So, what does one do in Puerto Galera? There is a lot.
First on the list is to dive. It is within the area of, get
this guys… the center of the center
of marine biodiversity in the world! If that is your intention then Sabang
is where you head. It is the take off point for divers.
So you cannot dive? Well, you can do the next best thing.
Rent a boat (It is recommended that you
do this with a group of people so you save on costs) to take you to the
islands for snorkeling. In White Beach,
there are several locals walking up and down the beach offering to make boat arrangements
and package tours. Prices are regulated but you could probably bargain.
Third would be to swim in its clear, blue waters. If you get
bored doing that, you could rent a kayak or probably a jetski. Maybe a banana
boat. Or, you could parasail.
Then there is the inland tour. Rent a pedicab and go chase
waterfalls. Visit the Mangyan village. These activities have package prices
too.
Or you can just sit there and do nothing which is what we did.
They have a word for it in Trinidad and Tobago, an island
country just like the Philippines. They call it liming. It is when you do
nothing while sharing good food, conversation and laughter.
I found it totally relaxing, just sitting there, watching
people in the crowded white sand beach while chatting with my friend and
reminiscing the good memories.
Once in a while, we would get up and walk up and down the
beach. Then eventually find chairs again in some restaurant or café. A number
of locals approached us with offers of boat rental for island hopping or
massage. All of which we ignored.
At some point, we decided that we should at least see
something of Puerto Galera so we hopped in one of the pedicabs and went to see
Tamaraw Falls.
It rained the night before and Tamaraw Falls was not at its
best. The volume is probably more during the rainy season but since we went
there during summer, it was not that impressive.
Going back, we had lunch in one of the restaurants by the
roadside and just enjoyed the view of the bay. It looked so lovely.
Our pedicab
driver also stopped by the mangrove conservation park so we can check it out.
I
am glad to see that something is being
done for the environment since honestly, Puerto Galera is another classic
example of a place being taken over by tourism. Lots of construction work happening
to accommodate all the tourists coming in. Not bad for the place’s economy for
sure. I just hope that the Department of Tourism and the local government are looking
into environmental sustainability.
There is also a need to look into communication abilities of
the different staff. I was with a British friend who was frustrated at not
being able to communicate to the staff in English. I was there and it is not a
problem of the accent being British. It was lack of ability to communicate in
English. I do not blame the staff. I blame the resort owners and the tourism
council for failing to invest in training these people. To think that Puerto
Galera, being a diving hub, is not only a destination for local tourists but
for international travelers as well. For the Philippines to compete with its
neighbors in terms of tourism, it has to invest on training those on the
hospitality industry.
Would I go back to Puerto Galera? Probably. One thing is I
have to learn to dive so I can better appreciate what the place has to offer.
Some useful
information:
- Boat fare from Batangas port to Sabang is 230 php. These boats also go to White Beach. On my way I travelled with Father and Son Company. Going back I took Minolo Shipping Lines. Same quality of service. Both have scheduled departures from White Beach.
- Terminal fee is 30 php.
- Environmental fee which I paid upon arrival is 50 php
- Pedicab from Sabang to White Beach is around 100 php.
- We stayed at White Beach Resort. Our room with one double bed and one single cost 1,200 php. Room was nice and clean but had problem with the AC and the shower. Staff are approachable and friendly but can barely communicate in English.
- A helpful contact I meet in Puerto Galera is Helen Garcia, mobile number 0916 796 4765. She can arrange for island tours, inland tours and accommodation.
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