Barge Fees for Hyundai Grand Starex

Time and again, we go on roadtrips from Luzon to Mindanao and when friends know of these trips they almost always ask us how much we spent for barge fees.  So, i am posting in here the fees we paid last December 2012 when we used the Hyundai Grand Starex.  

We opted to go through Bicol - Samar-  Surigao Nautical Highway since it is much cheaper compared with the Batangas route.  It only involves 2 ferry boat rides from Matnog, Sorsogon To Allen, Samar and from San Ricardo, Southern Leyte to Surigao City.

Montenegro Lines fares is Php 2,100 for the Grand Starex. Roro Port terminal fee at Lipata Port, Surigao is Php 129.00 while terminal fee for passengers is Php 16.00 per person. Regular fare per person is Php 140.00 while children are at half-fare at Php 70.00

Things to do while at Lipata port: Driver does the ff;

1.  Secures a Gate Booking Slip at PCBSI Gate Office.

2.  Pays Waybill at Shipping Lines Counter

3.  With SG signal, proceeds to Lane Meter area or to the weighing bridge for weighing for type 3 and type 4 roro vehicles.

4.  Proceeds to the parking area.

5.  Proceeds to the PPA RRTF Counter.

6.  Proceeds to PICO Counter (for plant/animal products)

7.  Proceeds to the Marshalling area( one hour before etd)

8.  Coordinates with Marshalls / vessels representatives.

9.  Proceeds to the vessel ramp.

Processing time should only take 10 minutes so beware of fixers.

Ferries at Lipata - Liloan Ports

 2 of the maharlika ferry boats plying the lipata-liloan sea route is sadly lacking comfortable sleeping accomodation, at least those that i have been able to experience.  Last 2009, the ferry that we rode in still has airconditioned sleeping quarters available for commuters and we were really expecting it to be like that.  Sadly, it was not the case now.  There were only long benches available and upon taking a seat in one of those benches we were told that those padded benches were reserved for bus drivers.  I can understand that drivers need to get their sleep especially so since hubby has been driving non stop for close to 18 hours without sleep.

  I decided we are better off at the open deck where it's breezy but  this kind of accomodation is really not conducive to travellers. This is especially worth taking notice of because its a 5 hour trip and to a mother travelling with 3 kids like me, it is simply inconsiderate. Most do not even have water for their comfort rooms which is really essential. 

I truly hope the government would take notice, even inspect our vessels to really give a boost to our local travels.

 Even so, it didn't stop us and the kids to have a grand time. We just focused on dolphin watching and making friends!

Anyway fare per passenger as of January 2, 2011 for Maharlika ferries is P250 pesos for adults and toddlers ages 2 above are charged half-fare or P125.00.  If you have a vehicle, the driver's fee is already free.  The Philharbor ferries and Port Services, Inc also charges a terminal fee of P16.00 per passenger. The fare for the  Fortuner(Toyota) was about Php 3,700. Hope this helps a little :)