Roll-on/ Roll-off ships are cargo ships designed to carry cargo that have wheels. When exploring in the Philippines with a motor vehicle, it’s one of the travel options you will need to take.
In this adventure log, we will be discussing the practicalities associated with our recent trip where we took a RoRo from Batangas to Balatero, and, days later, Balatero to Batangas.
Driving from Manila to Batangas Port
To get to Batangas port, coming from east of Metro Manila, we initially took C5 and then AH26 Pan-Philippine Highway. This one is straightforward— the end of C5 links perpendicularly to AH26. Hard to miss with all those toll booths.
We drove AH26 for a while and when we got to Calamba, we took to E2. Strangely if one wants to continue driving AH26, one will need to take Calamba exit along AH26. Weird. So if you’re Batangas bound, -don’t- exit!
E2 is confusing on the map. Portions of it overlaps with other highways and then later on, you end up on a toll road that forms the southern part of it – Southern Tagalog Arterial Road. In addition to being confusing, the E2 is not in a good condition and not all lanes are working.
We drove through E2 until it terminated in Batangas. From there we followed the diversion and port access roads until we got to the port.
Even at 05:30, traffic along AH26 and E2 is agonizingly slow! It’s not a standstill but you’ll need to factor traffic plus road conditions will make even hitting past 60km’h very difficult. Took us more than 2hrs to get from Metro Manila to Batangas port.
From Batangas to Balatero Port via RoRo
Getting to the port, we had to pay a fee at the gate – 159Php for 1 car, 1 driver, and 1 passenger. After paying and getting stubs to prove we did, car was inspected for something. We were not told, but, probably some livestock or any contraband. Bigger vehicles were then asked to go to a weighbridge. In our case, with our small vehicle, we were told to directly go to the marshaling area.
Gate told us we can still make it to the 8:00 RoRo. But when we got to marshaling, it was already 8:05. We missed it! We had to wait until the next one at 10:00. We didn’t have to go down our vehicle. Agents from Montenegro Lines came by our car to brief us, check if we got the stubs from the gate. The three of us- car, driver, and passenger costed 3220Php.
We waited for 2 hours – WC and food stalls are available near the marshaling area in case needed. At around 10:00, we were ushered in. We drove directly inside and then asked to maneuver so that we are facing towards the gate. Once we were in position, the crew put wheel stoppers to secure the car. Not sure if standard but we got approached more than once by the crew for spare money we can give.
With everything secured and other cars are already parked, it was now safe to go upstairs. I think we can actually stay in our car for a/c but don’t want to miss the views and sea breeze. Took our electronics, rechargeable batteries, and anything else that can be a fire hazard, and then we went upstairs.
2 hours later, we arrived at Balatero port.
From Balatero Port to Batangas Port via RoRo
A week later, it was time to head back. From Sabang area, to drove to Balatero port by following Sabang Road/ Western Nautical Highway until we hit Calapan Road. The road is not prestine but since we are not driving at high speeds, it is a non-factor. However, the roadwidth is- it’s a two lane road with no shoulder. A stopped or slowed vehicle will impede traffic. Overall, no issue with this as we found the slow vibe relaxing.
Once we hit Calapan Road, we turned right. We drove for around 3.2km on this road past Muelle port, Sto. Niño Elementary School, and St. John the Baptist Chapel. When we saw Balatero Baranggay Center, we turned right on the next intersection. This is the road going to Balatero port. Final stretch.
There are two ticketing offices there- Montenegro and Island Water. We couldn’t find Island Water so we ended up getting tickets from Montenegro Lines. 1 car, 1 driver, and 1 passenger is 3400php.
After paying, we went inside the port area where we were told to go to the marshaling area. It was around 12 noon. We were told that the RoRo leaves in 2 hours. We were also asked to pay 159php terminal fee. At the marshaling area, we again waited in the car. There was a WC and a couple of stores nearby so we’re all set.
By 14:00, we were asked to board. It’s pretty much the same as before, though since we’re not the first in the line, we had to drive our way backwards to our slot in the RoRo. Also, unlike the Batangas to Balatero leg, we didn’t get asked for spare money.
It was very humid and hot in the leeward side of the boat! Boatride was uneventful, and, after 1hr 45min, we’re back in Batangas.
Before we went down to our vehicle, we got a front seat show to the boat get moored to port!
The Deal with RoRo Lines
RoRo services in the Philippines can be confusing. While some of the providers have websites, the booking capability is either not working and sometimed even thr entite page is not working at all. Trying to reach them via phone rarely works too, and, on the only one time it worked, we were told to just get to the port early and get tickets there.
As a travelers there is a big risk that we won’t get to our destination because the price, the schedule, or the capacity of the RoRo won’t allow us to.
To offset this, we allot one full day for travel, and always have alternative plans.
So far our approach has worked.
Exploring Philippine Islands via vehicle can be difficult and confusing. There is a certain charm to it — a certain rustic vibe— but overall I wish it was better. From confusing roads, to lack of information for travelers, to what I would guess underpaid crew, there is a lot to be improved. And I really hope that the locals are fighting for improvements. There is just no excuse for them to be treated as secondary citizens in their own land!
Though not everything is doom and gloom. I would still very much like, given a chance, to explore the islands on a motor vehicle (and perhaps also on a bicycle). Currently saving up leaves and money for it.
Can’t wait for Rose and I, along with our trusty car, Blu, to go on more adventures island hopping via RoRo.
Until next time!
-🐻さん
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