Puerto Galera / Mindoro

In 1992, I met a former school friend in Bangkok who had just returned from the Philippines, and he told me about the fantastic diving spots there. Since I was a bit tired of Thailand and didn't have anything concrete planned for 1993, I booked a flight to the Philippines on the spur of the moment... and I haven't regretted it. Among the many diving spots in the Philippines, Puerto Galera is very easy to reach, and so I ended up at Sabang Beach in 1993.

Source picture: M. Geissler/PH and AT

Puerto Galera is one of the main diving areas in the Philippines. Puerto Galera is located on the island of Mindoro and can be reached from Manila in approximately 3-4 hours by bus/taxi and speedboat/ferry. The dive sites are located within a marine protected area and offer the full diversity of the South China Sea.

The resorts and dive centers are located on the offshore beaches (Sabang Beach, Small LaLaguna, Big LaLaguna, and White Beach). Sabang Beach has developed into the main beach. Several shops, bars, and nightclubs are located here. Many dive centers have now settled in Puerto Galera. Big Apple Dive Resort (PADI), Captain Greggs Dive Resort (PADI), and Octopusdivers (PDA) on Sabang Beach are among the established dive centers.

Source picture: H. Rufer

The dive sites around Puerto Galera offer visitors a fantastic glimpse into the underwater world of the South China Sea. All dive sites are easily accessible by boat, and the day trips to Verde Island are unique. My favorite dive site is the canyons, usually with strong currents, schools of fish, large fish, and the occasional shark.

Pic Source: M. Geissler, PH and AT

There are several options for getting to Puerto Galera. Several bus lines run from Manila to Batangas (the ferry port for Mindoro). However, the easiest way for tourists to get to Puerto Galera is the bus/boat combo operated by Si-Kat Inc. A bus departs daily from the City State Tower Hotel, Ermita, Mabini Street, directly to Batangas. From Batangas, a fast craft departs to Balateros (a district of Puerto Galera). Fast craft depart from Batangas to Balateros every 1-2 hours (from approximately 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.). There are also several water taxi companies in Puerto Galera; the journey takes approximately 30 minutes from Berberabe Port to Puerto Galera, Sabang Beach.

Source picture: Own work based on https://tracesmap.com/

Excellent dining is available at the Tamarind Restaurant (steakhouse, European, and Filipino - upscale), the Captn' Greggs dive resort (Filipino and European), "Tina's" (Filipino and European), and many other restaurants. If you get hungry between meals, there are several fast-food restaurants and barbecue stands.

Pic Source: H. Rufer

Besides diving, Puerto Galera also offers other attractions. At approximately 600 meters above sea level, the Ponderosa Golf Club offers a 9-hole course. The most beautiful feature, however, is the view from up here. The beaches of Puerto Galera lie beneath you like a painting, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Luzon. Puerto Galera also has several motorcycle rentals. Day trips to the nearby beaches (e.g., Haligi Beach) or to White Beach, with barbecue and sunset cruise, are practically a must.

Pic Source: H. Rufer

The Bikini Floating Bar is anchored in the bay off Sabang Beach. It offers all the usual drinks and snacks. If you're planning on spending a whole day at the floating bar, sunblock and a hat are a must – the sun can be blazingly hot at times.

Every Sunday, people meet for the Puerto Galera Hash House Harrier. Prepare to be surprised, and if you're lucky, there's even a "special run" that rewards you with a T-shirt.

Source picture: H. Rufer