Peace and quiet in Puerto Galera: A ‘Biyahe Ni Drew’ itinerary

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Mindoro slings, fire dancers, and the heavy beat of dance music are what people would normally equate with Puerto Galera. But this beach destination, framed by clear waters of the Isla Verde Passage, is capable of offering peace and quiet.
 

 

If skipping large crowds and the party scene are your thing and you simply want to take in the beauty of Puerto Galera, let "Biyahe Ni Drew" be your guide.

 

On the Road
 

Before you reach Puerto Galera, you have to go to Batangas Port, our jump-off point to Mindoro island from Luzon. From the South Luzon Express Way, take the Star Tollway and exit via the Balagtas diversion road to the port.  

 

Al Goto King Special Bulalo

Balagtas, Batangas

 

If you’re thinking of making a stop for some good eats, then a visit to Al Goto King Special Bulalo is a must. As their name suggests, goto and bulalo are their specialties but that should not stop you from sampling the goat and the local fish such as maliputo, tulingan and tawilis cooked as sinigang, paksiw, sinaing or fried. Find it as soon as you exit the Star Tollway going to the Port. You’ll see a long line of cars parked out in front.

 

Bulalo Php 380, good for 4 persons

Goto P 65 per serving

 

Port of Batangas

Santa Clara, Batangas

 

Getting to Puerto Galera requires you to cross the Isla Verde Passage, so a boat ride is required.

 

If you brought your car, you may consider taking it to Calapan City using the RORO (roll on, roll off). The ride will take around two and a half hours to Calapan City Port, which is still an hour away from Puerto Galera. If you wish to go straight to Puerto Galera, you may opt to take the outrigger ferries that go straight to the various beaches.

 

Terminal Fee P 20 per person; P 120 per vehicle

RORO fare P 240/person; P 1920/vehicle

Outrigger Ferries varies from P 220-280, one-way

Where to Stay

 

Luca Miramare Lodge

Talipanan Beach, Puerto Galera

Mobile numbers 0916 4175125, 0917 7925263

 

If you’re after reasonably-priced accommodations with access to excellent food, you will enjoy Luca Miramare lodge. Their restaurant, Luca Cucina Italiana Restaurant and Pizzeria, happens to be one of the better food establishments on Puerto Galera (more on that later). It is also a relaxing beach getaway perfect for those on a trip with their significant other. It is also great for families who want a place with a beautiful beachfront to have the kids play around in. If you want to go diving, they can also help organize trips and diving expeditions for you.   

 

Rates:

Standard Room P 1,500

Family Room P 2,000

 

Mountain Beach Resort

Talipanan Beach, Puerto Galera

Mobile numbers 09165095038; 09063625406; 09163665805; 09204891589; 09228044440 to 42

 

This resort offers a variety of rooms to fit every vacationer’s needs—from concrete bungalows with air-conditioning to rustic huts. All are just a few meters away from the quiet beach with pristine waters. Talk to the staff to arrange a trip to the Talipanan falls or a visit to the Mangyan village.

 

Rates:

Suite Room Php 3,000 (per additional person + Php 600)

Aircon Rooms with Cable TV Php 2,500 (per additional person + Php 500)

Bungalow near the beach with fan Php 3,000

Bungalow with Kitchen at the 2nd floor Php 2,500

Single Nipa Hut w/ Cable TV, Kitchen, Fan, Ref, Stove Php 2,000 (per additional person + Php 400)

Fan Rooms without Kitchen Php 1,500 (per additional person + Php 500)

 

Capt’n Gregg’s Beach Resort

Sabang, Puerto Galera

Telephone numbers (0432) 873071 and (0432) 8763070; Mobile (0917) 5404570

 

If you’re after accommodations that allow you access to scuba diving activities, this resort is for you. It is a landmark after all, as it is the first dive shop in Puerto Galera. Rooms here are western style with amenities like safety boxes, cable tv, hot and cold shower, and a choice between fan and air-conditioned rooms.

 

Rates (vary from season to season)

Php 1400 fan room

Php 2200 air-conditioned room

 

Where to Eat

Luca Cucina Italiana Restaurant and Pizzeria

Talipanan Beach, Puerto Galera
Mobile numbers 0916 4175125, 0917 7925263

 

If you’re not staying at their lodge, make sure to drop by their restaurant. Their menu is a mix of Filipino favorites and Italian dishes. The pizzas are definitely worth ordering as they are always made fresh. Don’t forget to try the mains either like the Pollo Arrosto, a succulent roast chicken served with potatoes. Bring a friend or a big appetite with you as the servings here are huge.

 

Rates: Entrees start at Php 400

 

Hemingway’s Bistrot

Sabang Beach, Puerto Galera

Telephone number 043 2873560; Mobile: 0920 2060553

 

If you fancy a hearty, carnivorous meal, then Hemingway’s Bistrot is the joint for you. They specialize in steaks and they do it really well according to your specifications. They boast about using only the best beef for their specialties. Try the Caldereta, Thai Curry, Chateaubriand, and the Bavarian Eisbein, a pork dish that reminds one of crispy pata.

 

Rates:

Authentic Thai Curry Php 658

Bavarian Eisbein Php 788

Caldereta with imported Beef Tenderloin Php 788

Beef Tenderloin Chateaubriand Php 1955 for 600 grams, good for two

 

Cap’n Gregg’s Beach Resort Restaurant

Sabang, Puerto Galera
Telephone numbers (0432) 873071 and (0432) 8763070; Mobile (0917) 5404570

 

Any beach outing would not be complete without a grill, and this is what Cap’n Gregg capitalizes on. There’s a big barbecue every night with a well-appointed bar to complement it. If you’re into extreme eating, you may want to try their Pizza Challenge where they give you an hour to finish a 50 cm pizza. Win it and you eat for free! Their wide array of breakfast items are also a great come-on.

 

Rates:

Imported Steaks Php 500/serving

BBQ Specialties Php 350

Breakfast Php Php 110-350

 

What to do

Scuba Diving: Capt’n Gregg’s Waterfront Dive Shop, Frontier Scuba Dive Shop, and

Discover Scuba Diving

 

Puerto Galera is one of the Philippine’s top scuba diving destinations so a visit here without trying or learning it would be a waste. There are many dive shops on the island so choose one that is PADI certified with instructors you can trust.

 

Rates: starts at Php 2150 / 2 ½ hours

 

X-Treme Sports Philippines Adventure Park

Holy Child School, Bgy Sto. Nino, Puerto Galera

Mobile Number 09175528114

 

If you get tired of the beach, go inland and check out the adrenaline-pumping activities at this adventure park. Even if you’re alone, the staff will make sure you have an awesome time on Mud Carts, All-Terrain Vehicles, Go-Karts and Paintball.   

 

Rates:

Mud Carts and ATV package Php 549

Mud Carts, ATV and Karting Php 749

Mud Carts, ATV, Karting and Paintball Php 999

Tukuran Hidden Paradise Travel

San Teodoro, Puerto Galera

 

Up in the mountains of Puerto Galera, one can find Tukuran falls. It is a small waterfall set amidst a lush green environment. It takes about an hour to get there via jeep from the town proper. Guests can opt to walk to the falls or take a Carabao taxi (an ox-drawn sled).

 

Rates:

Entrance Fee Php 50

Carabao Taxi Php 450

Tamaraw Falls

Bgy Villaflor, Sabang, Puerto Galera

 

No need to hike to see this baby. This roadside 130 meter waterfall is a marvelous sight for anyone who happens to pass by. A photo op here is a must. But more than just photo ops, these falls also offer swimming pools and picnic grounds for those who want to spend a little more time taking in the beautiful sights.  

 

Open 7:00 AM-5:00 PM

 

Rates:

Entrance Fee P 25

Cottage rental Php 140

Table rental Php 30

 

Yes, peace and quiet can be found in Puerto Galera! With a little exploring, one can break away from the noisy crowds and fully enjoy the sand and scenery.---BMS/ARP