Puerto Galera

L and I decided to go on a weekend getaway as soon as it hits April and because we both love the beach, Puerto Galera seem to be a clever choice since it is only hours away from Manila. We rode Jam Liner (+/-3hrs) and got off at Batangas Pier, from there we rode a Ferry (+/-1.5hrs) going to Puerto Galera. We opted to ride Galerian Lines and we don't know if all Ferries are like this but it took forever for us to depart. They kept on waiting for passengers to the point that even though we were booked for 9:30am, we left at around 10:30am already. We have already purchased roundtrip tickets prior to this incident and sadly, even our return trip from Puerto to Batangas Port took so long to depart. We vow not to ride Galerian Lines the next time we visit, we hope other ferries stick to their schedule. Sabang and White Beach were our choices but have chosen to go to the White Beach instead since this was the place frequented by locals. Sabang on the other hand were flocked by tourists.

Upon arrival, there were still a lot of vacancies because it was still a weekday (we arrived Friday). Prices were almost same for all 1,300-1,500php/night. They insisted that come the following day (Saturday) there would be a lot of people already that is why they cannot give the rooms at a lower price. We initially planned to stay where L have stayed before but they can only give us one night. Since we are staying for two, we have decided to stay on Orchid's Lodge, a place nearby.

Sign was so and hidden one can easily miss it

Our room had a queen sized bed, TV, and A/C. Just the basics but was good enough for 1,300/night.

What we liked best was it's location. See the steps of stairs on the lower left? That's our room. Literally a stone's throw away from the beach. I think it's almost impossible to get a room beach front due to the number of restaurants and bars occupying the area.

Puerto Galera is the place for budget travelers. Everything is very reasonable. Rooms as I've heard are way cheaper during off peak season. The price we had was their peak rates already. 

What's for breakfast, lunch and dinner? Ihaw-Ihaw. You will see a lot of this when you visit.

Want to try something different? Turon with cheese (15php). This was okay, more cheese would have been wonderful!

The water was clearer than I expected, I have heard not so good feedbacks about the beach. I was very pleased when I saw the place, it was like a mini Boracay. Residents there, surely know the flow of people because come Saturday, the amount of people seem to have doubled. Not excessively much though, just noticeably fuller.

Friday

Saturday. See how much more people there is? There are more people by the shore than those on the water probably because the water is so so so cold! 

L and I trying to fight the cold. It was like swimming in a bucket of ice!

Overall, Puerto Galera is a nice place to relax and unwind. When you visit, do not forget to try their own island mix called Mindoro Sling. Tastes like four seasons but with a super strong kick!

For more information on Puerto Galera and accomodations visit http://www.puertogalera.org/