Puerto Galera Part 4: BANANA BOAT ETC.

After spending a refreshing morning at Aninuan Falls, we rested for a bit before hitting the beach front for a water adventure. There are lots of things you can do on the fine sand of White Beach. There are nets for those who wish to play beach volleyball. Locals who offer body massage for 200Php roam around. You can bring your tent and camp out especially if your booked accommodation is far from the beach. As you look in the horizon, you won't fail to notice that the sea is action packed. Aside from people swimming, you could see jetskis, motor boats, parasailing, kayaks and... bananas! Due to limited time, we resigned from our original plan of a snorkeling expedition. Instead of boarding a motor boat, we hopped in, banana-style!



York, Feigh, Weng & Marion



BP couple Ivan and Angel

Puerto Galera Part 3: ANINUAN FALLS



There are three waterfalls near White Beach, Puerto Galera. On the second day of our Mindoro escapade, we woke up early to visit one of these falls: Aninuan Falls. It is nestled at the foot of the towering Mt. Malasimbo and is under the vicinity of Brgy. Aninuan, hence the name Aninuan Falls. In order to get there, you can either give in to the offer of the local businessmen and hire their jeepney (or van) which will take you to the jumpoff point or you can just hike from your inn/hotel straight to the falls. Taking the former will cost you 1,000 - 1,500Php plus you still need to hike from the jumpoff point up to the falls. We opted to take the latter: hiking up at the wee hours of morning until we reach the waterfalls.

Puerto Galera Part 2: WHITE BEACH

The town of Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro is very blessed to be surrounded by a lot of beautiful and crystal clear beaches. Each has its own unique beauty. There is at least one beach that will fit one's preference or lifestyle. If you want your stay to be in a cozy, luxurious and serene ambiance, there's Coco Beach. If you want it to be very majestic by situating yourself in a breathtaking landscape, being sandwiched by the shimmering waters of Mindoro, try booking a stay at the Sandbar in Boquete Beach. Divers prefer Sabang Beach because it boasts of stunning dive spots and magnificent coral reefs.

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.