Puerto Galera- A tropical beach destination for scuba diving and snorkeling in The Philippine island of Mindoro

‘One of the most beautiful and eye-catching bays in the world’ is situated in the Philippines which is well known to comprise more than 7000 islands out of which only 2000 are inhabited.

After an extensive research through articles, YouTube and recommendations, we finally decided to visit Puerto Galera in November 2019.It was our first trip in the Philippines, so our excitement was overwhelming. For us, staying in a good resort was primary so it was a mind boggling task to find one. Eventually, we had our accommodation booked at Badladz beach resort via www.agoda.com.

We had one back-pack each containing all the essential beach stuff along with swimsuits, sunscreen lotion, aviator glasses. etc.On November 1, 2019, we started the trip at 9 AM from Makati to reach Buendia bus depot for heading to Batangas port.It was a 2-hour journey but quite relaxing. Thereafter, there are ferry service options available which consumes roughly 1hr 40 mins to reach Puerto Galera port.

Ferry service ticket counters- Batangas Port

We could hear sounds of massive sea waves crashing by the sides of our ferry while we were in the middle of the vast South China Sea. Tiny uninhabited islands were visible making our journey even more enchanting. It was a big ferry which comprised 100 passengers. 

Time passed by looking at the beauty of nature and we reached our destination, Puerto Galera.

Puerto Galera Port

The place was absolutely stunning and a treat to our eyes.We decided to adore nature and cherish the moments after completing the check-in. Local tuk-tuks were the best mode of transport so we have availed one to go to the hotel for refreshments.

Badladz Beach Resort

A 10 minute ride from the port is an affordable place of accommodation surrounded by greenery and clear blue sea. We had browsed through some images on the hotel's website (https://badladz.com/badladz-beach-resort/) and was pleasantly surprised to find the same. The resort was located in a calm and serene place in the lap of Mother Nature. At the moment, few lines which passed through my mind is given below:

'Dance with the waves

Move with the sea,

Let the rhythm of the water

Set our soul free' 
And happiness came with the waves

Badladz Beach Resort- The private beach

The outdoor area

The Pool side

The outdoor restaurant

Day 1 

Morning - The day started with a delicious chicken curry dish served with rice complemented by the refreshing sea breeze. The soul was longing for the secrets of the sea which created a thrilling pulse within and made me feel that we are like islands in the sea, separated on the surface but connected deep inside. 

Evening - Among the famous beaches in Puerto Galera, Sabang and the White Beach are worth mentioning on account of their active nightlife with numerous bars and eateries. Sabang was crazy enough for our tastes so we planned to spent the evening at White Beach. It took roughly 20 minutes on tuk-tuk from the resort to view the long stretch of white fine sand which we missed to see because we had reached the spot after sunset. 

View of the White beach after sunset

The famous sand sculpture on the White Beach

White Beach is a more family-oriented option, when compared to Sabang.  We had witnessed the booming nightlife full of party-goers. Some bars had live bands performing pop songs, reggae and acoustic. We randomly selected a good restaurant which sold grilled chicken and tuna fish. You will also find many karaoke bars too. 
In short, when it comes to recreation either with family or friends, the White Beach is the ideal spot.

Casa Mia Restaurant in the White Beach- Specializes in Italian cuisine

Night bar and restaurant

After spending a cool time on the beach side, we returned to the resort and rested ourselves on hammocks. The voice of the sea was speaking to our souls and yes, life is a beach, we all must enjoy the sound of the waves. This was how Day 1 came to an end.

Day 2
Morning- Sunrise was a rare phenomenon in my life because I am a night owl, but this time, I made it sure to view the masculine Sun rise above the horizon. The tranquility of life got restored while watching the Sun rising His head from under the blanket of water.In one word, it was an absolute bliss.

It was followed by a scrumptious breakfast which was complimentary. Rest of the day was jampacked with the following activities:

• Island hopping- Let me tell you guys,this is the one which you cannot miss. Boats can be hired @ PHP 1500 (capacity of 8-10 people) from the agents who will approach you when you are in the White Beach. The trip included visits to Bayanan beach, Sandbar Island, Haligi Beach and snorkeling in coral garden. In case of snorkeling, you will have to pay additional PHP 200/person for a small motor boat to take you to the coral garden.
• We missed going to the Sandbar island due to bad weather.

  

  The start of the trip- Taken from our boat

On the way to the Haligi beach

Eye-catching view at Haligi beach

Captivating view of the Haligi beach

Lunch time with Chicken Barbeque at Bayanan beach

• Snorkeling in coral garden -It was an effortless snorkeling and hence beginners can give a try.We held onto the ropes of our small boat wearing the snorkeling mask (this will be provided at the start of the trip by the boat agent) while our boatman slowly moved the boat around the area to view the giant and vibrant corals. 
  
  
  
  

While returning to the resort, we carried with us a telling experience of the day. 

“We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.”

― T. S. Eliot, Four Quartets

So, friends, plan a trip to Puerto Galera, one of the beautiful bays in the world and experience the joy of life as we all know the following fact:

Life is unpredictable and we never know 

What's coming next. 

So Enjoy life to the lees

Travel to new places and keep Learning...

Also you may click on the following link for a virtual tour of the island-
https://youtu.be/dRlVmhXynu0