Puerto Galera for Plan B

gloomy
see all photos »

We were already waiting to board the ferry to Corregidor when they announced that they are canceling the trip due to rough sea waters. Hmmm... I only had 3 days left of my holiday break. I had to do something. We went for plan B, and plan B is going to Puerto Galera. The most accessible beach from Manila. After reading so much about it, it was time to recall how to get to that place. We boarded a bus to Batangas City Pier. It was all unplanned and that makes it ultra exciting.

After a few hours we reached the Pier, we were thinking twice with the trip. The big ferry also canceled their trips due to rough seas. Hmmmm! With all that we have we braved the seas, we rode a boat straight to Puerto Galera. Yes, in the middle of the boat ride, it could be scary but it only took us 45 mins, which is a good thing. It rained half of the trip. The boat took us to Muelle Bay, a wonderful serene bay. We rode a mini-cab to reach White Beach.

If your summer addiction keeps on kicking up, dont think twice

colorful bands
see all photos »

Upon reaching White Beach on that gloomy and windy afternoon, we settled in the room we rented. After which, we went out to discover so the beach. The waves came crushing because it was windy. We were intrigued with the large rocks at the end of the beach so we explored that area. The place was a bit scary. Then we roamed to the other end of the beach. We met Azon and Isabel, old ladies offering massages and they also sell wrist bands. They are friendly, they become our buds for the rest of the trip. As Filipinos they are jolly.

what do you want grilled or grilled?
see all photos »

Ma'am Cinch is an addict for massages, so while she had her massage, I walked to the end part of the Beach. The sand is not that fine and is made out of pebbles, some are marble chips. There was small cave now covered by sand. Before they say you can crawl to get to the other side. I even passed by boatmen, carrying the boat to shore. That night we ate dinner along the beach, the usual food there are grilled sea foods and pork. The pork shrank when cooked. hehe. We planned to go to Aninuan Falls the next day.

river
see all photos »

It was a cold windy Saturday when we hiked up the waterfalls with our 2 guides. For their age, they walk fast. They also lived nearby the falls. We crossed the same river/stream a few times. The falls was not that high, but damn the water is ice cold. We didn't have the guts to take a swim. Before we returned, we passed by the Mangyan area. Mangyan's are the original tribe that lived there in Mindoro. They weaved baskets, they are not allowed to sell it at the beach area because they don't have permit. That night we went to Muelle Bay, because Ma'am Cinched it had a different aura. We loved the big serving of BLT sandwich and we just had pizza for take out.

Aninuan Falls 1
see all photos »

Ma'am Cinch already felt that I wasn't enjoying much, because I am a Leo, I need the Sun. And any beach without the sun would not exude beauty.  That night we passed by some bars with gay people performing. They were singing and dancing. It was entertaining and funny all the same. I started to feel better. hehe.

Sunday, our last day is totally fun. God permitted the sun to shine. Early in the morning we were already in the beach taking so much of the water and of the sun. We are already getting tan. The White Beach is populated with so many foreigners, and mostly old men. I thought it was "Grandfather's Day"! just kidding. We met Beng and Dennis, also from Manila, they also braved the rough waters to have fun in the beach.

aninuan falls
see all photos »

Puerto Galera is very accessible so if your summer addiction keeps on kicking up, dont think twice. But always check the weather so you would truly enjoy your stay. Don't try to go there in Holy Week, it's packed.