While the Philippines is blessed with an abundance of beaches and islands, there holds a special charm in the docks of Puerto Galera. Hundreds flock every year to this place, and while it has its pluses and minuses in comparison to other Philippine destinations, it remains and enjoyable trip nonetheless.

The gem that is Puerto Galera in Sabang Mindanao is considered one of the most developed beach destinations in the Philippines. What started out as a backyard tourism spot 160 miles away form Manila quickly became a mecca for mainlanders. The isle is easily accessible with trips coming in almost at any hour. As a result, it becomes to weary vacationers what fast-food is to hungry workers- a quick, easy and satisfying fix to de-stress.

Foreigners really love the island. Since the 70's, they have been in and out of the lush paradise. Some of them failed to resist the temptation of the tropics, so they stayed, making the first seeds of an expatriate community. Every year handfuls and handfuls of foreigners, form American to Koreans discover the island, due to its ease of access and popularity.

Coming to Puerto Galera by yacht, boat ferry or private means, one is greeted by a a colorful beach in the morning or a lit and happening place by night. The beaches are famous for the line of bars and party places that are only a few steps away. The nights, especially weekend nights, are opened up by hip and chic places offering not only drinks, dances on the beach and restaurants but also exhibition shows like fire eaters, fire dancers and even promotional events.

The life in Puerto Galera is comfortably familiar to the average person but still remains one of the perfect Philippine travel tips. In the morning, bars turn into cafes and brunch restaurants, energizing early wakers and soothing all-nighters. Come noon to afternoon, the freshest catch of the day turns into sumptuous lunches- tuna, blue marlin, prawns and crabs. Sunbathers are everywhere, while the boat ferries come and go.

Come nightfall, the party starts again. Beach raves are common, side by side with beach walkers, star gazers, night picnics and again full restaurants. There is something for everybody. For the quiet types, there are the beaches at night. For party-goers, options are non-stop til morning. For morning persons, one can stay and sleep in quaint rented rooms or villas for group accomodations.

There are also famous hiking trails for those who wants to work up a sweat. Banana boat rides, diving and snorkeling are available and guides are inexhaustible. Water is seriously the best attraction. The beach itself are white by morning, the water near the shores are clear enough to see through. You don't even need to ride a boat to find some amazing underwater views; within a kilometer from the shores, you can see lion fish, Moorish idols, frog fish and leaf fish. The Verde Island Passage is a deep clear water, just one of the many sites near here. A fantastic variety of underwater flora and fauna awaits even in the not so best season.

Backpackers can pitch tents and meet other tent lovers. One can lie on the sand til morning and sip wine, talk and meet people. Indeed, Puerto Galera is a place to meet a lot of people, or shrink away to find solace in a secluded spot. Nature takes you under its wing, while the other wing that is progress and comfort fans you.

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There are several tourist destinations in the Philippines and one of those highly recommended ones is Puerto Galera. In this regard, may we give readers general information on this municipality to hopefully entice more tourists, both local and international, to visit Puerto Galera.

Puerto Galera forms part of the province of Oriental Mindoro in the Philippines. It is actually one of the places that Philippines is very proud of. It forms part of Region IV-B of the Philippines and is exactly located in the First District of Oriental Mindoro.

General Information on this municipality include the fact that it is subdivided into thirteen barangays, including Baclayan, Poblacion, Villaflor, Tabinay, Sinandigan, Sto. Niño, San Isidro, San Antonio, Sabang, Palangan, Dulangan, Balatero, and Aninuan. As of 2000, the population of Puerto Galera totals to 21,925.

The reasons behind the popularity of Puerto Galera among local and international tourists are the spots for Scuba diving, snorkeling, and its countless pocket beaches. The Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World has recognized the beauty of Puerto Galera. As a matter of fact, Puerto Galera is the only bay in the Philippines recognized by such organization.

What’s good about Puerto Galera is that it can cater to different kinds of tourists. Those who love the nightlife may go to the White Beach and the Sabang Beach. But tourists who love to drink and party recommend the White Beach more than the Sabang beach. Countless restaurants and bars are situated in these beaches which all serve sumptuous dishes. Accommodations described as first-class and economy-class are both offered here, too. There are beachfront hotels and inns, and there are those a little far from the beach but are offered at cheap prices.

For tourists of the Philippines who are not very interested in partying, there are also resorts in Puerto Galera that are intended for soul-searching. One of these resorts is the Coco Beach. Coco Beach is described as peaceful and quiet. The cottages in this resort are even so native which definitely contributes to the solemn feeling. There is also a bar in Coco Beach but it is not as noisy as the bars in White Beach.

General information on Puerto Galera also includes mountains that have not been explored. People residing on these mountains are known as Mangyans and they do not have any contact of the outside world.

This general information hopes to entice more tourists to come and visit Puerto Galera in order to witness the reason why the Philippines is just so proud of such tourist destination.

Villa Halcyon is a haven of tranquility nestled amongst the coconut palms with commanding views of Puerto Galera Bay Philippines, officially designated as one of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World, by the Paris-based Les Plus Belles Baies du Monde, because of its surpassing beauty.

The 7 Bedroom Villa is so well blended into its natural environment that it is rendered barely visible to passing watercraft and it is difficult to show you a single picture of the Villa. Puerto Galera is the fabled Port of the Galleons which lies directly along the old Manila/Acapulco trade route and this small sheltered bay is where Spanish galleons used to take refuge from approaching typhoons before venturing across the Pacific Ocean.

Known as the top and most popular diving site in the Philippines, Puerto Galera is also one of the prime, appealing and inviting tourist destinations in the country. Because of the enhancing performance of its tourism sector, the municipality continues to develop sites that will lure and entice many travelers to see Puerto Galera.

With the fast improving performance of its tourism sector, Puerto Galera is definitely an inviting and enthralling place that travelers should visit. To make sure that they will not have problems regarding accommodations, it is important that travelers make advance reservations on hotels and resorts where they plan to stay. In this way, they are sure that they can have a great and wonderful vacation in the appealing and inviting municipality of Puerto Galera.

From sunrise to sunset, in brilliant sunshine and vivid colours, watch the mood of this lovely bay change from azure to turquoise, to aquamarine, to deep sapphire blue, to gold, orange and red; and if you're fortunate enough to see a moonrise send shimmering silver images across the water, you will enjoy one of the most romantic experiences of your life!