How to Get to Puerto Galera

Quite often we’re asked how to get to Puerto Galera. If you’re coming from Manila to Puerto Galera there are several modes of transportation you’re going to have to take before getting to your final destination. Below you will find our breakdown of how to go to Puerto Galera by all modes of transportation and some tips for each one.

Watch the short video below that walks you through using the bus and the ferry at Batangas Pier.

Let’s get started…..

Flying Into the Manila, Philippines

Fly into Manila International Airport (MNL). If you are flying in from other destinations in SE Asia, check out discount fares from carriers like Tiger Air, Jetstar, and Air Asia into Clark International Airport (CRK) which is 1.5 hours north of Manila.

Watch this short video below where I talk about how to use the departure terminals to catch a taxi. I also talk about how to organize a pick up with your friends or family in the arrivals area.

Ok, now you’re in Manila, let’s get you to Puerto Galera…

How To Get From Manila to Puerto Galera

Getting from Manila to Puerto Galera is simple. Below we break down how to get to Puerto Galera using a couple of modes of transportation you will have available to you. They are as follows:

  • How to Go From Manila to Batangas Pier By Taxi
  • Manila to Puerto Galera via Batangas Pier by Bus

How to Go From Manila to Batangas Pier By Taxi

Go to the DEPARTURES area of the airport and get a YELLOW or WHITE metered taxi. Be sure to get in a newer cab. The fare will be about 2000-3000 pesos to Batangas Pier and you need to make sure that they will take the fast route on the TOLL HIGHWAYS. Negotiate who pays for highway tolls FIRST.

This is not a bad option when traveling from Manila to Batangas if you arrive mid-day and want to get to the beach pronto! The Ferry boats to Puerto Galera stop running about 4:30 pm so make sure you arrive before this time. Staying in Manila will cost as much as getting to Puerto Galera via the taxi.

Watch this short video about using taxis and how to use them like a pro.

Manila to Puerto Galera Via Batangas Pier by Bus

how to get to Puerto Galera from manila by busMany tourists opt to take expensive taxis or tourist bus services to Batangas Pier. We recommend traveling to Puerto Galera via local transport. The bus is safe, comfortable and very affordable.

Take a taxi to BUENDIA JAC Liner Bus Terminal or CUBAO Bus Terminals (once again, make sure they turn on the meter). Buses depart constantly and look like this.

Buendia bus station is very central to the airport, Ermita, Makati, and Malate. Just hop in a cab and tell them you want to go to the Buendia JAC Liner bus station.” Make sure they turn on the meter. Buses depart Buendia for Batangas pier every 30 minutes.

Get on the bus that says Batangas Pier.” Ensure with the conductor that you are on the “express” bus, the BEST way to do this is to make sure that the bus says “DERECHO” on it. The Manila to Batangas bus schedule is always changing, but usually, it’s the bus that is closest to McDonald’s (on the left of the bus) if you’re staring straight at the buses.

You MUST leave Manila by 2 PM AT THE VERY LATEST if you want to get to BADLADZ, Puerto Galera before the ferry service stops.

Tips on Riding the Bus from Manila to Batangas Port

You can speak English to all the conductors, and you’ll be charged the correct rates, probably less than P200 after you have left and are on your way. First, they will ask you where you’re going…which is “Batangas Pier” and then they’ll give you a ticket. Then they’ll come back around and collect the amount that is punched out on your ticket showing your Manila to Batangas port selection.

If you have big bags, there is space below the bus to store them. I always sit right above where I put my bag in the undercarriage storage just so I can keep an eye on it though I’ve never had anything goes missing.

Also, there is small storage above your seat for smaller types of bags. Not too many people put their stuff up there, so there is usually plenty of space. Put your stuff above the seats across from you so you can keep an eye on it. Again, I never had a problem, just a safe way to travel.

When you arrive in Batangas, the bus will go to the Batangas City Terminal first and drop off passengers there. Do not get off the bus, even for a bathroom break as they usually leave quickly. The next stop will be Batangas Pier.

When you get to the parking lot at Batangas Pier, there will be porters trying to get you to let them carry your bags. It’s up to you whether you need that help, but if you take it, make sure to negotiate the price before you let them. Be firm.

How to Go to Puerto Galera From Batangas Pier

Once you find the correct Manila to Batangas bus schedule and arrive at the pier, go to the main terminal. To get to the right terminal going to Puerto Galera, follow this instruction. See the image below.

batangas pier map showing batangas bus terminal

Look for the first boat that goes to Balaterto Port, there’s a lot of them so check all the ticketing offices and choose which boat fits for you.

There are two types of boat available here going to Puerto Galera, there are fast craft and RORO.

Fast craft is the fastest ferry here as it can take you to Puerto Galera in an hour or less while RORO (Roll on Roll off) on the other hand will take about 2 hours.

RORO’s travel time is longer compared to the fast craft because this is a big boat that carries passengers and cars, so if you want to bring your car to Puerto Galera this is the boat for you.

Please note: At Batangas Pier, you may be approached by people advising you that the boats are not running, or that you must take a “private boat”. DO NOT take a “Private Boat”! Do not believe anyone (even security) if they tell you the boats are not running. This is a scam.

Take the first boat going to Balatero Port from the main Batangas Pier. DO NOT take or attempt to take any other boats other than the ones leaving from the terminal. Refuse to be led away from the terminal by seemingly “friendly” people.

The cost is usually around 300 PHP per person for a one-way ticket depending on the class of the ferry. Make sure to ask which gate you will walk out of. You can load up on snacks and drinks inside the terminal if you need to and don’t forget to use the bathroom before you leave. 🙂

Arriving at Balatero Port Puerto Galera

Once the boat docked, you will have to carry your bags out of the boat. If they’re heavy, you can ask for help. There are porters there who are more than willing to carry your luggage for you for a small fee.

Proceed to the exit, pay for the environmental fee and then head out to where all the trikes and vans are parked.

This is where you’ll get your transportation going to BADLADZ Beach and Dive Resort or anywhere in Puerto Galera.

There will be drivers along the way asking you where you’re going just make sure to negotiate with the price first before getting into their trike or van.

Total Trip Costs Per Person

  • Taxi to Bus Terminal: 150 PHP (Depends on your location)
  • Bus to Batangas Pier: About 200 PHP
  • Boat From Batangas Pier to Muelle Pier: About 300 PHP
  • Trike to BADLADZ Beach and Dive Resort/Apartments: 150 PHP to 200 PHP
  • Terminal and Environmental Fees: 80 PHP
  • Total One Way From Manila: About 1000 PHP

Looking for instructions on how to get back? Click here for detailed instructions on How to Go From Puerto Galera to Manila Airport.