Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Puerto Galera Travel Guide
Puerto Galera is one of the Filipinos’ favorite vacation destination. It is because going there is cheaper than going in other islands. It is the island nearest Manila. The hotels and resorts also offer cheaper rates for accommodation. The island can give you an adventure you will never forget. It is an ideal place for snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing and diving. It has earned recognition from UNESCO as one of the biosphere reserves in the country. It is one of the best places to see teeming marine life and corals.
It has been frequented by tourists for a long time now. The island can be found on the northeastern part of Mindoro. The islands of white beach and Sabang are also known as Puerto Galera so island hopping is an activity guests can also do when they are in Puerto Galera.
Puerto Galera has no airport. You can reach Puerto Galera by riding on a bus from Cubao going to the Batangas port. From Batangas port you can ride a motorized boat going to the island that will last for two hours. If you plan to go to Sabang you should ride on a jeepney to reach the place.
Where to Stay
There are many choices of places to stay in Puerto Galera. There is always a resort or hotel where you can find a good room that will fit your budget. The prices of the rooms usually range from three hundred pesos to as high as ten thousand pesos. Consider all the things you want to do in the island in choosing your accommodation. If you want to spend a lot of time sunbathing near the shore then you must consider a hotel near the coastline. You should also consider staying in a hotel with a good generator because power interruptions are a common thing in Puerto Galera.
What Clothes to Bring
Philippines is a tropical country. Puerto Galera also has this climate. The most humid time is during the summer. The island also enjoys a fair amount of rainfall from July until November. During December until February guests can enjoy the cool breeze from the sea.
Where to eat
There are many restaurants in Puerto Galera. Most of them offer Filipino meals. However there are some restaurants which offer international dishes from American to Spanish cuisine. There are other European restaurants there too which offer Italian, Austrian and German dishes. Tourists will also enjoy Chinese and other Asian food. The best food however is the fresh seafood. The prawns, fresh fish and crabs are some of the best food you can have to truly enjoy your stay. Seafood in this island is relatively cheaper than the food in the cities.
Things to do
In Puerto Galera you can do many water activities like parasailing,snorkeling,swimming,jet skiing and diving. You can also have a fun time riding the banca boats and have an island hopping adventure.You can also enjoy quality time with your family or friends while on a banana ride.
Puerto Galera Restaurants
Puerto Galera is the place to be especially during summer. Its beaches are diverse and have lots of attention-grabbing factors that attract local and foreign tourists alike.
Puerto Galera restaurants, for one are truly must visits. They give the complete deal of great food, fantastic ambience, and a good company – all that you want and more for a satisfying meal. There are many things to choose from among Puerto Galera restaurants. You will surely find what you will be looking for if you scout Puerto Galera restaurants.
Capt’ Greggs – this restaurant has a unique, nautical theme. It is ideal for relaxing night outs with a good company to enjoy. It is especially sought for to watch picturesque sunsets over a few drinks and a platter of delectable dishes. Aside from the stunning view from the seaside, there are the many dishes including pastas and omelettes to fill your stomach in with good food. [Sabang Beach, Puerto Galera]
Bamboo House Restaurant – Dining out on a Filipino theme is attractive for foreign tourists. That’s because somehow, they get to grasp the Filipino way of life. Eating out at Bamboo House is a good way of experiencing the best of the Philippines as a tropical paradise. Seafood that are freshly cooked and fruits that are freshly picked make a good pair for a satisfying meal. At night, you can enjoy a few drinks along with the karaoke. [http://www.bamboohousebeach.com/; inquire@bamboohousebeach.com; Talipanan, Puerto Galera; (639]17 562 0992]
Sharkeez Pizzeria – Pizza is always nice to have wherever you may be. It serves as a good snack that goes pretty well with just about any kind of drink. Wine, cocktails, and beers make a favorite pair with different pizza toppings. It also helps that you can have your thin crust pizzas with heavy meat or veggie toppings or both. Whatever pizza you like and however you like it, you will surely find something to order at Sharkeez. Its extensive array of pizzas is a blessing to enjoy a gastronomic adventure. [Muelle Pier, Puerto Galera]
Mabuhay Dive Resort – Staying at a dive resort is the most convenient way of spending a vacation at Puerto Galera. Doing so, you will have access to many sea adventures, a good choice of accomodation, and of course, delectable meals. The nice view completes the amazing package especially as the sun sets in. International and Chinese flavors are put together to build the restaurant’s menu, making it a must-try for local and foreign tourists alike. [www.m-dive.com; Small Lalaguna Beach, Puerto Galera]
Puerto Galera Transportation
A wide array of Puerto Galera transportation options makes your trip to this tourist destination worthwhile and possible. Whether land, air, or sea, it is unlikely that you will not be able to find a mode of transport where you are most comfortable at.
Through air transport, the best option is to make your way to San Jose in Occidental Mindoro as there are no direct connections to Puerto Galera itself. However, all flights come from Manila. From San Jose, you need to go on a lengthy trip by bus or car rentals going to Puerto Galera.
Originally a US Air Force base, McGuire Field was converted for public use. Asian Spirit is the major carrier having daily flights going back and forth from Manila. Before, Philippine Airlines and Air Philippines had frequent flights to McGuire Field. The airport is very small and provides basic services such as toilets, telephones, and a modest information counter. You will need to make your way to the bus terminal in San Jose and make arrangements for public transport going to Puerto Galera there.
If you intend to tour the entire island, that is the only time air transportation becomes practical. Otherwise, taking the land-and-sea route is the most efficient and more preferred option.
The most convenient Puerto Galera transportation from Manila is the land-and-sea route coming from Pasay City. The buses frequently departs from the terminal and arrives at Batangas Pier in approximately three hours. However, you need to make sure that the bus is enroute to the pier and not the Batangas Bus Terminal.
From Batangas, you can reach the beaches of Puerto Galera by taking a boat trip. There is a wide array of boats from simple outriggers to state-of-the-art air-conditioned ferries. Another option is to hire a car and ride a roll-on/roll-off ferry.
From the island of Mindoro, you can look forward to a reliable public transportation which will take you to Puerto Galera. Chartered bancas will ferry you from Puerto Galera to the different beaches along the coastline. However, as you make a trip to the less prominent areas, transportation becomes limited and needs be arranged on a per-trip basis.
As in other regions in the country, the jeepney is a prominent Puerto Galera transportation. They are available in two sizes and are more popular than buses. They have regular trips from Puerto Galera to other cities on the island.
Tricycle rickshaws are quite popular within the individual towns and resort areas. These cabs are pedaled by drivers who are willing to travel long distance. Likewise, they can be hired on a per hour basis for leisurely sight seeing tours around the island.
These are the Puerto Galera transportation options that can help ensure an enjoyable experience touring this world-class destination.
Puerto Galera Government Sites
The Paradise of Puerto Galera
This coastal municipality is known amid visitors for its several receptacle coasts or beaches and various Scuba diving locations and snorkeling. In the early 1970′s, the region was chosen as UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Reserve (because of the presence of most diverse coral reef diving in Asia). The marine setting has earned economic lift (dollor influx) because of the international visitors. Thus, this opportunity had led to the development of the place from an undiscovered wonder to a main tourist attraction.
Puerto Galera and its International Reputation
The place’s popularity had been uplifted when it was hailed as one of the most admired beaches in the entire globe by the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays of the World (the only bay in the Philippines to be regarded as such). Its international recognition is definitely a non sense thing because the place is characterized by sparkling blue sea waters and white sand shorelines. In order to keep up with the arrival of visitors and tourists locally and internationally, they made some improvement throughout the year by establishing Puerto Galera as a getaway paradise with fine accommodations, entertainment facilities (in bars and restaurants) and cozy lively atmosphere. For several years, Puerto Galera had evolved to a ‘paradise that never sleeps’. Puerto Galera is one of the favorite hangout places of relaxation (to escape work-related stress) of many of the call center agents in Metro Manila and its accessibility has been the main reason. There are actually local transportations (provincial buses that take some main roads around Metro Manila) that could bring tourists and visitors to Puerto Galera. Since it is located in the Island of Mindoro, available sea vessels or ferries would take vacationers and tourists to the main white sand coves of Puerto Galera.
Accessing Puerto Galera Online
The island of Mindoro is the location where the beautiful beaches of Puerto Galera could be found. One of the main advantages of staying and enjoying Puerto Galera (beside its accessibility from Metro Manila residents) is tourists and city dwellers does not need to spend a lot of money just to enjoy white sand shorelines and sparkling blue waters. Getting more information of the beauty and wonders of Puerto Galera, the official website of Mindoro (http://www.ormindoro.gov.ph/) gives an overview of what could be expected in the said location. The website, as well, is packed with facts and figures about the island of Mindoro.
Puerto Galera Hospitals and Health Care
Puerto Galera is a progressive town of Oriental Mindoro that plays home to several public and private medical care establishments. Puerto Galera hospitals and health care facilities are easy to access and locate. Most of these institutions are situated in downtown and near to other commercial establishments like banks and automated teller machines. To help travelers who want to spend some time at this place, below are the medical facilities that they can visit in case they get sick or they have medical emergencies.
Municipal Hospital
One of the most accessible health care facilities in Puerto Galera is the Municipal Hospital. The medical staff and physicians working at this place are accommodating so patients can easily voice out their concerns and health conditions. It provides ambulatory services to residents and tourists staying at the town. For inquiries about the other services offered at this health care institute, call any of its medical staff at (043)-287-3049.
Palm Medical Clinic
Palm Medical Clinic is another medical care establishments in Puerto Galera that people can visit if they have problems with their health. This is just a small health care unit so most of the time, patients with serious illnesses are transferred to the tertiary hospitals in nearby provinces like Batangas. To reach the health care assistants and physicians at Palm Medical Clinic, patients are advised to call (043)-442-0250.
Metropolitan Doctors Clinic
For patients who are looking for a private institution that offer laboratory services, one of the Puerto Galera hospitals and health care establishments to visit is the Metropolitan Doctors Clinic. People have nothing to worry if they get sick while having vacation at the town since the clinic is open 24 hours a day and it employs competitive medical doctors. For inquiries, local people and tourists can contact any of the administrative staff of Metropolitan Doctors Clinic at (043)-287-3156.
De los Reyes Medical Clinic
Puerto Galera has several inviting private hospitals that provide round-the-clock services. One of these establishments is the De los Reyes Medical Clinic. It employs registered medical technologies and physicians so patients are ensured to get accurate prescriptions and treatments. This establishment also provides a comfortable lobby where outpatients can stay while waiting for their attending physicians. The consultation fees at this clinic usually range from 250 pesos to 400 pesos, while the laboratory fees range from 150 pesos to 300 pesos. To ask for medical help, patients can call the doctors at De los Reyes Medical Clinic at (043)-287-3260.
Puerto Galera Travel Agents
Dream Vacation
If summer getaway means being in a lovely and captivating white sand beach and party all night long ambiance without the hassle of long travel and heavy luggage. Then, the place called Puerto Galera is definitely the best place to consider.
Definition of Puerto Galera
Puerto Galera is a comforting image of gleaming and glistening aquatic place bounded by blossoming terrains and mountains. It is regarded as one of the most attractive, beautiful and developed beach resort district or community in the Philippines.
Puerto Galera’s charm started as ‘backyard tourism’ wherein native and locals accepted foreign and city dwellers (from Metro Manila areas) as stay-in tourists. From then on, tourism had blossomed and had taken a radical level. Throughout the place’s development and progress, various restaurants, inns, resorts and hotels have thrived within the vicinity.
Upon the arrival of guests, visitors or tourists, they will board customized motor boats (or bancas) on their way to several resorts or accommodations around the area. As soon as tourists, guests or visitors set foot in Puerto Galera, fun begins! There are a lot of things a tourist could do in Puerto Galera. Activities such a stargazing, watching the sunset, beach-hopping, play some beach volleyball, chatting and bonding with friends around a bonfire and pitching tents could be done in Puerto Galera.
Never the less, Puerto Galera’s main asset is still its crystal clear water and its white sand coast or shoreline. For this reason, aquatic activities, other than swimming, like diving and snorkeling are very popular among tourists and visitors in Puerto Galera. The place is perfect for family gatherings, team buildings, and also for individual relaxation and unwinding.
Maximizing Vacation Break
For the past years, Puerto Galera has been one of the favorite getaways, especially for call center agents, because of its proximity to Metro Manila area. This means, just a little preparation and some arrangements should be considered going to Puerto Galera. One of the travel agencies that promotes and provides vacation packages in Puerto Galera is ActiVentures Dive, Golf and Adventure Tours.
The travel agency’s forte or specialty is setting up or arranging diving itinerary in Puerto Galera. ActiVentures Dive, Golf and Adventure Tours travel agency offers a complete package for tourist from accommodations to all related travel itineraries within Puerto Galera.
Getting relaxed in a white sand beach or ambiance does not always mean taking a long journey. There is always an alternative. However, considering the beauty and wonders of Puerto Galera, it should definitely be the first option to take.
Puerto Galera Restaurant Guide
Puerto Galera is an island in the Philippines known for wonderful beaches and blue waters. It has been a main tourist attraction for many years now. It offers various sites for snorkeling and diving. This is why there are many hotels in the area as well as restaurants. The beach is the perfect setting for a wonderful time eating your favorite dishes with your family or friends. The following are some of the best and well know restaurants in Puerto Galera:
1. Hemingway Bar and Restaurant
This restaurant and bar has become famous spot because it is a favorite place among several famous writers for travel books and magazines. The menu they offer is really unique. They made the famous writer Ernest Hemingway as the main theme of the restaurant. The dishes itself is a representation of the travels that Hemingway made in his life. The dishes they offer have Caribbean, Italian and Spanish influences because these are the places that Hemingway frequented. The cuisine can be described as mostly Western and Mediterranean in nature. Many food critic recommends their Cuban inspired dishes like pasta and seafood paella. The cost of a dish in this restaurant begins at one hundred twenty pesos. A complete meal for a couple with drinks can reach four hundred pesos which is not that bad considering the delicious taste of the food. Hemingway Bar and Restaurant is located in the Sabang beach side.
2. Captain Greggs
Capt’n Greggs is another popular restaurant in the Sabang side area. It is famous for the nautical appeal of the whole restaurant. They have designed the whole area with life rafts, ropes and things you can find in a ship. They also offer their patrons a good view of the nearby sea. They serve western dishes. Many customers order dishes with seafood like prawn. They offer the prawns with butter, curried, steamed or plain with vegetables, rice or potatoes. This restaurant is also recommended for vegetarians because they also offer other seafood and vegetables. Capt’n Greggs also offer breakfast meals with American, English,Australian and Filipino dishes. A lunch that has two meals and drinks costs three hundred fifty pesos. You can inquire about their other dishes by calling them at 63-43-724-8535.
3. Tamarind Restaurant
This is a restaurant in the Sabang side known for their steaks and pork ribs. They serve them in huge portions. The dishes they serve are continental and Filipino. People go here for dinner and for drinking beer and other liquor. They have a bar that offers different drinks like cocktails and wine. The costs of one meal starts at three hundred pesos however the huge portions of the food can be eaten by two persons already.
4. Sunshine Coast Restaurant and Bar
This is another bar and restaurant that is found in the beach of Sabang. They serve international dishes like pasta, meat dishes and steaks. Every night they highlight an international dish. Every Tuesday it is Indian food so you can order famous Indian dishes along with their regular dishes. Every Wednesday is Japanese and Thursday nights they offer Greek dishes. They also have a bar where you can buy different cocktails and alcoholic drinks.
Puerto Galera Hotel Guide
A very popular and interesting tourist destination in the Philippines, Puerto Galera is a municipality in Oriental Mindoro that offers attractive places for travelers to visit. To make sure that tourists in the place will have a memorable and safe stay in the place, Puerto Galera features accommodating hotels, inns, and lodges where they can have a refreshing and relaxing sleep. Hence, to avoid experiencing hassles during their stay in the island, travelers must refer to Puerto Galera hotel guides.
Facilities of Hotels in Puerto Galera, Philippines
One of the features of hotels that travelers take into consideration before they decide where they will stay is the facilities. To assist tourists in making good decisions regarding this matter, most Puerto Galera hotel guides feature the leisure and dining facilities of famous hospitality service providers in Puerto Galera, Philippines. Hence, for those who are in search for hospitality service providers that feature special facilities like restaurants and swimming pools, they can always check in at Aninuan Beach Resort, Buri Beach Resort, and Atlantis Beach Resort Puerto Galera. On the other hand, for people who like to stay in hotels that feature standard room amenities like cable television sets, clean bathrooms, and relaxing beds, they can have advance reservations at these famous hotels; Bamboo Beach Resort, Carm Rob Inn, and Marco Vincent Resort.
Star Ratings in Puerto Galera Hotel Guides
Many travelers who want to visit Puerto Galera, Philippines, also consider star ratings when they refer to Puerto Galera hotel guides. To vacationers who want to stay in five-star and four-star hotels in Puerto Galera, Philippines, they can look at the contact numbers of these places, which include La Laguna Beach Club and Dive Center, Mermaid Resort, and Blue Crystal Beach Resort, in many Puerto Galera travel guides. Hence, for those who like to stay in three-star hotels, they can check in in Badladz Resort, Fishermen’s Cove, and Franklyn Beach Resort.
Accommodation Rates of Hotels in Puerto Galera, Philippines
Another important feature of Puerto Galera hotel guides is the accommodation rates in hotel service providers. Because of the rates, people can decide, which place suit their budget. For those who prefer to stay in hospitality service providers that have affordable rates, most Puerto Galera hotel guides feature Deep Blue Sea Inn, Capt’n Gregg’s Accommodations, and Puerto Nirvana Beach Resort. With all the interesting and informative features of the hotel guides, people can definitely have a relaxing and safe vacation in Puerto Galera, Philippines.
Puerto Galera Beach Guide
Puerto Galera is a popular place where tourists local and foreign come for a quick getaway from the city. It is an island known for several things but the people go there mainly to enjoy and have fun in the beach. There are several beaches in Puerto Galera. The following beaches can be the best place where you will have an unforgettable experience.
1. Alibatan beaches
These are beaches that can be found in Alibatan island. The island is not that far from Puerto Galera. The sand in this island is so fine because it is white and so pure. The island is rich with different sea animals which include turtle and seagulls. Diving is one of the best activities in this island. You will be able to see different colors of shells and corals.
2. Sabang Beach
This is one of the most famous beach in Puerto Galera. Many people choose this beach than the other beaches in Puerto Galera. There are more resorts and restaurants here. The sand is also fine and the waters are generally calm especially during the summer. There are many bancas in the sea which gives the visitors an insight into their livelihood. There are several bars and restaurants and there is a party almost every night. People can come here to swim, snorkel and dive and party at night time.
3. Small La Laguna Beach
This beach is just next to Sabang. It is a crowd drawer as well. This is considered as the cleanest beach in Puerto Galera. It is also one of the beaches that you can easily get to. There are bancas that take tourists direct to island and there are many ferries that pass their way there bound for the province. The beach resembles a cove. It has many trees mostly palm. It welcomes the tourists greeting them in a good paradise. This is one of the beaches where tourists can relax more in the serenity of the place. Couples can walk down under the bright evening sky.
4. Big La Laguna Beach
The landscape on this beach is huge and the waters are also clear. The Big La Laguna beach is known to a lot of tourists as one of the best beaches in the country. It is near Sabang and small La Laguna beaches. The white sand in this island continues until the sea. Big ships cannot pass by this beach so it is safe for everyone to swim here. One of the best things you will see in this beach is the changing colors of the water. You can have a wonderful time snorkeling and seeing the different hues of the corals and fishes.
Things to do in Puerto Galera for a Great Vacation
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.
