Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
5
DAY
TRIPS AROUND PUERTO GALERA
MANGYAN VILLAGES AND MUSEUM
Two Mangyan tribal villages (see box, p.250) are easily accessible from Puerto Galera, while
others require a bit more effort in the form of some stiff uphill hiking, but are rewarded with a
more genuine experience. To get the most out of your visit it's worth organizing through one
of the travel agents in Poblacion or Sabang (see opposite), who can provide an interpreter and
cultural etiquette tips. The
Baclaran Mangyan
village is just a thirty-minute walk from
Poblacion, while
Barangay Dulangan
is a short jeepney ride from Baco, 34km southeast of
Galera. Some 12km beyond the town of Baco itself (and not far from the Mangyan village), the
small
Mindoro Heritage Museum
(daily 9am-5pm; P50;
T
043 743 0038) at the
Dolce Vita Di
Jo Resort
contains a rare collection of artefacts from each of Mindoro's Mangyan tribes.
TAMARAW FALLS
Off the main road to Calapan lie a number of caves and thundering waterfalls, and thirty
minutes from Puerto Galera, in the barangay of Villaflor, the
Tamaraw Falls
(P30) is the mother
of all cascades. Here cool mountain water plummets over a 132-metre precipice and into a
natural pool and man-made swimming pool. The falls have become a popular sight (hence the
entrance fee), so avoid going at the weekend, when they are overrun. Lots of travellers hire
scooters or motorbikes (P800/day) in town to save the cost of a guided tour (and to spend
more time at the falls). The cheapest option is to take the Calapan-bound jeepney at Poblacion
and ask to get off at the falls, which are right beside the road (30min; around P40).
MOUNT MALASIMBO
One of the best day-treks is from White Beach into the foothills of
Mount Malasimbo
(1168m), where there are a number of tribal communities, as well as waterfalls with cold, clear
pools big enough for swimming. To tackle the summit itself, pick up the trail at Talipanan
Beach (take a tricycle) and through the Iraya Mangyan village just inland. Total trek time is
around 5hr for a reasonably experienced hiker (no permits necessary).
PYTHON CAVE AND HOT SPRINGS
This popular day-trek takes you 3km out of town along the Calapan road, from where a narrow,
unsigned 2km trail leads up to the immense
Python Cave
through thick vegetation and
piping-hot springs deep enough for a swim. Tricycles will ask for at least P400 for the return
trip (including the wait).
By jeepney
Jeepneys shuttle back and forth between
Sabang and Poblacion (they depart up the hill from Muelle
pier, on Concepcion St; 6am-6pm; 15min), although these
won't leave until they are overflowing. Jeepneys also run
along the west coast to White Beach and Aninuan. Most
routes are P20-25, but note that most stop running after
5pm, when you'll be at the mercy of the tricycle drivers.
By scooter/motorbike
You can rent scooters and motor-
bikes in Poblacion and Sabang for around P800/day; try
Aldy's Motorbikes (
T
0927 437 9724,
W
aldysbikes.9f.com).
ACCOMMODATION
With direct boats from Batangas to Sabang and White Beach, there's really little need to stay in
Poblacion (Puerto
Galera town)
; that said, if you want to escape the beach scene, there are a few decent hotels here. Power failures are a
regular occurrence in Puerto Galera, so it's worth asking resorts if they have a backup generator before committing yourself
to staying. Accommodation choices in
Sabang
range from cheaper cottages in small hotels to more expensive dive resort
options. Generally speaking the accommodation to the west of the main road, which is closer to the nightlife, is pricier than
that to the quieter east.
White Beach
is now very popular, and room prices have rocketed. For those on a budget it can be
hard to find a decent room, particularly at weekends and holidays; it's definitely worth booking in advance.
POBLACION
PUERTO GALERA TOWN
Badladz Dive Resort
Muelle pier
T
043 287 3693,
W
badladz.com; map p.243.
Geared to divers rather than
beach-lovers, with great bay views and spacious rooms
with hot water, a/c and cable TV. There's also a dive shop
(see box opposite) and free wi-fi.
P1738
Bahay Pilipino Hotel
P. Concepcion St
T
043 442
0266; map p.243.
A friendly place run by Bavarian native
Dr Fritz and his Filipina wife Jasmin. The fan rooms are
small and well kept, but have shared bathrooms. The
