier.  We abandoned our line when we saw an empty CERES Bus, a few meters away towards Libertad.  We reached the Port of Batangas in less than 2 hours.  There we bought the earliest boat trips available.  Our mistake was buying round-trip.  You would find out later on its disadvantage.  Fixers, although not encouraged will provide you with convenience in terms  getting terminal fees and assist you with directions.  Some would even get you inside the terminal without having to go through the lines.

For first timers, the boat ride is just as long as the bus ride, so its best to find a seat that will allow you to catch up on sleep you missed the previous night.  We arrived in White Beach around 10AM, erlier than what we expected.  Our room was pre-booked months before at Las Villas de Natividad.  This has been our home for the last 2 years.  It is conveniently located behind Mikko's, and would be easier to crawl back from a night of drinking.  They charged us 5,000 pesos for a room good for 6.

The rest of the day was spent eating, drinking, partying, and hook-ups for some.  I for one, was so drunk on the first day, and missed out on the beach event that Thursday night.  We were drinking Mindoro Sling as early as lunch, and consumed two bottles of Jaggermeister in the afternoon.

The day after was a bit more controlled.  Loud music is not allowed during Good Friday, and expect the party to start at 12 midnight.  I need to pace my drinking this time.  Morning was spent with a Massage, Eating, Swimming, and ZUMBA!!!  It was only til late in the afternoon that I started with 2 beers.  I lost count by dinner time, and was partying like crazy when the music started playing until the morning.

I woke up with very little recollection of the previous night.  I would have extended my stay, but with the work week lurking ahead, I need at least a day to detoxify.  I left that Saturday afternoon after having lunch with my Galera buddies.  My return trip was originally scheduled at 2 PM, but the boat arrived 3:30 and we left White Beach at 4PM.  I would have booked my return trip with vessels that left on time like Manolo and Gallerian.  Ours is with Father and Son.  The boarding area is not really conducive for waiting especially under the scorching heat of the sun.  I was back in Manila by 8PM.

I think I would still be doing this for years ahead.  Apart from the sun and the beach, I enjoy the challenge that comes with the travel and the company of friends that makes it more fun.  And of course the BOOZE!

Special thanks to Janna, Franco, Joseph, Robby and Eirik for the company and the Zumba lesson! To Ate Juliet of Las Villas de Natividad (0917-4820505) and to Red Horse, Jaggermeister, Mindoro Sling and Liki Tiki, for making our stay so much FUN!!

Read about my other Puerto Galera Trips:

Puerto Galera, Holy Week 2013
Puerto Galera, Holy Week 2012

Holy Week in Puerto Galera 2013

I've have been spending my Holy Week in Puerto Galera since 2006.  It was only in 2010 that I traded it for Sta. Ana, Cagayan with my partner.

This year, I'm spending it with friends Franco and Robert.  They are my Saturday night buddies on weekends I'm not out of town.

We made arrangement weeks before for a room intended for 6 since there would be four of us confirmed.  Last November 2012, I went to Puerto Galera by myself and was able to get the contact details of one of the resort in White Beach.  Las Villas de Natividad was conveniently located near Mikko's Bar ( a favorite hang-out) and figured this would be perfect for us.  We booked a room for 4500php, but they require a down-payment equivalent to one night.  I deposited the money and made confirmations before we arrive.  Keep your transaction slip in case of discrepancies.

Las Villas de Natividad
09174820505, Look for Juliet

Holy Thursday

The night before, we agreed on meeting around 5AM.  My partner has to work during these days but was still able to drive me to our meeting place in Buendia.  After breakfast we went to the bus terminals which are now filled with passengers.  We transferred twice when finally, we found a terminal across Jac Liner, which is CRCG with an organized line and lesser crowd.  We waited a bit until finally, we were on our way to Batangas Port.

The bus fare costs 166 pesos.  We arrived at the Port around 10:00 AM and the earliest available ticket leaves for white beach leaves at 12:30PM. Unlike in 2012, the terminal is packed with people and long ques for every transaction.  We have to line up for the tickets, to the terminal,  to enter the boarding area and to board.

Roundtrip Ticket to White Beach (Father and Son Shipping Line) 500php
Terminal Fee: 50php
Environmental Fee: 50php

Three boats arrived by noon, and we were boarding ahead of our schedule. We would have arrived earlier at the beach, but the boat motor stopped 3x as we cross Verde Strait.  We were finally settled at our resort around 3:45PM after making another stop at Muelle, the town center of Puerto Galera.

Initially, we would have wanted to catch up on sleep, but since arrived late in the afternoon, we decided to make the most of what was left of the day.

Day 1 Itenerary
4:00 PM Swimming
5:00 PM Back at the Resort Freshen Up
6:00 PM Dinner
8:00 PM Bar Hop, Drink Until You Drop

Day 2
11:00 AM Wake Up
12:00 NN Lunch and Swim
2:00 PM Liki Tiki Floating Bar
4:00 PM Back at the Resort
8:00 PM Dinner
10:00 PM Drink at the Resort
12:00 MN Drink until 6AM

Day 3
11:00 AM Wake Up, missed the boat
12:00 NN Lunch, Check out, Re-book Tickets
3:00 PM Depart for Manila

I've been coming back not really for the crowded beach or long lines, but the company you keep and the friendship that becomes stronger.  See you again next year.
 

Holy Week, Puerto Galera 2012

 

White Beach, Puerto Galera is a popular destination during Holy Week, mainly because of its proximity to Manila.  Now, with the opening of the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road, the travel time to Batangas Port is faster and convenient.  I have been spending Holy Week in Galera yearly since 2004 except for 2010 when we got lured into exploring Palaui Island in Sta. Ana, Cagayan.

It's good to note the improvement made by the port officials and the local government of white beach this year.

12:00MN

I started to pack my things due to the last minute decision to actually go.

Things to bring:

1 pair of walking shorts

1 Lightweight Pants

3 Winkle Free Shirt

2 Tank Top

1 Board Short

1 Swimming Short

3 underwear

Sunscreen

Sunglasses

Phone

Phone Charger

Hairwax

Toothbrush

(though costly, other essentials are available on the stores along the beach)

2:00AM

Took a shower, had coffee, did a last minute check.

2:30AM

Walked our way to Buendia.

Withdraw cash from the ATM.  The nearest ATM in Puerto Galera is in Calapan, or the one at Batangas Port.  Never assume that your companions will be able to lend you money otherwise you'll starve.

3:00AM

Boarded the Bus at JAM Bus Terminal

3:15AM

Cruisin along SLEX

4:30AM

Arrived at Batangas Port

At first, I was expecting chaos.  I remember the long lines years back.  But this time, it more organized with separate terminals for those going to Calapan, Puerto Galera, and Super Cat.  We were assisted by a local for tickets and terminal fees for a tip, which is actually made it more convenient.  We were able to purchase tickets for the 5:00AM Father and Son boat bound for White Beach, Puerto Galera.

Inside, people are in line to board at the different gates.  I'm not really sure why people would like to get ahead of everyone on a scheduled boat departure.

5:00AM
Finally boarded the boat, after the long line at the gate.

6:00AM
Halfway through the 2 hour boat ride along Verde Passage

7:20AM
Trying to Dock

7:30AM
Boat had to turn around, we actually though we were going back!

7:40AM
Landed on White Beach Puerto Galera

8:00AM
Got settled at the resort.  During Holy Week, beach front accommodations are usually booked so better reserve in advance.  Its also good to establish a relationship with resort owners so they can give you good rates.

Had to sleep sideways, 7 in a room, there was a time when we were 9.

Cheaper residential accommodations are available but their located a few distance from the beach.  Tent areas are also available.

Typical White Beach Puerto Galera Itenirary:
Sleep all morning

10:00AM Brunch, Expect to wait for the service since most of the kitchens are not equipped to accommodate the outpour of guests during this time.

11:00AM WAlk around the beach, shop early before you consume all your cash on drinks.  You can also just chill at Coco Aroma.  The service sucks but its a good place to hang out.

2:00 PM Late Lunch, its best to take a late lunch since there's less diners.

4:00PM Start Drinking, some would start earlier.  Mindoro Sling is the drink of choice
You can also opt to get a massage, swim or explore other beach activities.

7:00PM  Dinner, Try the Kebabs available on most establishment.

8:00PM  Continue Drinking, Buy promo drinks from the ladies roaming around. You would not miss them.

10:00PM Party at Miggy's or Hiyas

1:00AM Sober Up at the Beach or Explore Jurassic (But the Dinosaurs are being haunted, so not much action lately)

3:00AM Sleep (Depends on whose bed)

10:00AM Brunch (start of another day)