PUERTO GALERA (PG) -- 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS EXPERIENCE

My Puerto Galera Travel last 2015 was not in my bucket list honestly, we just found a great price online for our accommodation so we grabbed it.

Imagine 500php for 3days 2 nights stay at Blue Water Lodge. (later I will post the picture of the hotel.) plus, the place is very accessible to the white beach (30 seconds to 1 minute walk distance) 

for travel guide + tips and what to expect in Puerto Galera click here

That April I started to search things about Puerto Galera, it was a 4 months preparation.

 I searched for tips and some guides but found few information that will guide us, so I just brought the things that I think most important unluckily, I over think that I brought so much than what I really need.

6 pairs of  clothes, Rash guard, small bag, toiletries, sunblocks, towel, camera, sandals, slipper, cellphone and money.

some of what I have prepared like towel, slipper and extra shirts aren't that needed in my opinion it only adds up the weight of my backpack unless, you are the meticulous one then it is okay to bring those.

Towel was provided by the lodge, sandals can be use as slipper in the province (I am wearing sandugo sandal, 2in1 ), and pair of shirts and clothes might be lessen if I already have the expected activities. 

Well, no regrets. moving forward......

It is better in someways we experience the feeling of survival of where to eat, what to do and where to go in the island. hihihih

we tried restaurants and eateries nearest where we are which some of them offer an affordable food while most are bit pricey.

I still recommend that you choose food that will be good to share. 

It was my first travel by sea with friends, and it was pretty awesome!

I was able to compare to travel in a peaceful sea against the wavy one.  

we gone to PG (Puerto Galera) late August and that time the typhoon Lando wasn't fully out in northern Luzon but thankfully going back to Batangas Port was a sunny weather and the travel period shorten.

back on travel....

on our 1st day was only to explore the area of where we stayed and choose who to contact between the packages offered to us for activities on our second day.

so on our 2nd day, we face the waves and fears with no choice. :)

Puerto Galera is not the place with good food  I mean they have no specialty that will get you excited to try on but the Islands that will absolutely their precious.

We did Island hopping supposedly 5 islands but unfortunately only took 3 because of hardship for the boat due to waves,so we decided to end it,

please do not get me wrong, those 3 islands was so WONDERFUL!

the caving, white sands,
and only our group was in the islands so a little special treatment from the locals.

 great side seeing was one of incredible experience.

we spend almost 600php for that. 

my bestfriend Josh in the small boat

including the small boat which can accommodate only two passengers that took us to much lower part of the island to see more corals and fish.

we took advantage of the place for photos.

in fairness tour guides has a great talent in taking photos.

even our tour guide going to Tamaraw falls which what we did on our

3rd day.

we went to Tamaraw falls to experience the mountain view of Mindoro.

we met our tour guide at the pier after our island hoping, he was the tricycle who send us to white beach so we rented him for our falls experience and he's kind he let us took pictures as many as we wanted and let us dip and enjoy the falls and view up hill. 

the great thing about our travel was because whenever we go we are the only group in place, there some but in few places and not too crowded that is the good thing about weekdays travel especially Tuesday to Thursday.

Blue Water Lodge, Puerto Galera

I think that would be all for now. see you on my next travel.

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PUERTO GALERA - TRAVEL + ITERINARIES + TIPS

Puerto Galera is one of the awesome  and the most memorable island I traveled so far.
It was 4 months preparation and the only problem was I do not know what  exactly the rates, packages in the island unlike my any travel that I have an estimated and expected stores to go to. That was really a lesson so

Now,

hoping that this post will serve as guide and heads up to you guys who's planning to go to Puerto Galera. this was my schedule and tips for you.

We spent 3 Days 2 Nights at Puerto Galera last August with 3 friends, thru Jam Liner Kamuning, Cubao Terminal.

​

Kamuning departure 7:50 (via C5)
Because of unexpected traffic we reached slex at 9:30 then we finally get to batangas port at 11:50am. That would be the worst travel time from EDSA Kamuning to Batangas port. travel time might lessen if we took EDSA ave.

What to Expect in Puerto Galera:

• Awesome beaches• Falls ( far and needs additional payment for tricycle to get there)• Lovely islands• No fast foods• 2nd boracay for night life• Foreigners 
• Foods are bit pricey (foreigner's price)• Water sports (at white beach)
• Hospitable locals
• Great views
• No Specialty food
• Tour packages from tricycle drivers (canvas first)

Tips to remember:

-Be aware of fixers. Do not entertain someone that will approach you once you get down from bus. Buy your tickets with your own at the counter area, just ask the guards where can you get/buy tickets to Puerto Galera.
Fixers comes to help you buy tickets then ask for tip(money) once you get in for check in. They do not contented with small amount only accepting 50php and up. You can buy your own, do it!

-Buy the Minolo Shipping lines (MSL)
Why? As they say. MSL is the fastest, affordable and most reliable boat liner going to Puerto Galera.

- if you already have the date when to come back I recommend to buy a round trip ticket to save.
275php per trip and only 500php when you buy a round trip one.

We land at Puerto Galera after 1 and 45 mins sea travel. We took too long because of the hard waves came after the storm "Lando".

but ( do not end up here)

Puerto Galera Trip was the awesome one.

for the 3 days 2 nights stories and experience you can visit here. 

We swam at white beach, played hard with the waves, walk on the shore at night, 

We did snorkeling, Island hopping, side seeing, swam at the hidden cave and had fun.

Even if we did not do all things I expected, I gained experiences and memories that I think it's hard to achieve in otheir places.

below is the Iterinaries that might help and be your guide in your visit.

overview stopover from Tamaraw Falls

please like : Mers the Wanderer Fanpage for more ventures

for faster reply feel free to add or PM me at Mary Acabal

follow my instagram: @mersacabal

Join me in my next travel and food venture posts.

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TAGAYTAY - BUDGET TRAVEL DAY TOUR

What comes to your mind when you hear Tagaytay?

If you are not an outgoing person who explore things out you would think that visiting Tagaytay is not a good idea for a budget travel because of its Pricey market.

Well, You Got it… WRONG!

In fact, you can enjoy Tagaytay with even/at least 2000 pesos.

And again…

Yes! 2000 pesos

When you are from Metro Manila, you should be aware of this. Sometimes, we from Metro Manila usually invest and spend to travel by plane and by sea and overlooked the nearest possible place to relax with our little budget.

Enjoy the cool weather of Tagaytay without spending too much.

Thru this blog I will share how I made my 2000 pesos a gateway to  Tagaytay budget Tour.

Let’s Go!!!

What are the things you should be aware of:

Do not be fooled by the tricycle drivers offering the (as if ) best deal in your entire life.  

Riding tricycle is more ideal if you’re in group of 4 or more. Since we are already on the topic of transportation, I’ll begin here:

The very first thing to know how to get to Tagaytay. Transportation (what and where to ride?).

We ride a bus from pasay terminal. (at taft station of MRT walk at the back of Mcdonald’s)

Fare: ranging from 85-90php.

1 hr and 30 minutes estimated travel time.

2^nd, The most common money eater in every vacation, the Accomodation. (Where to Stay?)

If you are planning to spend overnight in Tagaytay, Just choose the near to main road or walking distance so you can save time and spend time on the street of Tagaytay instead.

You can send me a message for my suggestion contacts like 500 below rate per peson. (we are not paid or whatsoever, We just used to collect contacts of affordable Transients in Tagaytay so we already have our choices when we need to stay longer there. Might help to others.)

Since for me if you are in a place to explore not just to sleep you wouldn’t stay whole day in your room, you just need a comfortable bed and a safe place to leave your things and bags.

(Where to Go?)

I was inspired on my first visit in Tagaytay that’s why I made this blog post. We'l

People’s Park in the Sky.

Like many children I didn’t visit People’s park in the Sky when I was a kid that is why my excitement level was as high as where it is located. (:D kidding) 

If you are planning to take a shot here but you have a limited time, go here first and enjoy the view of Tagaytay, Taal Volcano, Taal lake and Tagaytay Highlands.

You can  ride a Jeepney at Olivarez terminal to get here. Only P17 only.

Entrance: 30 pesos

Picnic Grove.

The first time I came here was I think when I am only 8 years old.? not sure. haha

In our case, we took the E. Aguinaldo Highway so we go first to People's park in the sky before Picnic Grove for budget and time saving purposes.

There are lots of activities you can do here, actually some people spend more time here because of low entrance fee. activities are ziplines, side seeing, picnic with fam. etc. some activities like horse back riding, and kiddie rides in Sky Ranch.

Entrance : 50 pesos

Sky Ranch.

Best known because of the highest Ferris Wheel in town, the "Sky Eye". 

Experience and enjoy more the awesome view of Taal volcano from the most highest.

Entrance: 100 pesos

(Where to Eat)

This is my favorite!

EATING!!! :))

In eating, whenever I travel I always go to the Place's Spcialties. woah! overheard that Bulalo is the Best in Tagaytay! sooooo LET's Go.!

I can't speak for other much pricey restaurant unless I have eaten there already. In Tagaytay, I only tasted the Don Juan, and 2 stores with Bulalo specialty.

Mahogany Market: 

Located in Mahogany Market. Alegre. 

So far, my best bulalo experience. I highly suggest Alegre's Bulalo. I do not know, but it is more tasty among the three bulalos. Best partner with their crispy tawilis. Hmmmm.

take a jeep from Olivarez going to Mahogany Market. fare: 8 pesos.

we tried other bulalo of other store but I do not like that much so I'll better share Alegre's intead. from then we go back to Alegre's and did not dare to try other stores, maybe we'll try them but not for now.

Next is the Don Juan's

 I did not like their Bulalo but I do like their sisig. pork sisig, very much! this is locate at Magallanes in front of Starbucks and Leslies. if want to have dinner with the best sisig it is also 1 jeep from Olivarez and you can ride a bus back to Manila from this place, much better than from Olivarez.

Dessert?

A well spend time is to spend it with sweet and a nice view. 

Bag of Beans

I only hear this exclusive in Tagaytay. well a bit pricey but the best Blueberry cheesecake and I can say my favorite.

Their Signature coffee will surely awake you by its natural kick and true taste of coffee. bottom less? its ok.

Spend time alone or with friends it doesn't matter as long as you enjoying it. - mersacabal

Until my Next travel guide....  wish it helped. :)

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BON CHON -- KOREAN FAST FOOD CHICKEN

Bon chon! Yiipppeeee!

Nothing is much interesting in Bon Chon. 

Here in the Philippines, Bon Chon is one of the best competitor of Jollibee and McDonald's with its flavorful Korean fried Chicken specialty.

They got into the Filipino taste with no much advertising until people introduced it to people and they become into the Pinoy's top 10. 

I knew Bon Chon way back 2011, and almost after 3 years, I can say that they really improved! 

which, become my favorite fast food after McDonalds. 

I am just missing their first chicken size, hehe 

Well afterall, I am thanking this Bon Chon for introducing me the Korean taste of Chicken. 

For other's information, Bon Chon Chicken specially the soy garlic is best when you partner with Kimchi Coleslaw.

I eat Bon Chon's Chicken with their ketchup and kimchi coleslaw. 

and now... I am craving.

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FAT FRANK'S -- THE 2ND TIME AROUND.

Like I promised. I came back to Fat Frank's.

New food experience and New favorite.

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FAT FRANKS - When In Paranaque

FAT FRANKS -

Fat Frank's is one of the reason why I am thankful for being a resident of Better Living.

The moment I saw their logo and banner I already knew that something quality store will born here and...

I am pretty sure that regarding this matter my instinct would not fail me.

I started blogging last 2014 and this is one of my target restaurant to try because Fat Frank is only located in Better Living - easy to visit. 

This is their first branch and I don't know where will be their next.

The theme of the place really allured me knowing its american concept is a risky concept  business for a place which is not known like Better Living.

however, Fat Frank's made it possible.

 lots of BLS residents support and share their feedbacks in BLS group so many people got the eager to try - that is WORD OF MOUTH Marketing.

I would'nt blame them for being proud,taking selfies and sharing their good feeback in Facebook cause its really Quality.

My first bite here is their Chicken fingers with potato fries under their platters to share 

offers in their menu, then the Salisbury and Potterhouse.. 

ALL  ARE GOOD!

SUGGEST FAT FRANK's .

Even foods are bit Pricey and honestly I am not used to spend P200 and up in a surprise meal I still recommend here especially when you already here in Better Living and craving for an american taste.

I ate here with a voucher from Groupon with me. almost 50% discount so I ordered their portter house @ 240 grams, you can have it with  mashed potato or white rice,  I chose rice and I am full. :))))

this is Fat Frank's Porterhouse in a plate, (you can also request to have it in sizzling plate)

its for P245

about their Salisbury which is like a burger steak of King Wan. hehe.

but its good. my friend ordered and like it. I have no degrading comments for this, just a bit pricey for my part, I rather eat their specialty steaks and shakes. hehehe

Fat Frank's Salisbury for P185

OMG this is what i really don't like to be out of order...

the LOVE at first taste..

the CHICKEN FINGERS with POTATO FRIES. 

hhhmmmm my favorite..

with the cheddar cheese sauce or whatever they called it. 

TWO THUMBS UP!

for P180 good to share for 3 pax..

hmmmmmmmmm I just love it.

Next time I'll going to order their shakes and will share again the experience to you guys!

and till I visit you again FRANK! :)

please like : Mers the Wanderer Fanpage for more ventures

for faster reply feel free add or PM me at Mary Acabal

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