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.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
