2019 • 06 • 25

Another favorite destination of weekend warriors is Puerto Galera. It’s a popular destination for urbanites who are looking for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s very near Manila and you won’t need a fortune to relax and unwind on its beautiful beaches.

Don’t expect the sand here to be as white and fine as Boracay, but you can expect to experience the same beach parties (some say it’s even better). The beachfront is lined with a wide selection of restaurants and bars that every party-goer will surely enjoy. Don’t forget to try “Mindoro Sling” – a very popular drink in town. It’s a locally-made concoction of rum, fruit juice, and Sprite. Almost all bars and restaurants offer this cocktail so you won’t have trouble looking for it.

Puerto Galera is not only famous for its almost white, sandy beaches and magnificent bays but is also considered as one of the best diving sites in the country. UNESCO hailed Puerto Galera as a Man and Biosphere Reserve in 1973 for its diverse marine life and treasured underwater troves. It’s a shame to skip diving when you’re surrounded by so much beauty that’s waiting to be discovered and explored.

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How to Get to Puerto Galera

BY BUS

1. If you’re coming from Manila, you can take a bus in LRT Buendia, Cubao, or Alabang going to Batangas City Pier. Buses that serve the Batangas Pier route are DLTB, Ceres, and Jam Transit. The journey takes about two hours depending on traffic.
2. Once you arrived in Batangas Pier, proceed to the ticket counters to purchase tickets to Puerto Galera (P300). Then, pay the terminal fee for Batangas Pier (P30 per person).
3. Board the boat/ferry going to Puerto Galera. The trip usually takes an hour to an hour and a half. This is the most recommended route to reach Puerto Galera from Batangas Pier. You also have to pay the environmental fee of P50 upon arriving at Balatero or Muelle Port. Note: If your ferry docked at Balatero Pier, you have to pay an additional P20 terminal fee.
4. Muelle Port in Puerto Galera is where the boats and ferries dock. After arriving at Muelle Port, you’ll have to hail a tricycle to your resort. Tricycle fare from port usually costs P50 per person (if you’re a group) to areas like White Beach and Tamaraw Beach. Some resorts also have their own shuttles that you can arrange pick-up service with from the port to your resort. You can also catch a jeep going to Sabang which passes through White Beach for P20 per person.

BY CAR

1. From Ayala, take the ramp going to the Southern Luzon Expressway (SLEX).
2. Continue driving towards SLEX and pay at the toll booth.
3. Drive towards the direction of ACTEX (Alabang-Calamba-Tanauan Expressway), pay at the toll booth.
4. Then, drive straight to the direction of STAR (Southern Tagalog Arterial Road) tollway. Continue driving along the STAR Tollway.
5. Take the Bauan, Batangas Exit and find your way to the Batangas Pier by following the road signs.
6. You can either take the car to Puerto Galera, which is a bit expensive. Or you can park your vehicle in any of the parking lots near the pier which costs between P150-200 (overnight parking fee). From there, you can take a tricycle to the Batangas pier.

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Getting Around Puerto Galera

To get around town, tricycles are available everywhere. Short rides could cost P150-200 per way (good for 3 pax). If you know how to drive a motorcycle, renting one for a day at P400 would be more practical. Just remember to have your driver’s license with you whenever you go out to town.

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Where to Stay in Puerto Galera

The town itself is no stranger to tourists so you can find many affordable lodging options around town. The White Beach area is for travelers who love to party and enjoy the beach all day and all night long. Aside from partying, White Beach is also the jump-off point for some island-hopping tours. And if you’re just there to relax, you can beach bum the whole day then just look for a quieter spot for dinner because the shoreline gets its groove going when the clock strikes at 7 PM.

Located about 800 meters away from White Beach, Aninuan Beach may be the perfect balance of fun and sand. Although the sand is not as white and fine compared to White Beach, Aninuan has a charm of its own. There are fewer resorts and restaurants, but that means you can find the solitude you might be looking for. Also, most resorts in this area have swimming pools, that’s a great alternative in case you have kids with you.

If you’re visiting Puerto Galera for scuba diving, Sabang has the best diving shops in town. But, do take note that sand in Sabang is not for beach bumming and sunbathing. If you want finer sand to walk on, you can visit nearby beaches like Aninuan and White Beach.

• Bamboo House Beach Lodge & Restaurant. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Edgewater Dive & Spa Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Sunset at Aninuan Beach Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Infinity Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY

For more options, search here: Puerto Galera Hotels