Puerto Galera Philippines

Puerto Galera

We went to Puerto Galera summer of 2017. Oh boy, was it hot!

Puerto Galera is located about an hour ferry ride south of Batangas port. We stayed in White Beach, a long stretch of white sand beach in Puerto Galera, where locals and tourist-alike bask under the sun.

Gorgeous sunset.

HOTEL

We were booked at White Beach Lodge & Restaurant for two nights and three days. We booked from a third party booking company called AGODA, but after a mishap when we arrived, we later on was placed to Residencia La Estela. The owner gave us rooms way far from the beach, with no nice views, whatsoever. Funny thing too was, it was behind the owner's own house. The flush was completely broken so we had to use old school of flushing toilet by using a pail of water. With social media era, and two youngsters in tow, wi-fi should be readily available at our fingertips but, there was no way it was available for us to use. There were four of us, and booked double rooms (x2) for PhP 1843 a night (CAD $ 48.50/ night). After all this little funny things from day one, we were determined to have fun. And so we did!

WHAT TO DO

PONDEROSA ZIPLINE

We took a tricycle way up to Ponderosa. The path to overlooking mountain was thick with lush greenery. Zipline was Php 700 per person, and a four-wheel beaten jeepney took us way up the mountain top. I'm not sure which one was more scarier, the zipline or the jeepney ride few inches away from the cliffs. Pretty sure, it was the latter. The zipline was about a minute far from the other end, and you'll see nothing but the forest as far as you can see and down below. What a refreshing sight. So I went to the thickness of it with my slippers in tow. I tried to film my ride but the scaredy cat in me started to pounce, so it didn't happen. The zipline slowed down half way, so I started to worry and thought they must have a rescue plan once a rider gets stucked in the middle. Gladly, there was no need for that drama. The view was amazing and truly, I have to say, bird's eye view is the best. I just enjoyed that first ever zipline of my life! Two thumbs up for this one. And more thumbs up for this, as earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5 didn't strike until after 24 hours after our rendezvous in the mountain top.

TAMARAW FALLS

This one is also a must-see once you are in Puerto Galera. The water falls fairly trickling down, but still a beautiful sight to see. The falls lead down to the a man-made swimming pool that caters for both adults and (not-so-big) children's swimming pool. It was a slippery walk from the cottage to the cool pool, as the ground is always wet. The entrance fee for the swimming pool was PhP 30 each person, but just to see the falls was free of charge. Tables are PhP30. Snacks and drinks are available as well.

VIRGIN BEACH

The Virgin Beach was highlighted with a Virgin Mary statue by the cliffs of the beach. Lots of tourists flock to this side more than the beach as the view from here was gorgeous. It was a descent from the road. Boulders were slippery and a bit steep.

SNORKELLING

We rented a boat for Php 1500 that took us to three islands, which sadly I forgot what they called. The view was amazing, crystal clear waters, soaring cliffs, and white sand. We snorkel the coral garden by holding the side of the small boat, and it covered a large ground of corals, effortlessly. Next was the underground cave. There wasn't much activities to do with underground cave but picture-wise, it would suffice to feed your social media accounts. We rented a water shoes for PhP 100 per person to go caving as the rock were intense and sharp, and slippers won't do its job. The cost of the first activity is Php 200 each. The next activity wether to see giant clams or underwater cave was PhP 100.

MANGYAN VILLAGE

It was recommended we hike the Mangyan Village, and so we did. It was quite hike for about an hour and 45 minutes back and forth by the bay. We stumbled upon this friendly kid named, Ace, who accompanied us from the beach all the way to the village. Mangyan Village was supported by the Ayalas. Mangyan tribes were weaving baskets and stuff as their livelihood.

Mangyans weaving baskets.

Nipa hut of Mangyans.

FOOD & DRINK

Fresh coconut water from the island was PhP 35 each. And you can ask to make a small spoon out of the husk so you can dig the coconut meat once thirst is quenched. And of course, so good.

The strip of food stalls lined the shore of Puerto Galera was a far cry from the last time I went there (circa 2001). Mostly, the food were priced for PhP 150 for a small meal, drinks were not included. We tried the Mindoro Sling for a pitcher, and was priced at PhP 400, it was just basically a fruit punch. Another drink we tried from Basilico was just an orange juice that has cheap gin, but we all thought, there was no alcohol in it whatsoever. Yeah, we were stripped of PhP 400 for a pitcher of juice, that basically tasted more like water tinged with juice. Mineral water for 1L range from PhP 50-60. We tried the Resto Veranda at the very end of White Beach, the food has European touch to it but not my cup of tea. If you have an adventurous palette, go for it. But if you know what European food should tastes like, and don't want to be disappointed, you will never find it here on the island. But would highly recommend it for their out of this world mojito! Fruit shake was ok, and about Php60 a glass, a refreshing drink early in the morning. The bulalo from the Outrigger was PhP900, and it was a killer!

The best thing I've ever tasted from the island was the taho from a vendor roaming around White Beach at 7 in the morning, PhP 15-20 for a small cup. Nothing beats a pre-breakfast of taho by the beach!

Typical menu on the strip.

Mojito for big boy/girls.

I forgot the resto's name. But located at the very end of the strip near big boulders. They offer the bestest and freshest mojito you'll ever taste.

European flair but will pick the basics any day!

UNI: Back to basics. This is it!

This is a fun amusement ride offered in the island, where the dj/operator plays music, people sit in the round contraption while it simultaneously rotates and bump you out of the seat. Definitely, one of the highlights in our P.G. adventure. ANd it's called Mindoro Korea (I guess this machine came form Korea.LOL.)

On the way from Iraya Mangyan, we passed by this two kids playing house along apalya (shore). Reminded me of childhood where we used sako (empty sack of rice) as our tent. The simplicity of island life.