A BRIEF HISTORY
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Puerto Galera, one of the oldest settlements of the religious missionaries in the Philippines, was founded by the Spanish in 1574 as the provincial capital of Mindoro Island. However, the history of the locale goes way back into the metal age and probably beyond. Artifacts found at ancient burial sites at Lalaguna and Minolo suggest that a thriving culture existed here for many millennia before the Spanish arrived. Occasional Chinese records from as far back as the 10th century suggest frequent trading with the indigenous Mangyan peoples: exchanging glazed porcelains for gold, jade, corals, shells, birds, rattan and other forest products that were once abundant on the island. The Mangyans still live a traditional loincloth-lifestyle in the surrounding forested hills and can occasionally be seen in the town selling woven abaca items and trading gold recovered from the rivers and streams that cascade down the towering mountains behind.
The port town of Puerto Galera was probably named after Spanish ships that were based here in the early years of colonisation – Galeras (English = galleys -- two masted, shallow draft, rowing/sailing ships) known locally as "prau" or "parao" – that were employed as short distance trading vessels, doubling as warships when required to subdue the populous or thwart attacks from pirates and nearby island chieftains. With the arrival of tourism in the 20th century it became more important to determine the origin of the name "Puerto Galera" and in recent times the romantic translation, “The Port of Galleons”, has held sway over the more academic alternative, "The Port of Galeras". No matter the actual origin, Puerto Galera certainly offered a safe anchorage for many a galera and galleon during the tropical storms and typhoons (hurricanes/cyclones) that frequently cut across the country during the months of May through November.
Puerto Galera lost its status as the seat of government for Mindoro in 1837; Calapan took over the role provincial capital, as the focus of agriculture and commerce shifted East along the coastal plains. [Puerto Galera was briefly the provincial capital again, in 1902 and 1903, while the Philippines was under American rule] More recently, on December 26, 1973, PD (Presidential Decree) 354 was issued by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos, making Puerto Galera a reservation area under the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme.
Most recently, in November 2004, Puerto Galera was voted a member of the UNESCO affiliated ‘The Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World'.
And beauty is what you will find: entering Puerto Galera's inner bays through either the Manila (West) or Batangas (North) channel for the first time it is impossible not to be splashed by the residue from eons of nature’s rich evolution that has elevated Puerto Galera to a metaphor for paradise.
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| THINGS TO DO |
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Scuba Diving: There are almost too few superlatives to describe the experience of scuba diving through Puerto Galera’s fantastic submarine ecosystem. Whether your passion is deep or shallow, wall or bottom, reef or rock, wreck or coral, drift or drop, Puerto Galera has it all when it comes to scuba diving; and it even has its own coral species -- anacropora puertogalerae -- that has been found nowhere else on Earth.
If you are not yet a scuba diver you will find that most dive shops will offer a Discover Scuba course to see if scuba diving is something you want to get into or, you can jump straight in and sign up for a PADI Open Water Diver course. From Open Water you can follow the route through PADI Advanced, PADI Dive Master to PADI Instructor or branch out and become a Wreck Specialist or a Technical Diver. Nitrox, Trimix and other exotic breathables are on offer. One of the great things about choosing scuba diving in Puerto Galera is that everything from your fins to a wing can be rented, so there is no need to put any heavy stuff in your hand-carry.
Sailing: The mangrove-lined inner bays of Puerto Galera offer the opportunity for a day of sailing in a dinghy, imbibing nature and embracing the sumptuous tranquility of a tropical marine sanctuary.
Want to up the pace a little then the same dinghies are used for the Wet Wednesday Sailing Experience, held every Wednesday afternoon (when the emphasis is on having fun) starting at the yacht club. Hobie 16s are also available for rent from a number of resorts and from private owners. Three times a year (Halloween, New Year and Easter) the Puerto Galera Yacht Club organises sailing regattas for bigger boats and these and other events are open to everyone who has the desire to race boats across the Verde Passage and along the outer beaches.
If you want to learn to sail then the Puerto Galera Yacht Club offers three-day and five-day sail training courses that will equip you to enjoy the sport of sailing anywhere on the planet. Warning: Learning to sail in the pristine waters of Puerto Galera can affect your view of subsequently sailing anywhere else.
Windsurfing: The safe but breezy waters off Boquete Beach are the perfect location for windsurfing and every year (usually in early February) Puerto Galera plays host to windsurfers from all around the country and from overseas; Puerto Galera is one of legs on the national windsurfing championship racing circuit.
If you already know how to windsurf and simply want to rent a board then the windsurfing school on Boquete Beach will provide. If you do not know how to windsurf then the same school will have you up and sailing within a day and racing within a week.
Kayaking: Whether seeking romance in secluded mangrove-lined inlets or battling the iron-man currents and waves in the tide-rips along the Verde Passage, taking a sea-kayak is the most environmentally friendly way to discover the 42 kilometers of shoreline that define Puerto Galera.
Kayaks are available for rent from the yacht club and from most water sports focused resorts. If you are alone and want to recruit a kayak guide, most resorts will introduce someone who is knowledgeable about kayaking in the area and any current safety and environmental issues.
Snorkeling: Particularly within the inner bays, but also off Lalaguna, Long and Coco beaches, the snorkeling opportunities are too good to miss. A day of snorkeling in Puerto Galera can convince you to take up scuba diving as a hobby.
If you plan your trip well in advance you can join the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) on one of its regular eco-surveys of the sea-grasses and shallow corals. And of course you simply must snorkel the giant clam beds, which will leave you open mouthed with excitement.
Jet Ski: For those who really must get their adrenaline rush through speed but find a drift dive in a six knot current or a twelve knot spinnaker run or a 25 knot windsurf ride a little tame then Jet Skis are tolerated to be used off the beaches that face the Verde Passage.
Golf: For the most panoramic views of Puerto Galera you simply must not miss a trip up the mountains to the Ponderosa Golf Club where, with very modest green-fees, you can play one of the world’s most dramatic 9-hole golf courses . . . guaranteed to challenge your short game.
If you do not want to bring your own golf clubs then you can rent suitable sets from the Ponderosa Golf Club. And if you have friends who don’t play golf then still take them along for there is plenty to see and do for no-golfers.
Hiking: You can hike through the rainforested hills and study the flora and fauna including rare wild orchids and birds or, you can become a beachcomber and walk from bay to bay at low tide. Alternatively you can hike up to the waterfalls and bathe in the crystal clear and refreshingly cool mountain streams.
HASHing: For those who like running instead of hiking then Sunday afternoon is when the Puerto Galera HASH House Harriers assemble at Capt'n Gregg's for a run (or brisk walk), around some time-hewn headland or along an ancient forest trail, towards the On-On of the day, where to consume a friendly beer or two.
Shooting: The Puerto Galera Range Group is where you can occasionally find the local crack shots proving to each other who is the best on the day. Visitors are welcome and you can hire a pistol and ammunition for live-ammunition-target-shooting. Paint-ball competitions can be arranged through Badladz or the all new Battlefield Live game, using environmentally friendly, infra-red rifles and machine guns, is now available by prior arrangement through Mission Special.
Reptile Zoo: Want to meet a thousand different reptiles (snakes, lizards, crocodiles and more) under one roof? Then you simply must visit the Paradise Reptile Zoo located along the road up to the Ponderosa Golf Club. The zoo is becoming World famous for its breeding programmes, which focus on giving new life to highly endangered species from the tropical rainforests of Asia.
Municipal Museum: The Puerto Galera museum provides an interesting insight into the history and changed culture of the town through the Spanish, American and Japanese colonial periods. Located near the church above Muelle Pier the museum is open most hours of daylight, except on Sundays.
On/Off Road Motorcycles: Some of the terrain around Puerto Galera can only be appreciated by going off-road and the only practical way to do that is to hire a motorcycle. Hire a motorcycle for day or a week of exploration and you can discover sights that few have seen before.
Note: be prepared to use your passport in lieu of a security deposit when hiring equipment at most resorts.
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| WHERE TO STAY |
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Puerto Galera is blessed with the widest range of accommodations of any water sports destination around the country. Whether your budget is that of a backpacker or of a business tycoon there is somewhere here that will suit your pocket. Whether for romance and tranquility or for rambunctiousness and camaraderie, Puerto Galera caters. A small but varied selection is offered here to give you a feel for the scope of experience available. The locations are listed approximately in geographic order from West to East.
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WHITE BEACH – 25-years ago White Beach was the movie-makers’ beach, because it was devoid of resorts. Today, White Beach comprises a bustling tourist community that stretches from the high-water mark way back into the adjoining coconut plantations.
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| The Apartelle de Francesca is a resort hotel located in the heart of White Beach, with its own swimming pool & mini Jacuzzi, gym and offering mid-priced accommodations. Catering for both Filipino and foreign tourists, most equipment for water sports can be rented at the Apartelle de Francesca. It's a great place for seminars and confereces too.
T: +63 916 737-3086 W: www.francescaresort.com
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THE BAY AREA – only a small collection of resorts and accommodations are available within the bay area of Puerto Galera because there has been a concerted effort to protect the natural beauty afforded by the mangroves and sheltered coves. As a result, most resort and hotel accommodations in the bay area are very peaceful, at the same time as being convenient to the town.
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| The Sandbar Resort & windsurfing centre spans the sand bar that links Paniquian Island to Puerto Galera proper. The Sandbar's mid-priced accommodations deliver spectacular sunrises with views across the swimming pool, manicured lawns and out over Puerto Galera bay. The Sandbar has a wide range of water sports facilities and also tennis courts . . . so you can sharpen up your backhand between scuba dives.
T: +63 917 562-0124 or +63 43 442-0047
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| The Badladz Resort and dive shop on the Muelle Pier offers good value for money low-to-mid priced accommodations with few frills (except hot water showers, cable TV and air conditioning) but a great view over the yacht club's moorings in the bay. You can learn to scuba dive with Badladz and also play paintball.
T: +63 920 945-6339 W: www.badladz.com
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| The Burrells’ unique Yachtsman’s Holiday Package combines a waterfront villa with a sailing yacht, located in Dalaruan Bay. Ideal for a group of four to eight persons who want to fill their vacation with the peace and tranquility of a secluded villa but also want to enjoy day-sailing along the coast or across the Verde Passage. A resident boatman and housekeeper will ensure that almost every whim is catered for.
T: +63 2 844-6067 W: www.puertogaleravillas.com
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BIG LALAGUNA BEACH – is probably the best beach for swimming & snorkeling because it has many areas of sandy bottom for easy water entry, as well as roped off areas to protect swimmers from bankas. The water is crystal clear; the corals vibrant and varied. It is far enough away from the boisterous nightlife of Sabang Beach so that evenings can be peaceful and romantic.
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| Lalaguna Beach Club & Dive Centre is one of the most established resorts and dive shops on Big Lalaguna Beach offers mid-priced accommodations, an international menu and a comprehensive range of water sports activities with equipment for hire. Lalaguna Beach Club's new dive shop has virtually everything a scuba diver desires.
T: +63 917 794-0323 W: www.llbc.com.ph
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SMALL LALAGUNA BEACH – actually has a larger beach-front than Big Lalaguna Beach and offers a wide variety of resorts and hotels. There are areas of rocks and broken corals in the shallows here so this is not the best beach for swimming but it is closer to Sabang Beach and therefore more convenient for those who also need an occasional entertainment fix between scuba diving adventures. Some of the most spectacularly colourful sunrises in Asia have been photographed here.
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| The Portofino Resort appears to have been teleported from southern California, with good-value-for-money villa accommodation offered through a range of secluded rooms and suites in the mid-to-high price range - depending upon your desire for space. The restaurant setting beside the swimming pool provides the perfect inducement for an al fresco dining experience.
T: +63 43 287-3227 W: www.portofino.com.ph
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| El Galleon Resort & Hotel is the most established dive shop & resort hotel on Small Lalaguna Beach and was a pioneer in the development of scuba diving as a sport in the area. Good, mid-priced rooms overlooking the swimming pool, supported by an extensive international menu at the beach view restaurant. There is frequently a guest chef in residence during the high season. El Galleon could be your base for a scuba/technical diving or free-diving adventure.
T: +63 917 814-5107 W: www.asiadivers.com
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SABANG BEACH – is the 'party beach' with bustling entertainment that spans all the hours of day and night. The beach is all but gone at high tide with hotels & resorts competing with the waves for space. If you want to swim here you are advised to go out to the floating bar that is anchored one hundred meters off the waterfront. In fact, the Floating Bar is probably the most relaxing place from where to view the bay. Billiards/pool, discos and bars are the feature of Sabang and its reputation for accommodating every taste is legendary.
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| Big Apple Dive Resort is a 24 hour entertainment and dive resort with reasonably quiet, spacious pool-side accommodations in the low-to-mid price range. Billiards/pool competitions mix it up with roast lunches and Bar-B-Qs for those with not a moment of life to waste. If you want to mix scuba diving with billiards and a great Sunday roast then the Big Apple could be for you.
T: +63 2 526-7685 W: www.dive-bigapple.com
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| Capt'n Gregg's Dive resort is the longest running dive resort on the beach and has been a magnet for backpackers to Puerto Galera since the early 1980s. The open seascape views from many of the rooms, combined with the spacious panoramic restaurant, make this a great place for contemplating the previous night's spoils over a late breakfast. Capt'n Gregg's is also home of the Puerto Galera HASH. For scuba diving, HASHing and substantial breakfasts, choose Capt'n Gregg's.
T: +63 43 287-3070 W: www.captngreggs.com
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CORAL COVE – is a secluded bay around Escarceo Point or about a fifteen minute hike (or a five minute jeepney ride) from Sabang. This is a newly developed tourist area and is very close to many of the best dive sites. The beach is not a swimming beach per se but at low tide the inhabitants of the rock pools provide in intriguing distraction for locals and visitors alike.
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| The Coral Cove Resort is new and well appointed for the dive enthusiast who wishes to have a peaceful night but with the option of hoping over to Sabang for an infusion of entertainment once in a while. The rooms are spacious and the range of international delicacies on the menu makes it good value in the mid-price range. There are yacht friendly moorings off the beach for those visiting the Coral Cove Resort by boat. Scuba, Spa, seclusion and Indian curry? Choose Coral Cove.
T: +63 43 287-3220 W: www.coral-cove.com
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| WHERE TO DINE |
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Since the early 1980s Puerto Galera has become an international destination for back-packers and the rich-and-famous. Alongside its growth in popularity as a place of relaxation and sport, eateries and fine restaurants offering the full spectrum of cuisine have blossomed to sate the appetite of the tourists and locals alike. Starting in the bay area we offer here a selection to sustain you as you explore the wonders of this island paradise.
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The Puerto Galera Yacht Club offers a varied menu of international gastronomic delights, from hearty soups and sandwiches to steaks and sashimi. The naturally air-conditioned restaurant and bar is a great place for a romantic dinner for two. For birthday parties and weddings you will find it hard to beat dining under the mango tree overlooking the lawns and garden. The club is most famous for its Friday Night Bar-B-Q and the selection of fine wines.
T: +63 43 442-0136 for opening hours and reservations
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Badladz restaurant, attached to the Funshine Resort, can be found along the East end of Muelle Pier and offers a rustic change of pace and a menu dominated by Mexican specialties. Whether you have a craving for huevos rancheros or a classic burrito Badladz will provide, accompanied by one of the coldest beers on the pier. Naturally air-conditioned, the restaurant offers a delightful view of Muelle Bay and the yacht club moorings.
T: +63 919 577-2823 for opening hours, reservations not required
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Capt’n Gregg’s is one of the oldest resorts and restaurants on Sabang Beach and caters for international tourists with an extensive menu of hearty fare. Breakfasts here, overlooking the Verde Passage, are the perfect solution to a night of partying. Take your time to soak up the view in the naturally air-conditioned restaurant located high above the beach and far from the madding crowds. Capt’n Gregg’s evening Bar-B-Qs are sumptuous and the service is very pleasant.
T: +63 917 540-4570 for opening hours, reservations not required except for groups
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The Portofino Café is a short walk along Sabang Beach and offers a dazzling array of home made cakes and delicacies. If you have a craving for chocolate cake and brewed coffee then make a beeline for this small and friendly café by the sea.
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The blue and white Floating Bar off Sabang Beach is by far the best place to view the entire Sabang waterfront and the antics of a bay-full of water sports enthusiasts. A freshly-made-to-order sandwich here with a fresh fruit shake, served by very friendly waitresses, will easily triumph over that middle-of-the-afternoon peckishness and allow you to continue to soak up the rays till sundown.
A free service boat to the Floating Bar can be found outside the Big Apple Dive Resort.
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The Big Apple Dive Resort aims to sustain the four-times-a-day diver and offers an international menu worthy of the task. The Sunday roast buffet lunch is gaining a reputation as the best-on-the-beach, with its wide selection, sensible price and very friendly service. The naturally air-conditioned restaurant is open 24-hours and offers an impressive view across the Verde Passage and, with two pool tables in the adjoining bar, there is much to see and do between courses.
T: +63 43 287-3134 reservations not required except for groups
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The El Galleon Beach Resort & Hotel has been located on Small Lalaguna Beach almost as long as Puerto Galera has been a destination and prides itself on its sea-view, al fresco dining experience. Guest chefs are frequently in attendance and the staff are efficient and very helpful. For parties and other celebrations the pool-side can add another dimension to your dining experience and the management is happy to organise events tailored to your needs.
T: +63 917 814-5107 reservations not required except for groups
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The Portofino Resort on Small Lalaguna Beach transports you to California and delivers a genuine Tex-Mex, al fresco, pool-side dining experience. Choose from authentic Mexican menu items for breakfast, lunch or dinner surrounded by the sights and sounds of a tropical paradise or sip a margarita while you watch the bankas come and go. The resort is reputed to offer the best-food-on-the-beach and certainly it offers a romantic distraction for discerning lovers.
T: +63 43 287-3227 for opening hours and reservations
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The Lalaguna Beach Club and Dive Center on Big Lalaguna Beach is the essence of Puerto Galera, offering a menu that encompasses the needs of the diver and the beachcomber. From overstuffed sandwiches and full-size burgers to steaks and seafood, the choice is hard to equal and the service is friendly and efficient. Consistently good value, the naturally air-conditioned restaurant offers a welcome to all who climb the steps.
T: +63 917 794-0323 reservations not required except for groups
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