Since my hubby enjoyed our two-day couple getaway at Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro last January of this year, he fulfilled his promise to our kids that will go back to this beautiful island with the whole family. Aside from our kids we also enjoined my mom and my nephews Miko and Isha to join us in this exciting family beach escapade in one of the top diving destinations in the Philippines.

White Beach in Puerto Galera almost resembled the famous Boracay because of its creamy white sand, crystal blue waters, and the maddening crowd, especially during summer.  But White Beach is a budget-friendly destination that’s why bringing the whole family will not tear a gaping hole in one’s pocket. Food, hotels, and even the cost of transportation are affordable. And one good thing, it will only take three to four hours from Manila to get there.

Our Trip

At 6:00 am, we boarded in Tritran Bus near Gil Puyat LRT Station. Fare-P166.00/head.  Travel time took us only 2 hours going to Batangas Pier. The boat fare for a two-way ride is-P450 and the environmental fee is P50. The weather was so cooperative and so we had a nice boat trip.

But just like my previous trips, we encountered the surging waves when we passed the “channel” the rough part of the sea journey in getting to the White Beach. I was worried because we did not tell our mother about this sea condition for certainly, she will not join us. She has this fear of traveling across the sea. But thank God, the scary part lasted for few minutes only.

We had a room reservation at HSL Beach Resort again. Ate Marie had welcomed us with warm accommodation. Since we were all seven, the previous room rate of P800 increased by P400. We paid P1,200 for one day and one night stay. It was so affordable for budget travelers like us.

We ate our packed lunch in the dining area of the resort. We opted to stay in our room after we were satiated because it was so flickering hot at noontime. At 4:00 pm, we started to explore the long stretch of creamy white sand.

White Beach was crowded with people enjoying various activities such as the banana boat ride (P300) and kayak (P200). Pao and Isha were so excited to try the banana boat but we did not allow them since they were little and might fall into the water. Instead, we mingled with the crowd, walked in the shoreline throwing stones to the water, and later refreshed ourselves by frolicking to the water.

One of the best memories we had in White Beach is the sunset photo. We savored the moment watching the sun slowly setting down. It was a beautiful sight to behold. This was my third time to step to this island, but today I enjoyed most watching the golden hues streaming to the water. It was getting dark when we headed back to our room and changed our wet clothes.

We missed a table in Hiyas Restaurant for our dinner. It was full. Its comedy show had already started and the crowd had filled the beachfront laughing out loud watching the performers.  We watched the show for about thirty minutes and had our dinner in Buena Lynn’s Restaurant. We had a heavy meal for P730 only.  So affordable isn’t it?

A quiet walk along the shore was our next activity. I haven’t heard any negative reactions from my buddies since the moment we arrived. Even our little Shen didn’t utter any complain.  I’m quite sure, everyone was having a great time.

We didn’t swim anymore.  We enjoyed watching the variety of shows from various bars and restaurants. It was free entertainment, so it was not surprising that the beachfront was packed not only by customers but with spectators too. We went back to our room around 10:00 p.m. and surrender our bodies for a retreat in bed. We were so excited for our island hopping the next day.

Goodnight Puerto Galera.

ISLAND HOPPING

After a fast breakfast at Buena Lynn’s resto, everyone was excited going back to the room to change our clothes to swimwear. We took the same boatmen Tonton and Dek for our island hopping which Ate Marie referred to us last month. But the previous rate of P1,500 increased now to P2,000.

CORAL GARDEN – I was so excited to go back and bring my loved ones to Coral Garden where marine life is highly diverse. The weather was fine. The water was so clear and so calm.  Little Shen was left in the boat that can’t get near the coral area for she was scared to join us. She just smiled when we all plunged into the water. I’m sure few more years from now she can join us in this exciting activity.

All my buddies were enjoying the experience under the water adventure. Aside from seeing the beautiful unique corals, they were overwhelmed to feed species of fish that swarmed near us. Angelfish of various colors were so delightful to see. I enjoyed more this time exploring the abundance of marine life in Coral Garden.

A boatman offered his small boat for a tour in the vicinity. We were so excited to give it a try. Miko and I were on the opposite outrigger while Pao and his daddy were on the other side. Since Isha was still little and can’t grip the outrigger for long, she just sat on the boat and enjoyed the ride. The experience was indeed wonderful. It was so amazing to see the colorful and abundant marine life of Puerto Galera. There’s no regret paying P100/head for that amazing ride.

HALIGI BEACH – We went snorkeling on the shallow part so we can guide our little kids. We had the place all by ourselves for few minutes on the crystal clear water.  We spent the moment basking from the sun.

When bathers started to pour in we moved to our next destination.

KABAYAN BEACH – It was almost noontime when we reached Kabayan Beach Resort. Instead of wading on the water again, we took shelter from the trees and just enjoyed watching the crowd feasting on the clear blue water. Everyone now was starving so we headed back to HSL Beach Resort.

We had our lunch in Basilico Restaurant, a few walks away from the resort. After munching our food, we sat awhile watching the people passed by and those kids shouting for fun while wading on the water. It was a passing time that I will surely miss if I’ll be working on my paper works again.

By 3:00 pm, my mother and I bought affordable t-shirts, ranging from P90 to P150, and souvenir items such as key chains-P35 and wooden fish for P180 on a nearby souvenir shop.

Exactly by 4:00 pm, we were on board at MV Penguin. I was so thankful because our return water trip was so calm. While we were moving swiftly away from White Beach, I asked my buddies this…

“Did you enjoy it here?”

“Yes!”  That was the answer in unison from Miko, Pao Isha, and Shen. The gentle breeze coming from the sea hailed them to sleep and so with Mama dear.  My hubby and I exchanged glances, both were smiling. It was a heavenly feeling knowing every one of them had a great time on this beautiful island.

Puerto Galera has its own charm in captivating one’s senses. And going back is worthy of doing so.

I’m sure this is not our last.