Puerto Galera

Puerto Galera is a beautiful coastal town on Mindoro Island, Philippines, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant marine life, and exciting nightlife. It’s a popular getaway for both local and international tourists, offering a mix of relaxation and adventure.

Puerto Galera, known for its white sands and coral reefs
Discover Puerto Galera

Things to Do in Puerto Galera

  • White Beach: The most famous beach with soft white sand, clear waters, and a lively nightlife scene.
  • Sabang Beach: Popular among divers, with numerous dive shops and resorts.
  • Diving & Snorkeling: Enjoy some of the best diving spots in the Philippines, featuring colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life.
  • Island Hopping: Visit smaller islands and hidden coves, such as Bayanan Beach and San Antonio Island.
  • Tamaraw Falls: A scenic waterfall perfect for a refreshing dip.
  • Mount Malasimbo: Ideal for trekking with breathtaking views of the island.
  • Ponderosa Golf Club: A scenic golf course offering panoramic views of the sea.
  • Water Sports: Participate in activities like jet skiing, banana boating, and parasailing.
  • Mangyan Village: Experience local culture by visiting the indigenous Mangyan people and their handicrafts.

How to Get There

  • From Manila, take a bus to Batangas Pier (2-3 hours).
  • From Batangas, take a ferry to Puerto Galera (1-2 hours).

Best Time to Visit

  • Dry Season (November to May): Ideal for beach activities and diving.
  • Wet Season (June to October): Fewer crowds, but expect occasional rain and rough seas.

Accommodations

Luxury Resorts ($$$)

  • Lalaguna Villas Luxury Dive Resort & Spa (Sabang Beach): Great for divers, with high-end villas and an infinity pool.
  • Edgewater Dive & Spa Resort (Puerto Galera Bay): Offers stunning bay views, excellent service, and spa facilities.
  • Sunset at Aninuan Beach Resort (Aninuan Beach): A peaceful beachfront resort perfect for couples and relaxation.

Mid-Range Resorts ($$)

  • Coco Beach Island Resort (Small La Laguna Beach): Eco-friendly, nature-inspired bungalows with a private beach.
  • El Galleon Beach Resort (Sabang Beach): Popular with divers, featuring an in-house dive shop and cozy rooms.
  • Infinity Resort & Spa (Talipanan Beach): A modern resort with an infinity pool and scenic mountain views.

Budget-Friendly Stays ($)

  • White Beach Guest House (White Beach): Affordable, clean rooms near the beach and nightlife.
  • Montani Beach Resort (Sabang Beach): A budget-friendly option for divers and beach lovers.
  • Badladz Beach Resort (Small Tabinay Beach): Great for backpackers, offering a relaxing beachfront vibe.

Tip: Peak season (March-May, Holy Week, Christmas & New Year) is busy, so book in advance! If you prefer quieter stays, choose Talipanan or Aninuan Beach. For diving, Sabang Beach is ideal.

Food, Nightlife & Activities

Food & Dining

Beachfront & Seafood Restaurants

  • Resto Veranda (White Beach): Enjoy great seafood, pasta, and cocktails with a beach view.
  • The Beach Frog (Talipanan Beach): Offers a chill atmosphere with delicious Filipino & international dishes.
  • Capt'n Gregg’s (Sabang Beach): Famous for breakfast, burgers, and seafood platters.

Filipino Cuisine & Local Favorites

  • Luca’s Cucina Italiana & Lodge (Talipanan Beach): Serves Italian food with a beachfront Mangyan village vibe.
  • Badladz Restaurant (Muelle Bay): Offers authentic Filipino dishes such as adobo, sinigang, and crispy pata.
  • Tina’s Reef Restaurant (Sabang Beach): Home-cooked Filipino meals at budget-friendly prices.

International & Specialty Restaurants

  • Hemingway’s Bistrot (Sabang Beach): Features German and European dishes with great beer selections.
  • Vesuvio’s Pizzeria (White Beach): Known for the best wood-fired pizza in Puerto Galera!
  • Tamarind Restaurant (Sabang Beach): Offers Thai and Asian fusion cuisine.

Nightlife & Bars

White Beach (Party & Live Music)

  • Mikko’s Bar: Enjoy fire dancers, live music, and a fun beach vibe.
  • Tropicana Bar: Known for strong cocktails and friendly crowds.
  • Bikinibar: A classic beach bar with DJs and dance floors.

Sabang Beach (Chill & Dive Bars)

  • The Point Bar: A cliffside bar with epic sunset views.
  • Big Apple Dive Resort Bar: Popular among divers for its affordable drinks.
  • 50 Bar: A laid-back reggae bar with great rum cocktails.

Activities

Water Adventures

  • Scuba Diving & Snorkeling: Discover dive spots like Coral Gardens, The Canyons, and Sabang Wrecks.
  • Island Hopping: Explore hidden beaches like Bayanan and Haligi Beach.
  • Water Sports: Enjoy jet skiing, banana boat rides, parasailing, and kayaking.

Nature & Adventure

  • Tamaraw Falls: A scenic waterfall with picnic spots.
  • Mount Malasimbo Trek: A rewarding hike with breathtaking views.
  • Infinity Farm: A nature park featuring freshwater streams and waterfalls.

Cultural & Relaxing

  • Mangyan Village: Learn about the indigenous culture and buy handwoven crafts.
  • Ponderosa Golf Club: Enjoy a relaxing game of golf with panoramic ocean views.
  • Massage by the Beach: Affordable massages available at White Beach and Talipanan.

Travel Tips

  • Bring cash – Some places don’t accept cards, and ATMs can be unreliable.
  • Wear reef-safe sunscreen – Protect the marine life while snorkeling & diving.
  • Book tours in advance – Especially during peak season to avoid overpaying.