What to do in Puerto Galera

By Alberto Quintero

Just a short venture from Manila is beautiful Puerto Galera, a like a string of pearls the beaches are on the northwest side Mindoro Island: Tamaraw Beach, Big & Small Lalaguna, Sabang Beach, White Beach, and Coco Beach. Due to the cost of transportation to get there, lodging, food and drinks being fairly cheap compared to Boracay or Palawan, Puerto Galera is a haven for Filipinos and foreigners. For those that are on a tight budget a weekend trip for two can be as low as $100, including transportation from Manila.

The longest and widest beach is White Beach. Compaired to Sabang Beach, White Beach is laid-back, but Sabang is a bit smaller and livelier due to more bars, shops, restaurants, and discos. In the middle of the bay Sabang lays claim to a floating bar where imported and local drinks are accessible. Both beaches have a teeming nightlife, but don’t just stay at one beach in one stay, try beach hopping to gain a full experience. It is easy to get to Small Lalaguna from Sabang, it’s only a short walk away! Linking the beaches is an inviting bar “The Point” that has a view of the ocean. All the other beaches at Puerto Galera are accessible by pump boat, jeep, or tricycle. Due to the amount of beaches offered in Puerto Galera it is common to rent a cottage or bungalow at one resort and hop from one beach/resort to another during the day or night.

Every kind of activity that can be done on the beach or islands is offered in Puerto Galera! Night clubs, restaurants, and bars at night. Island hopping, jet skiing, beach volleyball, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, strolling, boating, swimming, and bars on the beach are just a few during the day. For those that are more adventurous you can hire a guide to trek the mountain.