Widely known as one of the beach party destinations close to Manila, I was very amused to see the less popular but beautiful and bucolic side of Puerto Galera - something I missed the previous two times I was here since I didn’t get to explore and all I saw aside from the beach are people flirting and getting drunk. :P Nothing against those who enjoy these social pursuits, I just prefer quiet getaways where I see a lot of green.
Raise both feet behind your ears if you're like me! :P
Quiet, slightly remote, this settlement of Iraya Mangyans (Iraya, a sub group of Mangyans in Mindoro) are for visitors with a penchant for culture and meeting people. An enormous hut serves as a weaving area for our Mangyan sisters. The finished products- bracelets, storage bins, etc are sold to stalls a few blocks from the weaving area and would make awesome souvenirs as some takes weeks or months to complete. The people here are generally friendly and don’t mind you clicking away for souvenir shots but out of respect, ask permission first before taking any photos.
Talipanan is also the jump-off to Mt. Malasimbo, which takes roughly 5 hours to summit.
(Itinerary via Pinoy Mountaineer). From the river, you can also trek for an hour to Talipanan Falls, a one story waterfall with a swimmer friendly basin. Guides can be hired within the community.
To get here, take a tricycle from White beach (300 Pesos, round trip). Better arrange for a round trip as there’s no regular transportation. Additional info can be read here. No entrance fees needs to be paid so it be great if you can purchase souvenir items from them.
For a good grub after, dine at Luca Cucina Italiana located at the end of Talipanan beach, which serves thin crust pizzas (really good!) and al dente, flavorful pastas.
How to get to Puerto Galera? Read here.
Tourist Information Office
Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines
Contact Numbers : +63 43 287 30 51 / 442 01 82
Want to stay in an affordable Mangyan-owned Eco Resort? Come visit Da Pirmeda! Post here.
Related article on Mangyan Village via Inquirer.Net
This 2 day trip around Puerto Galera was made possible in collaboration with the municipality of Puerto Galera, Mayor Hubbert Dolor and its tourism office headed by Ms. Aileen Bareng. Awesome companions for this trip were fellow bloggers Melo (Out of Town Blog, thanks for leading the team Melo!), Estan (Langyaw), Kara (Traveling Up), Andre (Philippine Beaches), writers sir Amadis Ma. Guerrero and the jolly guys from Business Mirror.
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| Clear waters at Muelle Port |
Raise both feet behind your ears if you're like me! :P
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| Here, you can have a chat with the weavers. |
(Itinerary via Pinoy Mountaineer). From the river, you can also trek for an hour to Talipanan Falls, a one story waterfall with a swimmer friendly basin. Guides can be hired within the community.
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| Bridge leading to the rest of the community |
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| Souvenir shop showcasing the Iraya Mangyans weaving skills |
How to get to Puerto Galera? Read here.
Tourist Information Office
Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines
Contact Numbers : +63 43 287 30 51 / 442 01 82
Want to stay in an affordable Mangyan-owned Eco Resort? Come visit Da Pirmeda! Post here.
Related article on Mangyan Village via Inquirer.Net
This 2 day trip around Puerto Galera was made possible in collaboration with the municipality of Puerto Galera, Mayor Hubbert Dolor and its tourism office headed by Ms. Aileen Bareng. Awesome companions for this trip were fellow bloggers Melo (Out of Town Blog, thanks for leading the team Melo!), Estan (Langyaw), Kara (Traveling Up), Andre (Philippine Beaches), writers sir Amadis Ma. Guerrero and the jolly guys from Business Mirror.