For a beginner soloista traveler, this one easy tick off in our bucket list!!
HOW TO GET TO PUERTO GALERA:
A. Public transport-
Go to any of the following bus terminals in Metro Manila:
- Bus Terminals near the corner of Taft Avenue and Gil Puyat Avenue (formerly Buendia), Pasay City – nearest Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Domestic Airport.
- Bus Terminal near Ali Mall, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City.
- Bus Terminal in EDSA corner Kamias Street, Quezon City.
- Bus Terminal in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
I took the DLTB Bus in Taft Avenue since I am living across the terminal. Ticket cost P167.00
B. Park and Sail-
Drive and take Calamba Exit via Alabang-Calamba-Sto. Tomas Expressway or ACTEX (also known as South Luzon Expressway or SLEX) straight to Batangas Exit via Southern Tagalog Arterial Road or STAR Tollway.
FEES:
ACTEX Calamba Exit = PhP25.00
STAR Tollgate to Batangas City = PhP67.00
One-way pass = PhP92.00
Travel time = around 2 hours
You can park your car in the port.
The parking fee is P23 per 2 hours, P155 for 24 hours and P6 per hour after 24 hours.
From the Batangas port, there are three boat operators to choose from: Gallerian (blue Boats), Father and Sons (yellow boat) and Minolo (red boats).
Gallerian is the rebrand of Commando which was involved in some tragedy in Puerto Gallera.
I rode Father and Son- the boat is old but the captain and crew are really attentive and helpful.
I paid for P500 round trip ticket plus P30 environmental fee which is to be paid in Batangas port.
Go straight ahead to Terminal 3.
If you dont have a hotel to stay yet, there are booths in the port where you can choose from. I booked my place from the port. I check in at Hollywood Palm Beach Hotel and Resort. Its only a five minute walk from the beach. There is a shuttle service 24/7 that can take you to the beach and fetch you back to the hotel. I got a really sound sleep because the place is far from the noisy white beach. The normal rate is P1500 but since I am alone I got it for P1200/night. A really nice bargain considering the place have 6 ft swimming pool, gym, bar, videoke and function room as well. The owner says they also have bands on summer when there are a lot of guest in the hotel.
Upon arrival in Puerto Galera, a P20 environmental fee AGAIN!.
YOu also need to confirm with boat company the schedule of your return to Manila.
Here's the pic of my Hollywood Palm Beach Resort- the place is well maintained. The bed is nice with nice comforter. The room has aircon, shower, towel and soap. The tv is quite old though and no ref- but who needs that anyway we will be staying long hours outside. I love this place because its quiet and I was able to sleep soundly.
I long to travel alone.. when I was single I was not allowed by Nanay to do so!
When I got married, I know its awkward to ask your husband to go on a trip alone.
This first trip is by accident really. It was February 14, 2015 (sat) and my husband I had a petty big fight.. When I say petty, its really came from a small non sense issue but went BIG! yeah! puff !
So valentines date over!! though we initially planned to go to Puerto Galera on FEb 15 (sunday) but of course that wont push through anymore because of this petty fight. To cut the story short, I left Manila on Sunday morning at 7:00 am to travel by myself and stayed there until Monday 12nn. Such a pity! Well, some would say and some locals were surprised to know I was traveling alone but it definitely turned out to be a wonderful experience.
(As of this writing, my husband doesn't know I went to Puerto Galera, we are not speaking for three days now and he doesnt read my blogs)
Yeah, everyone has issues back at home but its only not the reason why you should travel alone. For me its not a way to escape the problems but rather giving myself a time to think, ponder on my acts and decide on what to do next. Spending time for myself as I needed some break away from the Supermom duties I have for the past years.
So enough of the sad part.
Where to Eat:
There are a lot of place to eat in Puerto and its really cheap.
Breakfast/lunch is more or less P99 and you can find cheaper food at the back of beach front.
I ate at the beach front so that I can have the best view while eating.
There's a place for 145 all kinds of pasta and pizza. (sorry no pics)
What to Do:
Island Hopping - P1500-2500
Snorkeling- can be a package together with Island hopping
Jetski-1000-3000 (can haggle for 2500 for 2 person. I got mine for 1000 only since its already Monday and Im alone (perks of being alone!)
Hiking in Tamaraw falls or Aninuan Falls
There are a lot of things to do, among others are the following:
Aqua-Sports Activities
| Adventure and Leisure
|
Since I have been here for a couple of times. I just took the leisure of people watching on my first day.
I had a whole body massage for P350 (300 plus tip of 50). Funny, I snoozed for a while after the massage.
I ate 2 palitaw for merienda (P10 each) plus hot chocolate (P30).
Since I really became so sleepy after the delicious palitaw and massage. I headed back to hotel and continued sleeping.. since the place is so relaxing I wasnt able to enjoy the night life. I just dated with my bed.
No dinner. just sleeping.. :(
Initially my plan is to drink Mindoro sling at beach front while sobbing..lol
I got up early around 530am. I went outside but its so dark so I just watched some news at my room and went to the beach by 630am. It was a cloudy rainy morning and just perfect for Chicken Lugaw (P65) and brewed coffee in mason jar (P35)..
After my simple breakfast I went straight to the right most part of the beach for some soul-searching aka moment! I cant help buy remember Angelica Panganiban's role in That Thing Called tadhana movie. and her famous line "AYOKO NAAAAHHH!!" while shouting in Sagada mountain. Yeah its very timely for me.
I had some share of My Moment in Puerto Galera.. I got to cry, to shout and laugh afterwards! Nakakatawa! who cares carebears! Moment ko to!
Here's the area where I spent most of my Sunday to laugh, cry and to take selfies of course!
I dipped in the cold water for a short time and after this I went to the other side of the beach..
So after this krayola moment of mine ala That thing called tadhana.. I went to the other side of the beach to do some productive stuff!!
I was thinking of trying para sailing. I kept haggling with the vendors to give it to me for 1000. The usual rate is 1500 for one sailerand 3k for 2 pax. I got lucky to bumped into Kuya Francis, I remembered he was the first one to offer me adventure rides last Saturday. He offered me para sailing and jet-ski for 1000 each. Since its rainy I got a little scared with para sailing so I tried Jet-ski.. It was my first time to ride a jet ski. I was accompanied by a guide.
It was REALLY FUN!! the waves are high, I was driving really fast!! Adrenaline rush all over my body!! Since I was guided by a guide, I was able to go as far as I wanted to.. I have been to the other island as well. I saw Aninuan beach as well. Its soooo Fun and scary at the same time. My guide insisted of riding against the waves..its more challenging though the water is splashing all over my face. I had to borrow his eyeglass to can prevent water to get into my sensitive eyes. So if youll try jet ski, bring your goggles or shades.
Try standing in your jetski while driving so fast!! FUN! WHOOAAHH!!
After jetski, I went back to hotel for a quick change and prepare to go home as well.
I tried their pool and its clean! I spoke with Sir Efren, the owner of the resort. He gave me a quick tour on the hotel facilities and offered me a free lunch! haha
I rode the hotel's shuttle back to the beach.
Leaving Puerto Gallera is so hard! There's a feeling I want to stay longer and a feeling that pulls me to back to this island.
Puerto Gallera is generally so friendly and safe for Solo Pinay Back packers.
Thats my story..let me know yours...
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