Puerto Galera Mindoro (Diving Haven)

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(A shot of the famous Puerto Galera, Mindoro where one can find attractive bistros and cafes lining the beach and gets active at night)
There are places that are worth seeing again and there are places that fail in many aspects that going back is simply not an option.  I take pride in the fact that I have taken a trip to Puerto Galera, not once, but three times. Something that I never do with other destinations. I never like returning to a place, once I have stayed there for three days, but for some reason, Puerto Galera has that magic that beckons at me to return. There are many diving resorts in Puerto Galera thus making it one of the top diving destinations in the Philippines. Professional divers offer diving lessons or provide services as guides should one wish to.

Bangkas (local canoe) abound the Puerto Galera coast, mainly because fishing is one of the industry aside from the stong tourism.  Some of these can be rented should one wish to go island-hopping.









To go to Puerto Galera, one can take the Puerto Galera ferry that ply the Batangas City Port - Puerto Galera route in about 45 minutes. Occasionally, the sea waters can be choppy, but worry-you-not, since these vessels are equipped with very bright orange life vests that erases your fears when you see the waters begin to get rowdy (so to speak). This area is thought to have one of the highest marine bio-diversity. No wonder snorkeling and diving is one of the reasons tourist flock here in the summer.




This is White Beach Resort in Puerto Galera circa 2008. A far cry from what it was when I first set foot here in 1989. Back then, there was only one wide shack that would cook freshly caught fish in an open-grill. The entire harbor to White Beach road was unpaved that I needed to wrap my hair to prevent the dust from turning them into springs. Back then, we schedule a trip for the jeepney to return and take us back to the harbor, otherwise, we'd be walking or stay till eternity at the resorts and nightlife would consist of a bonfire.  Today, the roads are paved, jeepney trips are regular and the nightlife is very active, with the many restos and bars to go to. Gimik to the max!!! Life's a beach, after all...

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