Travel Philippines: Puerto Galera

One of the world's most beautiful natural harbors is found in Puerto Galera, Mindoro. No wonder it is called the Pearl of Mindoro.

Puerto Galera also has several beautiful beaches, spectacular dive sites and breathtaking coral reefs. It is the perfect place for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. You will find accomodations of every kind for every budget in each of the beaches.

Most popular among the local people is White Beach with its numerous commercial establishments. Tourists, on the other hand, favor Sabang Beach and its nightspots.

There is a beach named La Laguna and a bigger one named, incredibly, Small La Laguna. The former has several resorts and water sports facilities. The latter is beside Sabang Beach and has many dive shops that rent out diving equipment.

For a quiet retreat, Punta Guarda Beach and Talipanan Beach are recommended.

There is a total of 16 dive centers in Puerto Galera, with each one having about 25 dive sites. The water currents are strong so make sure to be accompanied by experienced divemasters or instructors.

Another attraction of Puerto Galera is the 423-foot Tamaraw Falls. Hikers and mountain biking enthusiasts can also enjoy the Adventure Mountain Trail, a two-to-three-day walk along the Tabinay-Talipanan Trail, crossing three mountains and ending on the white sands of Talipanan Beach. Mountain bikes can be rented.

From Manila, Puerto Galera can be reached in three and a half hours by bus to Batangas City, then by boat to Calapan, Mindoro and, finally, by jeepney to the town proper.