PUERTO GALERA, MINDORO

On the map you can see that a banka ride from Puerto Galera to Sabang is mostly in the protected waters of Muelle Bay.  It isn't until you reach the point at Coco Beach that the waves make the banka ride uncomfortable.  Also, by looking at the map, it appears that there is a real road to Sabang.  Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures of this, but this road will put the best 4 wheel drives to task.  The jeepney drivers don't really steer on this road.  It is more like they point the vehicle in intended direction and the muddy ruts do the steering for him.  Certainly no trike can navigate this road.  In fact the only decent road in the whole area is from Puerto Galera to White Beach.  Even the highway from Puerto Galera to Calapan is not much more than a 1 1/2 lane dirt road.  The short drive from Puerto Galera to Tamaraw Falls takes almost an hour.  I've heard that there have been many proposals to pave the Sabang road, but there is too much local pressure to leave it as is because of the revenue generated by the bankas.

Tamaraw Falls  

You can hire a tour guide (the real kind) or rent a jeepney and driver to take you to the falls.  There is a swimming and picnic area at the base of the falls and a tour guide will usually provide lunch.  I think the tour operator charge around P1000 per person including lunch.  There are a few jeepneys in Sabang that you can hire.  I think the going rate for the jeepney is about P1200 so you can save a lot of money by getting some of your friends together and bring your own picnic.

Mangyan Village & River Kayaking

Mangyan Village, River Kayaking & Foot Suspension Bridge

The Mangyan are the indigenous natives of Mindoro and normally they want to be left alone and do not allow outsiders into their village.  However, on occasion they do have fiestas where outsiders are invited.  If you get a chance to visit, you will see a lifestyle completely different than small Filipino villages.  Also, it is a great opportunity to buy native arts and crafts for less than half that you would pay at a store in Puerto Galera.  This trip will definitely require a tour guide unless you can find someone to rent you a kayak.  The trip to the drop off point on the river (about 1/4 mile from the Mangyan village)  is paved road except for the last mile or so.  The last mile or so up to the Mangyan Village is a real butt buster.  Here there is a large suspension bridge (about 300 feet) for foot traffic only.  When you walk out onto the bridge, the local children have a great time getting the bridge to bounce and watch the tourists hold on for dear life.  The river itself is slow and shallow and the trip down river takes about an hour, but it is real nice getting out into the undeveloped country side.  Some tour guides will combine this tour with a visit to Tamaraw Falls.

Floating Bar in Sabang Harbor  

Put on your shorts and take a banka out the floating bar.  The water out in the harbor is not polluted like the beach, so this is a great place to have a few beers and do some swimming, snorkeling and just laying around in the sun.  It's also a great place to meet some of your fellow travelers.

White Beach  

This is by far the nicest beach and swimming area in the Puerto Galera area.  You can get there by banca for about P800 or by jeepney (P50) via Puerto Galera then trike to White Beach.  If you go by banca, you can stop at any of a number of secluded beaches for a swim and a little exploring.  There are 2 or 3 hotels at White Beach and maybe a half-dozen bars/restaurants also.  In fact, if you feel clastrophic in Sabang, you may want to spend a night there.  The only problem with White Beach are the number of roving vendors.  Sometimes they are impossible to get rid of.  There's lots of little shops here also where you can buy all your beach requirements.

Puerto Galera  

Exploring Aninuan, An Unknown Barangay & Mavel Washing Clothes

You should do your gift shopping here instead of Sabang.  Prices are a whole lot cheaper.  If I didn't mention this before, you should exchange your money in Manila.  In Puerto Galera you will lose about 1 peso per US dollar.  You can take your asawa or honey ko to the old church.  You can also rent a dirt bike for about P800 per day.  They also have half-day and hourly rates.  For those of you that are afraid to ride a motorcycle anywhere else in the Philippines (including me), Puerto Galera is a great place to do some motor trekking.  Out past White Beach there are many more resorts, beaches and water falls to explore.

La Mana Villa Hot Springs 

I have never been there and don't know anything about it.  However, I have been assured that it does exist and it may be worth a visit ... especially if you're out there anyway on a motorcycle.

Beach Barbeque 

Along the Sabang waterfront, you will meet many banka drivers that want to take you somewhere.  Some of them will take you out to the beach of your choice and barbeque a large meal for you.  It's a great way to spend an afternoon with your friends for about P500 per head.

Snorkeling and Diving 

In Sabang it seems that every body and his brother own a dive shop.  I don't know anything about this because I'm not a diver, but I am told there are some great diving places in the Puerto Galera area.  Big La Laguna is a great place for snorkeling.