Puerto Gallera

Puerto Gallera is known as one of the partying beaches in the Philippines during summer months (March-June) but in November, it's an empty paradise considered to be one of the best destinations. It is located in Mindoro Oriental south of Luzon and is surrounded by islands such as Sabang (great diving spot) and Tamaraw beach. I had the chance to stay at White Beach, one of the main islands in the area and stayed in the Dreamwave Resort. The rooms were nice, clean and the hotel was really laid back and had a view of the beach.

Puerto Gallera is an amazing place to be when you visit in the off-peak season and is a good exotic honeymoon destination. The beach is not congested and it's quiet, far from the Puerto Gallera you visit in the peak season. Some of the activities you can do there is to go open water swimming, snorkeling, diving, banana boat riding and hiking up the hills and mountains. As for food, there are a lot of restaurants by the beach a simple liempo (but one of the best) with rich would cost about 100.00 PHP.



It's also nice to catch the sunset by the beach while having their island famous drink the Mindoro Sling. To get there is really simple, you just simply have to go to the bus terminal in Buendia intersecting Taft Avenue, ride a bus to the Batangas Pier and take a boat going to the island of your preference (White Beach, Sabang, Tamaraw Island...etc.). Going there would take you about a good 3-4 hours including the bus and boat ride. And the cost is really cheap, at least 2000.00 PHP for an overnights stay or 5000 PHP for a 4 day 3 nights stay.

Serene Tagaytay

There are many places in the Philippines that have picturesque views, breath-taking sights and relaxing atmospheres. Although nothing can compare to the famous Tagaytay, one of the best places to visit. Tagaytay is located in the south of Metro Manila about a 1.5-2 hour drive from the city.

Tagaytay is considered as one of the most popular tourist destinations for domestic and sometimes international travelers because of its main attraction the Taal Volcano. The Taal Volcano is considered to be a dormant volcano and has been dormant for more than a decade now and has not shown any signs of activity. The volcano is surrounded by a big body of water and is outlined by other hills and mountains.


Along the mountains surrounding the Taal Volcano you may find hotels, restaurants and even spa's. Some hotels surrounding the area so not have a view of the Taal but most of the hotels located on the right side of the road has a magnificent view of the Volcano. I, stayed in the Royal Taal Inn where they had a wonderful view wherein you can take beautiful photos of the surrounding mountains and catch a beautiful sunset.


If you're feeling adventurous, you may also take a hike up the Taal Volcano. But first, you would have to treck down the hillside (in a car) then take the "roro" or small boat to the volcano. Once you get to the volcano, you can either walk up to the crater or rent a horse to take you up there.

Some of the activities you can do when you visit Tagaytay are horseback riding, getting a massage, playing golf, eating (Mushroom Burger and Jamie's Grill is a must try), and sight seeing. So if ever you feel stressed and you need a short yet nearby vacation, Tagaytay would do the trick. You would need to bring at least 4000 PHP (83.47 USD) for an over night stay or at least 2500 PHP (52.16 USD) for a day-trip.

Tagaytay is trully a must-go place to visit and is in one of my top 10 destinations to visit and a place i can consider to be one of the best vacation destinations.