Mindoro or Mina de Oro literally means mine of gold. Well, i wasn’t sure of that. but I am positive that Mindoro has one priceless treasure – Puerto Galera.

Puerto Galera a province in Oriental Mindoro is considered to be one of the hottest summer destinations here in the Philippines. It was my first time this year to come to this well-known place to relax from all the day’s work and of course to satisfy my itching-for-vacay feet.

There are a lot of Beaches here in Puerto Galera. Sabang, Tamaraw, White and the infamous Talipanan Beach. I think it was the last stop of the ferry boat and well-known among bloggers. I actually googled about Puerto Galera and I saw on pinoytravelblog about Talipanan. Right there and then I decided to go to that place and I was happy about my decision.  My company doesn’t seem so (most of them are boys so normally they would want to go where the chics are.). What I love about this beach is that you can relax, unwind almost as if the island is yours. Very few people  go here, most of them are foreigners and peeps who just want a peaceful environment.

We went snorkeling at a dive site where the boat man brought us. I was so excited! I put my snorkel gadgets on, then I dived and saw these cute school of fish and the colorful corals alive and pretty! Because of that spectacular beauty, I forgot that I was breathing with my mouth,  I said “WOW” out loud! Sheesh I drank a lot of sea water. I have to remember shutting up even just for swimming. Haha

after snorkeling, we asked the bangkero to drop us inWhite Beach. it is perfect for those who love the crowd and nightlife. The probability to see someone you knew was indeed a fat chance.  Another good thing about White beach is that there are a lot of  restaurants to choose from. It’s like a small city in there.

We weren’t able to try the hike so we just stayed there and enjoyed the beach. Just near our place, we found a beautiful semi-lagoon where you can swim.  There were naturally hewn rocks, oh ith was so beautiful! it  has an amazing formation. I dunno why but I do love rocks. I remembered when I was like around 14 when we went to Calapan, Mindoro. I swear I brought home about 20 hand-sized stones. Haha my mother went ballistic.

The beaches in Puerto for me were just fair, not like the other beaches I have been to. But what is superb about the place is the dive site. It was very splendid. Fish of different sizes and colors, corals that are darn pretty! That underwater beauty on your very own eyes you could almost touch it (be wary though some of them stings).  It was really a wonderful experience.

Activities

Banana Boat Ride – Php 200.00 /pax
Island Hopping / Snorkeling -  Php 1500.00 – 2000.00 boat rental add Php50.00 for  snorkel set
Parasailing – Php 1500.00 – 2000.00 – 1-2 persons

Night Life – Taste the famous Mindoro Sling (I love that drink) available in Tanduay or Bacardi 250.00 – 450.00 per pitcher.
Massage – around Php 200.00
Jet Ski – I wasn’t able to get the rates for these. Sorry
Trekking  to the falls – 150.00 – 400.00

How to get there

Estimated time of travel – 3-4 hours

You can ride a bus going to Batangas Pier in Buendia or Cubao. You can also rent a van. We ride at Buendia which costs Php 166.50 one way.

From Batangas Pier, you can chose from different ferry boats. In our case we ride at Commandos. One way ticket costs Php 250.00 but you can buy a round trip ticket for Php450.00.

You have to pay Php50.00 for Environmental Fee (I dunno maybe for some preservation fund or something) and another Php10.00 for the Terminal fee.

Where to Eat.

Urgh! This was our dilemma during the trip. What I don’t like about Talipanan is that you can’t get a decent meal despite the fact that the prices are doubled save for Luca’s Italian Restaurant.yum!

We had to pay 100.00 for a breakfast meal and there servings are very small. Luca’s is quite pricey but the servings WOW! Big enough for 2. Plus it was very Italian. Tomatoes, basil, olive! Mmmm! I love! At Luca’s prices ranges from 140 – 200 for pasta dishes and 350-500 for pizzas around  14-16inches in diameter

Where to stay:

If you are to stay in White beach you need not to worry about reservations because there are a lot of hotels and rooms that are for rent  ranges from Php800 – Php2500 per night but during peak seasons the prices goes way way highter.

At Talipanan, we stayed at El Canoneros – fairly nice. The toilet is clean. Our room cost about 4000.00 for 10pax add 100.00 for additional person. Aircon and has five double-size beds.
Contact Miss Sally – 09164322430

Bamboo Beach House is pretty much more decent though but has a bit higher price.  Around 2500.00 for 4pax.
Contact Miss Juvie – 09175620992

Lakwatsera Tips:

If you are on a tight budget, bring your food and drinks. It is really expensive there. Prices here in Manila are usually doubled. like a 1.5liters of cola in Puerto costs Php 75.00 – 80.00.  a lot of restos there allows packed meal and they also have cooking services so no worries.

Bring underwater camera if you can. I really wished I should have brought one so that i could show you Puerto Galera’s underwater beauty.

I ‘ve been going to different places ever since I was a month old. My parents love the beach and seeing places which I think influenced me.  So after a lot of trips I have been through I have learned the art of traveling light. Especially when commuting or in a jam-packed car situation.

Being away from home, of course we would always want the comfort of having everything you need. So I got a few tips for you.

• Always bring your camera with you. There’s no souvenir could ever compare to the memories captured. Priceless.
• Don’t be shy to ask for help. Or sometimes it’s not the shyness factor that makes us hesitate. Of course we have to value our safety. Well, if that’s the case, ask the guards, police or barangay officer.
• Be courteous to the people you meet on your trip.  If there comes a time that you might actually need their help, they would happily assist you. Or if buying pasalubongs, sometimes smiling does the trick to avail discounts. Beam and you will remember how enjoyable your trip would be.
• Keep your valuables where you can see them.
• Bring cash unless you are sure that those cards can help you survive the rural. Better yet if possible check if they are serviceable.
• Pack your bag at least 2 days before you travel. to have enough time to check if you forgot something. better yet create a list of what to bring.
• If camping, clean your camp area before you leave.

Backpacking Tips and What to Bring

• Separate Dry or After Bath  hygiene products from the ones which will likely get wet.



• Put your shampoo, conditioner liquid soap etc, in small containers.  Can be bought at leading Skin Care Stores or if you have containers from hotels, you can use them.  As much as possible, let’s minimize using sachets because it’s one of causes of clogged drainage.
• First Aid. Alright. I think this is the most taken for granted item.  Most of us doesn’t care if they have first aid and most of them are guys. Just pack a few cotton balls and Iodine solution, some paracetamol etc.,  This common ailments could be the most annoying show-stopper ever.
• A very small sewing kit. It’s not like you can buy clothes right away in case you got your clothes got damaged right?
• Your Bath bag should dry up fast. We don’t want to bring wet items.
• Bring a reusable bag with you. Help minimize the use of plastic bags by bringing your bag to hold your pasalubongs. This could also be used to separate your used clothes from the clean ones.



• I am very much thematic and I always love to accessorize! Bringing accessories would seem very impractical haha but we could always squeeze a little space for our necessity(haha is it not?). Try buying a small medicine organizers that can hold at least 3 pairs of earrings, necklace, etc.,
• The must haves.  Shades, a hat or umbrella,  a fan (during summer),  sun block, something to cover toilet seats like the one I love to buy at Watsons (Plush Toilet seat cover Php22.00 /5pcs),  Alcohol or Hand Sanitizer and a flashlight.
• Organize your things according to frequency of use. What I usually do is that I bring with me a handy bag that holds everything that I use a lot. Then I got another bag which holds my clothes, bath kit, First Aid, sewing kit, etc.,
• Separate food from clothes. (for obvious reasons).

Bring the stuffs that you need plus a little something extra (in a very small amout) would help you to have a worry-free trip.