Puerto Galera Travel Guide: White Beach, Sabang, Diving and Tourist Spots

Aboard M/V Binibining Coron
Operated by Montenegro
Shipping Lines, Inc. (MSLI)

The road trip began while most of Metro Manila was still asleep. At 3 in the morning, our small caravan of cousins rolled out of Marikina with a private vehicle packed with bags, snacks, and the kind of excitement that only a beach trip can bring. The plan was simple. Drive south to Batangas Port, board a Ro-Ro ferry, and cross the water to Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro.

The drive itself felt like the prelude to an adventure. From C5 we connected to SLEX and then the STAR Tollway, watching the city lights slowly give way to darker highways and quieter towns. With light traffic at that hour, the trip took roughly two to three hours. By the time we reached Batangas Port, the sky was beginning to hint at dawn and the terminal was already buzzing with travelers bound for island escapes.

First time to bring in a
car on a Ro-Ro ship.

Boarding the Ro-Ro ferry was a first for me. Unlike typical passenger boats, these ferries carry both people and vehicles, which made the trip convenient for our group since we had a car with us. The crossing to Balatero Port in Puerto Galera took just about an hour, short enough to feel relaxed yet long enough to appreciate the open sea.

One unexpected hero of the trip was the small 7-Eleven store inside the ferry. It served a strong, bold Americano, just the kind I expected from 7‑Eleven and exactly what I needed after a very early wake up call. A word of advice though. If you plan to drink coffee during the crossing, be prepared. The restroom cubicles are tiny and far from comfortable. I ended up holding my bladder like a champ until we finally touched land. Once off the ferry, we hopped into the car and headed to our home for the next four days, Scandi Divers Resort at Big La Laguna Beach.

La Laguna Beach, particularly the Big La Laguna area, is known more for diving than for traditional beach lounging and swimming. Now here is the funny part. I do not dive at all. But one of my cousins is an avid diver and Puerto Galera has long been on their favorites list, so that is how I found myself checking into one of the area’s well known dive resorts.

Scandi Divers Resort itself has built a strong reputation among the global diving community. The property features a full in house PADI dive center that offers courses ranging from beginner level all the way to divemaster certification. Serious divers appreciate access to more than forty nearby dive sites, technical diving options, and dedicated dive boats that head out daily into the surrounding waters.

It is easy to see why divers keep coming back to Mindoro. The waters around Puerto Galera are part of a marine corridor known for vibrant coral reefs, steep drop offs, and an impressive variety of marine life. Divers talk about colorful reef gardens, sea turtles cruising by, and the occasional reef shark or schooling fish turning the water into a living aquarium. Even for someone like me who does not dive, just hearing the stories over breakfast made it clear that there is an entire world thriving just beneath the surface.

It is clearly a resort designed with divers in mind. Most of the guests during our stay were foreigners who had come specifically for the underwater experience. The facilities are professional and well organized, though the room rates, food, and drinks lean toward the higher side compared with many other local resorts.

The beach itself, however, may surprise first time visitors. Big La Laguna has a narrow shoreline and the sand quickly gives way to rocks once you step into the water. Swimming is not really its strongest feature. During my walks along the shore, I also noticed quite a few stray dogs roaming around the area. Being partly residential, the neighborhood is a mix of resorts and homes, which also made me quietly wonder about local sanitation systems and drainage. For beach swimming and relaxed dining, we found ourselves heading elsewhere most of the time.

That elsewhere was White Beach.

White Beach is easily the most famous stretch of sand in Puerto Galera, and it is not hard to see why. I had last visited more than a decade ago, and the transformation since then is impressive. The beachfront now features a lively promenade lined with resorts, cafés, restaurants, and souvenir shops. The atmosphere feels festive without being overwhelming.

During the day the beach becomes a playground of sun seekers and swimmers. The sand is wide and inviting, and the water is clear and shallow enough for long leisurely dips. One thing to know though is that the shoreline turns pebbly once you step into the water, with small sharp rocks scattered underfoot. I quickly realized barefoot was not going to work. After a few tentative steps and a lot of wincing, I gave in and bought a pair of aqua shoes from one of the shops along the strip, along with a banig, a large plastic picnic mat. Problem solved. With my feet happily protected, I was free to spend hours floating in the water, wading by the shore, sprawling on the mat, or hopping from one beachside restaurant to another.

Evenings at White Beach bring a different kind of energy. As the sun dips into the horizon, the lights along the promenade begin to glow and the restaurants fill with diners enjoying grilled seafood, tropical drinks, and the warm sea breeze. The crowd is a mix of local travelers, international tourists, and weekend adventurers escaping the city.

If you are looking for something louder after dinner, Sabang Beach is the place to go. Sabang has long been known for its nightlife scene. Bars, clubs, and music venues keep the area buzzing well into the night. It is a completely different personality from the laid back charm of White Beach, but that contrast is part of Puerto Galera’s appeal. You can spend the day swimming in the sun and then shift into party mode once darkness falls.

Sabang Beach

Beyond the beaches, Puerto Galera also offers several worthwhile stops for travelers who want to explore a bit more of Mindoro’s natural and cultural side.

One of the easiest excursions is Tamaraw Falls, located along the scenic road that winds through the mountains outside town. The waterfall cascades down a tall rock face into a stream below, creating a cool and refreshing sight, especially after a warm coastal morning. Vendors nearby sell local snacks and souvenirs, and many travelers pause here for photos before continuing their journey.

Tamaraw Falls

Another interesting stop is the Puerto Galera Mangrove Conservation and Eco Tourism Area. Wooden boardwalks allow visitors to walk through the mangrove forest while learning about the vital role these ecosystems play in protecting coastlines and supporting marine life. It is a peaceful break from the busy beach scenes and a reminder that Puerto Galera’s beauty extends beyond its shoreline.

For a touch of history, Muelle Cultural Heritage Park offers a glimpse into the town’s past. Located near the old pier area, the park features monuments and markers that commemorate Puerto Galera’s role as a historic harbor for ships traveling through the region. The area is quiet, scenic, and perfect for a short reflective stroll while looking out at the water.

By the end of our four day stay, Puerto Galera revealed itself as more than just a beach destination. It is a place where diving enthusiasts, beach lovers, night owls, and curious explorers can all find their own rhythm.

From a pre dawn road trip out of Marikina to coffee on a Ro-Ro ferry and sunset swims at White Beach, the journey had all the ingredients of a memorable island escape. Like most good trips, it left me already wondering when I might return for another round of sea, sand, and Mindoro sunshine.

Looking back, that Puerto Galera trip turned out to be more than just a beach escape. It quietly marked the beginning of something personal. Somewhere between the early morning ferry ride, the long beach walks, and the endless swims at White Beach, I realized I had reached the heaviest I had ever been. It was not a dramatic moment, just an honest one. By the time we packed up and headed back to the city, I had already made a quiet promise to move more, eat better, and take my health seriously. Funny how a simple island trip can do that. Sometimes the journey home begins with a tan, a pair of aqua shoes, and a small decision to start taking better care of yourself.

Tan line first. Waistline later.

At the White Beach,
wearing my aqua shoes.