There was this long December 2018 weekend and the thought just popped into my head: we’re going to Puerto Galera!!! I vaguely remember the time I was there with my youngest sister Dawn, and cousin Jet, and it would be nice to show the place to my daughter. I heard stories that the place was now too commercialized, but I was hoping Puerto Galera still has some magic in her hidden somewhere, not unlike when I first visited wayyyyy back then. I remember secluded beaches against a backdrop of a mountain where the sun only really showed up past mornings. The crystal clear waters, swaying coconut trees, and cool morning breeze. At night, White Beach explodes with life and pitchers of Mindoro Sling abound. This time, though, it would be a more muted visit, and I looked forward to soothe my weary body and mind after a really tough but rewarding year.
As always, a few pictures for first time DIYers to get an idea of where to go while in Puerto Galera, followed by an actual itinerary with expenses incurred for two (2) people. Book your accommodations in advance as there are a lot of tourists all-year-round. Explore. Get off the beaten track. Enjoy ‘ya’ll.
December 30, 2018. As we made our way to our accommodations, we befriended a tricycle driver named Billy (a good guy who ekes a living to send his siblings to school) @Balatero Port and asked him to be our land tour guide the next day. I asked him for a place with a view, and this is where he took us to, a view of White Beach.We alighted at our destination in Bgy. Talipanan, and thanked Billy, who would pick us up the next day. Bamboo House Beach Lodge and Restaurant was where we booked in advance. It’s clean, the staff are very nice, with air conditioned rooms if you choose to have this type of accommodation, free breakfast, wi-fi, and great food. Hammocks by-the-sea. Your view every morning is always going to be different. It’s a mindset thing.The horizon beckons.May it be dusk or dawn.Be thankful.Morning view. Later that evening, just beside Bamboo House, we made our way to Luca Cucina Italiana. You have to eat here.The Carbonara was delicious and plentiful.The Contadina was simply superb and is actually good for 4 people. You should order this. You won’t regret it.Of course I had to wash it all down.December 31, 2018. Before heading out for the land tour, Bamboo House served us breakfast. I had a mild headache that morning but still the food was delicious.First stop was Tamaraw Falls, the twin waterfalls. The falls were raging at full strength when we got there. For the land tour on our 2nd day, we made our way to a Mangrove conservation area.A sandbar on the mainlandHere’s the other side of that sandbarBamboo walkwaysVirgin BeachBulabod BeachBulabod Beach after a storm.Virgin Beach, so called because it had a Virgin Mary statue looking over the sea.At the famous White BeachWhere we hunted for souvenirsAnd had lunch at Terminal BBQOur Coffee fix@Cafe MarcoNice designWe also walked towards the nearby Mangyan Village @Talipanan.And marvelled at their handicrafts.That December 31, 2018 New Year’s Eve, Bamboo House served a buffet spread consisting of roasted pork, spaghetti, beef stew, chicken BBQ, buttered shrimp, and desserts. For P600 per head, it was worth it. Bye 2018!!! Hello 2019!!! Happy New Year !!!!January 1, 2019. Off we went to Minolo Port for our island hopping.The port is very pretty.Off we go!Fed fishes and snorkeled with them @Coral Garden!Swam on a deserted Haligi Beach.Cool & picturesque.Ain’t no one here but us.This is easily my favorite beach: Bayanan Beach!!!Selfies@Haligi BeachNiceAfter island hopping, I needed coffee again to perk me up.I needed that…We then proceeded to go up to Ponderosa. We were supposed to visit this as part of Billy’s land tour on our 2nd day but we decided against it but as the weather now cooperated, we went for it, and this view was our reward.We went back to our accommodations, slept for a while, and had dinner consisting of bulalo,Fried chickenand a fish dish.
It was hard to go but we had to get back to the city. But I needed to take one more look at where I was, at that moment.
I will come back to you. Soon.You will always be on my mind, Puerto Galera.
As promised, here’s the complete itinerary with expenses incurred for two (2) people.
DECEMBER 30, 2018 SUNDAY
COST
Sashamae Allowance (she’s our dog!)
700.00
Taxi to Cubao Jam Liner
150.00
Depart Cubao for Batangas
450.00
Arrive @Batangas Pier
Starlite boat fare to Mindoro (1130 AM for Balatero)
Dondz's Corner 