Puerto Galera

By wanderlust

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Puerto Galera has a charm all its own, despite being called the “poor man’s Boracay.” (Boracay being another popular beach destination in the Philippines.) It attracts many tourists, both foreigners and locals alike, with its natural beauty, easy accessibility, and reasonably priced amenities.

This coastal town is found northwest of Oriental Mindoro province. It only takes about three to four hours from Metro Manila (the country’s capital) to get there via a land-sea route. The seas could get rough during the typhoon season though; so always make sure that you take a boat that is sturdy enough and not overloaded.

Puerto Galera is best known for its amazing snorkeling and scuba diving areas, having remarkable marine biodiversity in the surrounding coral reefs. It has earned itself a spot on the “Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World” and has been declared a marine reserve by the United Nations (UNESCO). Its clear, warm waters and varied shore terrain beckon not only divers but also anyone seeking a good time on a budget.

Within the Puerto Galera peninsula, there are several beaches to choose from - including Sabang, White, Big and Small Lalaguna, Coco, and Palangan - each with its own unique character and wide range of accommodations. Sabang Beach is the more popular destination among divers due to its proximity to several dive sites. Within 5 to 10 minutes, you can immerse yourself into diverse marine life or shipwrecks under challenging currents. Its rocky shores and bustling nightlife make it less suitable for families / children though. White Beach similarly has several restaurants and bars, but the sandy shoreline is also good for sunbathing. Big and Small Lalaguna, Coco, and Palangan beaches are relatively more tranquil areas with beautiful scenery of palm trees and crystal waters.

Puerto Galera has a lot more to offer for water babies and landlubbers alike. There’s fishing, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, and jet skiing too if you don’t mind getting wet. While onshore, there’s golf, trekking, mountain or motor biking, shopping, dining, and partying from dusk ‘til dawn. Sightseeing is another option, with the Tamaraw Falls nearby as alternative scenery that is likewise awesome.

Definitely the kind of place you can keep coming back to, especially as your hard-earned money can go a long way here.


Puerto Galera is accessible via land-sea route from Metro Manila (the country's capital). You could take a bus ride (about 2 to 3 hours) to the Batangas City Pier then a boat ride (for another hour or so) to the islands. From Batangas, there is a wide selection of ferries headed for the various ports of entry within the peninsula. A more convenient (though more costly) option is the Sikat bus-and-ferry package available from Centerpoint Hotel in Manila that takes care of the connecting trips.




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