What is Puerto Galera?
Puerto Galera is town on the Philippine island on Mindoro. It's known for its dive sites and beaches. The long curve of White Beach is backed by bars and resorts. Even before the colonial era, Puerto galera has always been a busy port area because it is a good natural shelter for ships and boats. In 1570, the Spaniards arrived in Batangas and later crossed the Verde Island Passage to this coastal settlement. They named it Puerto galera or Port of Galleons.
May, 2017 me and my sister went to Puerto Galera with their friends. At first I was afraid to get to boat because it is my first time to travel far and try that kind of transportation. But when I get in I enjoy every minute of it. I enjoyed the scenery, the air, and the waves.
How to get to Puerto Galera?
- Get off at Batangas Pier. You can also tell the conductor that you plan to go to Puerto Galera so he knows where to drop you off.
- Upon arrival at Batangas Pier, head straight to the ticket counters. You may be approached by touts saying that there are no public ferries to Puerto Galera that day. DON'T BELIEVE THEM. They're just trying to get you to charter an expensive private boat. Walk straight to the ticketing counters.
- Purchase tickets to Puerto Galera. You may choose a roro or a fast craft. you can find the schedule. Fare: P300.
- Pay the Batangas Pier terminal fee. P30 per person.
- Board your booked ferry. Travel time: 55-100 minutes, depending on the type of vessel.
- At Balatero or Muelle Port, pay the environmental fee. P50 per person. Balatero Pier also collects an additional P20 terminal fee.
- Ride a tricycle to your resort. If your resort is within short distance, fare is P200 per trip or P50 per person (if you're a group)
Things to do in Puerto Galera
Puerto Galera island hopping tour is one of the top activities you should not miss. This island hopping includes trip to Bayanan Beach, Sandbar Island, Haligi Beach and snorkeling at Coral Garden. Diving in Puerto Galera is undoubtedly one of the top things to do when you visit. You will never run out of diving options as several dive centers and resorts around White Beach offer dive course as well as Puerto Galera diving packages in the best dive sites.
The coast is sprinkled with resorts, bars and restaurants that have never stop expanding, thus, it is a convenient place to stay since everything you need is here but it can get quiet noisy as it is pretty popular for its nightlife.
Aside from swimming and getting a tan, you can try the water sports such as jet ski, kayak and banana boat ride offered by some resorts. At night you can go bar hopping, listen to live bands while drinking with friends and you can also watch the talented local fire dancers perform.
