Michi Photostory: seaport

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September 07, 2023

How to Go to Puerto Galera from Manila and Vice Versa

The Philippines is the world’s fifth largest island country with 7,641 islands and sa dami ng islands, ilan pa lang ang napupuntahan ko. I live in the Luzon area and we usually travel by land or air. As far as I can remember, there are only a few times that I experienced sea travel in the Philippines, not including island hopping. Hehehe!

Manila to Cebu

Bataan to Manila

Bacolod to Iloilo

Iloilo to Guimaras and vice versa

Manila to Corregidor and vice versa

Cagayan de Oro to Camiguin and vice versa

Batangas to Mindoro/Puerto Galera and vice versa

How to Go to Puerto Galera from Manila and Vice Versa

Speaking of Mindoro, if you are planning to go to Puerto Galera, expect that you will have a lot of transfers, and based on our experience, we travel by land-sea-land-sea before we reach our resort.

Manila to Batangas

If you are coming from Manila, you can ride a bus going to Batangas Port. JAM Liner Bus has a trip from Cubao and Buendia to Batangas Pier. As per my research, there is also a ticket that you can buy at KLOOK, this includes bus, ferry, and terminal fees.

Manila to Puerto Galera 9:30AM

Puerto Galera to Manila 11:00AM

If you have a car, you can do RORO or you can leave your vehicle at Park and Sail and other commercial parking spaces.

Batangas Port to Balatero Port

From Batangas Pier, purchase your RORO ticket or passenger ticket. There are different ferry companies that travel from Batangas to Balatero Port like MV City Iloilo, MV Island Calayan, Montenegro, and MV Isla Simara. Each ferry has a different schedule and rate.

Batangas Terminal Fee: PHP30

Balatero Port to Puerto Galera Resort

Once you reach Balatero Port, you need to pay PHP120 for the Environmental Fee. From here, you can ride a tricycle going to your resort or tricycle plus boat; it all depends on your resort location.

Traveling to Puerto Galera

After reading the above post, it looked like an easy travel but it wasn’t. Then I realized, maybe that is the reason why I prefer traveling by land or air because there are so many things to consider in sea travel. Sharing our Puerto Galera travel experience.

I think it is more than a decade already since our last sea travel and a trip to Puerto Galera so when we went to Casalay Boutique Villas & Dive Resort, I needed to do research on How to Go to Puerto Galera.

My first trip to Oriental Mindoro was when I was still working, it was our team building in Puerto Galera. Since we are a group, instead of riding a bus to Batangas port, we rented a van from Gil Puyat Station. Our second trip was when we attended our friend’s wedding in Mindoro, we took a JAM Liner bus to Batangas port.

Park and Sail

Fast forward to our trip last month, we drove to Batangas Port and I was really worried because we were not sure if we could park our car. We experienced Park and Fly but this would be our first Park and Sail experience.

We left the house before 5AM and arrived at Batangas Port past 6AM and unfortunately Park and Sail parking area was already full. The staff informed us about different options; one of the options is park at commercial parking space which is PHP300 per day. Since we are not in a hurry, we chose to wait but deep inside, nagwoworry na ko because we have no idea kung what time kaya may lalabas sa parking. Actually, ang dami na rin nag-alisan sa pila because they could no longer wait and because of that, from 3rd naging first na kami sa pila.

Batangas Port

We waited for almost an hour para lang makapagpark, and from there we went to Passengers Terminal Building so we could buy our ticket. We missed the 7AM trip, yung ibang ferry fully booked na rin so our only chance is Montenegro Shipping Lines pero almost an hour na kami nakapila, parang hindi naman nagmomove so we decided to let go the 8AM trip and we transferred to different ferry na lang which is 10AM trip.

We booked at MV Isla Simara or Island Water, don’t forget to bring IDs for discount. I’m thankful that my son brought his student ID so nakadiscount pa kami sa fare and terminal fee.

Island Water RORO Fare Rate Batangas Pier/Balatero Pier (Puerto Galera)

Economy Fare

Regular PHP500

Student PHP400

Senior/PWD PHP357.14

Child (3-7 years old) PHP250

Infant (0-2 years old) FREE

Business Class Fare

Regular PHP850

Student PHP680

Senior/PWD PHP607.14

Child (3-7 years old) PHP425

Infant (0-2 years old) FREE

VIP Class Fare

Regular PHP1000

Student PHP800

Senior/PWD PHP714.29

Child (3-7 years old) PHP500

Infant (0-2 years old) FREE

Terminal Fee: PHP30

* Senior, PWD and Students are FREE

Five minutes before 8AM, we were already at the boarding gate and I noticed na boarding pa rin sa Montenegro Shipping Lines and I was shocked when I saw the people na kasama ko sa pila, yung nasa unahan at nasa likod ko ng pila, nakasakay pa sa 8AM trip. Now I knew na hindi naman pala on-time ang mga Ferry sa Pilipinas kasi 8:30AM na boarding pa rin ang Ferry.

I won’t deny na nanghinayang ako na lumipat ng pila, kasi sayang din yung paghihintay namin sa Port kung alam ko lang na late pala umaalis ang Ferry, sana nagtiyaga pa kami sa pagpila.

Island Water Economy

Anyway, unlike in airplane na may boarding time, sa Ferry pala kung ano yung Schedule Trip, yun din ang boarding. Our schedule is 10AM and the ferry left before 10:30AM. Travel time is 2 hours for RORO. We only booked an Economy Ticket so it is an open area, there is a TV where you can watch a movie. During our trip natapos yung Doctor Strange movie bago kami nakababa sa port.

Balatero Port

We paid the Environmental Fee and the staff asked for our Booked Accommodation. Then we rode a tricycle going to Muelle Port for PHP120.

Environmental fee: PHP120

*Senior, PWD, and 11 yrs old below are FREE

Muelle Port

Upon arrival at Muelle Port, my husband called the resort and we waited for 30 minutes for our boat. While waiting I checked this boat where you can learn about the History of Puerto Galera and different places that you can visit in Puerto Galera.

Traveling to Batangas Port

After a few days, it is time to say goodbye to Puerto Galera, and because of our experience in buying Balatero Ticket, my husband asked the staff of Casalay Boutique Villas & Dive Resort kung nagbobook din ba sila ng Ferry Ticket. And the staff said yes, itatawag lang daw nila and payment is via Gcash.

We wanted fastcraft but because of the gale warning, RORO lang available. During our breakfast, the staff called Island Water and was advised na VIP Class na lang daw available. Of course, we purchased the ticket, kailangan namin umuwi.

We left past 11AM from Casalay Boutique Villas & Dive Resort and from Muelle Port, we rode a tricycle to Balatero Port for PHP150. The tricycle driver asked us if we already had a ticket kasi alam niya fully booked na daw ang ferry. Good thing that we asked for help from the resort or else, baka hindi kami makauwi. The driver dropped us at the Island Water Office to get our boarding ticket. Buti pala nagtanung siya kasi akala namin sa loob ng Balatero Port yung Ticketing Counter just like Batangas Port. Then we walked to Balatero Port and paid Terminal Fee.

Balatero Port Terminal Fee: PHP10

*Senior, PWD and Students are FREE

Island Water VIP Class

Our scheduled trip is 1PM but the Ferry left several minutes before 2PM, and again travel time is 2 hours. Once you enter the VIP Class, you will immediately notice the difference, you are staying in an aircon room and you have a private comfort room, comfortable chair, and free coffee and bottled water.

Batangas Port

We arrived around 4PM and we walked to the parking lot. For our 3-day trips, we paid PHP370 for the parking fee.

Read: Birthday Getaway at Casalay Boutique Villa and Dive Resort

September 19, 2017

Sjøgata in Norway

After visiting Grandefjaera Nature Reserve and Kjeungskajaer Lighthouse, off we went to Sjøgata. Sjøgata or sea lane is the last place that we visited in Norway because after this trip, we became busy preparing and packing for our Iceland and of course, going back to the Philippines.

I’ve already seen this place because my mom has a painting of this historical place. But I’m glad that we were able to see it, up close and personal. Sjøgata is located in the old port area of Uthaug which is near the sea.

Instagram Lola

It is considered a historical place because you can see fishermen’s houses which were built in the 1800s. It is good to know that they are trying to preserve this place. The place is indeed relaxing so a lot of artists are going here to draw or paint their own masterpieces. We did not stay long at nilalamig na kami and we’re going to attend the fellowship.

January 12, 2017

4 Days Adventure in Coron Palawan

Two days ago my husband told me that Nickelodeon is planning to build an underwater resort and theme park in Palawan. Yesterday, I’ve been seeing a lot of posts about it and I am one of those people who does not agree with the underwater resort or theme park in Palawan.

Coron, Palawan is a gem and please do not destroy it. We’ve visited this place 12 years ago and we’re planning to revisit so my son could also see the beauty of Coron. But not anytime soon, since most of the activity here is island hopping. #CoronIsNotBikiniBottom

And because of this, napareminisce ako bigla ng trip namin. Coron, Palawan is one of my memorable vacations and I consider Coron as one of the best places I have been to. Honestly, I was not familiar with this place when my ex-boyfriend now husband suggested this place.

I’m happy that I’ve visited this place 12 years ago because today the rate is expensive. Imagine almost all places that we have visited before has no entrance fee but now the entrance fee is P200 or less.

The disadvantage before was the airfare, there is no promo fare and there were only two airlines that offer Busuanga flight which is Sea Air and Asian Spirit. In the year 2005, these two airlines only offer Busuanga route. It was a small plane with only 19 seats, so you really feel the movement of it. (wala na yang airlines ngayon, hehehe!)

We visited Coron with no preparations at all, we just booked our flight and off we went with no room accommodation and no itineraries. There were a lot of first time experiences and memories in this travel and it was really an adventure for all of us. Sharing with you, our adventure. #AdventureinCoronPalawan

Day 1 Off to Coron, Palawan

It was our first trip via airplane with my friend and ex-bf now husband. (level-up na kasi may work na) We’re a little bit nervous because it was also our first time to ride a 19-seater airplane. Thank God, we landed safely at Francisco Reyes Airport. I was surprised to see the airport, ang liit lang niya. From Francisco Reyes Airport, we rode a jeep to reach the city proper, it is P100 per head.

We did not book any accommodation thinking that it is not a peak season but unfortunately Sea Dive Resort was already fully booked, they said, we could try Darayonan Lodge. We rode a tricycle to get to Darayonan, the lodge is also fully booked but if we could wait till evening, there will be an available room. It was only lunch time but we have no other choice. The room with private bathroom is P300 per head and additional P50 for the TV. Lesson learned, always book your accommodation in advance.

We also asked them where we could rent a boat for our trip and they referred us to Calamian Geo Eco-culture Expedition Travel and Tours. We did not want to waste our time so we left our baggage there and visit the travel agency. There are several packages but we booked Coron Tour P1200 and Culion Tour P1800.

Maquinit Hot Springs

We hired a tricycle to get to Maquinit Hot Spring for P100. Roundtrip ride plus the driver will wait for us. This was our only itinerary that day. We enjoyed the hot springs and it relieved our stress for not having an accommodation. Hehehe!

We went back to the lodge and we’re so glad that we can already rest.

Day 2 Coron Island Tour

We woke up early because the tour will start at 8AM. We went to Calamian Travel and Tours to rent kayak, snorkel, and fins and of course to meet the boatmen. The sea port is just beside the market so before hopping on the boat, we bought cooked rice, bread, and ingredients for grilled liempo which is good for five persons (3 + 2 boatmen)

Itinerary for the day: Banol Beach, Twin Lagoon, Skeleton Wreck, CYC Island, Barracuda Lake and Maquinit Hot spring. We already went to Maquinit Hot Spring during our first day so we skipped this part.

First stop is Banol Beach, it is a small and peaceful beach where you can relax and unwind. It is a good place to kayak and snorkel. This was our first time to experience kayaking.

While enjoying the beach, our boatmen cooked our food and we ate our lunch here.

Next stop is Twin Lagoon, the place is really beautiful and there are so many fish so we tried fishing. We are so happy because we caught several fishes. We gave the fishes to the boatmen, edible naman pala silang lahat.

Then we went to Skeleton Wreck, where you can see the Japanese shipwreck. I felt so scared because I feel that there are some spirits that will pull my legs so I did not stay too long. lol But if you are a diver, I’m pretty sure you will enjoy this place.

Next stop is CYC Island; the place was so packed so we headed to Barracuda Lake. You need to trek to reach the lake. On our way to the lake, there were so many sea urchins so be careful.

The Lake is so clean but we’re the only people so we did not stay too long. If ever may mangyari, sa min feeling namin kahit sumigaw kami hindi maririnig ng boatmen. Hehehe!

Last stop is Siete Pecados, (Marine Park) since we’re so tired na kakalangoy with our life vest, my ex-bf is the only one who swam in this place, he lost our ring nga here, buti na lang hindi pa kami kasal so hindi wedding ring ang nawala.

Day 3: Culion Tour

Last day of island hopping since we have an early flight the following day. Again, we bought cooked rice and fishes in the market for our lunch.

Itinerary for the day: Culion Tour, Sangat Island Resort, Gunboat, Coral Garden, Culion Church and Culion Museum

Culion Island is a little bit far so ang tagal sa biyahe but since Palawan is picturesque, you will not get bored. First stop is Gun Boat, our boatmen grilled our fish while we enjoyed the beach. We ate lunch here before going to the resort.

We went to Sangat Island Dive Resort, it is a private resort. We just took some pictures.

Next stop is Coral Garden.

Last stop is Culion Island, I’m pretty sure that you already heard or read about this place. Culion is known as “The Land of the Living Dead” because those people who have leper were relocated here. It was only in the year 2006 when the World Health Organization declared that Culion is leprosy-free. So when we went there last 2005, hindi pa siya leprosy-free. Waah!

We don’t have a guide, we just do our own walking tour. We went to La Immaculada Church, Fort Culion, and Culion Museum. There is a museum guide at the Culion museum so we had an idea of Culion history. We did not stay long because we need to travel more or less two hours back to Coron Island.

Day 4 Back to Manila

3 days were over, back to reality. When I went back to the office, my officemates were surprised, negra na ko pagbalik sa kakaisland hopping.

I still dream to visit Coron again and I hope when we get back we can visit Mt. Tapyas View Deck, Banana and Malcapuya Island and Calauit Safari. I will definitely take more pictures, if you notice panget pa photos namin. Ito yung time na film pa gamit namin sa camera and tipid na tipid sa paggamit. Hehehe!

Read: 3 Days in Puerto Princesa Palawan with Kids

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December 06, 2016

6 Days in Hongkong and Macau

Hong Kong is on my bucket list and I was happy that I finally ticked it off on my list. Whenever there’s international seat sale, I always check Hongkong but I wasn’t lucky in booking a flight. It took me years before I was able to score a cheap fare during P1 seat sale and would you believe it was only P2000+ for 3 persons.

One way fare only because I booked another flight from Macau so I could save time and ferry fare. I'm sharing with you, our Hongkong and Macau itinerary when we went there last November 2012, I’ve revised it so many times because of the weather but still, we enjoyed our stay especially in Hong Kong Disneyland.

They say one week is not enough to enjoy Hongkong but since we want to do Hong Kong and Macau in one trip, I need to choose the tourist spots that we’re going to visit in four days.

Hongkong

Upon Arrival in HKIA, we immediately went to Yiu Fai Guesthouse to check-in our luggage before starting our tour. We rode A21 bus going to Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) fare is $HK33. From bus stop we walked to the Golden Crown Building where the guesthouse is located.

Day 1 City Tour at Tsim Sha Tsui and The Peak

We visited 1881 Heritage, Clock Tower and Avenue of Stars which are all walking distance from TST area.

From TST, we took the MTR going to Central Station and head to Exit J2. We just follow the signs going to lower Peak Tram terminus where we will ride Peak Tram. We rode the Peak Tram to reach “The Peak”. My husband was not interested in Madame Tussauds so we did not buy package ticket just a roundtrip Peak Tram ticket.

Day 2

Chin Lin Nunnery
Nan Lian Garden
Ngong Ping Village

We woke up early on our second day because we will visit Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden. It was surprising that there is a garden in the midst of a busy city.

After that, we proceeded to Ngong Ping Village.

Shopping is not included in our itinerary but we did a quick visit in City Gate Outlet because we need to buy some clothes. We need warmers to survive the coldness of Hongkong weather.

Day 3 and 4 Hongkong Disneyland

From Yiu Fai Guesthouse we transferred to Disney’s Hollywood Hotel for our next accommodation. We spent our two remaining days in Hong Kong Disneyland. We let go the Ocean Park because we’re more interested in Hongkong Disneyland and my son really adores Mickey Mouse.

Read: Disney's Hollywood Hotel
Day 3 Hong Kong Disneyland
Day 4 Hong Kong Disneyland

Tips: If you are on a budget you can eat at Chef Mickey’s Restaurant for breakfast but if you want the meet and greet experience with Disney characters, book your breakfast in Enchanted Garden.

Read: Chef’s Mickey Restaurant

If you are looking for affordable fast food in Hong Kong, you can try Cafe de Coral, they have branches everywhere.

Read: Cafe de Coral

Now I know why people always go back to Hongkong, if only I have the budget, I will go back again. Bitin ang 4 days.

After Hongkong Disneyland, we went straight to the Sheung Wan Ferry Pier. We refunded our money on the Octopus card and bought a ticket at TurboJet Counter.

Read: Travel Guide: Hongkong to Macau

Macau

We stayed in Hotel Sintra, I chose this hotel because of the location. It is walking distance to New Yaohan Mall, Tourist Spots and Hotels.

Read: Hotel Sintra

We had two whole days to roam around. Macau is not only for people who love casino because there are several things that you can do in Macau. Sharing with you our Macau itinerary.

Day 5 Macau City Tour

Walking Tour

We visited the famous tourist spots such as Senado Square, St. Dominic Church, Ruins of St Paul, Macau Museum and Monte Fort. Then we went back to our hotel to rest.

Then we went to Michael Jackson’s Gallery in Sofitel, no entrance fee. We're not really a fan of MJ but since this is a free museum, we paid a visit. We went back to Senado Square for night photo.

Day 6 Fisherman’s Wharf and Hotel Hopping

We woke up early to finish our itinerary. We were not able to watch Prosperity show because it was under maintenance so we went straight to Fisherman’s Wharf. It is a tourist spot near Macau Ferry Terminal.

Then we started our Hotel Hopping, we visited Grand Lisboa, Wynn Hotel, City of Dreams Hotel and Venetian Hotel. We watched Bubble Show at City of Dreams. We only experienced Bubble Show because Dragon’s Treasure, Prosperity Tree and Fountain Show are under maintenance.

Finally, we went to Macau International Airport. Back to Manila, Philippines.

Tip: Take advantage of the free shuttle bus of different hotels. We did not spend any money for our transportation in Macau. We just walk or ride shuttle buses.

There are free food tastes on your way to Ruins of St Paul. This is also the place where you can buy pasalubong.

Do not forget to taste the famous Portuguese Egg Tart and Lechon Macau.

Read: Food Trip in Macau

Hongkong and Macau Itinerary

Day 1 City Tour at Tsim Sha Tsui and The Peak
Day 2 Chin Lin Nunnery
Nan Lian Garden
Ngong Ping Village
Day 3 Hong Kong Disneyland
Day 4 Hong Kong Disneyland
Day 5 Macau City Tour
Day 6 Fisherman’s Wharf and Hotel Hopping

March 02, 2012

Day 3: Day Trip in Guimaras

I have WOW (Wealth of Wonders) Philippines book, my mom gave it to me year 2005 and from that moment I wanted to visit Guimaras, according to the book, Guimaras is a dazzling island of sweet mangoes. I love mangoes, either unripe or ripe so it is really one of my goals to taste the sweetest mangoes in the world when I saw the PHP1 sale of Airphil Express last June, I didn’t think twice because it’s now my chance to visit Guimaras. It is the 1^st P1 sale that I booked.

We were supposed to stay in La Puerta Al Paraizo, one of the new resorts in Guimaras but I changed my mind so we just had one sweet day in Guimaras. I had a difficult time in deciding whether to contact a driver/tour guide or I will just go to the tourism kiosk when we get there but to avoid the hassle, a week before our trip, I contacted one driver/tour guide.

Ortiz Wharf

At exactly 7AM we left One Lourdes Dormitel and took La Paz Jeep (P7.50) to Ortiz Wharf. Then I bought the ticket (P14). Travel time from Ortiz Wharf to Jordan Wharf is around 15 to 20 minutes. Our driver/tour guide was already there waiting for us, I just informed him of the name of our boat. The first stop is Raymen Beach Resort for our Island Hopping; boat rental is P400 for the first hour and P150 for succeeding hours.

Raymen Beach Resort

Exactly 8:30AM we started our island hopping; first stop is Turtle Island, P5 entrance fee. We only saw one turtle, napakawalan na daw yung iba and this turtle just went back home.

Then we move to Baras Cave

Next is Natago Beach, (donations) this is where we stayed longer. Natago Beach is a private resort owned by German and Filipino but the sad part is they are both dead. German died year 2007 and Filipino died year 2009. They were supposed to stay here after their retirement but they never enjoy the place, Sayang!

Lucky for us, we’re the only people on the island but unfortunate for me because I can’t swim, red flag. So here I am, watching and taking pictures. Anyway, I’m happy when my two boys are happy because I know they love to swim.

Solong-solo

I was a little bit sad because we can’t go to SEAFDEC and Ave Maria Islets because it was low tide. Waahh! I didn’t know that I should also check the tide if only I know this information I would schedule our island hopping after our land tour. So we went back to Raymen Beach Resort, we paid P20 for the shower room.

I’m not expecting any fancy food and fast food in Guimaras so we had our lunch in carinderia.

Then we went to Guisi Lighthouse, expect for a rough road and bumpy ride. You can see the old lighthouse and the new one.

This is the Kenyama Guimaras Resort; you can see this resort before you reach Guisi Lighthouse.

After Guisi Lighthouse, we went to Trappist Monastery and bought some pasalubong.

Of course, we won’t leave Guimaras Island without tasting Guimaras mango, P75 per kilo.

Then we had a quick snack at Pitstop, don’t miss this mango pizza. I love the combination of cheese, cashew nuts, mango and bell pepper.

P308 pizza + drinks

We skipped Roca Encantada because we might miss the boat going back to Iloilo. There is one unfortunate incident during our tour, we had a flat tire and it took more or less 1 hour and 30 minutes before it was fixed. So naubos oras namin dun. But anyway, we still enjoy our day trip to Guimaras.

I will not recommend our driver/tour guide because I learned after our trip that you can hire a tricycle for P1,000 to P1,200 (standard rate) and I paid PHP1500 excluding the tip. In fairness, he is nice naman but of course, if you want to save some money, go for a cheaper rate.

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