Philippines, Puerto Galera – A mixture of a variety of ingredients and a compilation of the multi guaranteed benefits best describe Puerto Galera. Set in the northwestern part of Oriental Mindoro, Philippines, the versatile landmark is a very accessible and reasonable reach for budget conscious explorers visualizing an all-in inclusion of a destination beyond anticipation.
Prior to the Spanish colony, the bay was first discovered Chinese traders as an easy port to load and unload goods, until the time of the arrival of the Spaniards in the year 1570 in Bombon (now known as Batangas) whom later on sailed to Isla Verde which they called Puerto Galera.
In the late 1970’s, the city booms its tourism industry until the present time, in which, you can find a one- stop desire satisfaction. Rivers, waterfalls, deep blue bays and beaches, lush greenery and fabulous mountain views, awesome overlooking bays and beaches, a multi-purpose peculiar golf course location, white beach, incredible fire dance watching, and snorkeling activities.
A challenging adventure on a bus ride at several bus stations in Manila getting off at Batangas Port, on an approximately three (3) hour journey, take a one hour and forty five minute (1 & 45) boat ride going to the city of Puerto Galera. Several choices of ports depending on your target location are available at the ticket booths. Sabang, White Beach, and Muelle. Also in your own preference if you opt to take a private resort or a live entertaining White Beach area which is the most popular habitat in the town.
- Suggested Bus terminal: JAM LINER (Kamuning Quezon City)
- Bus fare: Approximately Php 180 vice versa (subject to change)
- Boat ride: Approximately Php 900 roundtrip including port fees vice versa (subject to change)
- Environmental fee: Php 50
As a three (3) time traveler, I would suggest to have it in a private beach resort, although the White Beach is the most in demand fun settlement, the resort offers a free shuttle service going there for a nightlife stress relieving escapade. Private resorts also offer a fun free ride from Muelle port on a wide fancy open jeepney fondly called as WOWOWEE! (derived from a popular TV show who uses this kind of vehicle).
Private resorts offer equally relaxing sea views and garden lush fields. They normally have restaurants to satisfy your three to five times (3-5x) meal in a day ranging from budget ala carte or a fine dining set up. However, White Beach resort dining could be chosen in an array of reasonable and yet healthy food diet in the long stretch of outdoor bars and restaurants.
Freshen up your senses as they crawl around your sympathy with a refreshing landscape on a good journey start with Sampaloc view deck. Marvel through the beauty of the environment atop a mountain based sight. Smell the aroma of the fresh air and captivate your sleeping eyes with the unusual harmony of nature and the seas. Enjoy a FREE welcoming deck as part of the flexible city’s introduction.
- Address: Barangay. San Isidro Ponderosa Green Mountain, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
- Operating hours: 8:00am – 7:00pm
- Entrance fee: FREE
Since the view deck is right at the lower foot of the Ponderosa Green Mountain, take a little stretch uphill of the extra ordinary and multi-purpose PONDEROSA Golf Club. The club doesn’t only welcome golf lovers but it is also an invitation to sightseeing activities and is also a major tourist attraction. With its eccentric location amidst the stimulating mountain, this two thousand (2,000) feet above sea level course offers an amazing panorama of the overlooking near mountains and bodies of bays and beaches in Puerto Galera. The clubhouse also offers heavy meals, snacks, beverages, alcoholic drinks, and anything you think might satisfy your craving appetite.
Apart from the usual difficult and extreme treks to get a waterfall treat, Puerto Galera’s easy and fun reach of a splash takes you right after a hop off ride with Tamaraw Falls, and a seven (7) river adventure cross with Tukuran Falls.
Tamaraw Falls is derived from the animal tagged as “tamaraw”, a water buffalo indigenious to Oriental Mindoro. Right beside the Nautical Highway and lies under a bridge, you can take photo shoots of the falls clearly visible behind where you can find the best spot to take a snap. Or you may take a splash downwards through the man-made pools nestled in the center of the forest. Other facilities include kiosks, barbeque grills and an assembly hall.
Tamaraw Falls
- Address: Barangay. Villaflor, Nautical Highway, Puerto Galera
- Operating hours: 7:00am – 5:00pm
- Entrance fee: Php 30 for swimming / No entrance fee for photo shoot only
Tukuran Falls is a more exciting adventure carabao cart ride as you drench almost half of your legs while the carabaos run in a continuous flowing river of seven (7) crosses! Reserve your thrills, giggles and shakes as you get your whole body ready to bounce in a long journey with these lovely creatures.
A surprising native scenery awaits for you upon reaching the safe borderline of the final river leading to the Tukuran Falls. Although the falls can be seen into a steep numerous rock climb, have the extra courage and care to strengthen your vitality to complete your great achievement. You can bring your own cooked food or cooking wares if you want to have it freshly dined with your peers or family at their locally made cottages and “kubos” (covered huts made of dried palms and thatches).
Tukuran Falls
- Address: Calsapa Village, Puerto Galera
- Operating hours: 8:00am – 3:00pm
- Fees: A complete package for Php 2,000 per pax including land and carabao cart ride and a buffet picnic lunch
If you got an extended desire for snorkeling or simply sightseeing and swimming, dive it in deeper in two (2) of the most famous beach destinations, Haligi Beach and Bulabod Beach. These beach tours could be better arranged a local tour operator. You can ask the assistance of the private resorts, this is the advantage of getting such for an accommodation for a guaranteed enjoyment and yet a safer and more convenient relaxation.
Haligi Beach tour offers a buffet picnic lunch with snorkeling activities, gears usually rented at Php 100 or you can bring your own. Swim with the variety of marvelous fishes or pick some corals for your memorabilia. Boatmen / tour guides will let you choose between a solo snorkeling wander, with them following behind or a grip at the arms of the boat with a safety rope tied on your waist if you don’t have that much courage. Whatever way it is, it is truly an unforgettable encounter.
- Complete Package Tour rate including buffet picnic lunch: Php 1,800 per pax
Just want an undisturbed beach fun for plain swimming and sightseeing? Bulabod Beach suits for you!
An equally arranged tour the local operators, this tour is classified as FREE and EASY. Do it your way when you get to the beach. Enjoy a half day or a whole day intimate relation with the seas and the sun. This tour doesn’t offer a picnic lunch, so it is better to bring your own bucket of tummy partners.
- Complete Package Tour rate : Php 900 per pax
Treat yourself for an overflowing relief of a nightlife at the White Beach after a tiring yet rewarding whole day tours you have ever been. Known to be the “cheaper” version of Boracay, count yourself in lining up in the long stretch of live and entertaining bars and restaurants that serve all kinds of cocktails, snacks, heavy dinner, alcoholic beverages, accompanied with live bands or a blend of soothing and romantic melodies.
The traditional fire dance is the highlight of the night event. Performed young, trained and energetic youths ranging from ages 13 – 20, this is truly unbelievable yet admirable performances of an outstanding art.
Apologies for my “drift” and “forced” smile, and uncomfortable posture, I can feel the heat burning my skin! It is truly hot! Whatever it is, I still have to manage to give a smart pose. Nevertheless, it will definitely give you goose bumps but yet so majestic of their efforts to give an exceptional pleasure to their audiences.
White Beach
- Operating hours: 6:00am – 2:00am
- No entrance fee – Feel free to choose your most convenient place
Majority of travelers desire to spend and get more than its worth. This is the response to that call. On a very budget friendly tour in exchange for a multiple destination of all kinds. In all bodies of water that you may see, incredible land formations from low rise to high rise, activities in variants, culture learning and unusual recreation, a certainly one-stop self gratification.
This is PUERTO GALERA, The Heart of Asia!
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