"Puerto Galera" Puerto Galera by Jeannkelly

Puerto Galera Travel Guide: 361 reviews and 915 photos

The Pearl of Mindoro

I've been to Puerto Galera countless of times, back in my University days with my good friend Ella, to my fag-hag days with my gay friends during Holy Week (it was a ritual for some years) with my friend Clare, who is a native Galereña and lately with my "half-heart, almost going there every weekend for the past 3 months...

One thing about Puerto is that it is very near Manila (a 2-hr bus ride to Batangas City Pier and an hour and a half ferry side to reach the town), cheaper, and the same sun, sand and sea that you could get when you go to Boracay. In other words, it is the best alternative to Boracay when one is on a tight budget (some beaches could be really cheap like White Beach) and in a hurry (you can just literally pack your things the morning you want to leave for Galera. Buses are available 24 hours a day and the there are ferries at least every hour)... But well, Puerto Galera has of course its own pros against Boracay or any beach attraction in the country... It is surely underdeveloped in terms of infrastructure and yes, "un-organized", but despite these things, a tourism professional and enthusiast like me, would still be very much interested with this place especially for the study/ research that I have in mind for Puerto Galera ;)

Coral Garden

The place is devoid of any permanent structure so, tourist would just go there for a half or day tour. The underwater attraction is fantastic, quite ideal for snorkelling...

Coco Beach from afar...

Coco Beach

One of my favorite beaches in Puerto Galera. Their concept of tourism planning (resort planning) at that is quite unique. They have this concept of blending the natural environment with the desired structure. Totally utilizing (according to staff of course) of indigenous materials from the place, it is called Coco Beach because it is set amongst the coconut trees in the cove.

The cottages are fantastic - very native, cozy and unique. The service family is another thing - your personal "assistants'' during your stay. They come for your laundry, baby sitting, room service and other needs. You just need to pull a string which rings the bell on the service family's house. (Service family in the sense that the mom, dad, daughter and son work for Coco Beach).

Another unique structure of Cocobeach is the Revolving Restaurant. Yes, it turns 360 degrees while you are having a romantic dinner on the third level of the restaurant. Lovely and lovely... The backdrop of the coconut trees and the natural landscape of the slopes and hills and the sea adds drama to the setting...

Cocobeach also have cultural shows showcasing local talents from the town's highschool.
Okay, I love the place... but watch out, yep, all the services and extra services comes with a "nice" price ;-)

Pros and Cons

Pros:A variety of beaches to go... cheap ones, expensive one's, adventurous ones (yes, they do have Sabang for a redlight district), and lots of other coves and beaches to stay... You just need to take your pick whatever your mood is...
Cons:Needs more organization, upgrade in quality of service and infrastructure. Oh, watch out for the scrupulous drivers, hustlers and vendors even upon your arrival in the pier ;-)
In a nutshell:When you dont care about anything else but the sun, sand and sea, Puerto Galera is the nearest (from Manila) place to be...

Last visit to Puerto Galera: Mar 2004
Intro Updated Apr 1, 2004
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Reviews (3)

Try the Seafood Platter for 2 Pax! Restaurants (1)

Nothing fancy but since Encenada is a place where it doesnt get crowded very often, dinner should be perfect especially... more travel advice

The New Encenada Beach Resort Hotels (2)

Amenities is not that superb as Cocobeach but the beach line is quite fantastic and you can also enjoy swimming as the... more travel advice

A typical Cocobeach cottage - Puerto Galera

Banana Cottage at Cocobeach Resort Hotels (2)

Staying at Cocobeach is always pampering with all the superb hospitality of the service family, everything is... more travel advice

Have you been to Puerto Galera? Share your travels with the world!

Comments (4)

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vinc_bilb Oct 14, 2009 at 12:50 PM

Magandang gabi po ... I would like to visit Puerto Galera ... but after Sagada :) I miss the Philippines, di-ba. Salamat for your nice comment.
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Dyesebel Jul 8, 2007 at 12:55 PM

Mabuhay!Nice Puerto Galera page! kamusta?
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Dedl Feb 8, 2007 at 8:18 PM

Hello jeankelly, I planned a weekendtrip from xiamen <China to the Phillippines. Do you now some nice Places near Manila.exept puerto Gallera.
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hivaoa1 Nov 1, 2006 at 3:37 AM

oh ho tanta voglia di andare qua.. relax.. sotto il sole.. che bellooooo