BATANGAS CITY (as opposed to Batangas province) is a transit point for tourists on their way to Puerto Galera. As a destination in its own right it has nothing to offer. As an industrial city there are signs that it is springing into life, with a new pier and talk of numerous industrial zones. If you get stuck overnight in Batangas you can take your pick from a number of poorly-maintained flophouses or you can try the relatively superior Avenue Pension House (tel 043/725 3720; $10-15) at 30 JP Rizal Avenue. If you have cash to spare there is a new Days Inn (tel 043/723 6931 36; $40-60) on the outskirts of the city, fifteen minutes from the pier. BLTB Buses to Batangas City leave from Pasay starting at 5.30am (3hr; P75). They go first to the ferry pier (for Puerto Galera) and then to the terminal in JP Rizal Avenue, near the cathedral. On the way back from Puerto Galera there are numerous buses waiting at the pier for the trip to Manila. Try to take a direct bus marked for Pasay. Some buses go through the barrios, making it a long journey.