How to Commute to Talipanan Beach (Puerto Galera) from Metro Manila

What's special about this place?

Although Boracay and Palawan are among the top choices for beach destinations, Puerto Galera remains popular because the beaches are still nice and clean, there are a lot of affordable resorts to choose from and it's quite easy to get there even if you're commuting. It's possible, on the spur of the moment, to spend a weekend in Puerto Galera just to relax and be back by Sunday evening recharged enough to tackle the coming week, all without breaking the bank.

Sabang is more popular with foreigners while White Beach is more popular with locals, although a lot of foreigners still go to White Beach. Among the beach fronts in the White Beach area, Talipanan Beach is the most quiet, with none of the crowds and noise associated with White Beach. There isn't much to do because of that, but if your goal is simple peace and quiet by the beach, then Talipanan Beach is for you.

One of the highlights of Talipanan is Luca's Cucina Italiana & Lodge. It offers authentic and delicious Italian cuisine with generous servings at very reasonable prices. This is where you can get Yellow Cab-sized pizzas for Greenwich prices (no kidding!).

Note: All the beaches are connected by road (even Sabang), so you could be staying in Talipanan and then go party at White Beach, for example. You just need to negotiate the rate with the tricycle (at least P120, one way).

Start Point: See below
Go to Route Index
List of PUV Terminals

1. At any of the following terminals, ride the bus going to "Batangas Port" or "Batangas Pier":

EDSA/Kamias bus terminals
Araneta Center Bus Terminal
Buendia/Taft bus terminals
Alabang South Station

Travel time to Batangas is anywhere from 2 to 3 hours, depending on which terminal you'll be coming from.

2. Get off at Batangas Port and proceed to the passenger ferry ticketing booths (there are signs, but you can easily ask around for directions).
3. Currently, only Galerian Lines goes direct to Talipanan. For other ferries, they only go as far as White Beach and from there you take a tricycle to Talipanan, but that's more expensive.
4. Buy your ticket (round-trip is cheaper) and then go to the window where you can pay the Terminal Fee.
5. You then wait for your ferry at the terminal. It's airconditioned and there are food stalls, so your wait shouldn't be uncomfortable. If you hadn't booked your accommodations in advance, you can talk to the various resort reps who will approach asking if you already have a place to stay.
6. The ferry will first make a stop at White Beach before proceeding to Talipanan (and the route is reversed when going back to Batangas Port). Ferry travel time is at least 1 hour.

Note 1: There is no pier at the beach, so wear sandals because the surf might reach your feet.

Note 2: The day before you plan to return to Batangas Port, you need to text or call Galerian Lines to find out what the ferry schedules for the next day are and to choose which ferry schedule you will use.

Reference: Puerto Galera Online Services