Hi Guys! This trip is the 2nd part of my blog last week: “A Reunion of College Friends.” This time, we decided to go to Puerto Galera, Ederlyn’s hometown.
Puerto Galera is a town in Oriental Mindoro known for its dive sites and beaches. The long curve of White Beach is backed by bars and resorts. It was once dubbed as “One of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World” and was recognized by UNESCO as Man and Biosphere Reserve back in 1973. All these within a few hours of Manila make Puerto Galera a natural choice for escaping Manileños and travellers alike.
Photos from google
Getting there
If you’re coming from Manila, you have to ride a bus going to “Batangas Pier.” Fare is P167 from Buendia and travel time is roughly 1.5 - 2 hours depending on the traffic.
Since we’re all from Batangas, going to the port only took us a few minutes.
Puerto Galera Ticketing Offices
This is the ticket offices area and the entrance to the terminal for boats and fastcrafts. It can be very congested on peak seasons and we went on a long weekend (Chinese New Year).
Roundtrip tickets to White Beach, Puerto Galera cost P500 per pax (by March, it would increase due to higher cost of fuel). You’ll also have to pay P30 for the terminal fee.
Inside the Terminal
Boarding
With Karen and AB
By the way, Ederlyn’s family owns Galerian Lines so if you’re planning a trip to PG, I recommend that you get your tickets from their shipping lines. They have the best management and the most accomodating staff.
Travel time from Batangas port to White Beach will take around 1-1.5 hours.
Touch down, Puerto Galera!
Clear water and white sand
You’d also have to prepare P50 per pax for Environmental Fee. Officers will collect this upon your arrival.
Sadly, I don’t have a lot of photos of the White Beach. We’re in such a hurry because we were already behind schedule. Ederlyn’s house at Talipanan is still around 10-15 mins ride from here.
Reunited
Since our time at PG was limited, we had to choose between taking a dip at the beach or visiting the Tamaraw falls. We all agreed to do the latter.
On our way to Tamaraw Falls
The falls is quite a far from Talipanan but it was definity worth it!
Tamaraw Falls
This majestic beauty is one of the many natural wonders to see on Mindoro Island and is 423ft (128.3m) tall.
It got its name from the Mindoro Dwarf Buffalo called the Tamaraw. These are native only to the island of Mindoro.
A few steps down from the main road, you can dip in this pool for an entrance fee of P30 only! The water in the pool comes from the falls and it offers this view!
Tamaraw Falls Pool Area
Boodle Fight
We went back to Ederlyn’s to rest and help prepare dinner. I think we did a great job at it. Look at this masterpiece! Yum!
Inihaw na manok, liempo & laing
Dinner with Ederlyn’s parents
No doubt this is one of the best meals ever!
After eating, we started to prepare for the next event— the White Beach Party!
Night Life @ White Beach
There are a lot of bars at the White Beach and each offers different entertainment. There are dancers, acoustic bands, comedians, and many more! These are open every night, but gets extra crowded during weekends.
Oh, and there are also FIRE DANCERS!
We had the best time! We saw old friends and met new ones. We sang and dance to the music, though it was only allowed until 12 midnight. After that, it was all chitchat and DIY music! Haha. We arrived at 9PM and left around around 3AM. Surely, time flies when you’re having fun!
Going Home
Because of the party last night, we woke up just in time for lunch. Our departure was scheduled at 2pm, so we only had enough time fix our things. We ran out of time for swimming, diving and other water sports. But it’s okay because there’s a next time for sure! PG is always worth the comeback!
The boats en route to Batangas are ‘parked’ at the Talipanan beach, just a few steps from Ederlyn’s house. So before picking up other tourists, we were first to board.
First ones on the boat!
Mt. Malasimbo and Talipanan Beach
Thank you, Puerto Galera! You are truly beautiful and awesome!
P.S. I’d also want to thank the Ilagan family, for welcoming us always. Love you guys!
-Kay
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