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Puerto Galera AttractionsOriental Mindoro Is Famous For...Puerto Galera The foremost asset of Oriental Mindoro, Puerto Galera is blessed with one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbors. Known as the Pearl of Mindoro, it is world-famous for splendid beaches, coral reefs, and exquisite dive sites for new and experienced divers alike. There are shallow coral gardens, interesting rock formations, and colorful species to watch, like crabs, shrimps, sea anemones, moray, and trumpet fishes. Mangyan Tribes The province’s existing ethnic tribal groups, the Mangyans, are gentle and withdrawn people but many of them have managed to integrate into the cultural mainstream, largely in the municipalities of Mansalay, Baco, Puerto Galera, Roxas, and Bongabong. The Mangyan tribe consists of various smaller tribes like the Iraya, Alangan, and Tadwanan. They are skilled weavers and craftsmen, producing intricate tribal finery, including baskets, mats, and other items, both functional and aesthetic. Mt. Halcon Towering 8,488 feet above sea level, Mt. Halcon is the country's third highest peak. It is a favourite destination for nature tripping and mountain climbing. Mt. Halcon is located in Baco. It is accessible in two hours, by taking a jeepney to Baco, the jump-off point. Tamaraw Falls The 423-foot waterfalls, situated alongside the road, is actually a series of asymmetrical falls, leading to the grand one, dropping to a frothy waterbed below. The cascading waterfalls is a great attraction to passers-by. Tamaraw Falls is located in Barangay Villaflor, Puerto Galera. It can be reached in two hours by taking a jeepney bound for Barangay Villaflor from Puerto Galera, or Calapan. Beaches In nature-blessed Oriental Mindoro, you can choose your own beach among the many that abound, from fawn beige to powdery white. To name a notable few, there are the beaches of Sabang, Suqui, Banilad, Bongol, La Laguna, Small La Laguna, Talipanan, Melco, Punta Guarda, and White Sand, drawing local and foreign water enthusiasts alike with majestic sites ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Sabang Beach The beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. A cluster of nightspots abound in the area, which make it popular for evening socials. Cottages with entertainment facilities stand close to each other. Low-budget accommodations are available. Sabang Beach is located east of Puerto Galera. It can be reached in 15 minutes from the Puerto Galera pier by taking a jeepney or an outrigger banca. Banana Festival Held every March 18 to 19 in Baco, Mindoro Oriental, the festival is a celebration of the abundance of bananas. It features a banana cookfest and a "saba"-(type of banana)-inspired street dancing competition and beauty pageant. Festivities coincide with the town fiesta held in honor of the patron, St. Joseph. Oriental Mindoro Trekking The large, wild island of Mindoro, easily accessible from Manila, offers some magnificent trekking experiences. Try ascending Mt. Halcon (2586m), a challenging four-day trek through old-growth rain-forest. Or brave the rugged journey south to the Mt. Iglit-Baco National Park, one of the last homes of the tamaraw, the endangered wild buffalo of the Philppines. Park rangers monitor the tamaraw population carefully, and with their help, trekkers have a good chance of seeing these elusive animals. Kuta This man-made garrison was constructed by the Jesuits during the early part of the Spanish era. Kuta is the oldest Spanish fortress in the country. It has old Spanish cannons and a Spanish boat. It is located in Anilao, Bongabong, and can be reached in an hour by taking a jeepney bound for Anilao from the town proper. Baluarte in Lumang-Bayan This site features a watchtower on top of a hill, overlooking the bay, built by the Christian settlers to warn the townspeople of Muslim raiders. It is located in Lumang Bayan, Naujan, and can be reached in 30 minutes by taking a jeepney from the town proper. The Cross at Muelle This marble cross is one of the historical landmarks of Puerto Galera. It was erected. to commemorate the sinking of the battleship, Canonero Mariveles, at the Manila channel on November 18, 1879. It is located in Puerto Galera town proper, a 5-minute walking distance from the poblacion center. Cultural Heritage Mangyan Settlement Ethnic groups known as the Buhids are found in the mountains of Batongan and Sienge. The settlements are located in Barangay Dulangan, Baco. To get there from the town proper, take a jeepney bound for Dulangan. Travel time is two hours. Baclaran Mangyan Settlement This is an area reserved for the Mangyans under the auspicies of Father Erwin Thiel, SVD Missionary. It is located in Puerto Galera, a short 30-minute walk from the town proper. Excavation Museum "This museum houses several collections of Chinese and Siamese pottery, from the 15th to the 19th centuries. It also contains Ming Dynasty burial jars as well as a fine collection of shells. This is a facility of the National Museum. The museum is located in Puerto Galera town proper, a 5-minute walking distance from the pier of Puerto Galera. Natural Hidden Paradise The attraction consists of a natural spring with a swimming pool and picnic cottages. It is located in Baco, and can be reached in 45 minutes by taking a jeepney bound for the Calapan market. Alibatan Island The island measures five hectares and is noted for its white sand. The place serves as the breeding place of seagulls and turtles. Corals and oysters can be found all around the area. The island is also called "Target Island" because Americans who stayed in San Jose used this place for bombing practices in 1946. It is located in Baco, and can be reached in an hour through a motorized banca from the market square bound for Alibatan Island. Buyayao Island It is a rocky island, except for the area facing Buyayao Peninsula. Big snakes called "sobre kama" are found in the mountains. The water around the island is suited for deep-sea fishing. It is located off the coast of Mansalay, and can be reached in 30 minutes by motorized banca from Mansalay market. Mt. Halcon Towering 8,488 feet above sea level, Mt. Halcon is the country's third highest peak. It is a favourite destination for nature tripping and mountain climbing. Mt. Halcon is located in Baco. It is accessible in two hours, by taking a jeepney to Baco, the jump-off point. Suqui Beach This is a public beach with cottages and other facilities. It is a favorite place for the local people, especially during the summer. It is located in Suqui, Calapan, and can be reached in 15 minutes by taking a tricycle from the town proper. Banilad Beach The place is a good spot for picnicking and swimming, especially during the summer. It is located in Pili, Pinamalayan, and can be reached by taking a jeepney to the port of Barangay Wawa, then an hour’s ride by motorized banca to the beach. Bongol Beach It is a secluded beach, with a two-kilometer white sand beach. It is located in Bongol, Pinamalayan, and can be reached in two hours by boarding a Bongol-bound jeepney from the town proper of Pinamalayan and then a tricycle to the beach area. Tamaraw Falls The 423-foot waterfalls, situated alongside the road, is actually a series of asymmetrical falls, leading to the grand one, dropping to a frothy waterbed below. The cascading waterfalls is a great attraction to passers-by. Tamaraw Falls is located in Barangay Villaflor, Puerto Galera. It can be reached in two hours by taking a jeepney bound for Barangay Villaflor from Puerto Galera, or Calapan. La Laguna Beach This an ideal place for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. There are a number of resorts that offer accommodation and other travel and aqua sports facilities to both domestic and international tourists. It is located in La Laguna, Puerto Galera, and can be reached in 30 minutes from the town proper of Puerto Galera by taking a jeepney bound for La Laguna. Sabang Beach This area is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. A cluster of nightspots abound in this area, which make it popular for evening socials. Cottages with entertainment facilities stand close to each other. Low-budget accommodations are available. It is located east of Puerto Galera, and can be reached in 15 minutes from the Puerto Galera pier by taking a jeepney or an outrigger banca. Small La Laguna Contrary to its name, Small La Laguna is bigger than La Laguna, and has more facilities. It has coral reefs, and its water is ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. There are diving equipment for rent at nearby dive shops. It is located beside Sabang Beach, and can be reached in 20 minutes from the pier by taking a jeepney bound for Sabang. Talipanan Beach This area is not as busy as the other beaches in Puerto Galera. Thus, it is an ideal site for private swimming. It is located in Puerto Galera, and can be reached in 40 minutes by taking a jeepney or an outrigger boat from the town pier. White Sand Beach The white sandy strips of this beach offer excellent opportunities for swimming. Resorts in this area provide entertainment facilities for tourists' greater amusement and leisure. It is located in Barangay San Isidro, Puerto Galera, and is accessible in 30 minutes from the town proper by a jeepney or a boat. Punta Guarda Beach This beach is far from the busy areas of Puerto Galera; thus, it is ideal for those who seek privacy and retreat. It is located in Puerto Galera, Occidental Mindoro, and can be reached by taking a 10 minutes' jeepney ride from the town proper, to about one kilometer on the beach mark. The distance left will have to be covered on foot. Melco Beach It is a beige-colored sandy beach with cottages for rent. It is located in Roxas, Occidental Mindoro, and can be reached in 10 minutes by a banca from the pier. Religious Structures Simba Bato This is an old church with a chapel constructed on its original site. It is located in Barangay Bancuro, Naujan, and is accessible in 45 minutes by jeepney from the town market going to Barangay Bancuro. Festivals Bansudani Festival (January 17-19; Bansud, Mindoro Oriental) A thanksgiving ritual for bountiful harvest which coincides with the town fiesta. It features dances and cultural presentations by schools and barangay communities. Feast of the Divine Savior (January 17 –19; Bansud, Mindoro Oriental) Highlight is an agro-trade fair. Feast of the Sacred Heart (February 14-15; Bansud, Mindoro Oriental) Highlight is an agro-trade fair. Banana Festival (March 18-19; Baco, Mindoro Oriental) A celebration of the abundance of bananas. It features a banana cookfest and a "saba"-(type of banana)-inspired street dancing competition and beauty pageant. This coincides with the town fiesta in honor of St. Joseph. Sulyog Festival (March 19; Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro) A religious festival in honor of St. Joseph. It is celebrated by way of the Sulyog (Suli and Niyog) Festival through dances, flats, and cultural shows. Bahag-hari Festival (April 24; Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro) A colorful celebration highlighted by street dancing, a parade of colorful floats, and a different kind of Moriones Festival. The Sabutan Festival and Mini- Trade Fair (April 25-29; Mabitac, Oriental Mindoro) It showcases the different native products of the province, mainly from Sabutan. Lechon Festival and Gabi ng Pakulo (June 24; Pola, Oriental Mindoro) A religious festival in honor of St. John the Baptist, coupled with a festive social affair, usually, a banquet, preceded by a pagoda and the parade of lechon (roast pig). Its most interesting feature is the Gabi ng Pakulo, a combination of street dancing and all sorts of cultural entertainment, performed by different barangays on the streets of Pola. Feast of St. John The Baptist / Lechon Festival (June 24; Pola, Oriental Mindoro) At the Lechon Festival, or Parada ng Lechon, in local parlance, roast pigs or lechon garbed in creative costumes are paraded around the town to the accompaniment of gay chanting and "buhusan" – a customary practice during the San Juan Bautista feast, which involves water dousing. A selection of the best from among the lechon entries follows, along with a free-for-all banquet open to the townsfolk and visitors alike. Biniray Festival (June 29; Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro) A grand pagoda show as a way of thanksgiving for the blessings from the sea. Other highlights are street dancing, a parade of spectacular floats, and cultural presentations of schools and communities. Pakapya-agtike Festival (July 25-27; Socorro, Oriental Mindoro) This festivity features cultural shows, a parade of floats, and street dancing on the last day, showcasing agricultural bounty. Schools, barangays, and tribal communities participate. The festival is a thanksgiving offering to the town patron, the Holy Family. Sayaw Lahi Festival (September 10; Naujan, Oriental Mindoro) A festival featuring all native dances performed on the streets by different schools and barangay communities. Other highlights are the school band competition, live-band concerts, and awarding of outstanding Naujenos. Kapakyanan Festival (October 14-15; Victoria, Oriental Mindoro) Kapakyanan means abundance. The festival focuses on the bountiful harvest of fruits and crops. Its highlights are street dancing and a beauty pageant with agriculture as the central theme. Pamugu-an Festival (3rd week of October; Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro) It is a festive reunion of different Mangyan tribes. There are sports events, such as the Palaro ng Lahi, cultural presentations, product demonstrations, and "Barakalan" or "baratillo" or sale of native products. Sanduguan Festival (Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro) It revives the barter trade between the Mai natives and the Chinese traders. This week-long festivity features an agro-trade fair. There is a historical parade, re-enactment of the barter trading, and the Indakan sa Sanduguan, a street dancing competition. Considered as the biggest and the most innovative festival in the province, it also features art and historical contests, workshops, and contemporary and ethnic cultural shows. Feast of Santa Catalina (November 26; Mansalay. Oriental Mindoro) Highlight is the Palarong Lahi, an array of games very native to Mindoreños, and Filipinos, joined in by all game enthusiasts. San Teodoro Founding Day and Immaculate Conception Feast (December 8; San Teodoro, Oriental Mindoro) Highlight is the Tiyakad, a dancing event wherein stilts masters systematically march and sway to the delight of the viewers; a very funny and entertaining event. Coco Festival (December 8; San Teodoro, Oriental Mindoro) It is a religious festival honoring the Immaculate Conception. It features street dancing, a parade of floats, and other activities centered on the town's agricultural bounty, the coconut. Special Interests Trekking Orriental Mindoro is ideal for trekkers who want to see wildlife and enjoy testing hikes without the complications and risks of needing climbing gear for dangerous ascents. Mt. Halcon is the highest point on the island of Mindoro. Draped in high-altitude forest, cut by clear rivers and studded with pristine rock formations, it is considered one of the country's finest trekking peaks. The summit is often wrapped in clouds, but on a clear day, provides a breathtaking view over the plains of Mindoro and southern Luzon, where Mt. Banahaw and Mt. Mayon loom in the distance. Other trekking site is Mt. Calavite. Mountain Trail The recently established Puerto Galera 'Mountain Trail' also called the Tabinay-Talipanan Trail, is a fairly easy introduction to the mountainous interior of Mindoro Island. The two-to-three-day walk begins in Tabinay, southeast of Puerto Galera and winds past three mountains - none of which are major summits - before emerging on the white sands of Talipanan beach, on the northwest side of town. Diving Underwater, Puerto Galera is a feast for the eyes. Having enjoyed the protection afforded by its marine sanctuary status for years, the coral reefs are alive and vibrant. Spear fishing is banned, and local dive operators forbid the taking of anything except pictures on the dive sites. Most of the deeper dives are along walls and drop-offs and currents can be strong. It is best to dive with an experienced divemaster or instructor to avoid problems. At least 16 dive centres are located along the beaches of Sabang, Small Lalaguna, Big Lalaguna, Coco Beach and Encenada Beach resort in Varadero Bay on the south coast of the isthmus. Local operators boast there are at least 25 dive sites within 20mins of any dive centre. Caving The mountains of Mindoro are composed of largely of limestone, and the island is dotted with caves, almost none of which have been explored or mapped. One that has been explored - though not completely - is Luyang Baga ('Lung Cave', a reference to a large lung-shaped speleothem hanging near the cave's mouth) in Barangay Cabacao, Abra de Ilog. Mountainbiking Puerto Galera is best known as a diving destination, but other action sports are starting to sprout up - mountainbiking being one of the most enjoyable. In Calapan, there's a keen group of local enthusiasts, bike shops, plenty of trails and amazing views. The sport seems set to blossom in this area. |
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