Adventures in Puerto Galera

Puerto Galera is haven for beach goers some 130 km (81 mi) south of Manila. It has long been a popular beach destination not only for local beach goers, but international tourists as well. And why not? It's just 4 hours away from Manila by bus and ferry.

White Beach

I can say that the landscape of Puerto Galera has dramatically changed since I first set my footprints on this paradise island. Specifically, White Beach is now very crowded and very little remains of the once serene beach. In addition, it has busy night life unlike decades ago when tourists would have to travel to Sabang to enjoy night life.

Sunset in Puetro Galera

Anyway, aside from beach hopping and swimming, what else can a beach goer do while in Puerto Galera?


Fun and Adventure-filled Activities in Puerto Galera

Aninuan Falls 

1. Hike to the Falls

    There are two waterfalls near Puerto Galera. The bigger falls which is like 30-45 minutes hike is called Aninuan Falls.  The trek starts at Tamaraw Beach or Sunset at Aninuan Beach Resorts. You will be traversing a river which originates from that falls. You may opt for a guide which can cost you around around Php 300.00. It is wise to take a bottle of water and some snacks; although fresh coconut juice is available at the site. If you're carrying a camera, it is also wise to have a plastic container to protect your wallet, cellphone and other gadgets in case of sudden rain.

Talipanan Falls

 




The other falls is near the Mangyan Village. It is called
    Talipanan Falls. It is smaller than Aninuan
    Falls and the lagoon is also much smaller. If you're a
    group of four, that would be just enough for
    you to enjoy a plentiful area for swimming.










2. Visit to Mangyan Village

Mangyan Houses

    Now this is something very beneficial to the community of Mangyans living in that area.  If you're staying around White Beach or Aninuan areas, you will need a tricycle in order to get there. What you can see are a typical Mangyan community and their livelihood. They have a small museum, too.
 
I strongly suggest that you buy an item when you visit the site to help these native people. It
doesn't have to be the most expensive. It can be just a small bracelet. Anyway, don't you love bringing souvenirs?  From this village, a waterfalls is about 30 minutes away.

Mangyan Crafts

3. Snorkeling 

    Do not leave Puerto Galera without
    experiencing snorkelling. Two reasons why I
    say this: first, is for you to appreciate more the
    underwater beauty in this part of the country;
    the other is for you to realise the impact of
    human activities to those creatures living
    underwater.  You will see colourful
    fishes, corals and a variety of marine creatures,
    but you will also notice that a great number of
    corals are dead.





Where to Eat?

    I highly recommend Luca Cucina Italiana. It is walking distance from the Mangyan Village in
    Talipanan. So if you're visiting the Mangyan Village and Talipanan Falls, you can drop by at this
    pizza house and enjoy their tasty Italian pizza. They have a selection of pizza and honestly, I can
    not exactly which one i like most because they are all excellent. You will definitely love the taste.

Yummy pizza at Luca

How to get to Puerto Galera:

At Buendia Station, take a bus going to Batangas Pier. This is a two-hour to 2.5-hour journey. At Batangas port, there are several ferry boat operators to choose from. Representatives will be greeting and asking you where you're going and they will guide you to their station. We usually take Minolo Shipping Lines because they offer discount to students. When you reserve, they will take care of everything including terminal fee. My contact person is Mark Lee (09178392608). From the port, it's 1.5 hours ferry ride to Puerto Galera. From Muelle Port, you can take a tricycle going to your destination or if you're a big group, Minolo Shipping Lines can take you there.