SPOT.ph Roundup: Beach Destinations You Can Reach by Ferry from Batangas

(SPOT.ph) As an archipelagic country, the Philippines has plenty of seaports that not only facilitate the movement of goods but also provide travel options for passengers. For example, Batangas Port (a.k.a. Batangas Pier) in Barangay Santa Clara, Batangas City is one of our main gateways between mainland Luzon and other islands in the region and nearby. If you're looking for different ways to reach your favorite white-sand beach destinations, the port operates several RoRo (Roll-on, Roll-off) and ferries for passengers.

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Here are some beach destinations you can reach via ferry from Batangas Port:

Puerto Galera (Oriental Mindoro)

Located in Oriental Mindoro, Puerto Galera is a favored destination for weekend getaways, especially for those residing in the Metro. Its most popular spot is Sabang Beach, which has a busy nightlife and a variety of water sports activities like jet skis and banana boats. A more laid-back option is White Beach, while a more secluded spot is Talipanan Beach. Puerto Galera sits right in front of the famous Verde Island Passage, which boasts an abundance of marine life and colorful coral reefs.

How to travel to Puerto Galera by ferry: There are several RoRo (P425++) and ferry (P620++) lines traveling from Batangas Port to Balatero Port daily. Island Calayan Fastcraft leaves at 7 a.m. and 1 p.m., RoRo Montenegro at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., Island Simara RoRo at 10 a.m., and Montenegro Fastcraft at 2 p.m. Travel time is a little over an hour.

Caticlan (Boracay)

When it comes to beach destinations in the Philippines, Boracay is almost always one of the first places that come to mind. Its powdery white sands, rows of must-try restaurants, and overnight options—from trendy hostels to luxurious resorts are often filled with foreign and local tourists alike. The beach destination is served by two airports in mainland Aklan: Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (Caticlan Airport), which is a motorboat away from the island; and Kalibo International Airport, which is two hours away from Caticlan Jetty Port.

How to travel to Caticlan by ferry: 2Go Travel goes from Batangas Port to Caticlan Jetty Port once a day, every 9 p.m., with rates starting at P1,800. Travel via 2Go takes 18 hours. Another option is by RoRo through Ceres Transport (P1,400).

Roxas City (Capiz)

Roxas in Capiz is on the same Panay Island as Aklan, which the more famous Boracay Island is part of. This city may be lesser known, but it's a hidden gem that is well worth a spot on any traveler's bucket list. Stop by for its laid-back atmosphere, historical sites, and seafood that's cheap and fresh. You can also ride a pump boat to Olotayan Island, a 53-hectare hidden gem with white shores and green foliage.

How to travel to Roxas City by ferry: 2Go Travel goes from Batangas Port to Culasi Pier every day at 9 p.m. Travel time is around 18 hours.

Calapan (Oriental Mindoro)

Puerto Galera may be the more popular municipality in Oriental Mindoro, but it is Calapan City that stands as the provincial capital. Its seaport is also the largest and busiest seaport on the island. This makes Calapan the ideal gateway to other beach spots in Oriental Mindoro, such as the unexplored islets of Bulalacao in the south. Calapan Port was also poised to have the country's biggest passenger terminal building with a capacity of 3,500 passengers when it opened in March.

How to travel to Calapan by ferry: Ocean Jet goes from Batangas Port to the Port of Calapan four times a day: 7:40 a.m., 11 a.m., 2:20 p.m., and 5:40 p.m. Fare starts at P600. Travel time is a little over an hour.

Odiangan (Romblon)

Romblon is an archipelagic province in the Mimaropa Region that's known for its white-sand beaches, sandbars, and scenic waterfalls. Its main islands are Tablas, Romblon, Sibuyan, and other smaller island municipalities, which all have plenty of beaches for swimming and snorkeling. It's also a famous diving spot, especially since it has the Philippines' only known blue hole in the town of San Agustin.

How to travel to Romblon by ferry: 2Go Travel plies the route from Batangas Port to Odiangan Port (Tablas Island) every Tuesday and Friday at 9 p.m. Fare is P930. There are also fastcraft options to Sibuyan Island and Romblon Island. 

How to Get to Batangas Port

RRCG Transport has a direct P2P bus route from Starmall Alabang to Batangas Port. Daily trips start at 5 a.m. and end at 7 p.m. with 45-minute intervals. Fare from Alabang to Batangas Port is at P214.

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