A Perfect 2 Days Puerto Galera Itinerary

A Perfect 2 Days Puerto Galera Itinerary

Why we can recommend to visit Puerto Galera? If you want to relax this is your place in the Philippines keep reading our Puerto Galera itinerary. It’s not very far if you are staying in Manila.

Puerto Galera is famous for diving and snorkeling and it was good. But we will discover for you that there are many things to do in Puerto Galera apart from diving and snorkeling.

There are different beaches depending what you are looking for, if you want more relax during the night or you want to hang out. Well we tried both of them and it depends what you feel at that moment.

Read here how to get to Puerto Galera and where to stay in Puerto Galera!

SIM CARD AT MANILA AIRPORT

I wouldn’t recommend you to buy a sim card at Manila airport. If you wish comfort you can buy eSim online and if you aren’t in a hurry just go around phone shops in the city and compare prices to buy the cheapest sim card in Manila. Read here Philippines sim card for tourist and best Philippines eSim

WHERE TO STAY IN THE PHILIPPINES

You can get accommodation starting from 800-1000 PHP (less than $20 USD) for a room in a guesthouse. Can you imagine if you are two of you traveling in the Philippines, it will be $10 USD each.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION WITH BOOKING AND AGODA!

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

You can read Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full Heymondo Travel Insurance Review

You can get Safetywing Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads valid for 28 days Safetywing for $50 USD per month with kids until 10 years old included

HOW TO GET TO PUERTO GALERA

Getting to Puerto Galera from Manila

If you are getting to Puerto Galera from Manila. You will have to ride a bus to Batangas port for 2-3 hours depending of the traffic. If you go in the weekends or first thing in the morning you will make to Batangas in a couple of hours. Prices for the bus costs $4. And once you are in Batangas you have to ride a boat to reach Puerto Galera an hour or so. 

Prices for the boat is $5-6. Once you ride the boat from Batangas, you need to do small payments for ferry terminal (half dollar) and also enviromental fee for maintenance of the island ($1-2). Puerto Galera is a touristic destination for locals and foreigners and you need to pay the price.

You can click here to organize your transportation from Manila to Puerto Galera with Klook.

ATM’S IN PUERTO GALERA

ATM is scarce in Puerto Galera but there are, at present, 3 ATMs in Puerto Galera; 2 are located in Poblacion and 1 in Sabang. All accept the 3 major ATM networks as well as foreign cards. If you’re in White Beach, ride a tricycle to Poblacion and tell the driver you are going to Allied Bank– the special trip costs 100 pesos.

So it is suggested that you carry cash with you at all times. While most of the resorts around Puerto Galera accepts all types of credit card, there are small resorts and home-stay accommodations that do not accept credit/debit cards.

Click here to know more about the exchange rate!

TRANSPORTATION AROUND PUERTO GALERA

Since Puerto Galera is just next to the sea and has other smaller islands, most commonly used vehicle to go around is banca, or a motor boat. It differs in sizes. There are bigger ones and smaller ones are used better for island hopping or going to the next resorts. Next to bancas, jeepneys are the next commonly used vehicle in Puerto Galera in land.

May it be to the next town or the next city, jeepneys are the go-to vehicle to go around in land. Of course there are also tricycles for small trips, but jeepneys are better especially for longer trips. It might be a little uncomfortable to some but the fare is cheap. Tricycles can be rented if you want to have your own places you want to go to. One way for tricycle can costs 50-100 PHP or $1 to $2.

DAILY BUDGET IN PUERTO GALERA

Daily budget for a tourist in Puerto Galera might vary by what time of the year you are there. Prices of accommodation and other daily needs can get a bit pricier for the peak season and will be back to normal once the peak season is gone. For nonpeak season, daily budget can be $15 to $50 a day with accommodation, food, transportation and entrance fees to some attractions and places. In peak season, daily budget can get up to $50 a day.

Add some more if you want to island hop. It can get pricey but in our opinion, Puerto Galera is worth every penny. You can go down in your budget in you don’t do activities as island hopping, diving and snorkeling. Buet we recommend you to try them in Puerto Galera.

Read more about all the places to stay in Puerto Galera and book your staying with Booking and Agoda!

2 DAYS PUERTO GALERA ITINERARY

Puerto Galera is a famous place to go to if you want to try diving. There are available diving lessons and diving activities you can opt to avail. Other water activities such as snorkeling, jet skiing and kayaking. 

Of course, island hopping is another popular activity since there are other smaller islands surrounding Puerto Galera that you can go to and explore. There are also inland places and attractions you can go to like the Tamaraw Falls and visit the local Mangyan Village at the foot of Mt. Malasimbo.

Day 1 Puerto Galera Itinerary

For the first day in Puerto Galera, we recommend you to try island hopping during the day. You can try snorkeling and visiting beaches while riding the boat. After the island hopping if you like party you can head to White Beach for dinner and having a beer.

ISLAND HOPPING

Island hopping in Puerto Galera might be fun with friends, but you can also do it solo! Most bangka that you can rent to go to other islands around Puerto Galera can accommodate up to 8 person with the cost between 1,500 PHP to 2,000 PHP, depending on the season as well as the operators you’ll talk to.

You can avail this activity in Sabang port but there will also be agents from travel and tours holding laminated cards of photos of the islands as well as the activities you can do there. You can approach them or they might approach you in White Beach.

You’ll be toured on other unnamed islands. You can eat at the Maniknik Island since there are restaurants to eat to and enjoy the undisturbed serenity of the shore in Bayanan Island.

SNORKELING

One of the most famous activity to do in Puerto Galera is snorkeling. It can be an activity that is a package deal with the island hopping tour, or you can just go to a certain site and do it. If you’ll add this activity in the island hopping tour, you can add more or less 300 PHP to the original fee on the island hopping package.

One of the most loved site is where you can see the giant clam shells that are being cultivated and protected. Other areas boasts beautiful and colorful corals, fishes and other underwater creatures. You might want to bring a piece of bread with you to enjoy feeding the fishes.

PARTY AT WHITE BEACH

Along the stretch of white sands of White Beach lies the unending lines of bars, restaurants and resorts, ready to offer a night of fun and partying to the tourists. The night life in Puerto Galera is quite adult-oriented. But there are also fire dancers that can entertain even the younger crowd exploring the area.

White Beach is famous for a drink called Mindoro Sling. It’s a drink made of rum mixed with fruit juices. It might taste good but it can give quite a punch, you’ve been warned!

Day 2 Itinerary in Puerto Galera

For your second day itinerary in Puerto Galera you can rent a motorbike or a tricycle to go around the island. You can visit waterfals Tamaraw and Tukuran. A great experience visiting Mangyan Village and you can also in one of the beaches mentioned before during the day. Make sure you get on time for the sunset. We liked it the sunset in White Beach, Puerto Galera.

TAMARAW WATERFALLS

Image from Flickr

Along the main road if you’re from Calapan going to White Beach, you can already see the charming Tamaraw Falls in Puerto Galera. You can ride jeepneys and tell them to drop you off at Tamaraw falls. You don’t need to trek to reach it because it’s just near the road. It is named after the water tamaraws locally from Mindoro Island which is now endangered due to commercialization.

You’ll need to go down a few steps to reach the entrance. You’ll have to pay the fee of 25 PHP per person before you can go in. The water is very cool and refreshing. There are man made pools in different levels that you can choose to swim at. Snacks can also be bought inside. Buko juice or coconut juice can also be ordered fresh.

VISIT MANGYAN VILLAGE

Located at Talipanan which is a few minutes away from White Beach harbors the Mangyan Village. Mangyans are the indigenous groups found in Mindoro who used to be coastal dwellers that heavily traded with Chinese but moved inland and in mountains to avoid the influx of foreign settlers particularly the Spaniards. 

The village at the foot of Mt. Malasimbo is a pretty popular tourist destination. It is where handcrafted products of the Mangyans are displayed and is sold. The Mangyan kids are also a fun bunch to be with. They are all smiling and always laughing.

TUKURAN WATERFALLS

Unlike Tamaraw falls, Tukuran falls is a 30 minutes trail from the road located in the village of Calsapa, 45 minutes south of Puerto Galera. From Puerto Galera you can either ride a jeepney or hire a van that can take you directly to the trailhead. It’s also called Hidden Paradise because, well, it’s quite hidden.

It is a series of gentle cascades and turquoise-toned swimming holes with refreshing water to cool you down on a hot summer day. There will be a mandatory guide that you have to pay 300 PHP if you’re with a group or if you’re alone. Please be reminded to wear a proper footwear as the trail to the falls involves river crossing. But if you don’t want to walk, you can opt to ride a Carabao-pulled ride for 450 PHP. 

BEACHES IN PUERTO GALERA

SABANG BEACH

In Sabang Beach there are many choices if you go to Puerto Galera for diving. Just check/compare prices and choose the one who is adapting more to your needs for diving or you can talk to them personally and negotiate. Usually, the price per person will play from 3,200 up to 3,900 PHP. 

You can enjoy a fun-filled time in Sabang Beach while you’re still on a budget because staying there is pretty low cost as there are many budget friendly accommodation. Here we spent amazing and luxury time in Lalaguna Villas, one of the most luxury resort in Sabang.

MUELLE PORT

Among the four ports in Puerto Galera, Muelle Port is the main one serving ferries that comes in and out of the town. This port is near Sabang Beach and is the home for the Puerto Galera Yacht Club where sail boats and luxury yachts can safely come and go. 

The best time to watch these beautiful vessels is when the club hosts the annual All Souls Regatta, at the end of October. This race brings together small boats, dinghies, and big boats in a week-long event, in Puerto Galera.

WHITE BEACH

If you like partying you should go to White Beach, there are many hostels and hotels for accommodation. Restaurants as well as bars are also all over the area. White Beach is pretty famous for its night life. The beach is really nice for staying during the day and also for watching the sunset. There are many things to do if you’ll visit like visiting the falls if you feel like hiking.

More Days Puerto Galera Itinerary

If you have more days in your itinerary in Puerto Galera. You can always go for diving and snorkeling. Also spending time in the beaches that we mentioned above. You can also try another island hopping and keep exploring the island on your own with a motorbike or a tricycle.

DIVING

Of course, this activity is also on the top of the things you can do while you are in Puerto Galera. There are resorts and travel and tours around Puerto Galera that offers diving lessons or diving services so you can easily avail whichever you want.

There are famous sites there that you can opt to go to like The Canyons. This site is made up of three canyons and is a good site to spot snappers, barracuda and colorful corals. Diving can cost up to 3,200 PHP per person for 2 dives.

WHERE TO STAY IN PUERTO GALERA

We have been a few times in Puerto Galera because we honestly love the place and everytime we do, we go to different places every time: Sabang, Muelle Port, White Beach.

GRACE HOTEL

Featuring a garden and a terrace, Grace Hotel is located in Puerto Galera. With free WiFi, this 2-star hotel offers a shared lounge. Every room is equipped with a balcony with mountain views. At the hotel, the rooms come with a closet.

Every room has a private bathroom with a shower. Guests at Grace Hotel can enjoy a continental breakfast. A room can cost 960 PHP or less than $20!

Click here to check their rates and availability!

DAHILIG RESORT

Set in Puerto Galera, 5-minute drive from Sabang Beach and 20-minute drive from White Beach, Dahilig Resort is a 3-star property that features an outdoor swimming pool, a garden and a terrace. A continental breakfast is served daily at the property. Guests can also enjoy a selection of Asian cuisine in the in-house restaurant. 

Hiking is among the activities that guests can enjoy near the resort. They have budget rooms that costs 750 PHP a night and double room with pool view for 2,100 PHP a night.

Click here to check their availability!

NIRVANA RESORT

Nirvana Resort is located in Puerto Galera, near the town center. It offers an outdoor infinity pool and a restaurant. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort.

Rooms at Nirvana Resort are equipped with air conditioning and cable TV. Some rooms have a fridge and seating area.The resort can arrange island boat tours and water sports. Other facilities include a souvenir shop, library area and game room.

Nirvana Resort Bar and Restaurant serves Filipino, Oriental and international dishes. Located by the pool, it also overlooks the beach. Guests can order room service. Room costs 3,200 PHP a night.

Click here to check their availability!

LALAGUNA VILLAS LUXURY DIVE RESORT AND SPA

The room at Lalaguna Villas Luxury Dove Resort and Spa are all air-conditioned and equipped with a flat-screen cable TV, a safety deposit box, and a wardrobe. The shared and private bathrooms come with a shower facility and free toiletries, while some units include a hot tub, a kitchen or kitchenette, and a terrace and/or a balcony with sea views.

A continental breakfast is available daily at the villa. Guests can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, which serves a variety of Thai and American dishes and also offers Gluten-free and Dairy-free options.

Lalaguna Villas Luxury Dove Resort offers an outdoor swimming pool and fitness center, while diving, fishing, and other water sports facilities may be arranged at an additional cost. Rooms can costs about 4,200 PHP a night.

Click this link to check their rates and availability!

Hope you liked it our Puerto Galera travel guide and let us know in the comments below your favorite things to do in Puerto Galera.

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Happy Travels!