Rediscovering Mindoro
Shooting the sunset at Boquete Island (SE K800i)
It’s been years since I last stepped foot in the island of Mindoro. I remember the rough roads going to Sablayan just to visit the remote islands of Pandan and Apo Reef in Occidental Mindoro. The impressive reefs and underwater life of La Laguna beach in Oriental Mindoro. I found myself on a photo assignment recently back in Mindoro and discovered that there is more to Puerto Galera than its White Beach (which I still haven’t been to).
The manor view room sunset
Though I can’t share much images or details from this trip until the publication comes out before the year ends I can say I enjoyed this weekend trip even if the destination is just three hours from Manila. Though assignments are not vacation in itself, as I still have to struggle waking up 4am to hike up the mountains or to catch that important morning light (which sometimes didn’t show). Still being able to stay on a Manor atop a hill with a stunning 360 degree views of the mountains and the sea, mingling with the indigenous people up the mountains and having served hearty meals is a welcome experience.
Mangyan mudded feet
Puerto Galera has been dubbed as a “poor man’s Boracay” which can be a bit sad, but I must say if you explore further more it still offers a lot. I guess it’s accessibility gave it’s reputation since you can reach the island 3 hours from Manila at a measly 1000 Pesos less transpo fare back and forth.
How to go to Puerto Galera, Mindoro:
Ride a bus bound for Batangas Pier. Buses at Buendia, LRT like Jam or some Buses in Cubao has hourly buses beginning 6am going to Batangas Pier. Travel time is 2 hours. Fare is Php 171.00
From Batangas Pier ride a ferry to Muelle (or white beach if you are heading there) several ferries takes you there, Fare varies from Php 160 to Php 220 depending on the operator. Travel time is 1 hour.
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Tuesday, October 28th, 2008 at 11:18 am 
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October 28th, 2008 at 11:35 am
i never tried exploring mindoro not even puerto galera. what else can we see ferdz other than its beach and the popular apo reef? it’s good to know that you’re out again traveling for another project.
October 28th, 2008 at 11:49 am
while it is just close to manila, i’ve only been there twice. the last time, i was fending off limatiks at a difficult mountain trail!
October 28th, 2008 at 11:51 am
There are interesting developments coming Mindoro’s way Dom, like nature trails, mountain treks and more especially, interacting with the indeginous and creative tribe of Mangyans.
October 28th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Haha. Wouldn’t be surprised Estan, considering, a big portion of Mindoro is still covered with Virgin forest, much more in the area of Halcom.
October 28th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
wulfriend, abangan ko ang future post mo dito.
i’ve seen enough to whet my appetite for more
it’s also funny because i’ve been here only twice and those visits were really a long time ago.
October 28th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Thank you for this wonderful tour. Alam mo yung post nyo nila oggie, estan, dom at eric really make me appreciate the many places that we don’t usually see or ever had a chance to visit like the one you showed me in this post. Another great job and more to come.
October 28th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
I’m going to Mindoro this summer…thanks for that little info……
October 29th, 2008 at 12:03 am
I bet this one offers a fantastic sunset too. I can’t wait for more travels? Kala ko pa-US ka this year?
October 29th, 2008 at 11:38 am
Hehe. Oggie, can’t post much about it din for now. Sayang hintay pa.
Thanks Oman, with more than 7000 islands, I think there’s a lot to see in one lifetime. hehe
Hope you enjoy your time when you get there Eric.
Pretty nice sunset and sunrise here since it’s caught in between Photo Cache. Next round of travels would be near end of the month till end of the year pa. Nope, won’t be going to the US this year. baka next year na when it’s summer there.
October 29th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
nakita ko na din e3 mo in action. hehe! ganda dyan sa pinag stayan mo ha. puerto galera pa lang napuntahan ko sa mindoro, sana maexplore ko pa iba dyan kasi mukhang maganda.
October 30th, 2008 at 1:36 am
First time to lug around the E-3 on a trip Erick at me nawala pang maliit na seal cover during the hike. Wah! Still getting used to it though, but I already loved its colors. Lot’s to explore down south, which I know a mountaineer like you would enjoy. Don’t miss Apo Reef and Pandan Island definitely.
October 30th, 2008 at 8:06 am
I haven’t been to Mindoro. So many places to explore yet so little to no time at all. Haaay. Nakakainggit kayo ni Oggie.
October 30th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Mindoro is one of the few places na malapit lang sa Manila at sulit puntahan, sayang we can’t see your shots (for now). Abangan na lang naman
October 31st, 2008 at 4:45 am
minsan kong pinangarap pumunta dito.. sa loyal victoria, oriental…
hmm.. may la laguna beach pala.. ^_^ hopefully.. makarating ako don..
November 1st, 2008 at 11:04 am
The first picture reminds me of Marinduque, my beloved province. When you get a chance to visit Marinduque drop by at Chateau Du Mer, Boac for free coffee and conversation.
November 1st, 2008 at 11:37 am
Hi Ellen! Just start exploring, dali lang nyan puntahan.
Yup Allan, will be posting some that wasn’t chosen to be in the mag within the month.
Nice yun la Laguna Mimi, especially if you are fond of snorkeling.
Hi David, it’s funny I was just researching about Marinduque a few days ago as a weekend destination. I have been there a few years back and would like to revisit the place sana this halloween but have to delay it for now due to change in bus scheds. Will try to revisit the place soon on a weekend. Thanks for visiting.
November 5th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
napaka-ingenious ng mga shots mo, ferdz!