puerto Galera
In this adventure, we unravel the amazing and charming beauty of Puerto Galera on the Island of Mindoro, renowned for its stunning beaches, clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and excellent dive sites. Puerto Galera is a popular getaway for tourists and travelers due to its proximity to Metro Manila. The Island of Mindoro is renowned for its unique Tamaraw, a small dwarf buffalo that is endemic to the region. This adorable animal is just one of the many amazing things that make the island special and worth exploring!
Content Overview
Essential Information to Know Before Visiting Puerto Galera
Land Tour
Sea Tour
White Beach
White Beach Sea Activity & Price Range
Additional Insights
Accommodation
How to get to Puerto Galera
Expenses
Sample Itinerary
Essentials
Quick Tips
Essential Information to Know Before Visiting Puerto Galera
ATM Availability
There is only one ATM at White Beach in San Isidro. Most establishments, including restaurants, primarily accept cash. Only a limited number of establishments accept credit cards, though GCash is available at certain locations. It is advisable to carry sufficient cash with you.
BEST MONTHS TO TRAVEL
The ideal time to visit Puerto Galera is during the summer season, from April to May. Additionally, the shoulder season, from late January to March, offers a great opportunity to visit, as it tends to be less crowded, particularly on weekdays.
WHERE TO STAY
The best area to stay in Puerto Galera is near White Beach which is more accessible and near some tourist spots, where most restaurants and hotels are located. However, if you prefer a vibrant nightlife, Sabang Beach would be the ideal place for you to stay.
Land Tour
In our land tour activities, we choose to rent a motorbike courtesy of Road Rage Motorbikes worth 600.00 pesos, including two helmets. Take note that a driver’s license is a must. If you don’t have a license but still want to take the land tour on a motorbike, you can hire a driver from them for only 1,500.00, excluding gas. Here’s a list of all the exciting places we explored during our land tour!
Ponderosa Golf Club
A scenic site at Puerto Galera with a beautiful panoramic view of its coastal areas. It’s almost a 15-minute drive from the main highway. It was early in the morning and fog still covered the view, but we could see a few parts of Puerto Galera. The fee for accessing the view deck is 50.00 pesos. Additionally, the establishment features a restaurant that provides a diverse selection of dishes. The Ponderosa Golf Club caters to golfers of all levels.
Tagbungan Mountain Resort & Lantuyan River
An almost 2-hour drive from Puerto Galera, you will find this private resort along the Lantuyan River. Situated at the foothills of Mount Halcon in Dulangan, Baco Oriental Mindoro, this beautiful resort features multiple cascading pools that everyone will definitely enjoy.
Photos courtesy of Miel
At the far end back of the resort, you can cross a hanging bridge that can make your way down to the Lantuyan River. Embrace the freshness of air, birds chirping in their melody, and the serene sound of water cascading from the mountain peaks.
The entrance fee is 100.00 pesos for adults and free for 7-year-olds below. What’s even more exciting is that you have plenty of fun swimming options to choose from. Every pool has a different depth suited for everyone’s convenience. Also, you can try their human-made slide just beside every pool. You can bring your food or order from the resort restaurant. Experience the refreshing coolness of the water cascading from the Lantuyan River. Make sure to take a moment to sit or stand in the lovely constructed mini waterfall. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a free massage and create some unforgettable memories. Have fun!
Infinity Farm Resort
Located at Mangangan 1, Baco Oriental Mindoro. An almost 1-hour and 15-minute drive from Puerto Galera and a 30-minute drive from Calapan City. Get ready to be amazed by this hidden paradise, just waiting to be discovered.
Photos courtesy of Miel
This spectacular resort has a series of mini waterfalls nestled amid lush greenery and cold crystal-clear water from the Manganga River. As you journey further into the forest, you’ll be captivated by a series of streams that resemble miniature waterfalls. Crossing a small bridge signals that you’re nearly at the end of the trail. Along the way, you’ll find cottages and tables where you can rest, as long as they’re not occupied. Feel free to take pictures by the river, but be cautious, as many of the rocks are slippery. At the end of the trail, you’ll find a small pool where you can relax and unwind amidst the vibrant forest. If you’re seeking a peaceful escape, this secluded spot, away from the crowds, is perfect for you.
Photo courtesy of Miel
The food is surprisingly delicious and fresh. The entrance fee is 200 per person. I recommend booking in advance for a hassle-free experience. For more details, you may visit https://www.thenewinfinityfarm.com/ratesandschedules. Don’t forget to say hi to Billy the Albino Burmese python. We had a great time exploring the whole resort and immersing ourselves in its natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking adventure or the tranquility of nature, Infinity Farm Resort is a must-visit destination in Oriental Mindoro.
Tamaraw Falls
Named after Mindoro’s most popular dwarf buffalo. This gigantic waterfall is the most popular and easily accessible in Puerto Galera, located right by the highway. Located at Villaflor in Puerto Galera, Tamaraw Falls is a twin waterfall with a height of approximately 423ft. Travelers and tourists can easily take a short walk to the viewing area for a closer look at these stunning waterfalls.
The entrance fee is free. However, you’ll have to pay 50.00 pesos if you want to go down to its mini resort, where you can enjoy human-made pools just under the bridge. Tamaraw Falls is one of the top destinations in Puerto Galera and can get quite crowded, especially during peak season.
Aplayang Munti
Also known as Pebble Beach, it is a stunning coastal rock formation and a scenic view of the sea. From the main highway, walk down a steep and narrow staircase that will lead you to the rock formations. Be careful, as the rocks here are sharps.
At the rock formation, a Grotto of the Virgin Mary is located right at the very center, facing the vast ocean. Indulge into the panoramic view of the sea and the entire beach. The entrance fee is free if you choose the narrow entry point. You can dive into the ocean from the rock formation or head down to Dulangan Beach on the right side. We also saw a few kids jumping from the rocks and enjoying a swim.
Minolo Port
This is the last spot in our Land Tour. We mostly rested here before heading back. The area features a 75-meter-long floating dock, where you can swim or enjoy some snorkeling. The sea was crystal clear, and we even spotted schools of fish and sea urchins along the edge of the port. Alternatively, you can simply watch boats and yachts go by to pass the time. Best of all, there’s no entrance fee.
The next destinations are typically included in the Land Tour Packages. However, we chose to visit these two beautiful places on our own on the first day, as they were just a 5-10 minute drive from where we were staying, and we also wanted to allocate more time to the places that were farther away.
Aninuan Beach
A captivating white beach located at Aninuan, Puerto Galera. A 5-10 minute drive from the famous White Beach in San Isidro. From the highway, you’ll need to walk for about 5 minutes through lush greenery to reach the beach. No entrance fee is required.
While similar to White Beach, Aninuan Beach is much less crowded. We only saw a handful of people during our visit. It features a mix of rocky shorelines, small pebbles, and stretches of white sand. We took our time to relax here, enjoy swimming, play in the waves, and admire the beauty of the place, feeling as if we had exclusive access.
Talipanan Falls
After our time at Aninuan Beach, we decided to visit Talipanan Falls instead of Aninuan Falls, as it offers a more straightforward trail. The tour guide cost us 500 pesos for up to 3 people. We begin our hike in the Nito Weaving area, where different kinds of handmade works are on display for sale. It took us nearly 30 minutes to reach Talipanan Falls.
Along the way, we passed cows and goats, and crossed several streams, all while walking through the lush forest. Talipanan Falls is a beautiful, unpretentious waterfall, that offers a simple yet refreshing natural experience. We enjoyed the experience of hiking, taking a dip in the cold water, and soaking in the tranquility of the place.
Unfortunately, the Mangrove Conservation and Ecotourism Area was already closed when we arrived. We also decided to skip the Puerto Galera Bar View Deck since you’re now required to order before entering, and we were still full from our lunch at Infinity Farm Resort.We had to skip a few places in our Land Tour due to time constraints. However, we had an amazing time at the locations we were able to visit. The experiences, the stunning landscapes, and the memories we created made for an unforgettable adventure.
Sea Tour
We begin our Sea Tour activities with the tour at Muelle Cultural Heritage Park. Our Sea Tour package was already included in our 4-day/3-night stay in Rexy’s Place Bread and Breakfast. Below are the activities that we got to enjoy in this package.
Muelle Cultural Heritage Park
This is one of the pride of Puerto Galera. In fact, it has been recognized as one of the most beautiful bays in the world by the Paris-based club Les Plus Belles Baies Du Monde (The Most Beautiful Bays in the World) and they are certainly right. The Heritage Park has charming sceneries and landscapes, with an amazing boardwalk. The ocean is crystal clear, allowing you to see the seabed, and is surrounded by boats and yachts.
The Muelle Cultural Heritage Park also has two galleon replicas that go back to its history when the Spaniards discovered the Island of Mindoro in the 17th century and named it Puerto De Galleon or Port of Galleon. Inside one of the galleons, you’ll find cannons, murals, pictures, and artifacts that reflect its cultural richness.
Underwater Cave
It was time to hit the ocean, so we went to our first water activity. We started with a boat ride towards the underwater cave in San Antonio. The ocean was calm and crystal clear, and we enjoyed admiring the beautiful boats and yachts along the way. It took us about 10 minutes to reach its beach cove. A guide will accompany you on your journey. We rented helmets that cost 100.00 per person and began our climb to the cave entrance on a cliff. Be cautious, as the rocks have sharp edges and pointed surfaces.
The cave was partially submerged as we entered. With the rising tide, the waves slowly began to crash in. At the front of the cave is an opening leading to the ocean where the water flows in. You have to be cautious, as the waves inside can push you back and forth. There was a hole at the top of the cave where your guide could take pictures of you while you were having fun floating and swimming under the cave.
However, exiting the cave was tricky. We had to submerge ourselves and hold our breath for about 4 seconds. Since we were wearing life vests, we had to push against the cave ceiling, where the helmet came in handy. If you’re claustrophobic, this adventure isn’t for you. We emerged on the other side, took a moment to catch our breath, and rested before exiting. There is no tour guide fee however, contributions are appreciated and can be made at your discretion.
Coral Garden
The next stop, which I had been eagerly looking forward to, was snorkeling at Coral Garden, just a short 5-minute boat ride from the Underwater Cave. Our boatman, Tatay Rosendo (Rose), handed out the snorkeling gear and slowed the boat as we neared the location. We jumped into the crystal-clear turquoise waters, immersing ourselves in an entirely different world beneath the surface. We were in awe of the vibrant marine life that thrived in Puerto Galera. Tatay Rosendo instructed us to hold onto the boat as he would guide us on a tour of the entire area, and this was the best experience.
I removed my life vest and ventured deeper into the ocean, allowing myself greater freedom to swim and explore the area. The area is home to a diverse array of fish, various species of coral reefs, and sponges, providing a vibrant habitat for schools of tropical fish to thrive and play. We genuinely felt like we had stepped into a whole new realm beneath the surface. Also, it was important to exercise caution and avoid stepping on the delicate coral reefs. Nearby, there is a stretch of white sand where we took a rest before heading out to see the giant clams.
Giant Clams
Another must-visit snorkeling site in Puerto Galera is the Giant Clams, which are located closer to the Muelle Cultural Heritage Park. This area is much deeper than the Coral Garden, yet the small schools of fish here are lively and unafraid of people. Tatay Rose provided us with clues about the location of the giant clamps, though it was difficult to spot them due to their deep positioning. However, we were able to see smaller clamps around the area.
In this location, we encountered a variety of fish species not found in the Coral Garden, likely due to the greater depth of the area. We also spotted a sea snake slithering along the giant reef. Thanks to its abundant marine life, snorkeling in Puerto Galera is a must. We spent nearly four hours in the water, and despite the sunburn, every moment was well worth it.
Photo courtesy of Miel
That concluded our unforgettable sea tour activities in Puerto Galera. After our exciting yet exhausting adventure, we headed to Rexy’s Bulaloves, just a short walk from Muelle Park, to enjoy our complimentary lunch. Adjacent to the restaurant, there is a viewing deck where you can observe bats hanging from the trees.
White Beach
The famous White Beach of Puerto Galera is a popular destination for tourists and travelers. It was just a five-minute walk from our accommodation, so we visited it every day during our vacation. At White Beach, you’ll find a variety of souvenirs, bars, and restaurants, along with vendors offering massages and hair braiding services. You can enjoy swimming, participate in various water activities, or take photos of the famous Puerto Galera sandcastle, which is available for a small fee of 30 pesos. The far right end of the beach is more secluded, with a rocky, pebble-strewn shoreline, offering a quieter retreat away from the crowds.
Water Sports Price Range at White Beach
Here are the price ranges for some souvenirs in Puerto Galera.
Tshirts – 100.00 – 170.00 pesos
Terno’s – 150.00 – 200.00 pesos
Bracelet – 70.00 – 100.00 pesos
Necklace – 100.00 – 200.00 pesos
Ref. Magnet – 50.00 – 100.00 pesos
For Motorbike Inquiries, please visit their Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/people/Road-Rage-Motorbike-Rental/61560219912775/
For Sea Tour and Accommodation here is their Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/rexysplacewhitebeach
We stayed at Rexy’s Place Bed and Breakfast initially for 4 days & 3 nights however, we extended for another day due to the cancellation of the boat trip as typhoon Pepito was approaching that time. Though the weather in Puerto Galera was still sunny however the Batangas Port announced that they canceled all trips as a warning signal was already issued. Rexy’s Place offers free breakfast for the whole stay and free karaoke use until 10 PM. The Wifi was free and they gave us free souvenirs when it was time to say goodbye. Also included is the shuttle transfer from the port to the hotel and vice versa.
How to get to Puerto Galera
To reach Puerto Galera, you can follow these steps:
Travel to Batangas Port:
From LRT Buendia or Cubao, take a bus to Batangas Port. The journey typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. Several bus companies operate routes to the port, including JAM Liner, Ceres Liner and others.
Take a Ferry to Puerto Galera:
From Batangas Port, board a ferry bound for Puerto Galera. The ferry ride takes about 1 to 1.5 hours for Fast Craft and 2 hours for an estimated time via Roro, depending on weather conditions. Several ferry operators include M/V Island Calayan, Montenegro Shipping Lines or the Batangas-Puerto Galera ferry service.
Arrive in Puerto Galera:
Once you arrive at the Puerto Galera port, you can take a tricycle or other local transport to your accommodation, depending on your destination within the area.
Alternatively, some tour operators offer direct transfers from Manila to Puerto Galera, combining the bus and ferry travel in one package for added convenience.
Expenses for this trip (covering 3 people)
Sea Tour + Accommodation (5 days & 4nights) – 3,793.33 pesos/person
Shoes and Helmet ( for Sea tour activities) – 200.00 pesos/person
Land Tour + Gas (2 motorbikes + 1 driver) – 833.33 pesos/person
Talipanan tour guide – 166.66 pesos/person
Aninuan & Talipanan Fare – 73.33 pesos/person
Entrance Fee
Tagbungan Mountain Resort & Lantuyan River – 100.00 pesos/ person
Infinity Farm – 200.00 pesos/person
Bus and Boat Fare
From LRT Buendia
Jam Liner – 265.00 pesos/person
Fast Craft (M/V Island Calayan) – 550.00 pesos/person (promo fare)
Terminal Fee – 30.00 pesos/person
Environmental Fee (will be collected at Balatero Port) – 120.00 pesos/person
From Balatero Port
Fast Craft (M/V Island Calayan) – 620.00 pesos/person
Terminal Fee – 10.00 persos/person
Ceres Liner – 268.00 pesos/person
Here’s a sample itinerary for a stay near White Beach, assuming a 4-day trip:
Day 1: Arrival + Sea Tour
7:00AM – ETD Batangas Port
8:05AM – ETA Puerto Galera
8:30AM – Start Sea Tour at Muelle Cultural Heritage Park
9:30AM – Boatride to Underwater Cave
10:30AM – Coral Garden
11:30AM – Giant Clam Farm
1:00PM – Lunch
2:30PM – Rest
4:00PM –Visit White Beach
Day 2 Land Tour
5:30AM – Begin Land Tour to Ponderosa Golf Club
6:00AM – Depart for Tagbungan
8:10AM – ETA Tagbungan Mountain Resort and Lantuyan River
9:30AM – Depart for Infinity
10:15AM – ETA Infinity Farm Resort
12:30PM – Depart for Tukuran Falls
2:00PM – ETA Tukuran Falls
4:00PM – ETA Tamaraw Falls
4:20PM – Viewing Deck
4:45PM – Aplayang Munti
5:30PM – Back at youy Hotel/ Resort
Day 3 Land Tour (optional)
7:45AM – Depart from Accommodation
8:10AM – Mangrove Conservation And Eco Tourism Area
10:00AM – Palangan Beach
11:30AM – Sabang Beach
12:50PM – Sinandigan Light House
1:45PM – Aninuan Beach
3:00PM – Start Hike to Talipanan Falls
4:30PM – Buy Souvenirs at the Weaving are in Talipanan
5:30PM – Back at Accommodation
Day 4
7:00AM – Walk around White Beach or Buy Souvenirs
9:30AM – Balatero Port
10:00AM – ETD Balatero Port
11:10AM – Batanga Port
Essentials:
- Waterproof bag
- Sun Protection
- Mosquito repellent
- Extra clothes
- Extra pocket money
- Camera
Quick Tips
- Please prioritize safety while driving, as the roads leading to Tamaraw Falls are winding and prone to accidents.
- Please ensure that you have ample cash or utilize an ATM while you are in Batangas. Note there is currently one ATM at White Beach.
- The signal strength near White Beach remains consistent, while other areas experience fluctuating signals. The location of Infinity Farm has no signal at all.
- Always adhere to the Leave No Trace principle: pack out all trash and dispose of it responsibly.
Take away
Puerto Galera is truly an incredible experience. The vibrant marine life exceeded my expectations, and the majestic Tamaraw Falls is truly a sight to behold. The atmosphere at Muelle Bay feels as if you’re in a completely different country. Add Puerto Galera to your travel list. Let’s end the article with a quote from Sarah Bolton “Voyage upon life’s sea, to yourself be true, and whatever your lot may be, paddle your own canoe.” #Amping
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