Hi,
My family and I will be flying into Manila and going to Puerto Galera. I kinda have two questions. First is: Can anyone recommend a cheap hotel down there...I'm unfamiliar with the territory. I'm used to the bungalow beach style of Thailand. So I'm looking for backpacker style, me, wife, and two small kids. Of course, on or near a quiet beach is ideal. Is it possible to get this on a backpacker budget at high season (? this January). Am I asking too much?
Second question is this:
We heard that it is possible to get a ride in a minibus all the way there from the international airport, with someone to meet us. We prefer this way rather tha taxi, bus, boat option (especially with the whole family). Any suggestions or email addresses anyone can hook me up with? Problem is, if this option is only part of committing to a hotel down there. If I have to commit to a hotel down there in order to get a pick up from the airport, do you know of one? Appreciate the info!!
check out the hotels in Small La laguna area, they rent out bungalow types ... also they can arrange a transportation to meet you at airport and a boat to take you to PG. 3 years ago we had the same arrangement at a hotel called Portofino, and the location is a distance away from sleazy Sabang. hope they still work that way
forget backpacker budget - PG is geared to scuba divers on a one/two week break and expect to pay upwards of $30 for one room/cottage
small la laguna or big la laguna are the beast beaches - there is white beach at the other side but it slopes steeply - the la laguna beaches are better for paddling
the meet and greet comes at a price and will usually be arranged by the more expensive resorts.
A taxi from the airport to Batangas between all of you may be the easier option as the coupon taxis operate fixed fare without the haggling and drop you off at Batangas pier, there are some unresolved local transport difficulties as when you come in theory the only transportation
from Batangas pier is to be directed to Balatero pier located on the white Beach side of Puerto Galera and those of us on the la laguna /Sabang side are wondering what the effect of this will be - in any event if you are heading for one of the La Laguna beaches there is no easy road access and a banka ( outrigger boat) privae ride may be the best option although it will cost a few hundred pesos and unless fixed prices are quoted you are likely to have to haggle hard to get a fair price.
I paid $10 US for a older but clean room in Sabang with a Cable TV and bathroom. The place was called Dive VIP and John who runs the place is great!
small fan rooms are possible in PG for 500p a nite, but not big enough for a family.
You would likely have to spring for 25$ US for a larger AC room big enough to squeeze in a cot or two for the kids.
you will have to pay 2500 to 3000p for a private van to Batangas each way.
Must take the 1 hour ferry to get there.
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