Sunday, February 23, 2025

Puerto Galera - gateway to Mindoro

Puerto Galera is a port city in North Mindoro, a getaway from the hustle and bustle of busy Manila City, as it is not very far away. Upon reaching Manila airport, I took a 2 hour bus to Batangas. From there, I took a ferry across to Puerto Galera in about an hour. Upon reaching a tier, I took a cute tricycle to my hostel. 

Batangas Port

Tricycle - the main mode of transportation in Puerto Galera

The first excursion was  exploring the small town and walked to nearby Mulle Pier at Mulle Cultural Heritage Park. It was a great experience to watch the most awesome flight of bats flying back to its home on the mangrove trees during sunset. There are walkways to enjoy the pier scenery with boats and mangrove.


Small Puerto Galera town


Mulle Pier


Strolling along the walkway


Bats flying home

The next day, after breakfast, I took a motorcycle ride to the other end of the town, Talipanan. Here lies the indigenous Manyan village and the trail to Talipanan Waterfalls. The trek took around 30 mins to reach secluded small falls. Opposite the village is a quiet peaceful seaside called Talipanan Beach.

Seaside in town


Traditional barber shop

Cultural items for sales in Manyan Village

Talipanan Falls

Circle of rainbow

Talipanan Beach

From there, I walked to the next quiet relaxing beach, Aninuan Beach. 

Aninuan Beach



The journey continued along the main road to the main beach, the White Beach, with deep blue water. This is where the main tourists hang out. It is a nice long stretch of white sandy beach, where people play beach volleyball, enjoying water sports such as kayaking and banana boat ride. There are souvenir shops and one can have massage service on the beach while watching the sun sets. 

White Beach









Sunset

The next morning, I continued my journey to Sablayan, where I chartered a private boast to take me on the first leg of a long journey…