Goodbye for now, Puerto Galera :)

Our last day in Puerto Galera gave us reason to come back in this place. We failed on our attempt to reach Talipanan Falls which took half of our last day in this town.

We woke up at around 6:30AM. Our plan is to go to Aninuan Falls or Talipanan Falls.We got out of the cottage at 7:00 AM and started walking at the shoreline going to the stairways that will lead us to the cemented road.  

It was drizzling when we reached the high way. But we still went on walking. We asked the people the way to the falls. We even asked for suggestion on which falls should we go. They said that Talipanan is nearer than Aninuan. We thought we should go to Talipnan then, since we have to be back at the cottage before our check out time of 11:30AM and we don’t wanna pay another extra amount for X hours of extension.

The upward trail

The locals said that we have to pass through Mangyan Village in order to reach the falls. It was 8:30AM when we reached the village. We asked for the direction to the falls and the people we asked even volunteered to guide us. But as frugal as we are (haha!) and adventurous as we are, we decided to trek on our own.

And because of our frugality and feeling so adventurous with this one, we FAILED to reach the falls! Well, we’re not really sure if it was a failed trek... we followed the instruction given to us. The person we asked said that we will be seeing a small falls (and we did!), and on the left side is an upward trail that we need to take. We did just so…

The Small Falls the villagers said we would see...

It was kinda creepy knowing that it was only the two of us on that place. And I am a strong believer of the myth that we are not the only element existing in this world. I was holding at the rosary in my pocket while we were walking.It was already 9:15AM when we saw a small twin falls. We were contemplating if this is the falls that we are looking for.

Thinking that walking back to the cottage will take us 2 hours and we have to be out of that room by 11:30, we both decided to trek back. Anyway, we can just make this one a reason to go back to Puerto Galera :P

We then prepared for our journey back to the city :(

We were the first passengers to ride on the boat so we had time to goof around.... :)

The cute and probably the youngest tourist in the boat

No Beach-ing in Puerto Galera ;)

Waterfalls Day! (Day 2 on Puerto Galera)

On our first day in Galera, a local offered to bring us to Tamaraw Falls and Tukuran Falls for 1,500.00. We contemplated on the offer... we thought it won't be practical to spend almost 400/each for an uncomfortable tricycle ride to the falls. So we've decided to just use the public method of transportation and commute.. 

First ride to take is the tricycle ride from White Beach to the town proper. It was 10:50AM when we left White Beach. We haggle with the drivers and one agreed to bring us to PG town for 150.00. While on the road to town proper, the tricycle driver (forgot to get his name) offered to bring us to the two falls for 1,000.00. Plus, he'll bring us to Mangyan Village too! We thought it's a good deal so we said yes to his offer.

By 11:30, we were at the town proper of Puerto Galera. We had our breakfast at one of the local carinderia's. The place offers delicious food at reasonable and affordable prices.

This isn't on their menu but when our foreign friend requested for it, they run to the market and bought several eggplant.

We then headed off to Tamaraw Falls. We just made a quick stop to get some photos. 

After a few minutes of taking pictures in Tamaraw Falls, we went straight to Tukuran Falls.

Instead of taking the buffalo ride, we opted to trek and cross four rivers to get to the falls.

We passed by Lapantay Falls... we didn't make a stop though...

A deep pool will welcome you once you reach the Tukuran Falls

Further up...

After an hour of taking a dip on the pool, we then decided to start trekking back. We still have The Mangyan Village to visit.

On our way back, these kids took a cacao out of the tree for us...

An akin of leech bit me  :(

A Visit at The Mangyan Village

Early dinner then followed... A stroll on the sea shore before we end the day...

Puerto Galera - January 2013

I've been to Puerto Galera way back 2008... and wow! a lot has changed! Good thing the beauty of the sea is still there despite the new establishments that lined up along the shore. Anyway, it's been almost 5 years and surely, a lot would really change...

Original plan is to go to Aninuan and Talipanan Falls on our first day but time didn't allow us.

It was already 10:30 when the bus left the terminal. We reached Batangas port by 12:00PM. Good thing we were able to catch a ferry that was about to leave. By 12:15PM, we were sailing on the not-so-calm sea.

We docked at Minolo Town Proper. From there, a free shuttle took us to White Beach Resort. A guide approached us and asked us if we have a place to stay. She recommended a Family room (good for 4-6 pax) in White  Beach Resort. Rate for the room is 1,200.00 per night. When we were paying for our 2 nights stay in the resort, the owner gave us discount and just asked for 2,200.00 instead of 2,400.00. I was able to buy conditioner and shampoo because of this :D (a shampoo in Galera costs 10.00!)

We docked at Minolo Town Proper. From there, a free shuttle took us to White Beach Resort.

A guide approached us and asked us if we have a place to stay. She recommended a Family room (good for 4-6 pax) in White  Beach Resort. Rate for the room is 1,200.00 per night. When we were paying for our 2 nights stay in the resort, the owner gave us discount and just asked for 2,200.00 instead of 2,400.00. I was able to buy conditioner and shampoo because of this :D (a shampoo in Galera costs 10.00!)

After some time, we headed to the line of restaurants in the beach front for our super late lunch. We decided to eat at El Kaps Ana. 

Beach-ing then followed. A rainbow on the horizon made our day perfect! :)

We wanted to ride the banana boat but since we are only a group of 4 peeps, we have to wait for another group to complete the 10 heads required for this activity. While waiting, we hit the sea and swam to our hearts' content. :) By the way, we failed to get company for our Banana Boat activity :(