Calapan Port is one of the main gateways to Oriental Mindoro. This busy port connects visitors, products, and rolling cargo from Batangas Port to Calapan daily. It also proves to be one of the most active ports during peak season, as it also links trips from other parts of the South Luzon and Visayas areas. The huge volume of passengers and cargo prompted the advancement of its facilities a few years ago, ensuring every visitor has a comfortable, safe, and hassle-free trip no matter the season.
If you’re traveling in the city or somewhere else in Mindoro, it is easy to travel anywhere on the island from Calapan Port. This guide outlines facts about this key port that visitors must know.
Ferry Travel from Batangas Pier to Calapan Port
Travelers from Manila can reach Mindoro via Batangas Pier. Key shipping lines like Starlite Ferries provide round-the-clock RoRo ferry trips daily.
- Batangas Port to Calapan – Daily from 1:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Departs every odd hour.
- Calapan to Batangas Port – Daily from 1:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Departs every odd hour, also.
You can buy your ticket at the Batangas Port, but for peak season, it is recommended to use online booking to skip the lines. Here’s how to book your trip online:
- Visit the Chelsea Travel website or download the app on your smartphone.
- Select Ferries and input your origin, destination, travel dates, and number of passengers. If traveling with a vehicle, click “With Vehicle” and input your rolling cargo information.
- Select your desired departure time and accommodation.
- Input the passenger details and proceed to the payment portal.
- You will receive an e-ticket voucher through your email. Bring a printed copy and a valid photo ID to the port.
- Arrive at least 3 hours before your boarding time. Present your documents to receive the actual ticket.
- Head to the boarding area and wait for your vessel.
5 Things You Should Know About Calapan Port, Oriental Mindoro
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Calapan Port is one of the busiest ports.
The province of Oriental Mindoro has three main ports – Calapan, Balatero (Puerto Galera), and Roxas. Among the three, Calapan Port recorded the highest total inbound passengers and rolling cargo during the 2025 Christmas season. It indicates the significance of the port for residents and tourists returning home and heading back to work.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported over 69,000 passengers and over 9,300 vehicles on December 24 alone. Meanwhile, outbound traffic reached over 27,500 passengers and 4,900 vehicles by December 30, 2025.
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It is located in the provincial capital.
The port is conveniently located in Calapan City, the provincial capital of Oriental Mindoro. It is close to key hotels, tourism facilities, malls, restaurants, shops, and government buildings. Calapan City is easily the gateway to economic centers across Oriental and Occidental Mindoro.
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Batangas Port to Calapan is a very popular ferry route.
Because Calapan Port is very busy, there is no doubt that the Batangas Port to Calapan route operates 24/7 daily. For instance, Starlite Ferries provides seamless passenger travel to Calapan Port with 12 trips daily every odd number, starting from 1:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
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The passenger terminal was upgraded in 2023.
The Calapan Port Passenger Terminal Building modernization was accomplished in 2023 under the directive of the Philippine Ports Authority. The new building stands at three stories, complete with large restrooms, an elevator and escalator, and passenger facilities like a food stalls, children’s playroom, a clinic, breastfeeding station, and prayer room. The terminal now displays vessel schedules and boarding information on large LED screens for easy reference.
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Public transport is available outside Calapan Port.
If you plan to commute to your destination, you have plenty of options for public transport right outside the Calapan Port. There are tricycles, a UV Express terminal, and modern jeepneys going to the city center, as well as places like Bulalacao and Puerto Galera.
Calapan Port Official Contact Information:
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pcbsicalapan/
Contact Number: (043) 288 4177
Transportation at the Calapan Port
It is easy to travel from Calapan Port to the city center, as well as other towns around Oriental Mindoro. Here are your transport options:
- Traditional and Modern Jeepneys – Regularly operate common routes between Calapan (bayan), Roxas, Puerto Galera, Naujan, Bongabong, Bulalacao, etc. Fares start at Php 14 for traditional jeep and Php 17 for modern jeep.
- UV Express Services – Vans that run regular routes similar to jeepneys, but often cater to farther locations, such as Calapan Port to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.
- Tricycles – Cater mostly to trips within the town. Common transport within Calapan City.
- Car Rentals – Hire a van through accredited local operators for private tours or large groups. Most operators can be found on Facebook, however, it is advisable to verify their credentials before availing their services.
- Private Vehicle (via RoRo) – If you wish to bring your own vehicle, Mindoro shipping lines like Starlite Ferries accept motorcycles, cars, vans, buses, trucks, and industrial machinery from Batangas Pier to Calapan Port. Electric or hybrid vehicles (EV) are not allowed.
8 Must-See Mindoro Tourist Spots to Visit From Calapan Port
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Silonay Mangrove Conservation Ecopark
Barangay Silonay is just less than 15 minutes away from Calapan Port. The Mangrove Conservation park is an affordable Calapan tourist spot, protected by the local community and government. Take a walk on bridges that snake through the canopy of mangrove trees, bask in nature’s beauty, and enjoy kayaking activities during high tide.
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Balai Mindoro
This state-of-the-art events venue also features culturally-rich art exhibits, majestic sculptures, resort-like facilities, and a delicious menu for visitors. Balai Mindoro showcases art by native Mangyan, or the local island tribe. Its sprawling grounds, facilities, and art are open to visitors daily at Php 100 for regular rates and Php 50 discounted (PWDs, Seniors, and Students).
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Oriental Mindoro Heritage Museum
What used to be an old Spanish fort is now repurposed into a modern museum dedicated to the cultural and historical heritage of the province. Discover Mangyan artifacts, historical events, facts, and preserved treasures like the ambahan poetry, inscribed in pre-Hispanic alphabet on bamboo. The entrance fee is Php 50, while the location is just 7 minutes from the Calapan Port.
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Calapan Island Hopping – Tatlong Pulo
Don’t want to stray too far from Calapan Port? You can book an island hopping or diving experience near the city. Baco Chico, Pulong Gitna, and Pulong Munti are the three islands that make up Tatlong Pulo (or Three Islands). Despite its relative isolation and more serene environment compared to the neighboring Verde Island Passage, it is a thriving home to a rich marine biodiversity.
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Harka Piloto Fish Sanctuary
Harka Piloto is another marine protected area off the shores of Calapan City. It is a prime 37-hectare area and diving site where you can witness vibrant corals and marine wildlife. You can visit this tranquil island through an accredited tour coordinator.
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Bulalacao Island Hopping
If you’re up for an adventure, visit Bulalacao in the southern part of Oriental Mindoro. Here, you can visit several islands like Aslom, Buayayaw, Sibalat, and Target. The municipality itself is a hidden gem, consisting of breathtaking rock formations, white sand beaches, pristine waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Book a tour through an accredited host to make the most out of your exploration.
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Puerto Galera White Beach
Calapan Port is another popular entry from Batangas to Puerto Galera. Visitors can take a UV express or jeep to the famous White Beach, where night life and water sports dominate the scene. White Beach is also a popular destination for the holidays, thanks to its laid-back atmosphere, restaurant selection, and postcard-like beauty.
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Infinity Farm Resort
Tucked away in the hills of Baco Municipality, at the foot of Mount Halcon, lies the Infinity Farm Resort. The place offers day tours, riverside tables, and special areas/facilities for guest use. Its natural and landscaped swimming facilities are surrounded by vibrant greenery and enchanting mini falls. It only takes less than a 1 hour drive from Calapan Port.
A ferry trip from Batangas to Calapan Port is not the only scenic thing you’ll experience on your visit. Take some time to explore beyond, appreciate the local culture, and discover the natural beauty of Oriental Mindoro and its people.
ALSO READ: Your Guide to the Most Popular Ferry Routes in the Philippines
Book your ferry to Calapan Port with Starlite Ferries. Our daily operations deliver convenient, safe, and unforgettable journeys for thousands of passengers and cargoes between Batangas and Oriental Mindoro. Choose the scenic route today. Check out our updated schedules here and book your RoRo tickets now.