Puerto Galera

L and I decided to go on a weekend getaway as soon as it hits April and because we both love the beach, Puerto Galera seem to be a clever choice since it is only hours away from Manila. We rode Jam Liner (+/-3hrs) and got off at Batangas Pier, from there we rode a Ferry (+/-1.5hrs) going to Puerto Galera. We opted to ride Galerian Lines and we don't know if all Ferries are like this but it took forever for us to depart. They kept on waiting for passengers to the point that even though we were booked for 9:30am, we left at around 10:30am already. We have already purchased roundtrip tickets prior to this incident and sadly, even our return trip from Puerto to Batangas Port took so long to depart. We vow not to ride Galerian Lines the next time we visit, we hope other ferries stick to their schedule. Sabang and White Beach were our choices but have chosen to go to the White Beach instead since this was the place frequented by locals. Sabang on the other hand were flocked by tourists.

Upon arrival, there were still a lot of vacancies because it was still a weekday (we arrived Friday). Prices were almost same for all 1,300-1,500php/night. They insisted that come the following day (Saturday) there would be a lot of people already that is why they cannot give the rooms at a lower price. We initially planned to stay where L have stayed before but they can only give us one night. Since we are staying for two, we have decided to stay on Orchid's Lodge, a place nearby.

Sign was so and hidden one can easily miss it

Our room had a queen sized bed, TV, and A/C. Just the basics but was good enough for 1,300/night.

What we liked best was it's location. See the steps of stairs on the lower left? That's our room. Literally a stone's throw away from the beach. I think it's almost impossible to get a room beach front due to the number of restaurants and bars occupying the area.

Puerto Galera is the place for budget travelers. Everything is very reasonable. Rooms as I've heard are way cheaper during off peak season. The price we had was their peak rates already. 

What's for breakfast, lunch and dinner? Ihaw-Ihaw. You will see a lot of this when you visit.

Want to try something different? Turon with cheese (15php). This was okay, more cheese would have been wonderful!

The water was clearer than I expected, I have heard not so good feedbacks about the beach. I was very pleased when I saw the place, it was like a mini Boracay. Residents there, surely know the flow of people because come Saturday, the amount of people seem to have doubled. Not excessively much though, just noticeably fuller.

Friday

Saturday. See how much more people there is? There are more people by the shore than those on the water probably because the water is so so so cold! 

L and I trying to fight the cold. It was like swimming in a bucket of ice!

Overall, Puerto Galera is a nice place to relax and unwind. When you visit, do not forget to try their own island mix called Mindoro Sling. Tastes like four seasons but with a super strong kick!

For more information on Puerto Galera and accomodations visit http://www.puertogalera.org/

Balai sa Laiya

It has been 2 years since we visited this place and I can still feel the warmth of the sun! A few months in our relationship, we have decided to go on a trip. We were incoming PT interns then and decided to have a quick getaway before heading to the very stressful and tiring intern life. We had many places in mind but thought of Laiya in Batangas since both of us had never been there before. Looking for a place to stay was a breeze, we opted for Balai since the place had good feedbacks from our friends. Paid reservation through UCPB and  then we're set.

Going there was pretty easy. We rode Jam from Manila to Lucena (+/- 2 hrs.) and got off at Chowking after the town proper of Candelaria. At the nearest intersection, there are jeeps waiting to take you to the town of San Juan, Batangas (+/- 30 mins.) We got off at San Juan Market and rode a jeep to Barrio Hugom where Balai is located (+/- 30 mins.) It was a pleasant trip over all. I enjoy riding buses because I don't get to ride them often. I only get to ride them during fieldtrips or if there are school activities.

Balai sa Laiya

Our Cottage

An extra fee is charged if you want to turn on the A/C but we didn't have to. It was cold at night!

Cabanas at the Shore
We didn't intend to, but during afternoon, we lie on these cabanas and instantly doze off to sleep! We were afraid we'll wake up losing our things but that didn't happen. We also had a relaxing massage by the beach in these cabanas which was arranged by the resort.

Buffet everyday. (Spot L)
You have to purchase their meals when you book in this resort because bringing in of food is not permitted. Food was good but not great. During our first day of stay, we were the only ones at the resort so instead of a buffet like this, they had all sorts of food prepared at our table

At the top of the tower, enjoying the wonderful view.

We are saddened to find out that our beloved Balai sa Laiya had closed and a new one will be opening under the same management and also on San Juan, Batangas. The new one is called, Balai sa San Juan. I am looking forward on visiting this new place soon as we have truly enjoyed our stay on the old Balai. We enjoyed so much that we decided to extend our stay one night!

For further information on Balai and their resorts, they can be reached at http://www.balai-resort.com/