Hotels in Puerto Galera, Philippines

Paradise is re-discovered on the Philippine island of Puerto Galera

For many; the journey to Puerto Galera starts at Manila Airport and is itself, part of the unforgettable overall experience. Then, on arrival at Puerto Galera, you are met by a perfect blend of white sandy beaches and inviting pale blue sea. This is the perfect setting in which to just chill out and relax, or submit to some impressive and intensive sun and sea-based activities. There is much to celebrate here and the laid-back locals know just how to do it. Immersing yourself in these warm waters and in Puerto Galera’s cuisine, events and festivals, is bound to ensure maximum delight.

There are some memorable dives in Puerto Galera

There are around 40 diving sites in the area and with varying depths; so, even the absolute beginner won’t feel … out of their depth. Beware though as those clear, warm and inviting waters can also carry a challenging current. These, however, encourage the varieties of marine life which you are about to encounter just below the surface. Fearless travellers will also see, via information displayed within their hotel or other accommodation, detail on snorkeling excursions to the local Coral Garden. A feature of the trip involves gliding across the reef while clinging (for dear life) to a small motorboat (motorbanca). With the appetite whetted for even more adventures, consider a trip to San Teodoro and to swimming and diving in the remote jungle surroundings of Tamaraw Falls. The journey is quite thrilling too; by jeepney - an often elderly jeep-type bus, and then by ox-drawn cart. There are some great hotels and holiday accommodation choices in Puerto Galera … and some pretty impressive dives.

Choose your Puerto Galera hotel destination with care

Accommodation choices in the Puerto Galera region include, apartments, guest houses and of course, hotels. The region is made up of 13 villages, each with its own characteristics; so it’s worth taking a little time to decide just where you prefer to stay. Sabang and White Beach carry a lot of hotel choice and are popular tourist spots. Sabang isn’t the best for swimming but it is close to diving sites and has a variety of restaurants, in addition to a lively nightlife. White Beach is as the name suggests. There are plenty of open air bars here and again, quite a noisy nightlife. For a more laid-back setting, you should perhaps consider a hotel in the areas around Sinandigan, Boquete Island, Aninuan, Talipanan, Poblacion, Tabinay or Dulangan. The villages of Baclayan and Villaflor, however; tend not to be geared up to meet the needs of tourists. Selecting the destination carefully results in maximum enjoyment of this unique Puerto Galera experience.

Practicalities and avoiding pouring rain in Puerta Galera

Particularly for the seasoned traveller, the journey from Manila Airport to hotel accommodation in Puerta Galera is fairly simple. If your wallet is over-flowing with cash, it has been known for some visitors to even arrive by chartered sea-plane. Most though, take the airport bus to Batangas Pier and from there, a reputable ferry to Puerto Galera. There’s more stress to come though as there are four entry points at Puerto Galera. Pick the wrong one and you’ve got another journey to make. If, for instance, you are heading for Sabang, you need the Sabang Pier ferry. The other arrival points are Muelle Pier, Balatero Pier and White Beach. If all this is a bit daunting; many virgin tourists to Puerto Galera travel as part of a package holiday; so airport transfers, hotels in Puerto Galera and excursions are included in the deal. It’s best to avoid the rainy season between July and November, for obvious reasons. There aren’t as many ferry transfers either at this time of year.

Every day is a festival in Puerto Galera

You wouldn’t be far wrong in thinking that life in Puerto Galera is one long festival; enjoyed on a daily basis by hotel – based visitors and cheery, laid-back locals. The latter lot do, though, break up the routine with ultra-special events such as the Banana Festival. Staged during March and in celebration of St. Joseph; there’s street dancing, general celebration and a prize for the best banana-based food dish. It’s still fun – even if you don’t like bananas. Enjoying the common language of music, the Filipino residents and tourists join together in appreciation of the live bands playing at various local street venues as part of the Reggae Festival. Features also include subsidised beachside buffet meals that are surprisingly cheap. The Seafood Festival at Puerto Princesa is another one for foodies to savour. Stepping from beneath the Festival umbrella, you can enjoy a variety of celebrations at Puerto Galera with massages, both beach and spa-style; mud karting and in Laguna, there’s zip lining. Everything under the sun is waiting for you, here in Puerto Galera.