17 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Puerto Galera
Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro is a highly recommended place to visit for a vacation, both with a group of people or alone. It’s located in the north-westernmost part of Oriental Mindoro, and its coves are famous for protecting boats and ships from seasonal typhoons. Puerto Galera means “The Port of Galleons,” named so by the first Spanish settlers because of its port’s convenient location to shelter ships or galleons from bad weather.
Puerto Galera is now known for its beautiful white pockets of beaches and rich coral and marine life and is visited by locals and foreign travelers to experience its natural attractions. Thinking of visiting this hidden paradise? Here are some of the best things to do in Puerto Galera.
Have Fun at White Beach
White Beach is undisputedly the most popular beach and location in Puerto Galera. White Beach has stunning white sand, cerulean waters, rich marine life, and coral reefs off its coast, per the beach’s name.
Enjoy the sand and water during the day while partying all night at the beachside establishments. Most of the popular resorts and restaurants are located at White Beach. It’s also a popular spot for locals to hold music festivals and concerts, and because of its unspoiled marine life, its waters are also an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving.
Island Hopping
Definitely one of the best activities in Puerto Galera. Many local travel agencies and tour operators offer island hopping tours in town, especially if you’re in White Beach. They’ll usually take you to less crowded beaches on secluded islands nearby. This usually includes Haligi Beach, Bayanan Beach, Sandbar Island, and Coral Garden, each with a unique experience.
Travelers will get a taste of the best unspoiled white sand beaches and snorkeling sights in the region. If you want to see more, you can make additional payments to your guide to take you to nearby locations not included in the island hopping tour package.
Visit the Iraya Mangyan Village
Puerto Galera is home to the local tribe called Iraya Mangyan, the indigenous group that originally lived on the coasts but withdrew into the mountains when the Spaniards arrived. Today, they live peacefully at the Iraya Mangyan Village at the foot of Mt. Malasimbo, nine km away from the center of town.
People can come and visit this unique village and admire the Iraya Mangyan’s culture. Buy crafts and souvenirs intricately made by the villagers from local nito vines to support local artisans.
Experience Eco-Adventure at Puerto Galera Adventure and Recreational Ecopark
While visiting the Iraya Mangyan Village, head further up Mt. Malasimbo to partake in a fun eco-adventure experience at Puerta Galera Adventure and Recreational Ecopark. The recreational eco-park is just on top of the hills of Mt. Malasimbo, giving a great view of the mountain’s rainforest, Puerto Galera, and the gorgeous coastline beyond.
Of course, visitors can partake in recreational activities such as cargo net climb, hanging bridge, and a 600-meter cable zipline.
Peek at the Underwater Cave in Puerto Galera
One of Puerto Galera’s highlights is its underwater attractions, specifically the underwater cave at San Antonio Island in Coral Garden. Travelers can access this beautiful natural attraction by commissioning fishermen to take them to the island or joining an island-hopping tour with a stop on San Antonio Island.
Tourists can get a chance to see giant clams and vast plates of corals and swim in the underwater cave’s emerald pool.
Admire the Sunset
Sunsets at Puerto Galera are probably some of the best in the world. Beachgoers will get a treat every sunset as the sun goes over the horizon and seemingly disappears under the sea. Travelers will practically get this gorgeous view of the sunset from any point on the island.
Relax at Encenada Beach Resort
If you want to spend a few days in a quiet place by the beach, the Encenada Beach Resort is the ideal resort in Puerto Galera. The resort is beachside with plenty of rooms and cottages with a full view of the white sand and waters.
The resort is decorated with rustic local furnishing made of local materials and an in-house restaurant. Relax on their private beach or get a boat ride to a nearby snorkeling sight.
Celebrate at the Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival
For lovers of music and art visiting Puerto Galera, catch the Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival, a yearly festival on the island since 2011. Named after the majestic Malasimbo mountain, this local festival has drawn bigger crowds each year since it was first held in 2011.
Local and international musicians perform to large crowds at the Malasimbo Amphitheater, while artworks are showcased by local and foreign artists.
Visit Tamaraw Falls
Tamaraw Falls comprises twin waterfalls three stories high that are said to be the province’s cleanest waters. It’s a 30-minute ride from the town center near the West Nautical Highway. Visitors must briefly hike up a paved zigzag path to reach the waterfall. The Tamaraw Falls flows directly to two manmade pools where visitors can take a refreshing dip after their short hike.
Find Souvenirs at Muelle Port
Muelle Port is one of the four ports in Puerta Galera and is the busiest, as it serves as the main port for ferries coming in and out of the municipality. With thousands of visitors coming in and out of Mueller Port daily, locals established several shops selling their local crafts and wares, with unique shops selling unique trinkets. Visitors can find unique souvenirs to bring to their loved ones.
Take a Sip of Mindoro Sling
As the saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” so while in Puerto Galera, take a sip of the famous cocktail Mindoro Sling, named after the island. This local cocktail was invented on the island and quickly became famous for its sweet, fruity taste to the locals. This alcoholic drink is popularized at a local bar called Mikko’s Bar to the point where most establishments have it on their menu.
Visit Tukuran Falls
Tukuran Falls is called the “Hidden Paradise” by locals because of its location in the Calsapa village, 45 minutes south of Puerto Galera. Travelers need to hire a vehicle to reach the fall’s trailhead. From there, travelers must pay for a guide to take them through the 30-minute trail to the falls.
Local carabao owners can be hired by a small group of people. The adventure is all worth it as the beautiful cascades of the falls through emerald swimming holes are quite the sight and great for taking a dip.
Discover Talipanan Beach
One of the best lesser-known attractions, Talipanan Beach, is a beautiful stretch of powdery white sand beach with calm turquoise waters without the crowds. The beach is near the Iraya Mangyan Village, where interested visitors can hire a guide to take them directly to Talipanan Beach for a side trip. It’s the perfect place to truly relax and unwind. As a side trip within a side trip, visit the nearby Talipanan Falls.
Go to Aninuan Beach
Aninuan Beach is an excellent alternative to the more famous White Beach. The white sands and amazing cerulean waters are still there but with fewer crowds and tourists.
Plus, it’s just minutes away from White Breach via vehicle. Aninuan Beach is a top-rated beach for couples, families, and teenagers to relax because of its more romantic atmosphere. It’s also quite close to Talipanan and serves as a getaway.
Relax at Haligi Beach
People can reach Haligi Beach through island hopping tours, as mentioned above. The beautiful white sand beach is on Boquete or Paniquian Island, just off Muelle Bay. Visitors will instantly feel relaxed on the quiet beach or swim in its calm blue waters. They can even snorkel and interact with the rich marine life off its shore.
Get a Henna Tattoo
Plenty of shops along the beaches of Puerto Galera offer henna tattoo commissions, especially on the more popular spots like White Beach. Prices depend on how big and intricate the designs are, but people can haggle and negotiate to get their body art done by these talented artists.
Get a Massage by the Beach
Lastly, one of the best things to do on a tropical and paradise-like island is to get a massage by the beach. It’s the ultimate form of relaxation with a fantastic backdrop of calm blue waters. Many resorts and even beachside shops offer different kinds of massage to visitors, and it’s a highly recommended thing to do on this list.
Puerto Galera Travel and Tour Packages
Si-Kat Ferrybus Tickets (Round Trip and One Way) for Puerto Galera and Manila
Reach the dazzling seas and lush mountain landscapes of Puerto Galera in no time! Secure, reliable transfers between Manila and Puerto Galera aboard the Si-Kat Ferrybus, the island’s leading transfer service! Just hours away from the Philippines’ bustling capital, escape to the island’s exotic embrace by easily traversing roads and oceans.
BOOK your Si-Kat Ferrybus Tickets
Searching for the best Puerto Galera hotels, resorts, and affordable flights in the nearby Cities? Check out our complete list of affordable hotels and resorts via Agoda, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is nice about White Beach Puerto Galera?
White Beach in Puerto Galera is renowned for its pristine white sand and clear waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, diving, surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddling. Additionally, the beach offers a vibrant nightlife with various restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, contributing to its popularity as a tourist destination.
Why Puerto Galera is the best tourist spot?
Puerto Galera is considered a top tourist spot due to its stunning beaches, diverse marine life for diving and snorkeling, lush natural landscapes, waterfalls such as Tamaraw and Tukuran Falls, and a range of outdoor activities including hiking, island hopping, and water sports. The area also offers a vibrant nightlife, making it an attractive destination for a wide range of travelers.
Is it safe to travel to Puerto Galera today?
As of today, Puerto Galera is generally considered safe for travel, with the area being open for tourism and offering safe, enjoyable, and affordable travel and tour packages (source: Puerto Galera Tourism). However, it’s important to stay informed about any specific travel advisories or guidelines before planning a trip.
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- Travel Guide to Puerto Galera: Travel Requirements, Things to Do, and More
- Nice and Cozy at White Beach Resort in Puerto Galera