PUERTO GALERA WHITE BEACH ITINERARY

Every time that we feel exhausted and just wanted to relax on a beach, Puerto Galera white beach is always one of those places that pops into our mind. Why not? its a perfect getaway place for employees like us, who normally have a limited time of vacation leave. Puerto Galera is situated at Oriental Mindoro, which is part of the Mimaropa Region. It is just 3-4 hour travel from Manila by land and sea, yes sea!! Don’t worry, it’s safe. Coast Guards are there to check and ensure that the ferries are compliant to the law. And to add, trip going to Puerto Galera are using now a RoRo and a Fast Crafts (it’s your choice what to avail) which are larger than the boats used before.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE GOING TO PUERTO GALERA

Seasons in the Philippines 

•Dry –  November to May – From November to February the temperature is colder than the usual but as the summer approaches the weather gets hotter and hotter.

•Wet – June to October –  During this time, it is the time when the typhoons pass through the Philippines.

Voltage and Power Plugs – Philippine uses 220v and uses type A power plug

There are a lot of countries that use different kinds of power plugs. For frequent travelers or planning to be one, We recommend that you purchase a universal adapter. Less hassle and you don’t need to worry anymore for what type of power plug they used.

WI-FI – There is a traveler sim card available in the airport but the store is not 24hrs open, we recommend that you buy in advance for less hassle. 3G/4G Traveler Sim

Currency – Philippine Peso, there are money changers in the Manila Airport.

Time Zone – Philippine uses UTC +08: 00-time zone

Transportation System:

• Jeepney and Tricycle are common means of transportation.
• There are also shops that are offering motorcycles rental.

ATM – There are ATMs available, most of them are in the town proper. We suggest prior to your trip make sure to bring enough cash.

HOW TO GO TO PUERTO GALERA

1. Buendia or Cubao provincial bus terminal- Take the bus going to Batangas Pier.
   • When we go to Puerto Galera for the 1st time, we are confused with Batangas Grand Terminal and Batangas Pier. We initially taught that the Grand Terminal is already the end of the route due to almost 2/3 of the passengers are alighting to this place.
2. Get off at Batangas Pier and follow the signage heading to the ticket counter.
   • The ticket counters are at the left side part of Batangas Pier
3. Purchase sea transport ticket, you can choose either RoRo or Fastcraft
   • RoRo is cheaper (250 Php or 5 USD), and only have one route going to Balatero Port
   • There are 2 Fastcrafts you can choose from. Raptor and Galileo. (If you have been in Puerto Galera before they are the Minolo Shipping Line (Raptor) and Father and Son (Galileo)).
   • FastCraft is a little bit pricier than RoRo. 300 Php (6 USD) going to Mulle and 350 Php (7 USD) if you want to avail there transportation service going to White Beach Puerto Galera
   • I think this is the major difference that can easily be noticed by tourists that have been in Puerto Galera before. Since they are using now larger fast crafts, there are no more direct trips going to White Beach Puerto Galera. You need to either avail their transport service from Muelle to White Beach Puerto Galera or hire a van or tricycle by yourself.
   • For Trip schedule, you may check and visit https://www.pgyc.org/ferry-sched.php
4. Pay Batangas Terminal fee 30Php per Person (0.60 USD)
5. Once you reach Puerto Galera, you need to pay for Environmental fee 50 Php (1 USD)

WHERE TO STAY IN PUERTO GALERA

If you wanted to stay in White Beach Puerto Galera, there are White Beach Hotel agents in Batangas Pier that offers cheap accommodation price. Just don’t expect too much. But if you are fine with a few minutes walks from the white beach, we strongly recommend the Tamaraw Hotel. Here you can enjoy still enjoy Puerto Galera’s white beach since it is near the hotel. (actually, we just walk in the shorelines from tamaraw hotel to white beach, if you are doing this please mind the stones which can be slippery) plus you have the luxury of less crowded place with a pool 🙂

Tamaraw Beach Resort

Other Hotels recommended in Puerto Galera that you may try:

Nirvana Hotel

Sunset at Aninuan

Infinity Resort

THINGS TO DO IN PUERTO GALERA

ISLAND/BEACH HOPPING TOUR

For me, this is the most enjoyable tour in Puerto Galera, especially the snorkeling part in Coral Garden “it’s the BEST”. Also if you are lucky enough, you might have a chance to encounter a sea turtle “Pawikan” in the coral garden.

There are local tour guides in White beach that offers this tour package, or you can ask your host if they have a recommended tour guide.

Island/Beach hoping package includes:

• Bayanan Beach
• Haligi Beach
• Sandbar Island
• Coral Garden (snorkeling site)

Tour cost:  1500-2000 Php (30-40 USD) per boat depending on how big the boat you needed.

Note: Tour guide might offer you to visit the Underwater cave, Giant clam site, and snorkeling via small boat in the coral garden. Each additional activity has a standard rate of 200 Php (4 USD), but based on our experience some offers as low as 100 Php (2 USD) per activity.

TIP: Bring bread for fish feeding in Coral Garden.

DIVING

Puerto Galera is named as the “center of the center” of marine biodiversity, Thanks to its strategic location which is located in the heart of the “Coral Triangle” in Southeast Asia. And do you know whats the best way to enjoy it? Yes its, your guess is right its through diving. There are over 40 diving sites in Puerto Galera that you can choose from. No wonder why there are a lot of dive shops and resorts here that are offering diving courses either it is for fun dive, PADI introductory course or for an experienced diver.

Diving Cost:  Starts at 1,500 for Fun Dive. (Price Varies)

LAND TOUR

Puerto Galera is truly blessed with beautiful natural resources, aside from its stunning marine life they also have inland attractions that you may visit via commute or tour. One of these attractions is the infamous Tamaraw Falls, which is named after the Mindoro Dwarf Buffalo or “Tamaraw”.  The falls is easy to locate since it is situated alongside the road, for those who want to commute, catch the jeepneys going to Calapan and alight in the Tamaraw Falls.

For those who wanted to avail land tour package here are some of the attractions included.

• Tamaraw Falls
• Virgin Beach
• View Deck
• Mangrove Forest

Tour Cost – P800 for the tricycle. The price excludes entrance fees and other fees per site including the following:

Entrance Fee:

• Tamaraw Falls swimming area fee: P30 per person
• Virgin Beach entrance fee: P30 per person

CHILL IN WHITE BEACH 

White Beach is one of the 30+ beaches in Puerto Galera, and arguably the most popular one. It is a perfect place for beach bumming and water activities. Also, for those who are seeking for nightlife, this is a recommendable place for you. There are various establishments offering live bands, fun shows, and fire dancers as additional entertainment for their guests.

Water activity ranges from Php 250.00 – Php 1,000.00.

SAMPLE ITINERARY AND EXPENSES