PUERTO GALERA

>>> the many sandy beaches and rich corals in puerto galera make this oriental mindoro town an attractive tourist haven.

must-see:

white beach is a popular beach where there are many resorts to choose from (the set-up is more basic compared to boracay's wide range of accomodations). you can also opt to stay in in tamaraw beach resort. although their beach front is not as nice, it's less crowded and its just a 5-minute tricycle ride away from white beach. or, try coco beach resort, which has the best beachfront among the three.

must-try:

go snorkeling in coral island (there's a centralize station where you can rent a boat; have yummy, italian food in arco baleno (order the mozarella cheese crepe); and shop for sarongs and all the friendship bracelets you fancy. for days when you want to do "nothing" have a massage and spend a quiet, lazy morning at the beach; at night, stargaze with your friends and talk the night away before sleeping.

verdict:

the beaches of puerto galera are nice enough but the sand is still not like boracay. you have to do a bit of exploring to find a beachfront you like but what we find appealing about galera is that it's far enough from manila to feel like you're on vacation, while still very accesible for a weekend trip.

Source:

meg magazines

april 2004

p.96