I love planning itineraries for upcoming trips and dream vacations! Sometimes, it can be stressful keeping up with the most accurate time schedules and fares. Thanks to Bookaway, it is easier to travel and book trains, buses, and ferries to the world's best locations!
Book your transportation here:
Since we are heading to Puerto Galera for the weekend, we searched Bookaway for transport options. We booked a ferry from Batangas Port to Balatero Pier, Puerto Galera. This saved us a lot of time and energy since ferry tickets get sold out quickly-- especially on a weekend since tourists are also heading to the beach.
We booked the Starlite Ferry with the schedule May 31 at 10:00 AM.
After purchasing, we immediately got an email that Bookaway received our booking which includes our booking details. After a few minutes, we received the Bookaway Voucher. Easy Peasy!
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| Our prefered ferry transportation from Batangas Port to Balatero Port on Bookaway.com |
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| Detailed Schedule for Batangas Port to Balatero Port on Bookaway.com |
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| Description Section for Batangas Port to Balatero Port on Bookaway.com |
In Bookaway, they display the seat options, the transport company that would carry us, a detailed schedule available for my preferred dates and amenities that I can enjoy while on board. All information are available in the Description section. They also have 24-7 travel experts that would help you through your booking. I personally like that they included the transport company profile. This gave me assurance that the transport company I would use is legitimate.
Another thing I like about Bookaway is the 20% Discount on our return tickets! If things didn't go as planned, they also offer partial refunds up to 24 hours before departure.
STARLITE FERRY EXPERIENCE AT BATANGAS PIER
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| Booking Voucher |
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Starlite Ticket Office
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The next day, we headed to Terminal 3, Batangas Port. We went to the ticketing office of Starlite to get our official tickets. In no more than 5 minutes, we got our tickets. Since it was our first time to travel in that port, we were clueless. Thanks to the Starlite staff, they gave us instructions to get to the Terminal ticket office to pay the terminal fee, and head to Gate 4 and wait for our ferry to arrive.
At 9:30AM, the gates were opened and we were allowed to board the ferry. We got the option to sit at the open-air or in air-conditioned room. Although we weren't bringing lots of stuff, passengers were allowed to bring a maximum of 50 kilos per person. Clean toilets are also available!
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| open air economy |
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| food store on board |
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| ocean view |
Everything was flawless! Since our experience with Starlite Ferry was good, I would say that Bookaway only offers transport from companies that have a credible and quality service.
I love that is convenient and assuring. I don't need to wake up early to wait in line to get a ticket, I will just go to Bookaway and book away!
STARLITE FERRY EXPERIENCE AT BALATERO PORT
After 2 hours in the ferry, the egress went smoothly. Since we didn't check any luggage, we went off the ferry within a few minutes. We were then instructed to go to the pedestrian exit and pay our terminal fee of Balatero Pier.
WHAT TO BRING ON THE FERRY TRIP
1. Portable mini fan or pamaypay: Philippines is a tropical and humid country, we suggest travelers to bring a fan.
2. Water bottle: It can be a long trip so bring water to be hydrated.
WHAT TO BRING FOR THE PUERTO GALERA TRIP
1. Dry bag
2. Underwater camera
3. Aqua shoes
TRAVEL TIPS ON THE FERRY RIDE
- - Ask the staff of Starlite Ferry about the boarding procedures. They will guide you up to the boarding gate. Only purchase tickets in the official ticketing offices. Baggage porters are also available and they have fixed fee per kilogram. Ask the office for the latest prices.
- You need to pay a 50PHP terminal ticket in Batangas Pier.
- You have the option to sit in the open air or air-conditioned room in the ferry.
- It is a 2-hour trip, you may bring a book, listen to music or watch a movie to keep you occupied.
- There is no wifi on board but there is phone signal.
- Once you've reached Balatero Pier, head to the pedestrian exit and pay a 20PHP terminal fee.
TRAVEL TIPS PUERTO GALERA TRIP
- Most stores, restaurants and hotels don't accept credit card. We suggest to bring enough cash for the whole trip. There are foreign exchange stores in White Beach.
- There is an ATM machine in Batangas Pier-- although the last time we checked, it wasn't working. The next ATM machine is located in Poblacion, Puerto Galera. (20 minutes from Balatero Port, a tricycle ride cost 150PHP, one way)
- We suggest to rent a motorbike to get around Puerto Galera to save money. Rate starts at 400PHP.
- Book your hotels near White Beach if you want to have quick access to the nightlife, water sports, and cheap restaurants. Book your hotels near Aninuan Beach if you want a quiet and laid back stay. We suggest the latter and just rent a motor bike to get around.
WHAT TO DO/VISIT
1. White Beach - this beach can be a little crowded. Lots of restaurants choices and the nightlife is located here. Water sports like kayaking, jet ski, banana boat are available for rent.
2. Aninuan Beach - head to this beach for a relaxed day. Little to no crowd. 15 minutes from White Beach.
3. Island hopping - we suggest to get the island hopping (Sandbar Island, Bayanan Beach, Antonio Island) with the Coral Garden, Giant Clam and Snorkeling Sites. Boat rental for the island hopping costs 1800PHP good for 6 people. We suggest you ask your hotel reception to book you on a shared island hopping tour to lessen the cost. An additional 400PHP per pax for the Coral Garden, Giant Clam and Snorkeling sites.
4. Scuba diving - rate starts at 3000PHP per person.
5. Land tour - 800PHP which includes Tamaraw Falls, Aninuan Falls, Tukuran Falls, Talipanan Falls and Mangyan Village.
ABOUT BOOKAWAY
Bookaway helps travelers book travel services from local transport suppliers worldwide. Travelers can plan their trips in advance and book transportation in even the most remote destinations with no hassle.
Website: www.bookaway.com
Facebook: /bookawaydotcom
Instagram: @bookaway.travel
With everything online, this website surely elevates the travel planning and experience for travelers.
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Read about the Disclosure and Disclaimer here.
With everything online, this website surely elevates the travel planning and experience for travelers.
Love it? Pin it!
FOOTNOTES:
Photos shot by Rae Argallon and Cheloi Marasigan | Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro | June 2019
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Read about the Disclosure and Disclaimer here.
Traveling from Batangas to Puerto Galera is a breeze with the ferry services offered by Bookaway. You can easily book your trip online, ensuring a smooth journey to this beautiful destination. If you're researching msc project management dissertation examples, the logistics and planning involved in such travel can be a practical case study for time management and project coordination.
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