Review: The Manor at Puerto Galera

Reviewed by: SmithersinAU (Auckland, NZ)

It was our first time in Puerto Galera and I chartered a sea plane that landed on a lovely white sandy beach.... I didn't pay too much attention to the beach because the hotel car was there to pick us up right away.

The resort just above the yacht club on the adjoining property, we walked down for dinner at the club later that evening.. the ribs were especially nice however and older and super friendly crowd of people.

Then we visited Sabang 'beach' first and that I really didn't like. It is well known for sex tourists and lady-boys... but each to their own I guess! 

Then we headed off to Talipanan Big White Beach and drank at The Beach Club that was also nice, and well situated. We also went to White Beach and although it was difficult to get to I could see it trying to be Boracy when it is nothing as nice. 

After a few days we found ourselves back at the beach the plane landed us on and wow! We realised the best beach is The Sand Bar and it is walking distance from The Manor! Absolutely beautiful! Underpopulated, clean, amazing bay and restful paradise. We basically spent the rest of our holiday between there and the Manor.

The manor rooms are really nice and well furnished. The staff are friendly and helpful and the owner Bill is very nice too.

The location you cant beat... it is in the middle of everything and adjoining The Sand Bar which must be the best kept secret in PG!

If anything here has been any help please let me know with a helpful vote. It is all I get for taking time to help fellow travelers. Thanks!

CebuPacific Halloween Promo 2011

pls check here for details

Cebu Pacific Credit Card Deals

Use your HSBC Core Visa credit card anywhere and get P1,000 Cebu Pacific Gift Certificates that you can use to purchase travel tickets to any local destination with just 5 charge slips worth P3, 000 each. Plus, continue to earn bonus points which you can use to redeem Rewards items or miles.

Fine Print : Redemption is until November 30, 2011

For CITIBANK VISA Get a free one-way ticket to any destination when you get approved by October 15, 2011.

Enjoy exclusive privileges with the Cebu Pacific Citibank Card.

Receive SMS and email alerts 2 hours before the seat sale is announced to the public.

Earn never-expiring CEB Points to redeem e-vouchers and book online without restrictions on fares and destinations

Enjoy VISA Platinum Privileges

Robinsons-Cebu Pacific MasterCard

Fly or Buy? Get a credit card that gives you a chance to enjoy BOTH for FREE.

Features

Fly/Buy points for all your spending

For Classic MasterCard: Earn one (1) Fly/Buy Point for every P200 spend anywhere. Earn double Fly/Buy Points for every P200 spend when you shop at any Robinsons stores or purchase Cebu Pacific tickets at www.cebupacificair.com or any Cebu Pacific ticketing office.

For Gold MasterCard: Earn one (1) Fly/Buy Point for every P200 spend anywhere. Earn double Fly/Buy Points for every P200 spend when you purchase Cebu Pacific tickets at www.cebupacificair.com or any Cebu Pacific ticketing office and when you use your card abroad. Earn triple Fly/Buy Points for every P200 spend when you shop at any Robinson Stores.

Kenneth Cobonpue's NAIA1 Proposal

"Its time someone did something about the worst airport in the world. So we made this design because we believe that no matter how beautiful our country is, our airports give the first and last impressions. This plan is relatively inexpensive and simple to adapt. The plan also involves renovating the interiors to allow faster flow of travelers between security, immigration and departure. The first step has been done. Lets hope our government moves on this proposal quickly."  taken from Kenneth Cobonpue Facebook page. 


Just a little background, Kenneth Cobonpue is an Internationally recognized designer for his classy furniture and concept products. His client includes Hollywood celebrities and European multinational corporation. He grew up and was raised in Cebu and most of his designs somehow were inspired by Cebu and the surrounding islands he said. 


Kenneth Conbonpue, Budji Layug, Royal Pineda in cooperation with NCCP (National Competitiveness Council of the Philippines) [it's the first time I heard of this council actually but whatever that is forgive my ignorance) proposed a pro-bono design of NAIA1 make-over and renovation. As we all know NAIA1 is one of the worst International airport in the world and it's about time we do something about it.  
                                                                                                                           

A pro-bono proposal of NAIA1 make-over from Budji Layug, Royal Pineda and Kenneth Cobonpue in cooperation with the National Competitiveness Council of the Philippines.

watch the video here

BARCODE GALERA EARLY BOOKING for 2011

3Days/ 2Nights BARKADA GETAWAY!!!

OPEN for FIRST 10 BARKADA/Group lang!!!
after the 10th slot, Regular Rate na!!!
"Mas MAAGA, mas MURA!!!"PROMO RATE: php3,000 palang!!!

REGULAR RATE: php3,999
plus wala na free after this promo.

MINIMUM 10pax/barkada
pwede din less than 10pax w/ min. price adjustment

kahit ilan, kahit ikaw lang, kahit w/ ur love ones lang, kahit apat or kahit buong officemates, block, barkada, klase or buong pamilya PWEDE!!!

also if overnight lang ang trip nyo... (w/ less rate deduction.)

You can also reserve a slot or sign a contract kahit dipa sure kung sino and ilan ang sure na sasama or kung kelan ang given dates nyo just to make sure na ul get/buy our promo just in time.

OPEN for FIRST 10 BARKADA/Group lang!!!
after the 10th slot, Regular Rate na!!!
"Mas MAAGA, mas MURA!!!"

KASAMA na LAHAT as in LAHAT!!!

Package Inclusion:
Program Itinerary
Tour Coordinator
Terminal Ticket
Environmental Usage Fee
Golden Falcon Ferry Boat round trip
Welcome Drinks
Guest House/ Room Accommodation
Nature Trip
Trekking to Aninuan Falls
Entrace Fee to Aninuan Falls
Henna Tattoo
Snorkeling
Fish Feeding
Underwater Pictorial
Island Hopping
Island Picnic w/ free food
Island Pictorial
POI/Zip /FIRE pictorial (NEW!!!)
FUN Games w/ Whole Body Massage as prize!!!
Silhouette Pictorial
Kweba Trip
LUAU PARTY w/ UNLIMITED Mindoro Sling and Overflowing Party Food!!!
FIRE DANCE SHOW
Personalized Souvenir
VIDEO and Picture CD compilation of your whole GALERA Trip!!!

MODE OF PAYMENT:

1st: php5,000 as a group upon contract signing
2nd and Final Payment: php25,000 On your Galera Trip itself.
Total of php30,000 on your total contract package rate.

Php3,000 per pax x 10 =Php30,,0000

PINAKA MURA, PINAKA KUMPLETO, PINAKA MASAYA and
PINAKA SULIT na SUMMER BARKADA GETAWAY!!!

"Go BARCODE, Go GALERA na!!!"

You can also reserve a slot or sign a contract kahit dipa sure kung sino and ilan ang sure na sasama or kung kelan ang given dates nyo just to make sure na ul get/buy our promo just in time.

MAS MAAGA, MAS MURA!!!

pls. scroll down to visualize what we offer...


this is subject to  availability, for more details pls post your inquiries at the comment section.

"Go BARCODE, Go GALERA na!!!"

Budget Hotel in Puerto Galera

Aldanmar Apartment

Aldanmar is a three apartment complex fronting onto a clean swimming beach. Ideal for small family, couples or backpackers as it is a quiet place, however, nightlife is 20 minutes away. The owners live onsite and maintain the apartments.

Each apartment has it's own outside deck and terrace areas. The apartments come with 1 bedroom with outer deck, kitchen, dining, living room and bathroom. Guests can enjoy 80 channels satellite television, Stereo and DVDs.

Access to Aldanmar is via good roads! We are 7 km from the town, or by boat from most destinations in the Philippines.

Options for cooking services, laundry and transport are provided for your convenience.

Make Aldanmar Apartments your stop on your back packer trail through Puerto Galera!

Facilities

• Breakfast Included
• Car Parking Available
• Laundry
• Airport Pick Up
• Linen Included
• Towels
• Security Lockers
• Swimming Pool
• Children Friendly
• Guest Kitchen
• 24 Hour Reception
• Travel Desk/Travel Info
• Common Room
• No Curfew
• No Lockout
• BBQ Area
• Free Car Park
• Taxes included in price
• Breakfast Not Included
• 24 hours check in

for more info and reservation


Badladz Adventure Resort

Our primary focus is on having fun fun fun! Stay with us in our comfortable & affordable rooms, take adventures with us and just have a great time.

All of our rooms have air conditioning, a 21-inch cable TV and hot water.
We offer a full service bar and restaurant featuring Mexican, Asian and Western cuisine right on the water's edge in the heart of Puerto Galera harbour.
The Badladz staff is always available to assist you with whatever you need while you are here. Just ask. Don't forget to check out Puerto Galera's nightlife. There are lots of beach bars and discos to keep you entertained till the sun comes out again.

With an average water temperature of 29 degrees and visibility from 18 to 30 meters Puerto Galera is truly a world-class diving destination. We have more than 30 dive sites to explore from easygoing reef dives to high voltage drift and wall dives, Puerto Galera does not disappoint. We offer two tank dives trips including refreshments from a very low price. Experience Puerto Galera's dramatic views or visit Mindoro's native villages with our flip-flop day trips. We offer a variety of guided tours with lots of food and drink

Facilities

Communications:

· Internet Access
· Card Phones
In Room Facilities:
· Air Conditioning
Food & Drink:
· Not Included
· Restaurant
· Bar
General:
· Towels Hire
· Luggage Storage
· Tours Desk

for more info and for reservation


Puerto Nirvana Beach Resort

Puerto Galera has 41 World class dive sites, 15 Waterfalls, UNESCO awardee of 'One of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World,' 26 Beaches, fascinating snorkeling sites and scenes just three hours from Manila. These are only few of the many reasons why Puerto Galera stands out.

Nirvana is the Indian concept of pure liberation of the mind - a state of total bliss or peace. A concept reflected in the form of a resort in one of nature's havens in the tropical paradise of the Philippines,Puerto Galera.

Puerto Nirvana is situated in the hear of Puerto Galera just 300 meters away from the town proper. It promises serenity, natural ambiance, generous and warmheartedstaff, sumptuous food and well- designed rooms. This attractive and well protected beach resort has a panoramic view of nature where you can be calm,take pleasure and have a splendid moment with your kin, business associates and acquaintances.

Be mesmerized by the secret wonders of the skies, seas, and lands of Puerto Galera. Welcome to your state of NIRVANA.

Facilities

Business Facilities
· Conference Room
Food & Drink:

· Breakfast
· Not Included
· Full
· Restaurant
· A La Carte
· Bar
· Room Service
Fitness & Well Being:
· Swimming Pool
· Private
· Outdoor
General:
· Airport Transfers
· Parking
· Free Parking
· Porter
· Tours Desk
· Laundry/Dry Cleaning
In Room Facilities:
· Cable/Satellite TV
· Toiletries
· Air Conditioning
· Fridge
· Daily Housekeeping
· Desk

for more info and for reservation



Puerto Galera Dive Sites

Puerto Galera Dive Sites

Dive Sites	Average depth	Max depth
Manila Channel Coral Gardens Batangas Channel The Hill La Laguna Point Sabang Point Monkey Wreck Monkey Beach Ernie's Cave Dungon Wreck Point West Escarceo Hole in the Wall The Fish Bowl The Canyons Shark Cave The Big Rock (The Atoll) Pink Wall Kilima Steps Sinandigan Wall The Boulders Verde (Green) Island The Washing Machine	12 meters 6 meters 14 meters 12 meters 12 meters 15 meters 35 meters 12 meters 22 meters 18 meters 25 meters 18 meters 12 meters 40 meters 29 meters 25 meters 20 meters 10 meters 20 meters 25 meters 20 meters 40 meters 15 meters	13 meters 9 meters 27 meters 12 meters 15 meters 22 meters 40 meters 18 meters 30 meters 30 meters 30 meters 27 meters 19 meters 60 meters 60 meters 30 meters 33 meters 15 meters 40 meters 40 meters 24 meters 60 meters 30 meters

Puerto Galera Dive Sites Taken Here


Puerto Galera Barkada Package

Puerto Galera Barkada Pakage Promo

PHp1500 OVERNIGHT-2days and 1 night COMPLETE BARKADA TRIP!!!

PUERTO GALERA BARKADA PACKAGE TRIP PROMO**

• 2.5k nalang!!! 3 days, 2 nights 2.5k lang!!! Worry Free, Hassle Free!!!
• KASAMA NA LAHAT!!! Minimum of 10pax
• Round Trip La Salle Manila, Makati going South to Puerto Galera White Beach
• via Private Van & M/V Golden Falcon,
• Welcome Drinks, Aircon Rooms w/Cable & restroom,
• Trekking and Nature Tripping to Aninuan Falls or Road Trip to TamarawFalls,
• Banana Boat or Flying Fish, Whole Body Massage or Beach/Luau Party w/ Bonfire
• Unlimited Mindoro Sling, Party Food, Snorkeling & Island Hopping 3-5 Hours
• 3-5 Islands & Snorkeling area.
• Trip to Kweba/ The Jurassic Adventure, Batuhan goin to Tamaraw Beach, Beach Volley Ball, HENNA & GLITTER TATTOO & SOUVENIR from BARCODE GALERA
• plus+++ CD Compilation of your whole Galera Trip!!! (pix. & vid.clips)

2.5k month of june(starting 2nd week) -Oct.
3k month of Nov.-Dec.
2.5k month of Jan.-Feb.
3k month of March-May

Minimum 10 pax
10 plus 1 FREE promo!!!
less than 10 pax will do but with price adjustments...

0915-5191290 -erickson
KINDLY VISIT
www.barcodegalera.multiply.com
4 COMPLETE DETAIL and COMPLETE PIX GALLERY!!!

**these are reference info only, pls text erickson for updated info..

How to get to Puerto Galera

HOW TO GET THERE?

Puerto Galera is approximately
4-hours from Manila. Two hours by bus from Manila to Batangas followed by a two-hour boat ride from Batangas pier to Puerto Galera. There is a regular transfer from Manila that leaves at exactly 0900H. The ferry leaves Puerto Galera pier daily at 0900H for the return trip, just in time to catch the bus coming back to Manila.

For those who are arriving Manila in the afternoon but would want to proceed directly to Puerto Galera, it is highly recommended to hire a private car and rent the dive shop's dive boat for the night. Backpackers can take public buses going to Batangas. Last trip for these bus companies is at 1800. The last ferry that crosses Batangas to Puerto Galera is at 1800H.

At the pier, you can take a jeepney ride or just walk. Most of the resorts offer a free one-way boat transfer from the pier to the resort, convenient for divers who are carrying their own equipment.

taken here


Choosing the right accommodation
Puerto Galera Budget Hotel

Choosing the right accomodation!

Whether it is a five-star luxury hotel or a pension house don't assume they offer the best accommodation that will reasonably justify the price you will pay. If you know which hotel you want, skip straight to the cheap-hotel section. If not, you need to pick a venue, within your budget, that's not a damp squib; and this involves cutting through the vast arrays of disinformation. Moneysavingexpert says, "The hotel star system is a mess; there's limited standardisation within countries, nevermind worldwide. Stars may be given by Governments, review organisations or even the hotel itself. Package tour operators tend to be overly generous; often a star higher than independent reviews. Yet they still provide a rough start point. It's important to understand that stars usually indicate the facilities available, not the quality of the hotel, so usually the higher the star the higher the price."

Here are some guidelines you might want to consider:

1. Lastminute.com sells top secret and very discounted room where you can't find booking directly in a hotel.
2. Check the reviews on TripAdvisor and customer's feedbacks on some online travel agent like expedia and travelocity.
3. Just because it's a 5-star it has a very nice accommodation, i tell you it doesn't always follow, try consider 2-3 star hotel, a hostel or even apartelles that has very good review.
4. Book in advance at least 6-8 weeks before your check-in date.
5. Compare prices from other online travel agent and from the hotel itself.
6. If you are booking a flight you might as well consider booking it as a package since most online travel agent give discount in package reservation.

That's it for now!

taken here Choosing the right accomodation!


Puerto Galera Budget Hotel

Backpacking Puerto Galera

Puerto Galera is a coastal town well known among for its numerous pocket beaches and many snorkeling and diving spots. The area was designated a Man and Biosphere Reserve of UNESCO in 1973 and has some of the most diverse coral reef diving in Asia. The marine environment has benefited in recent years from the influx of tourist dollars. This has seen a huge reduction in the number of fishermen in the area, as they gain higher revenue from tourists.

Among the famous beaches in Puerto Galera are Sabang Beach and White Beach. Both have extensive beaches with first-class or economy-class accommodations and an active night life with their numerous beach-side bars and restaurants. Sabang beach is the main destination for foreign tourists, while White Beach remains popular with local travelers. Since 2001 White beach has seen uncontrolled development. New restaurants and places to stay are rapidly encroaching on the beach itself and little remains of the once charming beach. Puerto Galera town is a pleasant but sleepy Philippine town with few attractions. It has a large central catholic church and a Pier area, with a selection of bistros and cafes.

Behind the beaches are the huge and generally unexplored mountain ranges of central Mindoro. A particular local attraction is the nine hole golf course perched on the hillside above White Beach which commands spectacular views over Puerto Galera's natural harbor and the Verde Island Passage. Mangyan tribes are scattered over the mountains sides - some of the more remote tribes have no contact with the outside world. Of the eight tribes on Mindoro, the Iraya are the largest. They are based in the Puerto Galera area.

Puerto Galera has become the top diving destination in the Philippines. Excellent diving is found less than 5 minutes from the Sabang area. The diving generally focuses around the areas either side of Escarceo Point which is famous for its current rips. Strong currents are a feature of the diving in Puerto Galera and it is good advice to employ the services of an experienced local guide or dive centre. There are upwards of thirty dive sites all within a 5-10 minute banca ride from Sabang Beach. Marine life is highly diverse. 180+ species of nudibranchs are found in the area and most species of fish can be seen A variety of wrecks have been sunk over the years in addition to the one genuine wreck of an engine of a WWII Japanese patrol boat.

Puerto Galera is also one of the main [technical diving]destinations in Asia. Technical Diving International - [TDI] has many dive centers in the area, offering the full range of TDI courses from Basic [nitrox] to advanced [trimix].

source: Wikipedia


Puerto Galera Budget Hotel