Puerto Galera

Puerto Galera a town made up of coastal villages is considered to have the best natural harbor in the Philippines and one of the loveliest in the world. In the past it was the refuge for the Spanish Galleons in time of storm. Today beach resorts, dive operators, bars and restaurants offering services at reasonable prices.

Three mountains rise above Puerto Galera. Mt. Alinbayan, Mt. Malasimbo and Mt. Talipanan reaching peak elevations of 1,400 meters above sea level.

Over the years 42 km coast with beautiful fine beaches, tropical rainforests, waterfalls and some of the most exiting dive sites in the Philippines have been attracting travelers from all over the globe and make this place an ideal holiday destination for the whole family.

Places to visit are two old cannons dating back from centuries age, used by Spanish warships and an excavation museum located in front of the church.

Popular destination around Puerto Galera are Sabang Beach, Small La Laguna Beach, Big La Laguna Beach, Balete Beach, Long Beach, Halige Beach, Boquete Beach, White Beach, Coco Beach, Aninuan Beach, Talipanan Beach and Ponderosa Golf Club a beautiful 9 hole golf club 500 meters in the mountains with spectacular views. These places are in short distance of Puerto Galera and can be reached by jeepney or outrigger boat.

You can explore the hinterland, the Python Cave, virgin forests, the Tamaraw Waterfalls, hot springs or chat with the native Mangyans.

Many tourist enjoy strolling around by motor bike. If you need more comfort you may rent a 4 wheeler jeep. Another way to discover the surroundings is to rent an outrigger boat (banca) and hopping from one beach to another.

The Puerto Galera Yacht Club offer yearly regattas especially during Christmas and holy week season. The breezes and winds are not only perfect for regattas, windsurfer having a lot of fun too.

Scuba diving is a great experience. Over 40 dive sites can be reached within ten minutes from most dive centers. The Puerto Galera Dive Association (PGDA) represents the top dive centers in the area. Most dive centers offer PADI dive courses from beginners to professional level in different languages.

If you looking for the ultimate scuba diving adventure you will find dive centers offering more advanced courses including IANTD and TDI technical scuba diving programs. In November 2001 John Bennet breaks his own world record with a dive to amazing 308 meter. John offer technical scuba diving courses at Sabang Beach.

The links below will provide you with an listing of hotels, beach resorts, dive centers, bars, restaurants and much more... You can stay in a simple hut, cottage or luxurious suite. Some of those listings are with links to their web-site, providing you details of their set up and services.

• Aninuan
• Big LaLaguna Beach
• Coco Beach
• Puerto Galera
• Sabang Beach
• Small LaLaguna Beach
• White Beach

How to get there.
Puerto Galera is just four hours away from Manila. The land-trip from Manila to Batangas takes about two to three hours and the sea-trip from Batangas to Puerto Galera one to two hours. Buses leaving Manila every hour and at the Batangas Pier a wide selection of ferries going to Puerto Galera, Balatero Pier and Sabang Beach.

Another way to reach Puerto Galera is to get a ferry going to Calapan and than a jeepney to Puerto Galera. The trip takes depending on sea and road condition two to three hours.

One of the easiest way is to avail the Sikat Bus & Ferry service. The package offer a nonstop bus ride to Batangas Pier with a connecting ferry trip to Puerto Galera. The departure is at the Citystate Tower Hotel and only once a day.

If you are in hurry you can fly from Manila to Puerto Galera by seaplane or helicopter. This is probably the most convenient and fasters way.

Content Copyright © 2002 About-Scuba-Diving.com
All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer
Last Updated - Monday, February 18, 2002