Puerto Galera Part 1: FERRY BOATS

On Getting There (Manila to Mindoro)

We met at JAM bus station in Buendia where we bought some last minute supplies. It is easy to spot the bus that will take you to the port where you can board Mindoro bound ferries. Just look for one with a Pier (or Batangas Pier) signboard. Our bus departed at around 9:00AM. The three-hour ride was not yet enduring as our spirits were still enthusiastic towards the experiences in store for us for three days and two nights. It was noon when we reached Batangas Pier. There were minor mishaps prior to entering the port: our fresh meat and butane might not make it inside after inspection. We were assisted by the staff. Though I was apprehensive, they were able to bring in our meat and butane. I did not want to think that all of it was a fraud so I just shrugged off all the negativities and focused on the day ahead. We opted to take our lunch inside the port after checking in.

Ikalawang Hirit Sa Tag Init - MINDORO

The BACKPACKERS' second of our three 'hirit sa tag init' this summer: 
White Beach, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro



The 3D/2N vacation of The BACKPACKERS in Mindoro are divided into four stories.

Check out each of the sections to view the action packed adventures and reviews of the places we visited for our second major summer escapade.

Mt. Makiling Dayhike via UPLB: "Akyat Para Sa Tagumpay"

BACKPACKERS join and facilitate...  

Mt. Makiling: "Akyat Para Sa Tagumpay"

April 15, 2012 - Four members of The BACKPACKERS (BP) namely, Clue Fajardo, Weng Topasi, Chons Zosa, and Heinz Alvarez joined and facilitated a Mt. Makiling dayhike for UPLB graduating and soon-to-graduate students.

BPs Clue, Weng, Chons, and Heinz

Mt. Makiling Traverse: Sto. Tomas to Los Baños

Mt. Makiling Traverse

Redemption Gained for the BP Lead!

Three years ago, I started an adventure in a mountain that's said to be mystical: Mt. Makiling. Mountaineering, and even backpacking, were not my cup of tea then. The complexities of the sport were more of perplexing to me. Thus, I came in unprepared. I even had jeans on instead of wearing a trek pants. It was a trek to the mountain's peak via traditional UPLB trail. After reaching Station 17, I aborted the expedition because of the ire weather which made the trail implausibly hazardous.

Summer Mini Adventures: TWIN FALLS and the EXOTIK RESTAURANT

To conclude the mini adventures of The BACKPACKERS this summer...

A guide for those who are

---nature lovers and/or travel junkies

---wants an accessible and affordable destination

---strolling around to check out the famous spots in our country

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KALAYAAN TWIN FALLS

Enjoying the last falls for the day!

The last town that we visited: Kalayaan, Laguna! Kalayaan in the local language means freedom. And perhaps the best word to describe our free flowing adventure! We were eyeing for a trip to the Twin Falls in Nagcarlan, Laguna. But we learned that it would be another two hour trip from Cavinti and it was already 4 in the afternoon when we finished our boating expedition at Lumot Lake. So instead of going to Nagcarlan, we had a spontaneous trip back to Kalayaan, Laguna, in search for the town's version of Twin Falls.