Boracay is a paradise for certified sun worshipers all over the world. In fact, local and foreign tourists have made Boracay their yearly destination. Others have chosen to live on this haven.
Sheltered from the fierce easterly typhoons, Boracay can be found on the northwestern tip of Panay in Aklan, a province on the Visayas island known for its colorful Ati-Atihan festival.
Boracay's thousand hectares boast of all the elements of a tropical heaven - crystal blue waters, powder white sand, liberal doses of tropical palms and flowering plants, and a healthy and diverse marine life.
Boracay has three little communities - Yapak in the north, Balabag in the middle, and Manoc-Manoc in the south, Hilly elevations of upto 100 meters above sea level characterize Yapac and Manoc-Manoc. Intertwining trails link the small villages and may sometimes lead to lush tropical jungles.
The culinary fare at Boracay is as diverse as the nationalities of its visitors. French, Chinese, Australian, Belgian, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Thai - are all fused into the native cuisine. Truly Boracay has become the premiere destination of beach lovers around the globe.
Water Fun: The Beaches beckons for some serious swimming, or just wading by the shore. For more active vacationers, wind surfing and parasailing gears are readily available. Go sailing with the help of locals acutely attuned to the rhythms of the sea.
Beach Combing: There are over a dozen beaches dotting the islands. White beach, Diniwid, Alinghai Beach, Manoc-manoc beach, and Cagban Beach, among others. Work on your tan, read a book, relax and have a massage. White Beach probably the most famous stretch in the country features bright, fine sand and clear shallow waters.
Nightlife. Spend the last hours of the day at any of Boracay's bars and discos. Beer in hand, you can dance on the sand with a few brilliant fireflies. If this seems too rowdy for your taste, take a stroll on the moonlit beach.
Bat Caves: Explore the bat caves of Yapak, preferably with an experienced guide and take photos of these night creatures.
Kar-Tir Seashell Museum: Located at the village of Ilig iligan, Kar-Tir features an interesting collection of seashells, wood carvings, pottery, hand-woven articles, and traditional costumes from all over the Philippines.
I love going to the beach and laying lazily on the sands enjoying the sun as I try to get a good tan sipping a nice cold cocktail and getting a back massage at the same time. That is my idea of a get away. The coolest thing is, I don't really have to spend that much to do that and neither do I have to go far. That is what Puerto Galera has to offer its visitors and of course much more. So for today I am featuring the coolest island getaway that is just a few hours away from Manila to tease you just a bit more. :)
Puerto Galera or port for galleons is a small town on the northeast coast of the island of Mindoro in the Philippines. Though a quiet little town, it is a popular summer destination in the country. People come here from all over the country and the rest of the world for its wonderful beaches and fun water activities. Others also come here for its nearby forests, waterfalls, and dive spots.
The little town has always been a trading haven even during the pre-Spanish era. Evidence of this comes from artifacts from Thailand, Vietnam, and China dating way back into the 10th to 15th centuries. The Spanish took advantage of its natural harbor and used it for trade. The town soon became the government seat of the whole Mindoro Island. In December of 1927, Puerto Galera was turned into an independent municipality through a congressional act.
The Puerto Galera's weather is like the rest of the country. The months from March all the way to May are hot summer months. June to October are the rainy months, which are accompanied by tropical storms. The rest of the year is favorably cool, making the months from December to May the peak season for tourists. Activities
Scuba diving is a big hit since the submarine ecosystem here is fantastic. Dive shops in Puerto Galera offer beginner courses for those who want to take their first steps or first dips. Other water sports you can try include windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, and jet skiing.
If you want to get out of the tropical cool waters for a change, then you can go hiking, shooting at the gun range, paint ball games, and off road motorcycling. But, if you want to spend a quiet day enjoying the beautiful panoramic views then go to Ponderosa Golf Club.
Resorts and Hotels
There are a lot of places to get a room and board in Puerto Galera. Since it is a popular tourist destination, you are sure to find accommodations according to your budget or need.
Some of the places you might like to see are Sabang Beach, White Beach, Lalaguna Beach, and Palangan. Of course, you'll also find lodgings elsewhere like in the bay area for instance where it is more peaceful. But, if you're always in the mood to party at night, then the funfare of Puerto Galera's nightlife is in Sabang Beach and White Beach.
Some places to take note of on Sabang Beach include the following: Villa Sabang Beach Resort, Captain Gregg's, Big Apple, Tropicana Private Fortress, and Coral Cove. If you prefer to stay at the Small and Big Lalaguna Beach then try Portofino Beach Resort, Lalaguna Beach Club and Dive Center, Deep Blue Sea, and El Galleon Resort and Hotel.
Apartelle de Francesca is a nice place to stay where accommodations are reasonable and is located at the center of White Beach. If you're in the Palangan area you might want to check out Encenada Beach Resort and Tanawin Bay Resort.
Dining
If you're looking for romantic dinners, a varied international menu, wonderful weekend barbecues then head to Puerto Galera Yacht Club. If you want to slow down from all the partying or perhaps try something Mexican then you should go for Badladz Restaurant. Still staying away from the rowdy crowds, Captain Gregg's is a great place to escape while enjoying idyllic mornings and sumptuous evening barbecues. If you would love to get a cup of coffee after a wild night then Portofino Cafe has everything you need. It's also a great place to grab a snack and enjoy friendly service. The Big Apple Dive Resort has a Floating Bar that offers wonderful shakes, made-to-order sandwiches, and a great panoramic view of Sabang's waterfront. If you're looking for fine dining then move on to El Galleon Beach Resort and Hotel, which usually has a guest chef flaunting his best crafts. Getting to Puerto Galera
To go to Puerto Galera from any city or place in Manila, you would first have to drive to the port at Batangas City. You will then have to go by boat to the Sabang Beach in Mindoro. From there, you have several beaches to choose from. You can opt to go to Coco Beach, White Beach, Tamaraw Beach or the Big and Small Lalaguna; although, you can also always opt to stay in Sabang Beach. Regardless of where you choose to go, you will certainly enjoy the beaches of Puerto Galera.
Here is a cool video I found that just shows you a little bit more of this island summer getaway:
Boracay is a paradise for certified sun worshipers all over the world. In fact, local and foreign tourists have made Boracay their yearly destination. Others have chosen to live on this haven.
