Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines

It's always better to travel with a companion to share the expenses with or to just enjoy the simplicity of this place. But really, the Number 1 reason is for you to have someone to hold the camera for you (bwahahaha) but in case you have your own tripod and you feel like just getting away from the world just for a couple of days to see the beach that's fine... anyway you like it.

This is the place for you if you're looking for the nearest getaway to break out from your responsibilities at home or from your freaking work, or from the heck of a busy life you have at the city.



Few Points you will NOT see on other useful information by Googling:

Inside the boat

-Just when you are about to get off of the Bus going to the Boat terminal- there will be dispatchers who will try to get you to choose their boat ride going to the beach you want. If you can avoid the boat company called Galerian Lines, avoid it. The reason why i said this is because of the misinformation they give to passengers who let them believe they will be servicing the return ride every 30 minutes, but would not tell upfront that it depends if there are other passengers who would like to have the same return schedule, if they'll go or not. Make sure you "confirm" your return time to the people in charge to avoid hassles. I suggest you go for Father and Son Lines because they even have radios for tracking and their schedule is more accurate.

life jackets check

-Puerto Galera , Oriental Mindoro is a separate island  so if you have some trouble with sea sickness, just prepare yourself with a meclizine or anti-dizziness medication.

-If you don't know how to swim (like me) make sure you grab a good life jacket before the boat ride starts. It's not necessary to wear them, not unless there is a coast guard who checks- it becomes mandatory- like this.

-People at the Pier and by the beach sells gallons of water that is more expensive than the usual price, so make sure you bring your own.

Stung by a jelly fish!

-If you get stung by a jelly fish (which happened to me) - just ask for calamansi (aka citrus microcarpa) then just squeeze and rub it to the affected area. Jellyfish emergency 101 taught me that, and my teacher? -- who else but the local fishermen! Thanks guys!

local fishermen

-You can actually walk from Sabang Beach, to Small La Laguna beach and Big La Laguna. the best people to ask are definitely NOT the boat men, because they will try to get you to ride with them and tour you around for 500php (12 usd)/per person (it depends on the negotiation). Forgive them, they are trying to make a living. Ask a lady from a restaurant on how to go about it, they can help you with that.

Big La Laguna

-You cannot swim in either Sabang Beach ( it's just good for snorkeling and it's mossy), Small La laguna (lots of boats docked) and Big La Laguna Beach (too rocky).

shot at Sabang Beach. There is a way going to Small La Laguna Beach by the side of the hotel behind my picture.

-Tamaraw Falls has a nice view but if you try to dip into its water, it's a bit sticky and the rock floor is slimy. Entrance Adult Fee- 10php (1 US quarter)

Dip In

Tamaraw falls

water at White Beach

-Clear water by White Beach

-Appreciate the sunset

white beach

-White Beach should be called Beige beach.

 FYI: If you're lucky, you get to see stray dogs who love to swim as well.

-Apartelle de Francesca is an affordable place for you to stay and the service is good. Special thanks to Berna, Front office attendant who gave us hints on how to commute from one place to the other without being overpriced.

Funny Gay Showdown

-Gay performers will make you laugh , spend time to go out and have dinner at the nearby restaurants by the White beach

-Fire dancers were amazingly good. Don't forget to give them a tip so they can buy medication for their burns.

be careful not to stain your hotel blanket with the henna ink

-You can find Henna Tattooing for as low as 100php

 (3 usd)

COSTS as of DEC. 2010.

BUS from CUBAO to Batangas Pier  via  Calabarzon (ALPS bus company): 175php/ person (5 usd)

Boat Ride from Batangas Pier to White Beach :  450php/person round trip (11 usd)

Environmental Tax and Terminal fee: 60php/person (2 usd)

Costs going to other places

From White Beach- Muelle (Bayan) via Tricycle - 25php/person (2 quarters US money)

From Muelle(Bayan) - Sabang Beach via Jeepney - 20php/person (2 quarters US money)

From Muelle (Bayan) - Tamaraw Falls via Jeepney - 40php/person (less than 1 usd)

Restaurant Food Costs

-not less than 500php good for two persons (12 usd)

Other suggested activities:

Banana Boat Ride, Snorkeling