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Puerto Galera Freedom to explore and discover

Literally meaning “Port of Galleons,” has been popular among seafarers ever since the prosperous years of the Spanish galleon trade. Puerto Galera LAOAG Considered to be one of the most beautiful and Getting There safest harbours in the world, Puerto Galera was From and via Batangas pier, Puerto Galera is Banaue regularly visited by merchant vessels sailing along approximately 4 hours traveling time. Buses depart Luzon the important trade routes of Southeast Asia. PHILIPPINE SEA Today, things have changed a bit – the port still every 30 minutes from numerous bus stations in retains its popularity, but with a different breed Manila (Cubao and along EDSA) for Batangas. MANILAMANILA of explorers: scuba divers, photographers and From the pier, ferry services are available to Balatero, PuertoPuerto GGaleraalera naturalists coming from all over the globe. Sabang or Muelle on Oriental. Most resorts Mindoro Puerto Galera is primarily famous for its splendid offer direct transfers from Manila and back as part of Boracay beaches, coral reefs teeming with marine life and their package. Please check with your preferred Aklan Samar exquisite dive sites. The region was declared a hotel/resort facility beforehand. Panay Iloilo Cebu Marine Reserve by the United Nations in 1974, Leyte owing to its abundance of exotic fish species CEBUCEBU seldom seen elsewhere. Diving is possible all Hotels and Resorts Negros Bohol year round here with over two dozen prime There are plenty of establishments to accommodate sites in the area. There is much to offer divers SULU SEA of all abilities and levels of experience. both the hardy adventurer and the laid back vacationer wanting to relax. There are inland hotels and inns for DAVAO Given its lofty reputation as an underwater Basilan paradise, Puerto Galera is also the perfect those who are looking to explore more of Mindoro’s gateway to some of the most unspoilt territories vast jungles and mountains, and beachfront resorts for Mindanao and national parks in the vast island of Mindoro. those who cannot wait to jump into the water to CELEBES SEA One will be lured to explore pristine lakes, rivers marvel at the sea’s boundless beauty. and waterfalls, meet indigenous tribes with their own stone-age hand-writing, or trek through lush vegetations and forests. Eating Out and Nightlife Sports Activities and Exploration White Beach and Sabang offer the liveliest scenes in Puerto Galera features a system that is home to "honky-tonk" Puerto Galera. People literally flock to a remarkable assortment of ocean life, which is ideal Fast Facts these places for the most famous parties they throw for diving. The variety of corals, anemones and Time Zone: GMT + 8 every night. As soon as the sun sets, the shores of underwater fauna is world-class. Visibility averages Visa: Only required if staying more than 30 days these serene beaches come alive to the tune of 70 to 100 feet (20 to 30 metres) all year round. Water Climate: November to February – cool and booming karaoke machines and marathons of playing ranges from 80° to 90°F (25° to 29°C). mostly dry; March to June – warm and mostly dry; live bands and spinning DJs. There are rows of bars The area offers beautiful beaches and excellent July to October – warm and mostly wet and pubs waiting to offer a party experience unlike as well, with lush coral gardens and Average Temperature Year-round: 24°C – 32°C anywhere else. Food and drinks are very inexpensive. abundant marine life close to shore.

Attire: Light casual clothes all year round At least 16 dive centres are located along the beaches Money: Philippine Pesos. Check with the local At daytime, clubs are either closed or moonlight as banks for exchange rates. All major credit quaint cafes and restaurants, catering to the tired and of Sabang, Small La Laguna, Big La Laguna, Coco Beach and Encenada Beach. Local operators boast of at least cards accepted lazy folk looking to relax or catch their breath after a Bottled water available in resorts, weary dive into the beautiful waters of Puerto Galera. 25 dive sites within 20 minutes of any dive centre. Water: restaurants and convenience stores For the non-diver, there is a multitude of adventure Department of Tourism Communications: International and direct dial 10 -11 Suffolk Street London, SW1Y 4HG Shops, Markets and Crafts and leisure programs that one can enjoy. Countryside phone and fax. Internet cafes are widely available Tel: 020 7321 0668 Fax: 020 7925 2920 Shops are mainly concentrated near town centres and trekking tours, golf, beach-combing and island- What to Bring: Sun block, tanning lotions, E-mail: [email protected] tourist attractions. Indigenous native handicrafts and hopping activities, snorkeling, sunset cruises and insect repellant, personal medication, swimwear www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.co.uk delicacies are the best buys for souvenirs. Prices are other leisure programs can easily be organized with and accessories, etc. unbelievably low. the help of your resort hotel. 6. Pandan Island is surrounded with great diving Useful Websites for the Region: Attractions within the Region: opportunities, fantastic jump-off point for . 9 7 8 Diving Sites 6 Oriental Mindoro PUERTO GALERA Long Coco Puerto Galera www.puertogalera.org 1 Talipanan Reef 21 Monkey Beach 7. Mt. Iglit-Baco National Park is the sanctuary for 3 hours Beach Beach www.divepuertogalera.com Oriental Mindoro is endowed with some of the to Manila 10 12 Lalaguna 2 Manila Channel 22 Monkey Wreck 3 13 19 20 the tamaraw, a rare and endangered species of dwarf www.puertogalera.gov.ph 2 14 3 Batangas Channel 23 Ernie’s Cave 16 17 22 25 27 32 www.mangyan.org Philippines’ best naturescapes. While the province's MARICABAN Haligi 11 San Antonio 15 18 21 23 26 Sabang 24 33 34 4 The Hill 24 Wreck Point buffalo found only in Mindoro Island. This 75,000 PASSAGE Beach 31 foremost asset is, without doubt Puerto Galera, there Sinandigan 29 5 Coral Gardens 25 Dungon Wall Mt. Calavite 4 30 hectare game refuge provides a nice eco-tourism, Minola 6 North Point 26 West Escarceo https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mamburao are many more places that can fill your days and nights Bay 1 28 trekking, or mountaineering alternative to 35 7 Marcus Cave 27 Hole in the Wall www.mamburao.gov.ph 36 while in adventure mode in this magnificent region: Muelle Bay 37 8 Sweetlip Corner Tamaraw Puerto Galera 38 39 28 Pink Wall beach/dive resorts. www.abradeilog.gov.ph/tourism/ Abra de Ilog To White Sto. Niño 40 9 Secret Reef Beach 29 The Atol Apo Reef www.whc.unesco.org/en/tenta Falls Palangan 10 Mamoods Reef 1. Tamaraw Falls is a 423-foot waterfalls situated Paluan 30 Shark Cave tivelists/5033/ Balatero 11 Oddie’s Dingding alongside the road. It is a great attraction to 31 Joshua’s Wall San Teodoro Poblacion 12 Deep La Laguna Reefs Tukuran River 32 Fish Bowl Other useful Websites for nearby Regions: passers-by and is only two hours away from 13 Dry Dock 33 Canyons East of Mindoro is the island province of Marinduque, Marinduque www.wowmarinduque.com Mt. Halcon VARADERO 14 La Laguna Point Puerto Galera. BAY 34 Horse Head Reef Baco 15 Anton’s Wreck where one of the most colourful Philippine festivals Romblón https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romblon 35 The Steps www.romblon.net (St. Christopher) 36 Kilma Driift is celebrated in time with the Lenten season. It is 2. The Excavation Museum, located within Puerto ORIENTAL ORIENTAL Tabinay 16 Small to Big La Laguna Galera, houses several collections of Chinese and MINDORO MINDORO 17 Sabang Wrecks 37 Turtle Rock the Moriones Festival, a re-enactment of the legend Useful Contacts: Naujan Lake 38 The Boulders 18 Sabang Point / Sabang Bay of Longinus, a Roman centurion whose blindness Department of Tourism Offices: Siamese pottery from the 15th century. It also Mamburao National Park Dulangan 19 Sabang Reef 39 Sinandigan Wall contains Ming Dynasty burial jars as well as a fine Victoria 20 Deep Monkey Beach 40 Japanese Wreck was cured by the blood of the crucified Christ. This London +44 (0) 20 7321 0668 [email protected] collection of shells. Pola Villaflor miracle converted Longinus to Christianity and earned www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.co.uk

the ire of his fellow centurions. The re-enactment Manila +63 (0) 2 459 5200 3. Mt. Halcon is the country's third highest peak Santa Cruz Socorro Occidental Mindoro reaches its climax when Longinus is caught and Office +63 (0) 2 890 1014 at 8,488 feet above sea level. It is a favourite beheaded. (Week-long from Palm Sunday to Easter). [email protected] destination for nature tripping and mountain Dubbed as "Marine Wonderland," Occidental varieties of sharks, turtles, stingrays and manta Airlines: climbing. The jump-off to Mt. Halcon is Baco, Gloria Mindoro deserves the nickname primarily rays. Apo Reef also includes the fascinating bird- The festival is characterized by colourful Roman Air Juan Aviation, Inc. +63 (0) 2 718 8111 two hours away from Puerto Galera. because Apo Reef National Marine Park, as well populated islands of Binangaan and Caios del Bajo. costumes, painted masks (i.e. Morion), helmets and www.airjuan.com OCCIDENTAL Air Asia +63 (0) 2 722 2742 as many other unexplored natural attractions brightly-coloured tunics. It is sometimes referred to 4. The Mangyan Settlements, where one can have Pandan Island MINDORO 2. San Jose is the commercial heart of www.airasia.com and outlying islets along its extensive coastline. as the Oberammergau of the Philippines, though the Ferries: intimate encounters with this ethnic group found Occidental Mindoro, and is accessible directly The mountainous interior of the province, on Moriones is celebrated annually in all five major MBRS Shipping Lines +63 (0) 2 243-5888 only in Mindoro. The settlements are located in from Manila with daily flights. While San Jose 0 34km the other hand, is a challenge even to the most towns of the province. M/B Island Cruiser +63 (0) 2 523-8541 loc. 175 Dulangan, Baco, two hours away from can serve as an alternate jump-off point for Mt. Iglit-Baco intrepid of trekkers. M/V Blue Eagle +63 (0) 43 287 347 Puerto Galera. 25mm = 34km (approx.) Apo Reef, its main attractions are three (Embarcación rápida) 1. Apo Reef National Marine Park is acclaimed sun-drenched islands with powdery white sand Romblon Montenegro Ma. Kristina +63 (0) 43 723-8294 5. Tukuran River Tour involves two to three hours (Ro-Ro) as the best in Asia and second largest in the beaches and an array of aquatic sports and Recognized as the Marble Country of the Philippines, of trekking through rivers and rice fields to view Apo Reef world. It is a 40 square kilometre reef located leisure activities (read items 3 to 5). Moreta Shipping Lines +63 (0) 2 244-6440 Romblon is famed for its rich marble deposits. some of the most stunning sceneries in the Mindoro National Park 20 miles west of Mindoro Island. The waters are SI-Kat Ferry +63 (0) 2 521-3344 Roxas 3. Ambulong Island abounds with white sand Cobrador Island, the largest among the islets dotting countryside. The tour begins and ends in Abra de abundant with marine fauna and luxuriant coral Batangas Pier +63 (0) 43 723-8243 beaches, cliffs along pillars jutting out of the the seas around Romblon, is reputed to hold deposits SuperFerry http://www.superferry.com.ph Ilog, two hours by boat north of Puerto Galera. Calintaan growth represented by approximately 400-500 water, underwater caves, coral gardens and of rare black, gold and green marble. The other kaleidoscopic coral species. Marine life includes Other useful Contacts: 6. Calapan is the capital of Oriental Mindoro and tropical fish and a fisherman's village at the treasures of Cobrador Island are its beaches – the Rizal British Embassy Manila +63 (0) 2 816 7116 is an alternative entry point to the province and sheltered side of the island. most prominent being the wide expanse of fine white 40km2 of dive sites too Mt. Baco British Consulate Cebu +63 (0) 32 346 0525 to Puerto Galera (three hours traveling time). numerous to mention! sand about one kilometre long along its eastern side. 4. Ilin Island is the biggest among the group Provincial Tourism Office +63 (0) 43 711-5003 The availability of undeveloped beaches nearby (Tourist Information Service of islands located near San Jose. It has a Much attention nowadays is being given to Carabao and Police Assistance) Caios del Bajo Magsaysay makes it ideal for future tourism development village of shell divers, being abundant in Shark Ridge Island, where beaches are said to be similar to those Mindoro Oriental Provincial +63 (0) 46 288-4439 and investments. LAGOON San Jose shells and coral reefs. Police Office of Boracay 20 years ago. 7. Lake Naujan is a freshwater lake surrounded 5. White Island has a 1.5 kilometre-long Photos courtesy of by hot mineral springs and free-flowing water. Binangaan Island AMBULONG powdery white sand beach which is ideal for It serves as a wildlife sanctuary for various species LAGOON ISLAND swimming, and fishing. Turtle APO of waterfowl and other migratory birds and supplies ILIN eggs are occasionally found buried in the freshwater fish to the province as well as mainland REEF sand, and visitors are cautioned to keep Luzon. 40 kms south of Calapan. ISLAND them undisturbed.