Things to do in Puerto Galera for a Great Vacation

Posted on June 28th, 2007 in Puerto Galera by Philippines Insider - Kim

Are you in search of the perfect vacation getaway? Do you enjoy the sun, sand and surf? Are you looking for a place that’s serene or one that’s full of life? Are you in the mood to be adventurous or just want to hang out on the beach with your friends? Well, Puerto Galera should definitely be a part of your travel plans.

Puerto Galera was a well kept secret among the locals of Oriental Mindoro for years until the late 90s. The secret got out and spread like wildfire as it quickly became the latest beach destination.

Just a boat ride away from Batangas pier, Puerto Galera boasts of white beaches, clear water and a little extra for everyone.

A hike to see Talipanan Falls is one of the many favorite activities of groups in Puerto Galera. The hike is worth it to see the beauty of the waterfalls. Swimming in the cool and clean water will certainly refresh one’s body from the heat. Lunch by the waterfalls is welcome to rejuvenate oneself for the hike back to the beach.

Another favorite group activity is to ride a banana boat. Nowadays, the banana boat is common on every beach. Puerto Galera is not one to be left behind as several locals have banana boats ready for eager adventurers. And of course, there’s always the joy in who to blame when the boat tips over.

If you didn’t come to Puerto Galera in a group, diving is a great way to spend your vacation. There are lessons for beginners although a bit expensive but that’s the price for seeing marine life at its best.

Since Oriental Mindoro is part of an island, it has an abundance of seafood. It is no wonder that grilled seafood happens to be the main course in the restaurants. If you’re not in the mood for seafood, these restaurants offer other grilled specialties such as pork and chicken. You’ll leave feeling full and satisfied after every meal. Just don’t expect a five-star hotel meal when you dine, remember that these are the islands.

You could always take a nice stroll in the white sand to let the food go down and relax after an eventful day. If you still have energy, why not go bar-hopping along the coastline? Puerto Galera, especially White Beach, in the evening is just as happening during the day. The Mindoro Sling packs a lot of punch as the island’s cocktail specialty. Dance to the latest music or watch the various entertainment prepared by the local bars and party the night away.

Swimming, hiking, and dancing all night may take a toll on your body. A simple solution is a good massage. And a massage on the beach is the best way to have it. The relaxing waves provide the perfect soundtrack to clear the mind. Finding a good masseuse isn’t going to be a problem. Just lay on the beach and one of the female locals will offer a relaxing massage. They have all the essentials with them and might just lower the price if asked nicely.

And what’s a vacation in Puerto Galera without buying all those souvenirs? Trinkets, t-shirts, native jewelry and the like to bring home are all available but don’t forget to haggle for the best price! Exercise some haggling prowess and the vendors will definitely give the best deals as this is expected. A lot of stores on the beach may have the perfect souvenir to remember your vacation.

With an itinerary planned for the ultimate vacation, head on to Puerto Galera. Relax during the daytime in one of the tranquil spots along the beach. Then, party all night in any of the countless bars by the beachfront. Go hiking, ride the banana boat to satisfy the adventurer in you. Or have a relaxing massage on the beach to pamper your body and mind.

It’s a great vacation for every person who needs a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s a place to satisfy adventure seekers and relax stressed individuals. Puerto Galera should be your travel destination.
 

White Beach in Puerto Galera

Posted on June 25th, 2007 in Puerto Galera by Philippines Insider - Kim

White Beach in Puerto Galera, Mindoro Island in the Philippines is a place that can make your vacation very memorable.

American, European, Korean, Japanese and Chinese tourists can be found not only on weekends but on weekdays as well.

The reason? It is only around 200 kms by bus and boat ride away from the capital, Manila. If you leave your hotel in Makati at around 6 am, by lunchtime you could be splashing in the clear waters of White Beach in Barangay San Isidro, Puerto Galera. The boat docks right on the beach.

Accommodation is not a problem. Once you hit the beach the crew or their representatives will help you find a room for the night at no extra cost. The price is reasonable as well. An air-conditioned room at Dona Trinidad Villas on twin sharing basis costs about $30.

You can take your lunch or dinner at the several restaurants that line the beachfront at White Beach or you can look for the kiosk owned by Shirley del Mundo for al fresco dining. A big fresh squid could be yours for only a dollar a piece. Borgs, her husband, will charcoal-broil it, either medium rare or fully broiled. A big tilapia or bangus fish can also be yours at almost the same price. A bottle of San Miguel beer costs less than a dollar.

Or if you are looking for real pasta or pizza, you can walk about 200 meters away from the beach going to the municipal road to a pizzeria corner owned by an Italian married to a Filipina.

Of course, you will not sleep all your nights. You may walk along the beach and on the western end of the beach front you can sip your beer al fresco at Coco Aroma music bar.
You could hear American songs or local tunes from Turtle Club, a local reggae band managed by the owner. The band also plays in a Makati music lounge during weekdays.

You don’t need your travel guide to accompany you. If your are traveling alone or with a partner, you can take a bus on EDSA going to Batangas City pier. At the city pier you can take an oversized motorized outrigger that seats 100 passengers bound to White Beach, Puerto Galera. Boat fare is about $4.

If you want to go scuba diving you may take a smaller motorized banca that docks at Poblacion pier in Muelle Bay, also in Puerto Galera town.

The bay was declared by Unesco in 1995 as one of the most beautiful bays in the world. But if you want some privacy on a Sunday morning, you can walk about a kilometer away climbing on the foot of big boulders at the end of the beachfront to Ninuan Beach.
The foreshore area there is best for snorkeling and the beach for lazing around for your desired tan.

You may encounter local kids spear fishing with the use of locally made spears and swimming fins from junk boards and rubber slippers. You can also use the beach area as your jumping-off point for your trail hiking or mountain climbing on Mount Malasimbo. There you can view the waterfalls after hiking several kilometers from the beach. It serves as source of household water in the area.

But what makes White Beach in Puerto Galera memorable is that it has a unique sunset where the sun sets between mountain ridges unlike in Manila Bay where the sun sets into the sea or horizon.