Puerto Galera is the northwesternmost municipality in the province of Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. It is bordered to the east by San Teodoro, to its southeast is Santa Cruz, to its west is Abra de Ilog, and to its southwest is Mamburao. To its north lies Isla Verde Passage, a strait that separates the islands of Luzon and Mindoro. Puerto Galera is located about 130 kilometers (81 miles) south of Manila.
White Beach in Barangay San Isidro, Puerto Galera
I went here with my college friends in 2009. This was during my first time in Oriental Mindoro, the th province on my list.
First, here’s some quick facts about Puerto Galera:
- Puerto Galera is a Spanish term for Port of Galleon.
- Puerto Galera was made a Man and Biosphere Reserve of UNESCO in 1973.
- Mindoro is a shortened term of Mina De Oro which is the Spanish term for Gold Mine. Although as of this writing, after 500 years of Spanish Colony, they have yet to find one.
- Puerto Galera is a listed by the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays In The World, and is the only bay in the Philippines to be listed there.
- It is believed there are over 3,000 species of fish and marine animals. Of which, there are approximately over 180 species of nudibranchs found in the area of Puerto Galera.
- 800 out of the 1000 known coral species in the world can be found in Puerto Galera.
How to go to Puerto Galera?
If you’re going there by land and sea, take a bus going to Batangas Port, the bus ride is usually less than three (3) hours depending on where you’re taking the ride. You can take a bus from EDSA-Pasay, Buendia, Cubao, or Alabang. If you have a car, you should arrive at the Batangas Port within two (2) hours. From the port, it’s a two hour boat ride to Puerto Galera.
If you don’t want to travel by land and sea, you can book a flight to San Jose Airport in Occidental Mindoro. From San Jose, you can then go to Puerto Galera by via public transport like jeepneys.
Get around
Tricycles and jeepneys are your two best friends in Puerto Galera.
Where to stay in Puerto Galera?
If you like to dive then stay at Barangay Sabang. If you want a crowd to socialize with, go to White Beach in Barangay San Isidro. If you want to be alone, Talipanan Beach in Barangay Aninuán is a good idea. If you’re looking for a nice night life, you should be either at Sabang or White Beach.
There are several ferries going to Puerto Galera, choose one depending on which port you intend to enter. There are three main entry points to Puerto Galera by way of its port facilities; Muelle Pier, Balatero Pier, and Sabang Beach. Also, there are two alternate entry points direct to White Beach and Talipanan Beach. I suggest you plan ahead and know what you like to do.
What to do in Puerto Galera?
If you’re the sporty type, there’s plenty of water sports activities in Puerto Galera such as snorkeling jet-skiing.
Puerto Galera is considered as one of the top diving destination in the Philippines so you should consider diving as one of your activities when you go there.