Puerto Galera | DIY Beach Hopping Itinerary
Puerto Galera is a town in Oriental Mindoro and beach destination near Manila. People go there over the weekend because it is accessible and way cheaper than going to other beach destinations of Philippines like Boracay, Cebu or Palawan.
So what is special about Puerto Galera? ——- Its Marine life.
This has everything to do with Puerto Galera's location. It is on the southern part of Verde Island Passage. This passage has the richest marine biodiversity in the entire Coral Triangle. To enjoy this experience and marvel at school of fishes with vibrant colors gracefully swaying between coral reefs, you can do snorkeling, free diving and scuba diving.
Aside from its underwater life, you should visit the beaches of Puerto Galera. The most famous beach is White beach. But did you know that there are around 20 beaches in Puerto Galera.
For this trip, we did a DIY Puerto Galera travel without a plan or booking. We arrived around noontime. Our plan includes looking for a budget friendly accommodation. After several attempts, we opted to go with Tamaraw Beach Resort in Aninuan Beach. It is walking distance to White beach, it has a long stretch of fine sand beach with a little pebbles and lesser crowd.
Then, we went to the most famous beach in Puerto Galera - White beach. White Beach has a fine creamy sand. The go to place for tourists and locals because of the restaurants and bars along the beach. White beach gets crowded and noisy most of the time.
For Lunch, we tried Casa Mia Ristorante Italiano located at the end of White beach near Aninuan Beach.
They serve good Italian dishes and has a great view of the entire White Beach.
Our next destination was Talipanan beach. Located west of White Beach and Aninuan Beach. You can access this at the far end of Aninuan Beach, but it is a long walk. To save time we hired a tricycle to take us west until the end of the paved road. From there, we followed a small trail to the beach.
Talipanan beach is a rocky beach with fine sand. The place is secluded so if you are looking for a place to relax, this beach is perfect.
For day 2, we’ve booked an island hopping tour. Hopped on the motorized Bangka and went to see the giant clams and snorkeling site.
This will require you to transfer to a smaller boat in the middle of the sea.
After the snorkeling activities, we went to the Sandbar, our fourth beach destination. Not much to do around here so we just took a quick videos and photos of the Sandbar.
We asked our boatman to end our tour in Sabang Beach. A touristy little town popular for scuba divers. Sabang is more of a port than a beach. There are many boats docked on the beach, so it’s not ideal for swimming.
Here we ate lunch and continued our beach hopping experience. Followed the trail in front of Sabang beach going to Small and Big Lalaguna.
Our last beach, Big Lalaguna - a cove with creamy fine sand. With a clear and calm water, this is a great spot for snorkeling. I’ve seen some do intro dives in the area.
After snorkeling we spent time in one of the dive resort in the area, sip some fruit shakes and reflect about our Puerto Galera weekend getaway before heading back home.
We’ve tried to visit as many beaches as we can over the weekend and we didn't even reach half of it.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT PUERTO GALERA
The best time to visit Puerto Galera is during dry season. This is from December to May. Then, April to May is the peak season, expect rates of accommodation to be higher and crowded beaches throughout those months. it is recommended to book in advance.
Also, temperature here in Philippines is consistently warm all year round specially in beach destinations. With this, you can still visit during low season. Just be mindful of the weather before going to Puerto Galera.
WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO PUERTO GALERA
Summer / Beach outfits
Swimwear
Sandals / Slippers
Snorkeling Gear
Cameras / Action Cam
Protection from the sun
Tumbler
Dry bag
HOW TO GET TO PUERTO GALERA FROM MANILA
To get to Puerto Galera from Manila, take a bus in Buendia, Manila to Batangas Pier via CALABARZON Expressway. Travel time is around 2-3 hours.
In Batangas Pier, go straight to the ticketing counters. There will be 2 ports to choose from, Balatero Port - one that is near White Beach or Muelle Port which is near Sabang. This will depend on where you plan to stay. Travel time is approximately an hour. Then from the port, hire a tricycle going to your accommodation.
PUERTO GALERA BUDGET AND ITINERARY
The estimated budget for Puerto Galera for an overnight trip is around Php4,000.00. This will vary depending on the accommodation, food and other activities you plan to do. Also, this is on the assumption that the accommodation is Php2,500.00/night and 4 meals with a budget of Php1,000.00/meal for 2pax.
Buendia to Batangas Pier Bus Fee - around Php200.00/pax
Fastcraft Fee – around Php300.00/pax
Terminal Fee - Php30.00
Environmental Fee – Php50.00
Tricycle Rate – Php150.00 – Php200.00/trip
Island Hopping Tour – Php1,600.00 – Php2,000.00 depending on the size of the boat
Giant Clams and Snorkeling site – Php200.00/pax
Note: Rates indicated above may change
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING PUERTO GALERA
There are plenty of bus companies with hourly trip to Batangas Pier. Fastest way is taking the route via CALABARZON expressway.
Puerto Galera is a destination near Manila, expect this to be crowded on weekends and holidays.
Once you arrived in Puerto Galera, you need to pay Php50.00 for the environmental fee.
Ideal mode of transportation in Puerto Galera is via Tricycle. Be aware that most will charge tourist around Php150.00-200.00 per trip (Special Trip).
You can hire a tricycle for a Puerto Galera Land tour.
Island Hopping tours in Puerto Galera is Decentralized. This means prices vary. As a guide, boat fee is around Php1,600.00 – Php2,000.00 depending on the size of the boat.
For the giant clams and snorkeling site activity, you need to transfer to a smaller boat. They will charge an additional fee on both sites. I would still recommend trying both to see and experience the underwater life Puerto Galera has to offer.
Credit Card is accepted by some resorts and Restaurants. Majority is still cash basis.
There are plenty of ATMs in town proper.
Signal is weak in some areas.
PUERTO GALERA TRAVEL TIPS
In Batangas Pier, go straight to ticketing counters. Do not talk to scalpers to avoid scam.
Take the Fastcraft and not a RORO.
Buy your return ticket in advance.
Before proceeding with the tours, make sure to confirm the activities / itinerary and the rates from the tour guide.
For the island hopping tour, bring extra cash.
Experience the nightlife in White Beach and try the Mindoro sling.
Do not leave trash behind.
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