Puerto Galera Freedom to explore and discover

Literally meaning “Port of Galleons,” Puerto Galera

has been popular among seafarers ever since the
prosperous years of the Spanish galleon trade.
Considered to be one of the most beautiful and
safest harbours in the world, Puerto Galera was
Puerto Galera Getting There
From Manila and via Batangas pier, Puerto Galera is
regularly visited by merchant vessels sailing along approximately 4 hours traveling time. Buses depart
the important trade routes of Southeast Asia.
Today, things have changed a bit – the port still every 30 minutes from numerous bus stations in
retains its popularity, but with a different breed Manila (Cubao and along EDSA) for Batangas.
of explorers: scuba divers, photographers and From the pier, ferry services are available to Balatero,
naturalists coming from all over the globe. Sabang or Muelle on Mindoro Oriental. Most resorts
Puerto Galera is primarily famous for its splendid offer direct transfers from Manila and back as part of
beaches, coral reefs teeming with marine life and their package. Please check with your preferred
exquisite dive sites. The region was declared a hotel/resort facility beforehand.
Marine Reserve by the United Nations in 1974,
owing to its abundance of exotic fish species
seldom seen elsewhere. Diving is possible all Hotels and Resorts
year round here with over two dozen prime
There are plenty of establishments to accommodate
sites in the area. There is much to offer divers
of all abilities and levels of experience. both the hardy adventurer and the laid back vacationer
wanting to relax. There are inland hotels and inns for
Given its lofty reputation as an underwater
paradise, Puerto Galera is also the perfect those who are looking to explore more of Mindoro’s
gateway to some of the most unspoilt territories vast jungles and mountains, and beachfront resorts for
and national parks in the vast island of Mindoro. those who cannot wait to jump into the water to
One will be lured to explore pristine lakes, rivers marvel at the sea’s boundless beauty.
and waterfalls, meet indigenous tribes with their
own stone-age hand-writing, or trek through lush
vegetations and forests. Eating Out and Nightlife Sports Activities and Exploration
White Beach and Sabang offer the liveliest scenes in Puerto Galera features a reef system that is home to
Fast Facts "honky-tonk" Puerto Galera. People literally flock to a remarkable assortment of ocean life, which is ideal
these places for the most famous parties they throw for diving. The variety of corals, anemones and
Time Zone: GMT + 8
every night. As soon as the sun sets, the shores of underwater fauna is world-class. Visibility averages
Visa: Only required if staying more than 30 days 70 to 100 feet (20 to 30 metres) all year round. Water
these serene beaches come alive to the tune of
Climate: November to February – cool and booming karaoke machines and marathons of playing temperature ranges from 80° to 90°F (25° to 29°C).
mostly dry; March to June – warm and mostly dry;
live bands and spinning DJs. There are rows of bars The area offers beautiful beaches and excellent
July to October – warm and mostly wet
and pubs waiting to offer a party experience unlike snorkeling as well, with lush coral gardens and
Average Temperature Year-round: 24°C – 32°C abundant marine life close to shore.
anywhere else. Food and drinks are very inexpensive.
Attire: Light casual clothes all year round
At daytime, clubs are either closed or moonlight as At least 16 dive centres are located along the beaches
Money: Philippine Pesos. Check with the local
banks for current exchange rates. All major credit quaint cafes and restaurants, catering to the tired and of Sabang, Small La Laguna, Big La Laguna, Coco Beach
cards accepted lazy folk looking to relax or catch their breath after a and Encenada Beach. Local operators boast of at least
Water: Bottled water available in resorts, weary dive into the beautiful waters of Puerto Galera. 25 dive sites within 20 minutes of any dive centre.
restaurants and convenience stores
For the non-diver, there is a multitude of adventure
Philippines Department of Tourism
Communications: International and direct dial 10 -11 Suffolk Street London, SW1Y 4HG
Shops, Markets and Crafts and leisure programs that one can enjoy. Countryside
phone and fax. Internet cafes are widely available
Tel: 020 7321 0668 Fax: 020 7925 2920 Shops are mainly concentrated near town centres and trekking tours, golf, beach-combing and island-
What to Bring: Sun block, tanning lotions, tourist attractions. Indigenous native handicrafts and hopping activities, snorkeling, sunset cruises and
E-mail: [email protected]
insect repellant, personal medication, swimwear www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.co.uk delicacies are the best buys for souvenirs. Prices are other leisure programs can easily be organized with
and accessories, etc.
unbelievably low. the help of your resort hotel.
 6. Pandan Island is surrounded with great diving Useful Websites for the Region:
Attractions within the Region: opportunities, fantastic jump-off point for Apo reef.
Oriental Mindoro PU ER TO GALER A 1 Talipanan Reef
Diving Sites
21 Monkey Beach 7. Mt. Iglit-Baco National Park is the sanctuary for
Oriental Mindoro
Puerto Galera www.puertogalera.org
www.divepuertogalera.com
Oriental Mindoro is endowed with some of the 2 Manila Channel 22 Monkey Wreck
the tamaraw, a rare and endangered species of dwarf www.puertogalera.gov.ph
3 Batangas Channel 23 Ernie’s Cave
Philippines’ best naturescapes. While the province's 4 The Hill buffalo found only in Mindoro Island. This 75,000 www.mangyan.org
24 Wreck Point
foremost asset is, without doubt Puerto Galera, there 5 Coral Gardens Occidental Mindoro
25 Dungon Wall hectare game refuge provides a nice eco-tourism,
6 North Point Mamburao https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mamburao
are many more places that can fill your days and nights 26 West Escarceo
trekking, or mountaineering alternative to www.mamburao.gov.ph
7 Marcus Cave 27 Hole in the Wall
while in adventure mode in this magnificent region: 8 Sweetlip Corner 28 Pink Wall beach/dive resorts. Abra de Ilog www.abradeilog.gov.ph/tourism/
9 Secret Reef
29 The Atol Apo Reef www.whc.unesco.org/en/tenta
1. Tamaraw Falls is a 423-foot waterfalls situated 10 Mamoods Reef
30 Shark Cave tivelists/5033/
11 Oddie’s Dingding
alongside the road. It is a great attraction to 12 Deep La Laguna Reefs
31 Joshua’s Wall Marinduque Other useful Websites for nearby Regions:
32 Fish Bowl
passers-by and is only two hours away from 13 Dry Dock
14 La Laguna Point
33 Canyons East of Mindoro is the island province of Marinduque, Marinduque www.wowmarinduque.com
Puerto Galera. 34 Horse Head Reef Romblón https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romblon
15 Anton’s Wreck where one of the most colourful Philippine festivals
(St. Christopher) 35 The Steps www.romblon.net
2. The Excavation Museum, located within Puerto 16 Small to Big La Laguna 36 Kilma Driift is celebrated in time with the Lenten season. It is
Galera, houses several collections of Chinese and 17 Sabang Wrecks 37 Turtle Rock the Moriones Festival, a re-enactment of the legend Useful Contacts:
18 Sabang Point / Sabang Bay 38 The Boulders
Siamese pottery from the 15th century. It also of Longinus, a Roman centurion whose blindness Department of Tourism Offices:
19 Sabang Reef 39 Sinandigan Wall
was cured by the blood of the crucified Christ. This London +44 (0) 20 7321 0668
contains Ming Dynasty burial jars as well as a fine 20 Deep Monkey Beach 40 Japanese Wreck
[email protected]
collection of shells. miracle converted Longinus to Christianity and earned www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.co.uk
the ire of his fellow centurions. The re-enactment Manila +63 (0) 2 459 5200
3. Mt. Halcon is the country's third highest peak reaches its climax when Longinus is caught and
at 8,488 feet above sea level. It is a favourite Occidental Mindoro MIMAROPA Office +63 (0) 2 890 1014
[email protected]
beheaded. (Week-long from Palm Sunday to Easter).
destination for nature tripping and mountain Dubbed as "Marine Wonderland," Occidental varieties of sharks, turtles, stingrays and manta Airlines:
climbing. The jump-off to Mt. Halcon is Baco, Mindoro deserves the nickname primarily rays. Apo Reef also includes the fascinating bird- The festival is characterized by colourful Roman Air Juan Aviation, Inc. +63 (0) 2 718 8111
costumes, painted masks (i.e. Morion), helmets and www.airjuan.com
two hours away from Puerto Galera. because Apo Reef National Marine Park, as well populated islands of Binangaan and Caios del Bajo.
Air Asia +63 (0) 2 722 2742
as many other unexplored natural attractions brightly-coloured tunics. It is sometimes referred to www.airasia.com
4. The Mangyan Settlements, where one can have 2. San Jose is the commercial heart of
and outlying islets along its extensive coastline. as the Oberammergau of the Philippines, though the Ferries:
intimate encounters with this ethnic group found Occidental Mindoro, and is accessible directly
The mountainous interior of the province, on Moriones is celebrated annually in all five major MBRS Shipping Lines +63 (0) 2 243-5888
only in Mindoro. The settlements are located in from Manila with daily flights. While San Jose
the other hand, is a challenge even to the most towns of the province. M/B Island Cruiser +63 (0) 2 523-8541 loc. 175
Barangay Dulangan, Baco, two hours away from can serve as an alternate jump-off point for
intrepid of trekkers. M/V Blue Eagle +63 (0) 43 287 347
Puerto Galera. Apo Reef, its main attractions are three (Embarcación rápida)
1. Apo Reef National Marine Park is acclaimed sun-drenched islands with powdery white sand Romblon Montenegro Ma. Kristina +63 (0) 43 723-8294
5. Tukuran River Tour involves two to three hours as the best in Asia and second largest in the beaches and an array of aquatic sports and (Ro-Ro)
Recognized as the Marble Country of the Philippines,
of trekking through rivers and rice fields to view world. It is a 40 square kilometre reef located leisure activities (read items 3 to 5). Moreta Shipping Lines +63 (0) 2 244-6440
Romblon is famed for its rich marble deposits. SI-Kat Ferry +63 (0) 2 521-3344
some of the most stunning sceneries in the Mindoro 20 miles west of Mindoro Island. The waters are
3. Ambulong Island abounds with white sand Cobrador Island, the largest among the islets dotting Batangas Pier +63 (0) 43 723-8243
countryside. The tour begins and ends in Abra de abundant with marine fauna and luxuriant coral
beaches, cliffs along pillars jutting out of the the seas around Romblon, is reputed to hold deposits SuperFerry http://www.superferry.com.ph
Ilog, two hours by boat north of Puerto Galera. growth represented by approximately 400 -500
water, underwater caves, coral gardens and of rare black, gold and green marble. The other
kaleidoscopic coral species. Marine life includes Other useful Contacts:
6. Calapan is the capital of Oriental Mindoro and tropical fish and a fisherman's village at the treasures of Cobrador Island are its beaches – the
British Embassy Manila +63 (0) 2 816 7116
is an alternative entry point to the province and sheltered side of the island. most prominent being the wide expanse of fine white
40km2 of dive sites too British Consulate Cebu +63 (0) 32 346 0525
to Puerto Galera (three hours traveling time). numerous to mention! 4. Ilin Island is the biggest among the group sand about one kilometre long along its eastern side. Provincial Tourism Office +63 (0) 43 711-5003
The availability of undeveloped beaches nearby of islands located near San Jose. It has a
(Tourist Information Service
Much attention nowadays is being given to Carabao and Police Assistance)
makes it ideal for future tourism development village of shell divers, being abundant in Island, where beaches are said to be similar to those Mindoro Oriental Provincial +63 (0) 46 288-4439
and investments. shells and coral reefs. Police Office
of Boracay 20 years ago.
7. Lake Naujan is a freshwater lake surrounded 5. White Island has a 1.5 kilometre-long Photos courtesy of
by hot mineral springs and free-flowing water. powdery white sand beach which is ideal for
It serves as a wildlife sanctuary for various species swimming, scuba diving and fishing. Turtle
of waterfowl and other migratory birds and supplies APO eggs are occasionally found buried in the
freshwater fish to the province as well as mainland REEF sand, and visitors are cautioned to keep
Luzon. 40 kms south of Calapan. them undisturbed.