Puerto Galera Travel Guide
I’ve always heard about how Puerto Galera is an amazing place and saw pictures on the internet where its white beaches are always highlighted. It wasn’t until I was actually there that I appreciated it completely. I now understand what people mean when they say Puerto Galera is an enchanting place—and even that is an understatement.
Written by Joanna Caballero | Edited by Bianca Versoza
From its almost powdery, fine white sands, crystal clear waters, and rich marine life, it certainly deserves UNESCO’s designation as a Man and Biosphere Reserve (1973) and being named the Most Beautiful Bay In The World (2005) by the Paris-based club, Les Plus Belles Baies Du Monde.
Break out your sunhats, apply sunscreen, pack your swimsuits, and dive into this Puerto Galera travel guide!
Best time to visit Puerto Galera
There really is no “best time” to visit this amazing place.
Still, I suggest staying off of peak seasons and holidays, as you might not be able to fully enjoy the scenery and activities, especially if it’s packed with many people.
You wouldn’t want to capture groups of people in your photo’s backgrounds instead of the beautiful beaches, falls, and sceneries, would you?
With this, you might want to avoid the peak season during summer, which is April to May. You’d also want to avoid going with the influx of people during the Philippines’ Holy Week celebration and Christmas break.
How to get to Puerto Galera
Here’s how you can travel to Puerto Galera by bus, private car, and ferry or fastcraft:
How to travel to Puerto Galera by bus
If you want to travel to Puerto Galera by bus, you will have to ride the one that will take you to Batangas Pier. If you’re coming from Metro Manila, you can ride the bus from Buendia LRT station.
The bus trips are usually scheduled from 12 AM until 10:30 PM, and a new bus is usually on the route every 30 minutes.
However, if you don’t want to take your chances (especially during holidays and peak season), I suggest purchasing bus tickets online to ensure you get a seat.
The travel time from Buendia LRT Bus Terminal to Batangas Pier takes about 2 hours (depending on traffic).
From there, you can ride a ferry or a fastcraft to Puerto Galera.
How to travel to Puerto Galera by private car
The process is basically the same, except you would take your car instead of a bus.
If you decide to bring your car, you will have 2 options: you can leave your private vehicle at Batangas Pier and ride the ferry or fastcraft, or you can board the RoRo (Roll-On, Roll-Off) with your car and bring it with you to Puerto Galera.
However, it could cost you more since you will also be paying parking fees, and riding a RoRo could take longer than opting for a fastcraft.
Batangas Pier to Puerto Galera
Once you arrive at Batangas Pier, you have 2 options: to ride a ferry or a fastcraft. If you’re planning on going to White Beach, choose Pier Balatero.
If you’re visiting Sabang Beach, select Muelle Port.
Ferry
Riding the ferry to Puerto Galera takes about 1.5 hours, and the ticket costs approximately Php 550.
Note that the ferry ride is on a first-come, first-served basis, so securing your tickets in advance would be best.
Fast Craft
There are also fast crafts in Batangas Pier. Most people opt for this since it is faster, and the ticket prices usually depend on the service provider.
Where to stay in Puerto Galera
Surely, you’d need comfortable accommodation to spend your nights in, especially after doing so many fun activities during the day.
Here are some of the hotels and resorts you can stay in during your vacation:
Badladz Beach Resort
It’s a Beach Resort, so make sure to pack your swimsuits and sunscreens (emphasis on the “s” at the end) because 2 of Puerto Galera’s most beautiful beaches, Sabang and White Beach, are just 20 minutes away from here.
That’s not all—there is also a small private beach here that you and your friends and family will love!
Infinity resort
If you’re looking for a great view of nature, Infinity Resort and Spa is a great place to stay in! This resort is one of the finest and most widely recognized boutique resorts in Puerto Galera.
They have an area of approximately 2 hectares, and in addition to the interesting packages they offer, you can also enjoy a couple of adrenaline-pumping water sports activities here.
Verde View Villas Resort
Verde View Villas Resort is just a few minutes away from White Beach and other attractions, such as Tamarraw Falls, Coral Garden, and Tukuran Falls.
They treat their guests like royalty, so as a bonus, they are entitled to one complimentary shuttle roundtrip each day they stay at the resort so they can better tour the island.
Verde View also has an outdoor swimming pool, a private beach where guests can go snorkeling, a KTV room, a bar and restaurant, and even a massage service.
Fridays Puerto Galera
If you’re after luxury with a dash of eco-friendliness, Fridays Puerto Galera is the perfect place for you.
Located near Muelle Bay, this resort is considered one of the best resorts and beaches on the island.
Enjoy over 20+ beachfront rooms with air conditioning, a 49-inch TV, a hot shower, a swimming pool, and a bar and restaurant to top your daily island tour.
What to do at Puerto Galera
Enjoy the White Beach
Since this is the most well-known tourist spot in Puerto Galera, it just makes sense that it is on top of the list in this Puerto Galera travel guide.
I chose to visit this beach on my first day on the island, and all the beautiful photos and hype I’ve seen online are genuine.
Truly, the word “beautiful” is an understatement of its majestic beauty. The sands are so fine and white, making being there seem almost magical.
The crystal blue water is just breathtaking, and the best thing is swimming isn’t the only thing you can do here. Water sports like jet skiing, banana boat rides, and kayaking can also be enjoyed here.
Did I also mention how beautiful the sunset here is? It’s like a scene taken out of a movie, and words (or pictures) don’t do justice to everything I’ve witnessed here.
There are also many restaurants and stalls you can eat from, but since this is a tourist spot (and White Beach is one of Puerto Galera’s most famous beaches), you can expect the prices to be a little steep, especially in establishments by the waterfront.
TRAVEL TIP: The closer the restaurants are to the tourist attractions you’re visiting, the steeper the prices will be. Try to look for restos away from famous spots.
Visit the Mangyan Village
The Iraya Mangyan Village is another one of the popular spots located at the foot of Mount Malasimbo.
This village is around 5.6 miles from Puerto Galera’s center and was founded by Jaime Zobel and his wife.
They are philanthropists working with the indigenous community, Lraya Mangyans, wherein they gave them proper shelter after relocating them so they wouldn’t get in the way of the crossfire between the military and the rebels.
Now, this village is open to the public so they can witness this tribe’s way of life, appreciate their culture, and enjoy their beautiful weaves and artworks.
You can support their livelihood by buying some of their homemade products.
Relax at Talipanan Beach
Do you love going to the beach but hate how crowded it always is? Then Talipanan Beach is one of the places you must visit.
Aside from its calm waters and beautiful powdery white sands, this beach is in a secluded spot, so you can enjoy a relaxing and quiet time here.
The great thing is that this beach is only 30 minutes away from White Beach, so after having fun at Puerto Galera’s most popular beach, you can spend the afternoon here in Talipanan and enjoy tranquility.
FRIENDLY REMINDER: While it may be tempting, collecting stones, pebbles, and sand from the beach is prohibited under the law.
Relive history at the Excavation Museum
Put on your thinking caps and visit the Excavation Museum inside the Immaculate Conception Church complex.
Here, you can see old relics and art and learn about the rich culture of Puerto Galera. This museum is free to the public, but donations are always welcome to help with its maintenance.
TIP: Just like any other museum, avoid touching anything here, no matter how interesting they may be.
Hike to Tamaraw Falls
If you’re more of a hiker than a beach buddy, then Tamarraw Falls is worth exploring.
This twin waterfall runs beneath a bridge that flows towards 2 man-made pools, where you can take a cool and refreshing dip.
It’s about 3 stories high, and locals say this body of water is the cleanest in the province. You can chill in the nipa huts around the falls while having a barbecue or buy snacks and refreshments from local vendors.
Visit the famous Baluarte Watchtower
I know you probably want to visit Puerto Galera for its famous beaches, but since you’ll already be visiting, why not drop by the Baluarte Watchtower as well?
This watchtower is located in Naujan Town, approximately 2 hours from the city. In the Spanish era, it was used as a lookout point to see ships arriving at the port.
Aside from physically seeing a piece of history, the ruins would also make a great sport if you’re looking to take photos without too many people around.
Go beach hopping
I suggest planning your island or beach hopping trip in advance so that you’ll know which beaches to visit first, how much the boat rides cost, and how long you should stay at each destination.
Some of the pocket beaches you can cover in your beach hopping trip include San Antonio Island (a.k.a. Medio Island), Sandbar Island and Haligi Beach, and Bayanan Beach.
Witness marine life at the Coral Garden
As the name suggests, it’s a garden, but for corals. Aside from being known as a “party island,” Puerto Galera is also famous as one of the best spots for divers in the country.
Whether you’re a certified diver or not, you can enjoy the Coral Garden as you won’t really be diving deep to witness the beauty of marine life.
This means even newbies can swim with the fish and see the beauty of the corals first-hand.
Relax and enjoy the sunset at Aninuan Beach
Another picturesque beach that literally looks like it was torn out of the cover of a magazine, Aninuan Beach boasts of its fine white sands, crystal blue waters, and a less crowded beach experience.
With Mount Malasimbo in the background, this beach has become a popular destination for couples who are looking for a romantic getaway.
If you’re tired of partying and want to spend the day in peace and tranquility, Aninuan Beach is just a couple of minutes away from White Beach and Talipanan Beach.
Oh, did I also mention just how beautiful the sunset here is?
Explore Aninuan Falls
If you take pride in hunting for hidden gems in each place you visit, surely, Aninuan Falls would be a great spot for you.
It would require a river hike, and you would pass through natural structures like steep rock formations and slippery boulders (be careful) before you reap the rewards of this hidden beauty.
Go diving
As previously mentioned, Puerto Galera is not only known for its picturesque beaches but also for its diving spots.
There are about 40 spots on the island where you can enjoy a good dive, and these spots range from 39 to 98.4 feet.
Trek to Talipanan Falls
Just like Aninuan Falls, Talipanan Falls is a little less crowded than the more popular falls, and you can stop by in case you’re visiting Talipanan Beach.
You can also include this as a side trip when you’re visiting the Iraya Mangyan Village. Hikers will definitely enjoy the trip to Talipanan, as you have to hike for about 30 minutes to reach it.
Get ready to enjoy awesome activities here, including jet skiing, kayaking, snorkeling, riding a banana boat, and enjoying the water park.
Swim in Tukuran Falls
Another natural wonder that should be included in your “to visit” list is Tukuran Falls. It is one of the lesser-known waterfalls, but just as equally enchanting as the popular ones.
From its amazing rock formations to its refreshing and clear water, you definitely won’t be able to resist the urge to take a dip!
Aside from trekking, you can also ride a carabao (the carabao pulls a wagon that can fit up to 6 persons) while relaxing and breathing in the fresh air.
This will take you and your friends and family through the shallow river while you enjoy the lush tropical paradise on the way to Tukuran Falls.
One pro tip I can give is to swim underneath the falls and let the water from above fall on your shoulders (or back) so you can get a free massage from Mother Nature.
Getting here won’t be easy, but this paradise within a paradise will certainly be worth it!
NOTE: They are open from 7 AM to 5 PM.
Explore the Giant Clams Site
To get to the Giant Clams snorkeling site (and actually enjoy it, even if you’re a first-timer in snorkeling) it is suggested that you hire a small boat to take you on a snorkeling tour.
This typically costs Php 300 (gears included), and the boat can accommodate two people, so if you have someone with you, you can easily split the costs.
The price mentioned above is for 1 snorkeling site, and if you want to get the most value out of your money, they also offer 3 snorkeling sites for Php 600.
Swimming with the fish and enjoying the corals are just like watching a movie in 3D, but a hundred times better!
Take note that the Giant Clams are protected areas, and tourists can only enjoy them from a certain point. Still, seeing huge clams, even from a distance, is just as stunning (and anyone who gets scared easily would be thankful that they can only be observed from a distance).
Go diving at Sabang Beach
Aside from White Beach, Sabang Beach is one of the well-known beaches on the island of Puerto Galera.
Sabang Beach is also not your typical beach. It is more known for being a diving spot, so you can expect to find lots of diving equipment shops here.
If you’re not a diver, worry not—you can still enjoy your time here, as this place is also known for its “night life”.
Do note that the waterfront is being redeveloped and expected to be finished in late 2024 to mid-2025.
That said, taking a good photo might not be possible at the moment as there is construction equipment and gravel around.
Also, as this beach is more for diving and “fun night outs,” it might not be your best bet if what you’re after is a family-friendly beach.
Still, this is the best spot for divers, so plan your itinerary well, especially if you’re traveling with friends and family who aren’t much into diving.
Relax at Bulalacao
If you’re tired of sharing the beach with lots of tourists and just want to get a quiet afternoon to yourself while enjoying the view, you should consider going to Bulalacao.
This is one special island since it consists of 13 untouched islets. Wondering where it got its name?
If you look at these islets from a bird’s-eye view, they resemble shooting stars—the perfect name for Mindoro’s hidden treasure!
Sinandigan
Since Puerto Galera is a coastal town, you can expect it to have a lighthouse. Sinandigan is a lighthouse that serves as a passage for anyone who wants to get the best view of Isla Verde.
Aside from this, you can also enjoy the mesmerizing underwater flora and fauna on the nearby beach.
You can visit this spot 24/7, although it is not recommended to go at night.
REMINDER: Make sure to check with the coast guard first if it is safe to go diving after seeing the sights.
Explore Infinity Farm
Infinity Farm is not your average farm—there are no chickens, cows, or livestock in sight, just fresh air, lush greens, and a clear stream of water (probably one of the clearest you’ll ever see).
Explore the scenery and follow the stream up the mountain, where you can rent cottages and have a picnic.
Party at Puerto Galera’s floating bars
Yes, aside from majestic beaches, Puerto Galera actually has a booming nightlife, and the best thing is that their party scene is not restricted to land—it extends to the ocean, too!
You read that right; Puerto Galera’s floating bars are literally boats transformed into clubs, party hubs, and restaurants.
You can find these floating clubs along Sabang Beach. The cocktails usually cost around Php 50 – Php 200.
While these party hubs operate 24/7, tourists usually flock to these areas after sunset.
SAFETY REMINDER: Don’t drink and dive!
Try the famous Mindoro Sling
One tried and tested alcoholic drink, the one White Beach is widely known for, is the Mindoro Sling.
This cherry-red cocktail combines rum, Sprite, grenadine syrup, and fruit juices. It packs a punch, so make sure to drink moderately if you have lots of planned activities the next day.
Puerto Galera travel tips
Check the weather forecast
Puerto Galera is under the “tropical, monsoon” classification, which means it has 3 seasons—cool dry (from December to February), hot dry (from March to May), and rainy (from June to November).
So, if you are planning outdoor activities like snorkeling, hiking, diving, or enjoying a day at the beach, the best time to visit (weather-wise) is from December to May.
Plan your budget
Since it is one of the Philippines’ top tourist destinations, you can expect the prices on this island to be steeper than usual.
The fees can be somewhat expensive, from the resorts, boat rides, water activities like banana boat rides and snorkeling, food, and beverages to the equipment you would rent for diving and snorkeling.
To save a little on costs, you can rent transient houses (instead of hotels) and eat at places far from the beaches, as beachfront businesses tend to cost more than those away from them.
You can also ask the manager of the place you’re staying in if you can buy goods at the market and cook them there, as there are Airbnb’s and transient houses that allow this.
Ensure to plan your budget and bring a little extra (to be safe).
TIP: Make sure to bring cash instead of cards, as not all establishments accept credit cards or online or digital payments.
Schedule your trip in advance
When I say schedule your trip, I don’t only mean booking tickets in advance—this includes deciding what month you plan to visit too.
Christmas Season to New Year (December to the 1st of January), Holy Week (March or April), and Summer (April to May) are some of the peak seasons in every tourist spot in the Philippines.
Peak season means there are many tourists visiting, which translates to higher hotel room charges, and some establishments are increasing their prices, too.
If you’re visiting Puerto Galera on a strict budget, I suggest visiting late January to February and March to April (try to avoid the Holy Week, though).
Get ready to be mesmerized!
Puerto Galera truly provides a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
From being very accessible and offering the best value for your money to the assortment of activities you, your family, and your friends can enjoy, there really is no place like Puerto Galera.
Enjoy adrenaline-packed activities like hiking and trekking, witness marine life by snorkeling and diving, and have a laidback weekend chilling by the beach or enjoying a drink or two at the floating bars.
Just remember the safety tips I mentioned (especially the “don’t drink and dive” reminder and pack tons of bathing suits, as you have lots of ocean to cover during your stay on this island!