Puerto Galera Travel Guide

Discover the top places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and local culture and customs of Puerto Galera. Find out the best time to visit and how to get there.


Introduction to Puerto Galera

Puerto Galera is a stunning tropical paradise that is situated in Mindoro Island in Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines. It is a popular tourist destination known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters filled with a diverse marine life, cascading waterfalls, and coconut groves. Puerto Galera is also recognized as one of the most beautiful bays in the world. The destination has been attracting both domestic and international visitors, including scuba divers, beach lovers, hikers, and cultural enthusiasts.

List of Places to Visit in Puerto Galera

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Puerto Galera Church - considered as the oldest existing Catholic Church in Mindoro Island, with a baroque style facade.
  • Tribal Village of Mangyan - an indigenous tribe of Mindoro that has preserved their culture and traditions amidst the modern world.
  • Tamaraw Falls - a scenic sight which features a 20-meter high cascading waterfall with natural pools, picnic areas, and bamboo-woven huts to relax in.

Natural Attractions of Puerto Galera: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • White Beach - a long white sand beach that features various water sports activities and beachside bars and restaurants that serve fresh seafood and other local dishes.
  • Sabang Beach - a small, secluded, white sand beach that is famous for its nightlife and scuba diving opportunities.
  • Aninuan Beach - another beautiful quiet beach featuring turquoise waters and swaying palm trees.
  • Mount Malasimbo - a mountain that has a diverse ecosystem, rich in biodiversity and endemic plant species. Hikers can reach the peak in roughly 3-4 hours.
  • Coral Garden - an underwater spot in Puerto Galera where you can see colorful coral reefs, shoals of tropical fishes, and other marine creatures.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Puerto Galera

Puerto Galera is a perfect destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts with its scenic landscapes and challenging terrains. Here are the most popular hiking/biking routes:

  • Mount Malasimbo Trail - a steep trek that starts at the foot of Mount Malasimbo and passes through lush forests and beautiful vistas.
  • Tribal Village Hike - an easy hike that passes through the traditional Mangyan community.
  • Biking Trail to Sinandigan Cave - an adventure trail featuring rough terrain, water crossings, and stunning views of the countryside.

Best Things to Do in Puerto Galera: Activities and Tours

  • Scuba Diving and Snorkeling - Puerto Galera offers some of the best opportunities to explore the diverse marine life and coral reefs.
  • Island Hopping and Beach Hopping - visit the nearby islands and beaches around Puerto Galera to witness their unique beauty.
  • Water Sports Adventure - indulge in various water sports activities such as kayaking, jet skiing, banana boat riding, and parasailing.
  • Sunset Cruise - enjoy a breathtaking sunset view from the sea on a traditional wooden boat.
  • Mangyan Village Tour - be a part of Mangyan’s culture and traditions, while exploring their living areas and rituals.

Week-Long Itinerary for Puerto Galera

Here is a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Puerto Galera:

Day Activity
1 Relax at White Beach
2 Scuba diving or snorkeling at Coral Garden
3 Hike to Mount Malasimbo and explore waterfalls
4 Island hopping to nearby beaches
5 Visit Mangyan village and learn about their culture
6 Visit Sabang Beach for nightlife
7 Departure from Puerto Galera

Food and Drink Scene of Puerto Galera

Must-Try Dishes

  • Adobong Pusit - a popular Filipino dish made with squid, vinegar, soy sauce, and spices.
  • Sinigang na Bangus - a sour broth soup made with milkfish, vegetables, and tamarind.
  • Kare-Kare - a peanut-based stew that features beef, oxtail, and vegetables.
  • Pakbet - a vegetable dish that has eggplant, squash, okra, and other vegetables.
  • Lechon - a roasted pig dish that is popular in the Philippines.

Local Beverages

  • Sago’t Gulaman - a refreshing drink made with tapioca pearls, jelly, syrup, and water.
  • Calamansi Juice - a citrus drink made from the native Philippine fruit.
  • San Mig Light - a popular Philippine beer.

Where to Stay in Puerto Galera: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Puerto Galera offers various accommodation options to fit every budget and preference. The most popular options are:

  • Dream Hill Condos & Spa - a high-end accommodation option that offers stunning sea views, luxury spa, restaurant, and bar.
  • The Manor at Puerto Galera - a mid-range hotel that features a swimming pool and a restaurant serving Filipino cuisine.
  • Dreamwave Hotel Puerto Galera - an affordable hotel that is centrally located near restaurants, bars, and nightlife spots.
  • Mangrove Resort Hotel - situated in a peaceful and quiet area of Puerto Galera, this resort has tropical gardens, a swimming pool, and a restaurant.

What to Buy in Puerto Galera: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Mina de Oro Craft Shop - a shop that sells unique handicrafts, pottery, and souvenirs made by local artisans.
  • Puerto Galera Market - offers local delicacies such as dried fish, cashew nuts, and some traditional snacks.
  • Puerto Galera Pasalubong Center - offers a wide range of souvenirs, T-shirts, coffee mugs, key chains and hats, which are perfect for a remembrance of the trip.

Local Culture and Customs of Puerto Galera

Puerto Galera has a rich cultural and historical background. The most prominent local cultural group is the Mangyan tribe, which has its own unique customs and beliefs. The community is known for their skillful weaving and pottery-making, and you can find their handicrafts and souvenirs in souvenir shops and craft centers.

Best Time to Visit Puerto Galera

The best time to visit Puerto Galera is during the dry season, which is between December and April. During this season, the weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities, beach hopping, and island hopping.

Do’s and Don’ts of Puerto Galera

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions of the Mangyan tribe.
  • Bargain while shopping in markets.
  • Be careful while swimming and engaging in water sports activities.

Don’t:

  • Remove coral or other marine life from the beach.
  • Litter on the beaches or waters.
  • Leave your valuables unattended.

Safety and Health

Safety in Puerto Galera

Puerto Galera, as a tourist destination, has well-trained and professional rescue teams and medical personnel, and the town is considered a safe and friendly place to visit. However, visitors should always be mindful of their belongings and avoid isolated areas at night.

Health in Puerto Galera

It’s best to bring a first aid kit, insect repellent, and sunscreen. Puerto Galera has medical facilities such as the Rural Health Unit (RHU) and small clinics for minor issues. In case of a medical emergency, visit the Sabang Emergency Station or the Rural Health Unit.

Getting to Puerto Galera: Transportation Options and Logistics

Puerto Galera is easily accessible from Manila with some transportation options available:

Airports Near Puerto Galera

  • Ninoy Aquino International Airport - the international Airport of Manila. Take a taxi or Grab car to Batangas Port.

Bus Stations Near Puerto Galera

  • Buendia Bus Terminal - take a bus to Batangas Port.

Other Options

  • Private Car - hire a private car that can bring you to Batangas Port for a fixed rate.
  • Ferry - take a ferry ride from Batangas Port to Puerto Galera. This ferry service company operates to transport visitors and residents between Sabang and Batangas Pier, or Muelle Pier.

How to Get Around in Puerto Galera

The best way to get around in Puerto Galera is by tricycle, motorbike, or by foot. To explore the surrounding islands, you can rent a boat from any of the local island-hopping tour providers.

Where to Go Next from Puerto Galera: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you want to extend your travels, here are some nearby destinations from Puerto Galera that are worth visiting:

  • White Island Beach, Camiguin - an island that features a pristine white sand beach.
  • Coron Palawan - is known for its limestone formations, crystal-clear waters, and shipwrecks.
  • Mayon Volcano, Albay - an active volcano that is revered for its perfect cone shape.

Conclusion

Puerto Galera is indeed a top-rated destination in the Philippines that has something to offer for every kind of tourist. It’s a perfect destination for natural lovers, adventure-seekers, and beach bums. With this comprehensive guide, you should be ready to discover and make the best of your trip to Puerto Galera.