how to catch a boat from Batangas to Sabang

…arrive at the pier at 3pm, in plenty of time for 3.30pm boat. Remember that 3.30pm may or may not bear any resemblance to actual time of departure. Watch for occasional exoduses of people from waiting area towards boats; ask someone (anyone) in a uniform if the people are leaving to catch the boat you want to be on. When uniformed person says Yes, move outside towards boat. Wait outside on pier, in front of boat, for 20 minutes. Follow fellow passengers onto boat. Sit on boat for 30 minutes and watch crew attempt to repair engine (part 1, see below). Learn that there’s a problem with a fuel pipe. Learn that the fuel pipe in question is not on boat but down the street at a repair shop. Assure lovely young French couple that this sort of thing is normal and we’re likely to set sail soon. Listen as Filipino girlfriend asks a crew member if it will take much longer. Listen as girlfriend translates crew member’s answer from Tagalog to Philippine English: “They’re fixing the engine.” Listen as girlfriend translates crew member’s answer from Philippine English to English: “I have no idea how long it will take but it probably won’t be soon.” Consider shelling out around $50 to hire private boat before it’s too late/dark to go. Follow fellow passengers as we are ushered into another boat, moored next to the first one. Sit on new boat for minutes and watch crew attempt to repair engine (part 2). Raise and lower hopes in time with alternately revving and faltering engine. Reassure (less convincingly) lovely young French couple that this sort of thing is normal and we’re likely to set sail soon. Experience relief as we leave, at about 4.45pm. Wonder how likely it is that engine will fail halfway across. Arrive on darkness and ignore touts trying to get us to stay at their place. Make way to booked accommodation, along with lovely young French couple who seem happy to trust our recommendation. Meet friends in bar. Drink mango daiquiris.


Fixing the engine (or not), part 1.