Puerto Galera is so named because, at some point in the Spanish colonial period of the Philippines, it indeed became a “port of galleons.” It was one of the oldest settlements established by Catholic missionaries, in 1574, and because of its strategic location in Manolo Bay, it provided a safe place for galleons to anchor and weather the strong tropical storms that pass by the country. Our 10 best things to do in Puerto Galera gives you a better appreciation of this town’s importance, then and now.
1. Get to know the locals: visit the Mangyan Village
At the foot of Mt. Malasimbo, about 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) from the center of Puerto Galera, lies a unique attraction called the Iraya Mangyan Village. The village was established by philanthropists Jaime Zobel de Ayala and his wife, to house a community of Iraya Mangyans, an indigenous tribe living in Mindoro. This community was displaced from where they lived in the mountains when they were caught in the crossfire between military and local rebels. Now the Mangyans live in peace and more importantly are able to earn a livelihood by weaving baskets and other accessories from a native vine called ‘nito’.
In this new village, their children can also go to school and get an education. Visitors to the village can learn about the Mangyan’s life, up close and through the purchase of their products, visitors can support the village in a small way.
Iraya Mangyan Village
Address: Talipanan, Puerto Galera, Occidental Mindoro
How To Access: From White Beach in Puerto Galera, hire a tricycle for a round trip as no regular public transport is available.
Website: Iraya Mangyan Village
2. Catch a glimpse of local history at Muelle Port
Muelle Port is one of four ports in the town of Puerto Galera. This port, however, serves as the main port for ferries coming in and out of the town. It is also home to the well-known Puerto Galera Yacht Club, where sail boats and luxury yachts can safely moor, after a day or two out at sea. The club welcomes all types of boats and yachts, from any part of the world. The best time to watch these beautiful vessels is when the club hosts the annual All Souls Regatta, at the end of October. This race brings together small boats, dinghies, and big boats in a week-long event, in Puerto Galera.
All Souls Regatta - 2017
Address: Puerto Galera Yacht Club, Muelle Port, Puerto Galera
Duration: October 28 to November 5, 2017
How To Access: From Manila, take a bus via JAC Liner to Batangas Pier. From Batangas Pier, take a ferry via Minolo Shipping Lines to Muelle Port, Puerto Galera.
Website: 14th All Souls Regatta
3. Catch a glimpse of local history at the Excavation Museum
This museum is housed inside the compound of the Immaculate Conception Church. Although is a one-room affair, it is full of artifacts and relics that show Puerto Galera’s rich cultural heritage. Being located near a bay, the town had its share of shipwrecks, due to bad weather. Aside from Chinese jars and porcelain, there are also Siamese burial jars which were found in different excavation sites, in town. There are also different types of pottery, said to be made by early Filipino settlers. You can visit the museum for free, although a donation is appreciated, to help maintain the museum.
Excavation Museum
Address: P. Concepcion Street, Puerto Galera
Opening Hours: 8am - 11.30am; 1.30pm - 5pm (Mondays - Saturdays)
How To Access: From Muelle Port, the museum is a five-minute walk to the town center. Or you can ask a tricycle to take you to the museum.
4. Catch a glimpse of local history: The Baluarte Watchtower
About two hours away from Puerto Galera is the town of Naujan. In its village of Lumang Bayan, near the coast, lies the ruins of a watchtower otherwise known as the Baluarte. This watchtower was built during the Spanish period and served as the lookout point for arriving ships. It was a useful point to watch for threats from invaders or pirates, as well as incoming supply and trade ships.
One can reach it by taking a jeep or car to Naujan town. You can also join a tour package from a local tour agency, which usually includes this site.
Baluarte Watchtower
Address: Lumang Bayan, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro
How To Access: From Puerto Galera, you can take a public jeepney to Naujan town. The best way to get to the watchtower is by booking a tour with any of the local tour agencies, such as A Whole New World Travel Express or Puerto Galera Tour Packages.
5. Head to the beach: White Beach
White Beach is only one of the 32 beaches found in town, but it is by far the most famous of them all. This is the center of it all - in the daytime, the beach is full of swimmers and beach-goers and at night, it becomes the place for concerts and other events. Guests can also have dinner at any of the beachfront restaurants or watch the sunrise, early in the morning. Most of Puerto Galera’s resorts are located near the vicinity of White Beach, as well. Peak season is usually during the summer, between the months of April and May.
White Beach
Address: White Beach, Puerto Galera
How To Access: From Muelle Port, take a tricycle to White Beach. The beach is open all hours of the day.
6. Go diving at one of the world's best dive spots
Puerto Galera is endowed with some of the best dive spots in the country, so it is no wonder why so many dive shops have set up, in town. Of the over 40 dive sites, you can choose the type of dive you want to do - from as shallow as 12 meters (39 feet) to as deep as 30 meters (98.4 feet). The variety of dives can also range from the simplest reef diving, to cave diving and specialized wreck diving.
Any of the local dive shops can arrange dives for you or your group. The best thing about the dive spots in Puerto Galera is that they are but a few minutes away from town.
Puerto Galera Diving
How To Access: Book your dive with any of the PADI-accredited dive shops such Blue Ribbon Dive Resort
Contact Information: Blue Ribbon Dive Resort, Small La Laguna Beach, Sabang, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro; Tel: +63 917 893 2719
7. Go island hopping: Bayanan Beach, Haligi Beach, Sandbar Island
Even if you are not a diver, you can still enjoy the treasures that Puerto Galera has to offer, by taking an island hopping tour. A usual day tour will take you to Bayanan Beach, Haligi Beach, Sandbar Island and Coral Garden. Both beaches offer a quieter and calmer beach experience than going to White Beach or Sabang Beach. Coral Garden, on the other hand, is one of the best snorkeling sites in the area.
Puerto Galera Island Hopping Tour
How To Access: You can make arrangements for an island hopping tour in Muelle Port, Sabang Pier or White Beach. Local fishermen usually take groups of tourists.
Fees: about 30 USD for a chartered boat for 8 persons; additional 12 USD per person for additional activities
8. Go island hopping: Giant clams and an underwater cave
Giant clams are heavily protected in Puerto Galera, and there is a specific area where you can see them. While you are on the island hopping tour to the beaches, all you need to do is ask your guides to bring you to these extra sites - the giant clams and the underwater cave. You need to pay an extra 12 USD, per person, for your guides can take you on smaller boats, so you can snorkel around the waters. Aside from rich marine life, you can go for a more adventurous dip by going into a pool, inside an underwater cave.
Puerto Galera Island Hopping Tour - Additional Activities
How To Access: You can make arrangements for an island hopping tour in Muelle Port, Sabang Pier or White Beach. Local fishermen usually take groups of tourists.
Fees: about 30 USD for a chartered boat for 8 persons; additional 12 USD per person for Coral Garden, Giant Clams and San Antonio Underwater Cave
9. Try the famous Mindoro Sling
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
While in Puerto Galera, you should not miss the famous Mindoro Sling. This cocktail is aptly named after the island of Mindoro and is a concoction of rum, pineapple juice, mango juice, orange juice, lime juice, grenadine syrup, and Sprite, garnished with a mango slice. You can order this in almost every bar on White Beach, especially during happy hour.
10. Chase waterfalls: Tamaraw Falls
If you want to take your adventure inland, don’t miss a visit to the famed Tamaraw Falls about 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) from the town center of Puerto Galera, which is about a 30-minute ride. Located near the West Nautical Highway, the falls can be reached by a paved, zigzag path. The twin waterfall has the cleanest waters in the province and it flows into two man-made swimming pools. For a small fee of 0.50 USD, tourists can take a very cool dip in any of the pools. There are cottages near the pool where one can have a picnic lunch or barbecue.
Tamaraw Falls
Address: West Nautical Highway, Puerto Galera
How To Access: Book a tour through any a local tour agency such as WOW Puerto Galera Package. If you are on a budget, you can take a jeepney from Puerto Galera to Calapan and ask to be dropped off near Tamaraw Falls. The fare is about 0.50 USD.
11. Extreme Sports in Puerto Galera
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Looking for a one-stop for an adrenaline rush with your friends or family? Then, Extreme Sports Philippines has got it for you. Choose among their outdoor activities ranging from paintball, ATV ride, mud karts, go-kart racing, archery tag, crossbow, airgun, nerf arena, archery target shooting, and bubble soccer. You may also avail their package deal to get a discounted rate for a day packed with great activities. Enjoy and have fun without worrying as they are famous for ensuring safety among their guests who are looking for an exciting adventure while in Puerto Galera. Plus, if you are staying along the white beach, they provide a free shuttle to assist you to conveniently arrive at your adventure grounds
Extreme Sports Philippines
Address: Puerto Galera, 5203 Oriental Mindoro
Website: Extreme Sports Philippines
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Come and see one of the most beautiful bays in the world
Puerto Galera is a proud member of the “Most Beautiful Bays of the World” club, and in fact, is the only member in the Philippines. Find out for yourself why this is so. We have given you 10 good reasons to start with.
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