Traveling is something that I plan to do a lot in the future and the future started last Saturday, December 4.  The day started with a lot of worries because it was raining nonstop the night before in San Pedro, Laguna and I was worried that it would be raining when we ride the ferry from Batangas Pier to White Beach in Puerto Galera. I don’t know how to swim in open sea and with a sprained right foot, the effort to stay afloat should the ferry overturn is near impossible.

Fortunately, the rains abated around 6AM. I prepared for the trip — tried in vain to pack light — and took the jeep to Alabang an hour and a half later. I had pancakes and hot chocolate in Jollibee while waiting for my friend to arrive. by 9:30 we were on the bus to Batangas Pier.

Locals suggest taking the red and white ferries of Minolo Shipping Lines

Batangas Pier was almost deserted when we arrived ten minuted after 11AM.  We paid 250 for the one way fare to White Beach, P50 environmental fee, and P30 terminal fee. Paying the terminal fee was like paying P30 to use the restroom since we just passed by the terminal and boarded the Golden Eagle Ferry soon after. By 11:30 the ferry was on its way to White Beach.

The terminal at Batangas Pier is almost deserted at this time of the year.

The ferry was half-full of weekend vacationers, Filipinos and foreigner alike, as well as local residents returning from their workplaces. Since I had a sprain, we sat near the front bow, in the seat reserved for senior citizens. Because of this, I got a little wet during the ferry ride. I had salty seawater splashed on my face more than a handful of times. I did not mind it that much… it was part of the adventure.

What is wrong with this picture?

A few minutes after 12:30, the ferry docked in Muelle, the port near the town center of Puerto Galera, to unload most of the passengers. I saw a lot of yachts docked in the port; these are owned by foreigners now living the island and are members of the yacht club.

Muelle port is full of boats and yacths

We arrived in White Beach at 1:10PM. There were a few people on the beach, most were having their lunch. We had our lunch at White Beach Hotel since we’re really famished. We ordered chopsuey (p60) and chicken adobo (P100), and 2 bottles of Coke.  Both dishes came with a cup of rice. Since both dishes were cooked only after we ordered and the servings were generous, we agreed that it was well worth the price we paid for it.

First sight of White Beach

The waitress informed us that they also have rooms available should we ever want to see them. We checked one out after eating and was satisfied with it. For P1000, we had an air conditioned room. It had two beds for the night — one queen size and one twin size bed– and a pretty large bathroom.

A view of the smaller bed

After unpacking, we went outside and walked on the beach, picking pebbles along the way.We also had a very brief dip on the beach. We did not stay long because with my sprained foot, I can’t hold myself against the strong current. The tide was getting higher, too.

View of White Beach from the Resort

One thing I noticed when you’re sitting on golden sand and looking at the blue sea is that nothing seems to matter but the present. My mind was blank.  It’s  like I have no phentermine reviews to write, no audio file to transcribe, or  a client to email.  There are no worries at all.

Leynlie's Bar & Restaurant

After taking a three-hour nap, we headed out for 5drinks a little after 7PM. We found ourselves ordering choco banana shake (p85) and mango shake with vodka (P165) at Leynlie’s Bar & Restaurant.  I bough P30 worth of roasted peanuts to go with our drinks.

I had to check my emails so we asked around for an Internet shop. There was one, Buena Lynne’s, but you have to walk a few meters away from the beach to get there. There were few people in the shop, no tourists except for us.  The shop has fast Internet connection, courtesy of Smart Bro, and LCD monitors.  It didn’t come cheap though. An hour cost P50, five times the cost of renting a computer for an hour here in San Pedro, Laguna.

The Internet shop at White Beach

Dinner was next on the agenda after that. It was already 10PM and most of the other shops are closed save those in the middle. The party was already underway in Mikko’s Bar when we got there. Dinner consisted of BBQ liempo, rice, and water. We were not that hungry since we had a late lunch and I had turon for merienda.

My bed at White Beach Hotel

We headed back to the hotel after11:00 and by 11:  I was snuggling in my bed. Thus, the end of my day one in Puerto Galera.

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