Things to do in Puerto Galera
The Philippines is indeed one of the countries with the most attractive tourist destinations in Asia. From mountains to white-sand beaches or casinos, there just won't be enough to explore whether you're a local resident on a vacation or a foreigner who is touring the country. If you are a fan of beaches and nature, then Puerto Galera just might be the perfect destination for you. What are the most fun activities in Puerto Galera?
Source: UGC
Puerto Galera, which is officially referred to as the Municipality of Puerto Galera is a high-ranking municipality in the Province of Oriental Mindoro, Philippines.
Owing to its naturally beautiful white-sand beaches and being one of the top diving destinations in Asia, the municipality quickly became one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Philippines and in Asia.
In the official website of Puerto Galera Online Services, the leading touring service provider of the municipality, the Puerto Galera Philippines is described as "a soothing vision of shimmering seas surrounded by lush mountains. It is considered one of the most beautiful and developed beach resort community in the country."
How to go to Puerto Galera
If you are planning your next summer getaway for your friends and family but don't plan to break the bank with all the expenses, then Puerto Galera is one of the destinations worth contemplating. To shorten your trip, here is the quickest way to get to Puerto Galera if you're coming from Manila.
- Ride the bus from Manila to Batangas. Bus terminals with routes to Batangas can be found along Cubao, Gil Puyat as well as along EDSA. Travel time takes between 2 to 3 hours depending on the traffic conditions. The bus fare costs about P200. If you are travelling with family, remind everyone to bring student IDs or senior citizen IDs for that sweet 20% discount.
- Ride another bus from the Batangas Bus Terminal to the Batangas Pier. The fare will cost around P20-P40. Travel time takes between 10-15 minutes.
- Ride the ferry boat from the Batangas Pier to the Puerto Galera Ferry Terminal. The ferry rides start at 6:00 am and the last trips are around 5:00-6:00 pm. It is extremely recommended that you don't miss the last ferry because you will have to stay in Batangas overnight until you can take the first one in the morning.
- Voila! You are now in Puerto Galera. Feel free to explore or check into your hotel first.
Alternatively, you can avail Si-kat's bus and ferry services. The round trip package will cost you P1400/head. This is more for those travelling without budgetary concerns.
Puerto Galera hotels
A popular travel agency website offers the best deals in hotels and other accommodations. They have everything you can book: from low-cost budget inns to prestigious five-star hotels. Other than providing great listings for budget travellers, they also allow cancellations and change of booking schedules for free.
Majority of tourists will opt to stay in Sabang Beach resorts. This is because the area is popular for its white-sand beaches as well as bars and restaurants for those who enjoy their nightlife.
When talking about Puerto Galera accommodation (s), it is important to note that hotel prices can go up and down depending on the tourist season you choose to go in. April to May is considered the peak season, while June to October is considered the off-season.
Source: UGC
Puerto Galera activities
This little town in Mindoro is truely an endless avenue for wild adventures and exciting activities. While Puerto Galera is a famous tourist spot for its white beaches and nightlife in bars and restaurants, this little city has a lot more to offer.
Island hopping
This is perhaps the most fun-filled activity on the island - and quite possibly the most tiring due to the number of islands you can explore. However, if you are a person who loves the beauty of crystal clear waters and nature, then island hopping has more than enough beautiful sceneries to offer. You can either explore freely with friends or hire a tour guide to hop the islands with you.
Scuba diving and snorkelling
The abundance of marine lives on the island makes it one of the most popular sites for snorkelling. Aside from cute fishes, there are also other fascinating underwater sceneries you can see, such as coral reeves and ancient shipwrecks. Of course, this is the activity where assistance is required, and plenty of snorkelling services are offered around the island.
Explore waterfalls
The island has four waterfalls you can check out - The Tamaraw falls, the Aninuan falls, the famed Tukuran falls and the Talipanan falls. Each one is harder to find than the other, but the payoff is worth it. Whether you want to stand under the water falling, swim in the cold water with friends, or just admire the magnificent body of water, these waterfalls are magnificent and worth exploring if you're up to the task.
Hang out in the beach
Last but not least in the list of Puerto Galera things to do, you can always just hang out in the beautful Puerto Galera white beach. Have a drink with friends, or a quiet talk with a loved one, the white beach just brings out the best mood in anyone.
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Getting around the island
The most utilized transport mode in the island is by tricycle. It is recommended to ask the locals about the local fare matrix as the tricycle drivers usually overcharge tourists.
The top Puerto Galera attractions
If you are planning a trip to this wonderful island, then it's recommended to have a good background knowledge on which sites are the most sought-after by tourists. Here are the most fascinating attractions to see on the island:
Puerto Galera White Beach
Located at the main island of Puerto Galera, the white beach is easily the main attraction for local and international tourists alike. The white sand stretches across the beach where are various bars, resorts and a great view of the crystal clear waters.
However, the catch is, all the festivity among the tourists makes this location quite noisy and even unruly, especially so during the peak seasons. If you would like to explore, there are other beaches such as the Aninuan Beach, Palangan Beach, Haligi Beach and Talipanan Beach
The islands
The Boquette Island, San Antonio Island and Hayanan Beach are all popular sites for one of the island's most popular activity: island hopping. Not only is this a great way to see more of the island's beauty, but it is also hugely impactful to the livelihood of the island's locals who make a living out of tour guiding.
The Mangyan village
If you are more curious about the island's culture and would like to explore the way of life of the tribe of the Irayas, then the Mangyan Village is perfect for you. The Irayas are a part of the Mangyan Tribe. You can also support their culture by buying their hand-made souvenirs.
Puerto Galera's floating bars
These are exactly what it sounds like watercrafts turned into bars and clubs. If you are the kind of person who likes to party but wants to do it in a more exotic way, then these floating bars just might be your next favourite.
Tamaraw falls
Source: UGC
This attraction may be on the last of this list, but it is definitely not the least attractive. Tamaraw falls is one of the most popular sites on the island, and it is only 40 minutes away from the main beaches. That might sound like a long way, but it is definitely worth it when you get there. You can swim the cold and clean waters that are guaranteed to wash all your troubles away.
Whether you are a lone traveller or travelling with friends and family, Puerto Galera is sure to make the most of your well-deserved summer vacation fantasies.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
