Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines loveliest harbor

The Island at a Glimpse

Puerto Galera is blessed with one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbors. Known as the Pearl of Mindoro, it is world-famous for splendid beaches, coral reefs, and exquisite dive sites for new and experienced divers alike.

There are shallow coral gardens, interesting rock formations, and colorful species to watch, like crabs, shrimps, sea anemones, moray, and trumpet fishes. Puerto Galera is known among tourists for its numerous pocket beaches and many snorkeling and diving spots. The beaches have an active night life with their numerous beachside bars and restaurants.

Puerto Galera is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 21,925 people in 4,424 households. It is the northwesternmost municipality in Oriental Mindoro.

Puerto Galera is only three and a half hours away from Manila first by bus to the port at Batangas City and then by boat. Tourists can also take the high-speed ferry service (popularly known as the Supercat) from the Batangas City port to Calapan, Mindoro and then by jeepney to Puerto Galera.

Photo credit: Puerto Galera Online

With friends strolling at the White beach

I fell in love with Puerto Galera the first time I set foot here when I was still in high school. This may be the best place to go if you're tight on a budget. Puerto Galera offer lots of exciting activities to make your stay wonderful. And this is also the place for adventurous fun, I and my friends tried going to the famous Tamaraw Falls riding only on a tricycle and it was really such a wonderful experience even if you feel tired of the long travel going up the mountain just to see the famous falls. I've been to this beautiful place four times and will come back again with my friends. Just a reminder for those who want to visit this island, if you don't want to mingle with a large crowd don't visit Puerto Galera during the Holy Week.

At the famous Tamaraw Falls

LAIYA in SAN JUAN, BATANGAS, A Haven for Travelers going to the SOUTH

The view from the Laiya Beach in San Juan, Batangas

About the place

At the southeastern tip of Batangas lies a seven kilometer strip of white sand beach situated along the stretching coast of Sigayan Bay and Verde Island passage. The place is nestled behind the peaks of Mt. Daguldol and home to several hiking destinations, such as Naambon falls and Mainit Pulang Bato. Because of its proximity to cities of Manila, Batangas and Quezon, this beach called Laiya became a popular destination for weekend retreats and corporate excursions.

Numerous resorts from upscale to budget accomodation which are mainly known to local tourists are visibly located along the wide strip of Laiya beach. They all come to life during holidays and weekends when tourists from the wide metropolis come to reatreat from their frenzied daily life. It does not take away its appeal, but, for people who may want to witness this hidden beauty must visit Laiya during low season, when the beach is calmer and much more silent. And on peak season (December to June), it is highly advised to call for accomodation few weeks in advance to avoid losing chances on room reservations.

Aside from swimming, snorkeling, boating, and kayaking, not much water activities are available in Laiya. Diving and other hi-tech water activities are not yet facilitated unless interested tourists request to be chartered to Anilao, a diving sanctuary at the other side of the coast, or to the famous diving destination- Verde Island. Although Laiya’s main attraction is its long strip of white beach, other sportif options can be found in its interiors, such as its hidden coves, falls and thick forested mountains where trails have been appreciated best for mountainbiking and trekking.

Source: http://www.camperspoint.com/

With my cousins, nieces and nephews during our last year's visit at Laiya

I used to remember when I was still a kid, my mom (now deceased) will always invite all my relatives in Batangas City where we used to live before to come and visit our cousins in Laiya. My cousins and I were excited everytime we will visit our cousins' place in Laiya, San Juan in Batangas. During that time Laiya was still unexplored which means no resorts and restaurants. That was the best time we've seen Laiya because there were few travelers like us who visit this beautiful place. But since my last visit only this year with some friends, the place have been commercialized and a lot of resorts and restaurants sprawled like mushrooms. But nevertheless, I will still visit Laiya because they also offer lots of exciting activities for those travelers who want to unwind from their toxicating work in the city. I recommend to those who want to visit Laiya to try our cousins' apartelle, the Casa Remo Apartelle. Just click this link, http://casaremolaiya.multiply.com/journal/item/1/Casa_Remo_Rates?utm_source=cp&utm_medium=facebook-cp&utm_campaign=casaremolaiya for more information.

With some friends during our outing only this April 2007

CORON in PALAWAN, one of the Philippines' best kept secret

At the Coral Bay

Discover one of the Philippines' best kept secret which is Coron in Palawan where you can find pristine tropical beaches, hidden underwater sanctuaries, refreshing sea breezes, warm, friendly locals, and most importantly, an untapped wonderland of nature far removed from the clutches of urbanization but is not an anachronism of 18th century island living. I've never seen such a beautiful place like Coron, the first time I step foot on this island was in April 2005 and I was awed by the island's tourist spots most especially the Coral Bay.

At the Dive Link Resort in Coron

I recommend Coron if you want a beautiful place to visit in Palawan, the budget is just good enough if you spend less than a week stay here. I also suggest Dive Link Resort where to stay in Coron. They also have tour packages to include in your budget. Check out the resort's website http://www.divelink.com.ph/ for more information.

At the Dive Link Resort

CAMIGUIN, The Island of Your Dreams

The Sunken Cemetery

About the Island

The island-province of Camiguin is a pear-shaped volcanic island in the northern tip of Mindanao. It is approximately 90 kilometers north of the City of Cagayan de Oro. It is bounded to the north by Bohol Sea, to the west by Macajalar Bay, to the southeast by Gingoog Bay and to the east by Butuan Bay.

Camiguin is the smallest province in Northern Mindanao, with its land area pegged at 29,187 hectares. It is composed of five towns, namely, Mambajao – the capital town, Mahinog, Guinsiliban, Sagay and Catarman. The island plays host to seven volcanoes, including the still-active Mount Hibok-Hibok. According to the National Statistics Office, Camiguin has a total population of 74,232 persons, making the province the second smallest in the Philippines in terms of population.

Source: http://www.camiguin.redbearnet.com/

The majestic Katibawasan Falls

I have been to Camiguin only last September 2006 together with some friends, this was already planned about six months before the actual travel. I've only seen this beautiful island through pictures in the internet not knowing that when you see it with your own two eyes, you'll fell in love with the place. Of course I have with me my digital camera to take pictures of the famous tourist spots of this island. This island is also famous for their sweet lanzones and during October of every year they are celebrating their Lanzones Festival. See the pictures that I've taken during my stay in Camiguin and I vowed to myself that I will come back to this beautiful island that I've considered to be the island of my dreams.

At the Guinsiliban beach

The Walkway at the Mt. Vulcan

Click the link below for more pictures taken in Camiguin Island,

http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?gid=215946&owner=deybid007