The standard route to Puerto Galera is by ferry from Batangas Pier on the Luzon mainland. From Manila, Batangas is about two to three hours by bus or car depending on traffic — DLTB and Jam Transit run regular services from Buendia/Gil Puyat and Pasay. Once at Batangas Pier, ferries to Puerto Galera's Muelle Port run throughout the day; the crossing takes roughly an hour and a half to two hours depending on sea conditions. The last ferry back to Batangas typically departs in the early afternoon, so check times before you go.
Several operators run the Batangas–Puerto Galera route. Buy tickets at the pier rather than from touts, and arrive early on weekends and holidays when ferries fill quickly.