First class

The first class travel option is the Subic Seaplane which will meet you in Manila and whisk you south to Puerto Galera in 40mins for USD350 (the cost is per one way trip, not per passenger). The plane can accommodate 3-4 passengers depending upon the amount of luggage you have. Having made this journey personally, I can recommend this as a great way to see the Philippines from a fantastic viewpoint.

Business class

By far the most popular way of traveling to Puerto Galera on your own schedule is done with a private car/van. Get collected from your hotel door in Manila or even as you arrive at Manila airport and enjoy the 2-3 hour drive to Batangas. There you can meet up with a private ferry for the hour long crossing direct to your accommodation in Puerto Galera. Alternatively, you may choose to ride any one of the numerous public ferries from Batangas Pier for the crossing of Verde Island Passage. Take note that there are no night crossings for the public ferries. The cost of a full private transfer is USD100. Taking a car and then the public ferry will cost USD50 for the car and approx USD4 for the ferry.

Economy class

For those with a smaller budget or a much more flexible time schedule, there are several private bus companies which bring visitors from Manila to Puerto Galera. The two most well known of these services leave from the Swagman Hotel and Citystate Tower Hotel (the Sikat Bus). Both of these hotels are located in the Manila tourist district, Ermita. Their buses leave Manila at 8 am every day and drive non-stop to Batangas Pier where passengers are directed onto the next ferry to Puerto Galera. These private bus/public ferry trips cost approx USD15/person one way. There is one cheaper method of getting from Manila to Batangas Pier; the public bus. The public bus fare from Manila is approx USD4/person but unless you are a seasoned traveler or are familiar with the Philippines it is not a recommended way to travel as the schedule of these buses is not always clear even to locals.

When you do make your arrangements to come, please don’t hesitate to contact Dynasty Divers to assist you in organizing details and to check on the latest ferry schedules.