Puerto Galera Sightseeing

Most of the attractions at Puerto Galera are found on or near the region's many beaches. There are a few historical sites related to the Spanish colonial period, though some of the most popular attractions are the entertainment options that line Sabang and surrounding beaches. Inland, tourists find a dense, seldom-explored interior populated primarily by the elusive Mangyan tribe.

Big La Laguna Beach
Big La Laguna Beach is situated next to Small La Laguna and Sabang beaches, and you can travel from here to the other beaches via a 15-minute walk or by banca boat. This is the quietest of the three beaches, with a nice sheltered cove and calm waters ideal for families with children. The nightlife isn't as commanding here, and things settle down after the sun sets. Diving and snorkelling opportunities are also available, though the other two beaches have better facilities.

Black Rice Display Board
During the 18^th century, a fire in Puerto Galera ripped through a grain house and released a large number of charred grains of rice into the sea where the saltwater preserved them over the centuries. Today these grains continue to wash up on the shores of Puerto Galera, serving as a unique reminder of this otherwise insignificant historic event. As the rice grains wash ashore, they are collected on a display board at Muelle Pier. The display serves to offer as a window into these events as well as deter tourists from removing rice from the site.

Bondong Jungle
There's enough to see and do in Bondong jungle to warrant a full daytrip. There are several hiking trails to follow through the forests, with an interesting variety of plant species onsite. It is also possible to go rafting on the river, while the lake situated within the jungle is a nice place to swim. Bondong's most courageous visitors scale the cliff next to the lake and take a daring plunge into the water.

Ponderosa Golf and Country Club
Even if you're not an enthusiastic golfer, the Ponderosa Golf Course is worth visiting simply for the view. This nine-hole course was constructed at an altitude of 2,000 feet, and from the clubhouse visitors have a commanding view of the harbour and Puerto Galera itself. On the clearest days, it's possible to see the island of Luzon across the sea. Whether playing on the course or admiring the view, a camera is a must for all Ponderosa visitors.

Sabang Beach
Sabang is Puerto Galera's burgeoning tourist centre, with an ever-increasing selection of accommodation and nightlife options. Tourists dive and explore the coral reefs at more than 30 dive sites by day, only to turn around and flood the open-air karaoke bars and discos after sun down for late-night dancing. Scuba gear is readily available for hire, and instructors here offer certification courses and organise diving trips of any length to a variety of marine environments.

Small La Laguna Beach
Small La Laguna Beach is located directly beside Sabang Beach, with only a short walk separating the two. Despite its name, this beach is actually larger and boasts more facilities than Big La Laguna Beach. Small La Laguna has a nicer beach than Sabang, so many visitors choose to stay here and simply walk to Sabang when they are in the mood to party or dine. The coral reefs here are perfect for snorkelling and diving.

Talipanan Beach
Talipanan Beach is a nice alternative to White Beach during peak season, when the waterfront gets a little crowded. A quick ride by jeepney will carry you from White Beach to Talipan, where tourists enjoy an easy going atmosphere. There is ample space for swimming here, as Talipan lacks the water sports frenzy of the more crowded beaches. Accommodation consists of quaint cottages and small hotels catering especially for travellers. From the pier at Puerto Galera you can reach Talipan by land or by sea, with either mode taking around 40 minutes.

White Beach
White Beach is located a few miles west of Puerto Galera city proper. This area sees a high concentration of Filipino vacationers, and the energy level here is a little more low-key than at Sabang. That isn't to say that there is less to do; on the contrary. White Beach caters to travellers who've had enough of the noisy bars and dance clubs of Sabang. The beach here is one of the nicest in the area, with a broad stretch of brilliant white sand, a few scattered dive sites and plenty of accommodation.

Climb Mount Halcon. At 8,500 feet above sea level, Mount Halcon is the third tallest peak in the archipelago. Climbing this mountain is one of the most thrilling treks available in Puerto Galera. Be sure to hire a reputable guide with a working knowledge of the minority cultures found in the mountains.

Embark on a treasure hunt. It is widely believed that a number of sunken Spanish galleons are yet to be discovered off the coast of Puerto Galera. Adventure-seekers from around the world come to these waters and charter open-water diving expeditions hoping to find treasure at sea.

Enjoy a sunset cruise. Chartered dinner cruises regularly depart from various piers along the coastline. Typically, boats depart at around 16:00 and return after sunset at 19:00. Depending on the cruise, passengers are served snacks or a multiple-course dinner along with beverages and festive cocktails.

Hook a marlin. Big game fishing has long been a popular sport in the Philippines. Tour operators can arrange charter fishing tours where tourists go after marlin and big-game tuna. Catch-and-release fishing is usually enforced for visitors.

Picnic in paradise. The valley known as Hidden Paradise is a favourite attraction in Puerto Galera. Take a 45-minute jeepney ride towards Calapan market and stop at Hidden Paradise for a swim. A picnic by an idyllic spring, surrounded by fantastic scenery, makes for a great day.

Plan a day on the lake. Located in northeast Mindoro, Naujan Lake is a designated habitat for several species of migratory birds. It is also home to some fine picnic grounds and hiking trails, making it ideal for recreational daytrips.

Take in a cockfight. Though controversial, cockfights are a wildly popular spectator event in the Philippines. Regular fights are held on Sunday afternoons in Mindoro's principal city of Calapan. If you're feeling lucky, you may consider wagering a bet on your favourite bird.