where - Philippines or nearby ?

[WhiteSands]

Between Philippines and Thailand, I'd pick Philippines. Good choice.

 

[tigger66]

Except Anilao and PG you may choose Subic. It is about three hours from Manila.

 

[phlegm]

why do people get so caught up on transfers? public transport is very cheap and very easy, from manila to PG it's one bus trip and one ferry trip. I went from manila airport to sabang beach in one hit and it's simple.

 

[Centrals]

why do people get so caught up on transfers? public transport is very cheap and very easy, from manila to PG it's one bus trip and one ferry trip. I went from manila airport to sabang beach in one hit and it's simple.

What was your arrival time in Manila?
The last public ferry from Batangas to PG is around 16:30. So unless you board the bus around 14:00, you won't have much chance of making the last ferry.
Of course you can take the late ferry to Calapan and then charter a car to PG.

 

[xrcjdx]

for future reference: ferry to calipan and overland to puerto galera area is a desperate option involving long, uncomfortable travel and is only to be taken advantage of if you absolutely, positively have to be in puerto galera area before the first ferry from batangas arrives.

due to circumstances mostly beyond my control i found myself at batangas pier as the last ferry to sabang was pulling away. after weighing options decided to stay in batangas. some friendly locals directed me to the travelers inn, a short trike ride from terminal one. nothing fancy, and quite simple in fact, but friendly staff, clean enough, internet access, easy walking distance to a decent cafe and a decent restaurant. after a good night's sleep i was on the ferry to sabang and arrived in plenty of time to check into my hotel and get a couple dives in, none the worse for the wear and tear. i wouldn't hesitate to escape metro-manila again at any time using the jam (or other available) bus and use this option to access an early ferry.

 

[Centrals]

for future reference: ferry to calipan and overland to puerto galera area is a desperate option involving long, uncomfortable travel and is only to be taken advantage of if you absolutely, positively have to be in puerto galera area before the first ferry from batangas arrives.

I had used this route on couple of occasions because of the unexpected cancellation of the ferry between Batangas and PG/Sabang/White Beach due to weather(eg. rough sea).
It was indeed a long journey(3hrs by the ferry and an hr by car). It was a desperate measure otherwise I would have stranded in Batangas for couple of days.

 

[xrcjdx]

It was a desperate measure otherwise I would have stranded in Batangas for couple of days.

that qualifies! hahaha

 

[WOODMAN]

We usually use private transfer, mostly because we travel luggage heavy and trying to corral all that through public buses and ferries is a real pain. Having them pick you up at your hotel and eventually drop you off at your resort is sooo nice, but you pay for such luxury, of course. But, seeing as how those vans will usually transport up to 6 people for the same price, if you can get a few traveling companions you can really cut the price down between you. Sometimes your resort can help arrange this sort of thing.