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Puerto Galera, Mindoro
Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro is one of the most popular beaches outside of Batangas. A cove well protected from storms, it was used extensively as anchorage for the Spanish galleons during the the days of colonial Philippines. White Beach is the most popular among the beaches because of its wide white sands and affordable accommodations. My favorite is South of the Border Beach Resort formerly known as Arcobaleno. It is the first resort on the beach from the pier. The resort cottages were built far from the waters and created a very tranquil and open place for relaxing. Part of this place's appeal is Claudio's (Authentic Italian) Pizza Hut (literally) just outside the resort's fences. The spacious beachfront of South of the Border Resort You can snorkel in its clear blue waters, dive the nearby dive sites, trek to the nearest waterfalls in Tamaraw beach, play beach volleyball, eat lots of seafood or just lay around lazily. Some people especially the foreigners love the contrast that Puerto Galera offers. Pristine, calm environment in the morning, wild and noisy parties during the evening. It became a tradition that local rock and reggae bands perform at Puerto Galera during the Holy Week. They called it the Puerto Galera Music Festival. Rock hopping on the other side of white beach The popularity of Puerto Galera prompted big and small boat operators to establish Fast Craft services from Batangas to Puerto Galera and vice versa. You can reach Puerto Galera from Batangas pier on a 55 minute boat (fast craft) ride. I asked one of the foreigners sun bathing to get this photo. One of those solo trips to Puerto Galera. How to get there: (as of June 2002) • Bus from Buendia cor Taft Avenue, Makati or from Pasay to Batangas City Pier (BLTB, Tritran or Jam) -Php 111.00 one way (travel time 2-3 hours) • Ferryboat to Balatero Pier (Viva) -Php 60-80 • Jeep from Balatero Pier to White Beach Puerto Galera -Php 10 • Or take an outrigger boat directly to Puerto Galera -Php 130 • Average Accomodation Rate -Php 1,400.00/4pax	White Beach going to the small cave like opening to the other side of the big rock Another popular resort is White Beach Nipa Hut where they offer big servings of everything. This is where I ate Pancakes so good I ate them breakfast, lunch and dinner. The owner (Mang Frank) is always willing to offer assistance to anyone who politely asks. The price of the accommodation is affordable but the rooms are a little cramped. The resort also offers land & boat transfers from the resort to the pier and vice versa. Schedules of boat trips and jeepney shuttle are posted on the restaurant's bulletin board. Sunset watching at Tamaraw beach There are two popular beaches in Puerto Galera, White beach and Sabang. White beach is the all-around beach that offers wide beachfronts, lots of cottages, camping grounds and restaurants. Sabang caters better to SCUBA Divers offering accommodations better suited to divers and snorkellers. There are lots of schools in Sabang that offers Introductory SCUBA Diving lessons and of course, a full certification course. Kayaking the clear blue waters of Puerto Galera On June 8, 2002, The Bolinao Group went to Puerto Galera on an overnight vacation. I was in Boracay then and wasn't able to join them. They told me that they stayed at South of the Border Resort because my recommendations proved correct. They also reported that Claudio expanded his occupation of the Beach in front of South of the Border Resort, nearly covering the resorts signage and entrance gate. When I saw this, I went back to the resort and grabbed my camera. The sun set so fast I almost didn't make it.
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