PUERTO GALERA (meaning “Port of the Galleons”) is actually the name of a small town (poblacion), but is generally used to refer to the area between Sabang, 5km to the east, and White Beach, 8km to the west.
Great diving, countless coves and beaches and a stunning natural harbour within a few hours of Manila make Puerta Galera a natural choice for escaping Manileños and travellers alike. During Easter, and summer weekends, the whole place seems full to bursting, and many hotels substantially raise their prices, so it’s worth booking ahead if you’re planning to visit during these times.
There’s also plenty on offer in addition to diving, including excellent snorkelling, trekking into the mountains and beachand island-hopping by bangka. Most visitors head straight for Sabang and the nearby beaches of Small La Laguna and Big La Laguna.
Between them, these locations offer a diverse range of accommodation, diving, restaurants and nightlife. There are also a number of family-friendly resorts near the village of Palangan, about halfway along the road from Puerto Galera to Sabang.
Northeast of Palangan there’s a small isolated cove at Sinandigan with a handful of very peaceful resorts. In the other direction, to the west of Puerto Galera, the nearest beach is the picturesque White Beach, which has plenty of accommodation, and is popular with partying Manileños at the weekends.
For more of a remote experience, walk – or take a tricycle – round to beautiful Aninuan Beach and Talipanan Beach, both of which have comfortable, affordable places to stay.
Tribal villages
Some Mangyan tribal villages are easily accessible from Puerto Galera, while others require a bit more effort in the form of some stiff uphill hiking, but are rewarded with a more genuine experience.
To get the most out of your visit it’s worth organizing through one of the travel agents in Puerto Galera or Sabang (see below), who can provide an interpreter and cultural etiquette tips.
Tamaraw Falls
Off the main road to Calapan lie a number of caves and thundering waterfalls, and thirty minutes from Puerto Galera, Tamaraw Falls is the mother of all cascades. Here cool mountain water plummets over a precipice and into a natural pool and man-made swimming pool. The falls have become a popular sight (hence the P20 entrance fee), so avoid going at the weekend, when they are overrun.
Mount Malasimbo
One of the best day-treks is from White Beach into the foothills of Mount Malasimbo, where there are a number of tribal communities, as well as waterfalls with cold, clear pools big enough for swimming.
Python cave and hot springs
This popular day-trek takes you 3km out of town along the Calapan road, from where a narrow, unsigned trail leads up to the immense cave through thick vegetation and piping-hot springs deep enough for a swim.
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