This coastal town on Mindoro's northern tip draws visitors with its white-sand beaches and clear waters. Divers explore its coral reefs while beachgoers relax at Sabang and White Beach.
Puerto Galera, a coastal municipality in Oriental Mindoro, lies 3-4 hours from Manila by combined land and sea transport. You can swim at White Beach, trek to Tamaraw Falls, or dive among the 180 species of nudibranchs in the coral reefs. The Verde Island Passage runs between Puerto Galera and Verde Island, supporting one of Asia's richest marine ecosystems.
Getting to Puerto Galera
Take a 2-hour bus ride from Manila to Batangas Port, then catch a 75-minute ferry to Puerto Galera. Local bamboo boats (bangkas) connect Batangas with Puerto Galera's main ports throughout the day. Air Juan Aviation runs daily seaplane flights from Manila, landing in Puerto Galera Bay.
Main Beaches
White Beach lines the western coast with calm waters ideal for swimming. You'll find beachfront restaurants serving meals throughout the day. Sabang Beach has evolved into the main diving area, with dive schools teaching PADI and BSAC courses. Talipanan Beach, the westernmost beach you can reach by road, sees fewer visitors and has clearer water for snorkeling.
Diving in Verde Island Passage
The channel between Puerto Galera and Verde Island contains over 30 dive sites within 15 minutes from shore. At "Washing Machine," currents sweep you along a drift dive route. "Hole in the Wall" leads you through a tunnel at 20 feet depth. Dungon Wall attracts cuttlefish and squid, especially during early morning dives.
Mountain Waterfalls
Tamaraw Falls drops 30 meters into a swimming pool, accessible by a 10-minute walk from the parking area. To reach Aninuan Falls, hike 45 minutes through jungle terrain. Tukuran Falls involves a 1-hour trek on a less-maintained trail, but you'll likely have the falls to yourself.
Local Food Scene
Restaurants around Puerto Galera cook Filipino dishes using ingredients from nearby farms and fishing boats. Try adobo (vinegar-based meat stew) or fresh grilled grouper caught the same day. European and Asian restaurants have opened near White Beach and Sabang, adding international options to the local menu.
Historical Background
In the 16th century, Spanish ships discovered Puerto Galera's natural harbor protected them from typhoons, leading to the name "Port of Galleons." The town originally stood at Lagundian but moved due to pirate raids. In 1879, the Spanish warship El Cañonero de Mariveles sank during a storm - today, a cross in Muelle marks the spot.
