Things to see and do Puerto Galera

It is the twenty-third highest peak in the Philippines, 30 kilometers southwest of Calapan. It is 2,616 meters high, which makes it also the highest point of the whole island of Mindoro. It offers superb panoramas and can be climbed in seven days (round trip), but it is an ascent reserved for seasoned hikers. It can be reached by Jeepney from Puerto Galera in about 2 hours. It is home to an extremely rich biodiversity, and is a favorite habitat for the Alagan tribe and for the endemic and endangered tamaraw.

At 31 meters high, it is the highest waterfall in the province, in Vilaflor, on the road that leads to Calapan (15 km from downtown Puerto Galera). This series of small waterfalls flows into a natural pool where a bath is very invigorating. The environment and the views are worth the detour, especially during the week when the place is deserted. The falls are named after the tamaraw, the iconic dwarf buffalo endemic to Mindoro Island. It is highly threatened with extinction, today only a few hundred individuals remain.

Sabang beach is the ideal spot for snorkeling and nightlife lovers with its many bars. The bancas are numerous and hinder a bit the swimming. At low tide, the boats are stranded on the reef and the seaweed cover the beach; it nevertheless regains some of its charm at high tide. Its main asset remains its coral bottom and its multitude of colored fish.

It can be pleasant to take the road that, crossing a beautiful palm grove, leads to Escarceo Point, 2 km east of Sabang where there is an abandoned lighthouse of 14 m, from where you can admire a magnificent panorama, especially at sunrise and sunset. You should follow the road from the market and do not hesitate to ask the locals for the direction of the lighthouse.

From Sabang, it is easy to walk to Small La Laguna, then Big La Laguna along the sea towards the east and over the dykes (10 to 20 minutes, avoiding the trip at high tide). These two beaches are quieter and suitable for snorkeling. However,Aninuan beach is the most peaceful.

7 km west of Puerto Galera is the famous WhiteBeach, the most beautiful in the region. Very popular, it is taken by storm by Filipinos in high season (April-June). It becomes more interesting out of season, despite the many resorts built along the beach. The secluded beach of Talipanan, 30 minutes away, is very quiet and pleasant, you will pass by the Mangyan village to get there.