What to Expect Going to Boracay via Batangas Port

Have you taken the road to Batangas Port to Caticlan Jetty Port to reach Boracay Island?  What are the things you need to prepare and take for a 3D2N adventure?  Here's your "Mommies Day off" sharing smart ideas "What to Expect Going to Boracay via Batangas Port" especially if you're traveling in group.

For Christmas 2017, my brother and I chose to spend it to the beautiful island of Boracay. It would be his children's first adventure there, third for mine and Chesca and second's for mom.  I was excited because this adventure comes in DIFFERENT.  Why, because we took the 3-hours van DRIVE from Montalban to Batangas, Port and then SAIL to Caticlan Port.  Sounds an adventure, right?

Our group composed of my brother's family (5 of them), us (3), sister's-in-law parents and niece.  Total of 3 kids and 8 adults. 

Here are some things, we experience first hand that I can share to help in your decision-making.  Happy to serve.

ADVANTAGES:

1.  Budget-wise.  Some take this route because Ferry Fee is cheaper.  For a less than 1,500 php for a super value or tourist class with insurance.

2.  Group Accommodation (Shared Expense) - For a lil less than 2,000 php for a cabin class for 4 or 6 with insurance.

3.  Sea Adventure.  If you're up to thrills and adventures, this might be a good way to spend holiday.  You can smell and breathe-in salty fresh sea water that is good for your health.  Sometimes, if you are lucky, you can spot a dolphin.

4.  No pressure with time.  If your schedule isn't tight, then getting delayed and stranded isn't a big deal.

5.  Ship Knowledge - it's good to know the basics of a ship and enjoy walking up and down of it.  The kids enjoyed the sail.

DISADVANTAGES:

1.  Lost Time (Schedule).  Travel time Manila to Batangas is around 2-3 hours.  Batangas Port to Caticlan Jetty Port is 9 to 10 hours sailing.  Almost half a day traveling.

2.  Delay.  Air fare do get delays but traveling takes 2 hours only. Unlike delay with ship sailing plus the hours of sailing will consume over half a day.  "We had this delay going to Caticlan and even back to Batangas"

3.  Food.  We didn't anticipate the delay. We weren't notified by 2Go.  We didn't have packed dinner so we had to buy food from 711 and other food stalls there.  Good thing the kids were not picky.

4.  Stranded.  Ship sail schedule always get delayed. Either going to Caticlan or back to Batangas.

"We had to spend overnight at the port and spend Christmas Eve there.  There were only benches (of course).  We had to buy cartons at 5 php from nearby food stalls, so we can lay on the floor on them."

Me (standing), Chesca, Iana, Noelle smiling, and mom (backview)

Isaiah, Tito Rene and mom busy on their phones

5.  Stress.  Traveling with kids and being stranded is stressful.  Well, the kids didn't mind the situation but it's not easy to see them sleep in awkward positions on benches and on the cartoned floor.

6.  Patience.  Patience is a virtue. But not like this.  People cramped in the port and trying to get over with the delay is a challenge.

7.  Nausea.  Since it was the kids' first time, they felt a bit nauseous.  Be ready with bonamin. I had my daughter take it in 30 minutes before the sail.

FACTS about Ship Sail:

1.  These are ship lines sailing from Batangas to Caticlan route. "We took the St. Ignatius 2Go"

a.  Montenegro Ship Line
b.  2Go Travel
c.  Starlite Ferries Inc.

2.  Time.

Schedule.  The usual sail hours from Batangas to Caticlan is up to 9-10 hours.  

Flexibility.  There are different hours to choose from available for booking.

3.  Fares.

Discounts for senior citizens REALLY apply.

Would I recommend this route?

I wouldn't recommend this route especially for large family group traveling.  Parents with kids or grannies.  It's not comfortable.  Being caught off guard of the delay was a mess.  

The time spent waiting and sailing could have been utilized at Boracay already.  Waste of time and holiday vacation.  Shortened vacation could be irritating and depressing.  Why would you travel for vacation, if you almost spend 2 days just being on the water or road?  

However, if you're up for an adventure, just killing time, or with a friend traveling, this might work.

Besides, learning something new will add to your personality especially for the kids.  Vacation + Lesson might do good eventually.  

After all, adventure taken positively will surely make a memory to cherish. Just to share, our kids can't forget what happened. hahaha.