The Lesser Known travels: Roughing it out on the islands of Puerto Galera (Part 1)

I had a slightly subtle second day--just staying in the resort and musing on its tranquil surroundings. I had a chance to pump up my adrenaline in the afternoon by trying out the kayak and explore the nearby shores of Dulangan Beach. It was my first time to try this activity and I worried on the circumstance of being drifted by the waves to a farther location where I don't want myself to be in. Aided with a violet and orange colored life vest, I went forth and completely relied on it (and on my untrained paddling skills). I told myself that I must try this one. Kayaking was fun though it was surely tiring. It gave me a feeling of freedom to maneuver to wherever location I wanted to be and the chance to gaze on the lush mountains of the area.

Kayaking at Dulangan Beach, a work out for the arms.

Third day was rougher and tougher as I decided to have a closer encounter of the nearby islands and take a look on what is underneath the waters of Mindoro. I had to wait for the skies to clear out as it was more convenient to hop islands if there is full sunshine. We rode the boat at Muelle Bay and took on a 30 minute ride going to the fish sanctuary. Along the way were the equally amusing islands decorated with trees, stretches of serene shore and the glistening blue and turquoise waters which were some of the best sights I have seen since I went to Boracay Island almost a year ago.

One of the many islands with white sand shores.

Lush mountains, turquoise blue waters. Picture perfect. Paradise!

Relaxing. More fun in the Philippines.

The Lesser Known and Johana Young

The clear waters of the islands make a very good spot for snorkeling.

Snorkeling is one of the activities that I make sure to have every time I visit an island or beach destination. Seeing the scene underwater always transports me into a fantasy world full of colors and adorable creatures which kept on feeding my curious imagination about the vast seas. I had Miss Johana, a half-Finnish and half-Filipino tour coordinator as my exploring companion. We dived in the water and were treated with sights of fish, soft and hard corals and the black, spinny sea urchins! After snorkeling, we went back to the boat and made use of the bread we brought to feed the fish.

Getting ready to snorkel.

Feeding frenzy!

The waters are so clear that I do not need
an underwater camera to have this shot.

The Lesser Known travels: Puerto Galera (Port of Galleons)

It has been a long time since I had a chance to get away from it all. Since June of last year, I have been in an “all work and no play” situation. So when I got a chance to join on a resort immersion-tour, I did not let it pass.

The resort immersion-tour takes place at Puerto Galera, Mindoro Philippines. A destination I have never been to, which makes me a bit more excited. We left Manila at 7am and went on our way to Batangas (the link point to Mindoro). Contrary to majority of the tours going to the island, we had a stop at Berberabe Beach which is our jump off point going to Puerto Galera instead of accessing Batangas port. Berberabe Beach is used by tourists with private chartered boat arrangements. By that time, we already have our private motor boat awaiting us.

The Lesser Known at Berberabe Beach.
Intended for private boat chartered groups going to Puerto Galera.

At past 12pm, we arrived at Muelle Bay voted as one of the cleanest bays by a Vietnamese tourism organization. The bay is really clean and is populated by private yachts which I suppose are owned by foreigners who settled in the island. Arrived at Oceana Beach Resort, had a late lunch and inspected the entire property.

At Puerto Galera Tourist Information Center welcomed
by officers and the resort owner

We had a leisure time in the afternoon and went to White Beach which is the most famous and most crowded beach that Puerto Galera has. Not to mention that it is also poorly maintained. I strongly encourage the local government of Mindoro to do something about the deteriorating status of this very competitive and promising tourist destination before it’s too late. I explored the less than a kilometer stretch of sand at White Beach, observed the mix of local and foreign tourists, vendors and tattoo shops that proliferate within the area. Puerto Galera for me is less attractive than Boracay because there are no specific rules that govern the settlers and if there are any, they might not be strictly implemented.

The face of Puerto Galera White Beach full of benches and food outlets

The shore is cleaner and less populated on the right side of the beach.

Our residence for 5 days -- the serene Oceana Beach Resort
at Dulangan Beach