Things to do in Puerto Galera
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Tamaraw Falls
At Tamaraw Falls cool mountain waters plummet 30m into a natural pool beside the road, run under a stone bridge into two constructed swimming pools, then flow out again into a jungle gorge.
The Tamaraw Falls are popular on the weekend, especially on Sunday when admission is free, but during the week you can just about have them to yourself. Bring a packed lunch and enjoy the views; thatched shelters, perched on the edge of the pools, are available for picnicking. There are toilets, and a kiosk at the entrance selling snacks, soft drinks and beer.
The falls are 14km from Puerto Galera on the rough, mountainous road to Calapan - only the first 7km of which is paved. To get t…
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Eddie's Place
Eddie's does the usual thing; its best asset is its central, beach-front location.
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Diving
Diving is king in Sabang. Ever since former president Ferdinand Marcos declared the reefs around Sabang a marine reserve in 1973, word has been spreading about the great diving here. Favoured sites include the Hole in the Wall, Verde Island and the four wrecks in Sabang Bay. Diving is possible year-round, though seas can get rough from June to September.
The usual price for a single dive with all equipment included is around US$25; it's cheaper if you have your own equipment or book a number of dives. Most of the dive centres offer PADI-approved courses - typically, an open-water course will set you back around US$350. A range of courses for more experienced divers is als…
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Si-Kat
A convenient way to get from Manila to Puerto Galera (via Batangas) is by the combined air-con bus and boat services offered by competitors Si-Kat and Island Cruiser. Both have booking desks in Manila and at Muelle pier in the township of Puerto Galera.
Both services depart from A Mabini St in Ermita, Manila at 08:00: the Si-Kat bus from the Citystate Tower Hotel and the Island Cruiser bus from the Lotus Garden Hotel. They connect with pumpboats at Batangas at around 10:45 and arrive at Muelle pier at noon. Return trips depart from Muelle pier at 08:00 and arrive in Manila around 13:00. Si-Kat costs around P500/around P1000 one way/return.
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Tamaraw Falls
Tamaraw Falls drop from a forested ravine into pools off the main Puerto Galera–Calapan road, about 14km out of town. They’re busy at weekends, but otherwise you would be just about the only person there – take a picnic and chill out. Jeepneys headed for Calapan will drop you there (P25, 30 minutes).
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Sergio's Tours
From Sergio's rooms behind his sister Tina's guesthouse, Sergio's Tours offers day trips including food and transport to places such as Tamaraw Falls. We're not sure what he's alluding to, but Sergio's card promises 'Only the right and true information', which is a big relief.
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Anaconda Floating Bar
Anaconda Floating Bar, moored 50m out from Capt'n Gregg's Divers Lodge, is the place to go if you really want to drink like a fish. Take plenty of protection against the sun - you can almost smell the foreign flesh roasting. A free shuttle boat will take you there and back.
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Relax Thai Restaurant
Its location in the heart of Sabang's covered lane gives Relax Thai an exotic bazaar vibe. Authentic Thai décor and a whiff of incense maximise the effect. There's a whole page of vegetarian dishes, and the food is a passably good imitation of the real thing.
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Puerto Galera Yacht Club
This is a hidden gem, perched in the trees to the west of the pier. A free shuttle boat operates from near the town pier, from 9am to 9pm every day. Open for drinks all day; sunset drinks and a barbecue are the traditional way to celebrate Friday.
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Tamarind Restaurant
Opposite the Atlantis, this offers a few Thai classics (green chicken curry P300) on its extensive menu, and it’s a good sunset spot. It has a great waterfront location in the thick of – but apart from – the bustle of Sabang’s walk-through lane.
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Ristorante da Franco
At the Atlantis Resort Hotel, this is Sabang's most exclusive restaurant. Great food is one thing, but given that it lacks a sea view and Sabang is a beach, we wonder how they can justify those prices.
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The Point
Our favourite. The Point is a mellow sunset-and-beyond meeting place with great views and eclectic music. It’s relaxed, and one of the few bars in town where solo women travellers can feel comfortable.
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Luca’s
Does great Italian food, usually cooked by the Italian owner – note the serious backyard pizza oven! The restaurant is at the western end of the beach, with cliffs above and mountains behind. Lovely.
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Inter Bakery
A bakery and deli with wi-fi – buy great bread and choose a sandwich filling from the meats and cheeses in the fridge (sandwiches from P35). If you’re self-catering, you’ll find groceries here too.
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Club Mabuhay Queen
Right on the beach where the boats pull in, it has a great little eating area under the shade of a talisay tree. A morning caffè latte by the sea will cost you around P75.
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Puerto Galera Yacht Club
In the sporting department, Puerto Galera Yacht Club welcomes visitors to its Wednesday afternoon fun races, and will team you with an experienced sailor. Start time is 1pm.
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Excavation Museum
The tiny, sweltering one-room Excavation Museum displays some burial jars and ancient Chinese pottery mostly recovered from shipwrecks – it’s in the grounds of the church.
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Toko’s
We particularly like the delicious (but pricey) pesto pasta here, the signature restaurant at Atlantis. Toko’s also offers yummy-looking three-course lunches and dinners for around P600.
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Floating Bar
Moored just off-shore. Free shuttle boats leave from in front of Capt’n Greggs – for those who choose to imbibe while bobbing under a blazing sun.
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Pier Pub Pizza
PPP is going for a trattoria feel, with painted wooden beams and checked tablecloths. It has thick, fruity pancakes and surprisingly good pizzas.
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Marti’s Bar
In the steamy confines of Sabang’s covered lane; it’s relaxed. There’s a small book exchange and chess tables to accompany the beverages.
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Hemingway’s
Has some tasty Caribbean flavours in its menu, with the small helpings padded out by cocktails and mellow music.
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Full Moon Restaurant
Full Moon Restaurant has cheap burgers, Australian steaks and a well-stocked bar. DVDs are screened most nights.
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Candava Mini-mart
Well stocked with groceries, including imported food. It also changes major currencies at competitive rates.
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Lucky's Saloon
A popular little upstairs bar and German restaurant, its menus are bound in Lucky Luke comic books.
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