Just 4- 5 hours from Metro Manila, Puerto Galera offers travelers a nice getaway and the opportunity to relax under the sun. It is my third time to visit here and I'd never get tired of coming back again because of the many things that can be done for fun and relaxation.
Before, I used to say that Coron, Palawan has the best snorkeling spot in this archipelago. That thinking changed when I first had the chance to snorkel at the "long coral garden" of Puerto Galera. It was so beautiful, I'd run out of superlatives to describe it. This is also the main reason why I keep coming back to Puerto Galera.
PUERTO GALERA
Puerto Galera is a first class municipality in the province of Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. It is about 130 KM south of Manila. It is said that during 1570, the Spaniards landed and called this place Puerto Galera (Port of Galleons).
PUERTO GALERA
Puerto Galera is a first class municipality in the province of Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. It is about 130 KM south of Manila. It is said that during 1570, the Spaniards landed and called this place Puerto Galera (Port of Galleons).
Sharing with you my travel guide to this paradise at Mindoro-Puerto Galera.
HOW TO GO THERE
By Commuting
Ride a bus going to Batangas Pier via Calabarzon. We usually take DLTB Bus at Buendia. There are other bus lines in Buendia that offer regular trips to Batangas Pier. Bus ride is about two hours.
TIP: Do not mistake the huge terminal at Batangas City as your jump off. You will alight at the bus' final stop at Batangas Pier. From here, go to the terminal, which is some 5 minutes walk. Get your ticket to the ferry then pay the terminal fee.
Before, there are ferries that leave every hour to White Beach Puerto Galera. Recently, ferries have not been allowed to transport passengers. There are bigger ships now- make sure to check on their trip schedule.
Their are four points of entry to Puerto Galera: Sabang, Muelle, Balatero and White Beach.
By Private Car
From Manila, traverse South Luzon Expressway. Drive to Calamba Exit and exit to the right towards Sto. Tomas and Batangas. 7.5KM from Sto. Tomas proceed until you find the large sign pointing towards STAR Tollway to Batangas. Go towards the Batangas Exit. At the Batangas exit, continue straight ahead across the intersection and proceed for 3.9km to the Bauan intersection. Proceed straight ahead across the overpass and along the road to the port where you will reach the port entrance at 6.3km.
You can leave your car at the Batangas Port or load your vehicle to a RORO ship if you plan to bring the car with you.
BUDGET
One can DIY a Puerto Galera trip. For this 3D 2N vacation, we shell a little less than 4,000. Here's the breakdown of our expenses:
| ITEM | AMOUNT |
| Bus Fare (Buendia to Batangas Pier) RT | 334 |
| Atienza (Ship) RT | 500 |
| Terminal Fee Batangas | 30 |
| Trike (Balatero- White Beach) 150/3 | 50 |
| Room (6000/2 nights/6pax) | 1000 |
| Dinner (1st night) | 119 |
| Grocery | 200 |
| Island Hopping and City Tour 3000/6 | 500 |
| Small Banca Rental | 600 |
| Environmental Fee | 50 |
| Mangrove Park Entrance | 30 |
| Aplayang Munti Entrance | 30 |
| Lunch | 150 |
| Dinner (2nd night) | 100 |
| Trike (White Beach-Balatero) 150/3 | 50 |
| Balatero Terminal Fee | 10 |
| Pasalubong | 200 |
| Total | 3953 |
WHAT TO DO IN PUERTO GALERA
If you're on a tight budget, you can just spend beach bumming at White Beach, Puerto Galera. The sands are not as white and fine like that of Boracay, but you can still enjoy its island vibe. White Beach is the most popular among the 32 beaches in Puerto Galera. During summer, especially on Holy Week, the place is flocked by thousands of visitors. There are several water activities too that you can try- guaranteed to make your stay more memorable.
Snorkeling.
Beach bums and thrill seekers have to try snorkeling at the Long Coral Garden. Marvel at the wonderful underwater life of the island. It's an experience that you should not miss. Feast your eyes in the majestic sea creatures and coral bed. Again, if there's one thing that keeps me coming back at this haven, it's this sanctuary.
Island Hopping
Aside from the White Beach, you can also visit the Underwater Cave. Some 10-15 minute walk and you'll reach the Underwater Cave. TIP: Make sure you're wearing foot wear- I don't recommend walking barefoot because the area to the cave is rocky and can be muddy at times. At the entrance to the short trek, rubber sandals can be rented at P50- just in case you don't have a foot wear with you.
It was already high tide when we came to the underwater cave. Much as we want to take pictures inside, we were a bit scared because the waves were big and we might bang our heads on the rocks. We were content having our photos taken at the mouth of the cave.
Go beach bumming at Bayanan Beach. We were lucky to have the island for ourselves. The pristine shore is matched by blue, clear waters. It was isolated and a perfect getaway to commune with the nature and yourself.
Don't miss Aplayang Munti, too. It's not as crowded as the shores of the White Beach. A stretch of pebbles line its shore. The crystal clear water is inviting. Grab a drink by the sea shore or play volleyball with other guests. Kids will surely enjoy its newest amenity- the water park- go jumping, sliding and stumbling- the young at heart will have a great time too.
Island Hopping
Aside from the White Beach, you can also visit the Underwater Cave. Some 10-15 minute walk and you'll reach the Underwater Cave. TIP: Make sure you're wearing foot wear- I don't recommend walking barefoot because the area to the cave is rocky and can be muddy at times. At the entrance to the short trek, rubber sandals can be rented at P50- just in case you don't have a foot wear with you.
It was already high tide when we came to the underwater cave. Much as we want to take pictures inside, we were a bit scared because the waves were big and we might bang our heads on the rocks. We were content having our photos taken at the mouth of the cave.
Go beach bumming at Bayanan Beach. We were lucky to have the island for ourselves. The pristine shore is matched by blue, clear waters. It was isolated and a perfect getaway to commune with the nature and yourself.
Don't miss Aplayang Munti, too. It's not as crowded as the shores of the White Beach. A stretch of pebbles line its shore. The crystal clear water is inviting. Grab a drink by the sea shore or play volleyball with other guests. Kids will surely enjoy its newest amenity- the water park- go jumping, sliding and stumbling- the young at heart will have a great time too.
Visit Tamaraw Falls.
Found in Barangay Villaflor near San Teodoro, Tamaraw Falls is a 423-foor natural wonder. One will not miss it for sure because it is located along the road. At the other side of the road, the cascades of water converge into a 'pool'. One can immerse in its clean, fresh water. There are nipa huts in the area for small picnics for a minimal fee. There's also an entrance fee to access the pool area.
The falls derived its name to a specie of buffalo (not a subspecies of the local carabao)- the Tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis) or Mindoro dwarf buffalo which is endemic in Mindoro.
Take a slow down at the Mangrove Conservation and Eco-Tourism Park.
Puerto Galera’s new marine protected area (MPA) and mangrove conservation site was launched on August 26, 2015. The MPA and mangrove conservation site, measuring 22 hectares, is composed largely of a mangrove forest coupled with reefs and seagrass.
Here are other accommodations that you can check in Puerto Galera. Click the link below to book via Travelbook.
Found in Barangay Villaflor near San Teodoro, Tamaraw Falls is a 423-foor natural wonder. One will not miss it for sure because it is located along the road. At the other side of the road, the cascades of water converge into a 'pool'. One can immerse in its clean, fresh water. There are nipa huts in the area for small picnics for a minimal fee. There's also an entrance fee to access the pool area.
The falls derived its name to a specie of buffalo (not a subspecies of the local carabao)- the Tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis) or Mindoro dwarf buffalo which is endemic in Mindoro.
Take a slow down at the Mangrove Conservation and Eco-Tourism Park.
Puerto Galera’s new marine protected area (MPA) and mangrove conservation site was launched on August 26, 2015. The MPA and mangrove conservation site, measuring 22 hectares, is composed largely of a mangrove forest coupled with reefs and seagrass.
The mangrove conservation site was developed into a revenue-generating eco-tourism destination by the provincial government, embassy of Canada and MFI, jointly managed by community-based organisations of barangays Tabinay and Dulangan. (source)
WHERE TO EAT
Restaurants abound in White Beach and Sabang Beach. We love going to Food Trip sa Galera because of the unlimited rice and the price is really pocket-friendly.
If you have an extra budget, satisfy your cravings at Casa Mia Ristorante Italiano. Rumulus Place also offers great food and service.
There are several eateries and food kiosk for those who are on shoestring budget. You can also check if cooking is allowed in your accommodation. TIP: We went to the market to buy stuff that we cooked for dinner and breakfast. Not only were we able to save money, we were able to eat what we like--at a much bigger serving. :)
WHERE TO STAY
Restaurants abound in White Beach and Sabang Beach. We love going to Food Trip sa Galera because of the unlimited rice and the price is really pocket-friendly.
If you have an extra budget, satisfy your cravings at Casa Mia Ristorante Italiano. Rumulus Place also offers great food and service.
There are several eateries and food kiosk for those who are on shoestring budget. You can also check if cooking is allowed in your accommodation. TIP: We went to the market to buy stuff that we cooked for dinner and breakfast. Not only were we able to save money, we were able to eat what we like--at a much bigger serving. :)
The market is only some minutes walk from the beach. We had this for dinner and cost us not more than five hundred pesos. :)
WHERE TO STAY
The whole stretch of the White Beach is lined up of several resorts and hotels. Rates vary according to the season. November to May is their high season so expect the rooms to cost higher.
During my 3 visits to Puerto Galera's White Beach, we stayed at Mindoro Korea Resort. They have nice rooms and most importantly, they have a pool. After the tiring island hopping, I find dipping in the pools relaxing. Sometimes, I also prefer something less salty. :)
Here are other accommodations that you can check in Puerto Galera. Click the link below to book via Travelbook.
Here's the video of our Puerto Galera trip. Don't forget to click the LIKE and SHARE button. Subscribe na din to see more of my adventures. :)
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The Filipino Rambler is a vibrant travel and food blog that serves as a delightful guide to the beauty of the Philippines. Explore enchanting destinations, savor culinary delights at hidden gems, and stay updated on the hippest events across the archipelago. With a passionate advocacy for Philippine tourism, The Filipino Rambler is your go-to source for discovering the rich tapestry of culture, flavors, and experiences that make the Philippines a must-visit destination
how much sir sa korea resort? do you have contact number?
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