Island Hopping and Snorkeling in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

If you're at White Beach, Puerto Galera and you find the beach shore to be too crowded to relax and enjoy the water then you have another choice. All you have to do is go out there and wait 'till a man approach you and offer you an island hopping tour plus a snorkeling experience. Do not worry because they were boat agents of the islands and that is just a normal scene in the beach front of White Beach.

How to get there (to Puerto Galera)?
From Cubao, ride an ALPS bus going to Batangas (Batangas Port). Their bus terminal is located near the Ali Mall and fare is 175 pesos per pax. It took us 2 1/2 hours to reach Batangas Port. Alight at Batangas Port, you'll be mobbed by people who worked on different ferry companies that will persuade you to get their service and to take you to Puerto Galera. My tip is ti entertain them. Compare their prices and bargain with them. In the end, we get the Father and Son line to get us to Puerto Galera. Why? Because they give us a 7 + 1 promo. Since we're 8 in the group. 7 of us will pay 500 pesos and the other one is free. That 500 pesos is a two-way ride (Batangas Port - White Beach, Puerto Galera and vise-versa). Regular ferry ride is 270 pesos per pax (one way).

You'll know they're boat agents because they have these laminated boards on their hands that is printed with photos of islands near White Beach and activities like snorkeling and caving. I've talked to some of these agents and they have standard price for each and every activities on their list. Well, of course there are also some sneaky boat agents which offer a bit higher price than the others so be very careful. As for island hopping, it only cost 1,500 pesos and good up to 8 pax (approximately 188 pesos/head). I tried to haggle the price and somewhat make it to 1,300 pesos but no one bite my bait. They're really strict to their standards. Oh well, atleast we tried.

Early morning ride!

The package includes: trip to Sandbar Island, Bayanan Beach, Haligi Beach and to the an island where small boats await that can bring visitors to the snorkeling area (separate payment). Unfortunately, like what I said on my previous post of this trip, we only stayed here over the weekend and had a limited time. Having said that, we didn't had the chance to visit all of the spots included on the package. Nevertheless, we never regret getting this tour.

Our first stop is the island wherein small bangka (boats) await. These small bangka will take you to the under water cave (additional 200 pesos/pax), giant clam shell snorkeling area (additional 200 pesos/pax) and to the corals snorkeling area (additional 200 pesos/pax). We were hesitant at first because it was too pricey. Imagine, additional 600 pesos for 3 more activities? But who cares... we're there and who knows when can we ever go back again here. So again again, i tried to haggle the price and thank God because we got the 3 activities for 500 pesos/pax.

Food trip + Selfie inside our bangka

I'm just enjoying the view

Underwater Cave

Located on one of the small island in Oriental Mindoro lies an underwater cave which became very known to tourists who visit the province. The cave is too small that it can be explored by a few minutes. Though the entrance and exit of this cave are small, underneath it is a bit bigger that can be fit up to no more than 20 persons. Get ready to get wet as you tried this activity. The water inside the cave can get shoulder deep/high.

The island is jam packed with other tourists

What to expect inside...

Me at the exit point

Giant Clam Shells and the Corals - Snorkeling Area

Our next stops are the 2 snorkeling areas of this trip. We first visited the area where giant clam shells are being cultivated and protected. It was so nice to see that these things are being protected in the area. I didn't know that Mindoro Oriental's water is a treasure as its water is so rich.

Off to the snorkeling sites

Just when I thought I already saw how beautiful the water of Oriental Mindoro by diving into the giant clam shells area, well, I was wrong. As we reach the 2nd snorkeling area and started diving into it... I was stunned on what I saw. Different kinds of fishes (which are colorful), corals, sea urchins, water plants... all! I also saw sword fishes, Nemo (clown fishes), and humongous-sized fishes! I was speechless of the life I saw underneath it. If only I have go pro, I could have documented it... Arrrrrggghhh! Tip: Before going here, bring/buy a slice of bread. Then as you dive, bring that bread with you. Lots of fish will surely go to your side.

Donna, Claire and Dingdong Dantes their boatman

If there is one activity that I couldn't forget on this trip is the time wherein we were in the 2nd snorkeling area and the boatman told us to hold on the rope placed on the side of the boat. The boat will run slowly and all we have to do is to hold tight on the rope and place our heads on the water and watch what's underneath it as the boat roams around the area. Weeeee! The experience was really priceless!

By the way, life vests and snorkeling masks are included in the package.

That's me exploring the 2nd site :)

Snorkeling while I am being dragged by our boat

The water is so clear that you can clearly see the fishes underneath it

This Other Beach...

Lol me. Yup, I didn't get the name of this island/beach. The water is also pristine and clear but I was disappointed when I saw a ketchup bottle floating on the water. Aw. I hope people become more responsible on their waste. Let's trained ourselves to protect the earth. Aw. 

Anyway, please feel free to leave a comment if it happens you knew the name of this beach. TIA!

I wish this area will preserve its beauty

Self timer mode again!

We missed to visit other beaches and islands because of lack of time but we surely had fun with this tour. The place and activities are very recommendable. I must say it is a must try but please... please be responsible enough of your waste. Lets have fun and protect our surroundings at the same time. Thank you.

Breakdown of Expenses:

Island Hopping tour - 1,500 Pesos / 8 pax = 187.5 Pesos per pax

Tricycle ride (White Beach to Boat pier, one way) - 50 Pesos / 4 pax = 12.5 Pesos per pax

Mini Bangka Tour (Caving, Giant Clam Shell, Coral) = 500 Pesos per Pax

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Camiguin's Sunken Cemetery and Guiob Church Ruins

After our visit in White Island, a plain and treeless island in Camiguin, we asked our boatmen if we could go to Sunken Cemetery. A famous cemetery in the town of Bonbon that subsided below sea level due to the birth of Mt. Vulcan Daan in 1870's. And with the right price, both parties agreed to visit Sunken Cemetery.

How to get there? (or how did we got there?)
As for us, what we did was we talked to our boatmen who brought us to White Island if he could also bring us to Sunken Cemetery. Well of course, we added some amount to avail that change of itinerary and here's what we came up with: Our group is composed of 9 persons and agreed to pay 267 pesos / pax

That 267 pesos per pax covered a trip from the shore near Paras Beach Resort going to White Island. Then, from White Island going to Sunken Cemetery. Plus! From Sunken Cemetery, the boatmen will bring us to the shore and wait for us because we will be going to Guiob Church Ruins. Then after our side trip at the ruins, they'll bring us back again to the shore near Paras Beach Resort. Not bad for the cost of 267 pesos, right?

Visiting by water or by boat, you'll easily know you're near Sunken Cemetery because of its noticeable marker which in the form of a huge cross. I, myself got excited when I saw that large cross from a far because I knew that we're in the right direction and it will take just a few more minutes to reach that famous landmark in Camiguin. It took us 35-45 minutes from White Island going to Sunken Cemetery.

Sunken Cemetery from the shore

Our boatmen became more careful as we came closer to the cross. Simply because it was low tide when we visited Sunken Cemetery and therefore we might hit some tall corals below us (well, we've bump once or twice during this trip). Yes, that's right! It is not only tombstones and graves you'll expect underneath Sunken Cemetery. There are also corals, fishes and other marine living organisms below and around the area of this cemetery. With that, snorkeling is one of the activity an individual can do during their visit here.

Transferring from the boat to the cross is somewhat challenging. The water during our visit was quite wavy (maybe because there was an LPA advisory in the area during our visit) and it makes our boat unstable so standing on boat and walking across the platform of the cross was somewhat a bit difficult. Also, the stairs going up to cross is very slippery so be cautious. One of my friend slipped off and hurt her elbow and back.

Those ropes are used as guides to transfer visitors from the shoreline across that cross

Oily Selfie mode Hahaha

There isn't much to do at Sunken Cemetery so after some walk around in the site and tons of photo ops and #selfies, we decided to go to the shoreline and visit Guiob Church Ruins. But as we thought that our Sunken Cemetery experience was over, a boatman named Kuya Obet approached us, borrowed our camera, positioned us into different poses and took several shots. Here's the output of his art:

Julius and Jing holding the marker of the Sunken Cemetery

Keep it closer guys!

[bts] Kuya Obet in action...

Kuya Obet gave an effort to take pictures for us, a variety of angles and poses that came along with tricks. He proves that people in Camiguin are very welcoming to tourists.

Tip #1: There are souvenir shops near the shoreline of Sunken Cemetery. Different sizes and designs of key chains and magnets are being sold there. For as low as 5 pesos, you can have a cute shell-designed key chain labelled with Camiguin - an ideal "pasalubong". I also bought a coin bank made of bamboo worth 100 pesos.

Side trip: Guiob Church Ruins

The rain started to fall when we visited the ruins

Right after the photo op with Kuya Obet, our group decided to go to our next destination -- the Guiob Church Ruins. It is about 500 meters away from Sunken Cemetery so we went there by feet and we were accompanied by one of our boatman.

Sometimes called as Old Catarman Church, Guiob Church Ruins is one of the oldest structure in the island of Camiguin. The church was built in the 16th century and turned into ruins in 1870's when Mt. Vulcan Daan erupted. What's left to this old church were its towering walls covered by moss. Those walls give a picture on how big this structure was and how violent & dark had happened in this place. 

View at the back of Guiob Church Ruins

I find this spot a good backdrop for photography

There is no entrance fee at Guiob Church Ruins but a donation box is placed in its entrance. People are not force to donate but during our visit we saw some locals sweeping around the area. I guess the amount from that donation box is used to maintain the cleanliness and beautification of the ruins. So I encourage visitors and tourists to donate for this place preservation.

Thank you Lord for introducing me to these crazy people

Tip #2: There is a souvenir shop in front of Guiob Church Ruins. They sell t-shirts with lots of designs in a very cheap price. If you're planning to buy Camiguin shirts, I recommend that you buy in that shop. I just forgot the name of the shop but it is just in front of the ruins. I got my shirt at 100 pesos and the fabric is more than ok, it is thick (I am lost of words on how to define a clothes' texture. Lols). 

As we end our quick tour at Guiob Church Ruins, we went back again at Sunken Cemetery where our boat awaits us. We were brought back again at the shoreline of Paras Beach Resort just like what we had agreed on. With my 267 pesos, I've got to visit White Island, Sunken Cemetery and Guiob Church Ruins. A perks on travelling in a large group.

Breakdown of Expenses: 

Boat (Paras Resort - White Island - Sunken Cemetery - Paras Resort) - 2,400 PhP / 9 persons = 267 PhP per pax

Donation in ruins - **.**

Food - **.**

Camiguin T-shirts - 200 PhP (100 pesos each)

Key chains -  115 PhP / 23 pcs = 5 PhP each

Coin Bank made of Bamboo - 100 PhP

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Whale Shark (Butanding) Watching of Oslob, Cebu

If you are looking for something new and amusing during your stay at Cebu, then I suggest to drive to the southern part of it and swim with the whale sharks which is also known as "butanding". Oslob, Cebu is a 3 hours travel from the city and it's known for its whale shark adventure. Swimming with the whale sharks is just once in a life time experience so I couldn't miss this chance. Well of course along with my friends.

Look how beautiful it is

Whale sharks are drawn in a specific area by a "bangkero" or fisherman that feed the gentle giants with krill (small saltwater shrimps) in the morning and in the noon. So our group decided to have a 3am call time to reach Oslob by 6 in the morning. I suggest others to do the same. Why? Because apart from preventing yourself from the raging heat of the sun in the afternoon, the area also has a pleasing sunrise to cite.

How to get there?
From South Bus Terminal located along N. Bacalso Street, Cebu City, one can take a Sunrays or Ceres Bus going to Oslob. As you hop in, just tell the bus conductor to drop you off at Tan-awan Barangay Hall. The bus ride takes 2 1/2 - 3 hours going to Brgy. Tan-awan, Oslob and it will cost you 154.00 pesos if you take air-conditioned buses.

We're ready to experience Oslob's wonder!

We needed to pay 300 pesos per head to swim with the butanding and it will take 30-45 mins (actually depending on your guide hehe). The personnel who collected the fees told us that the money goes to the government and to the boatmen who will paddle us in the butanding area. One can also rent goggles and snorkel equipment at the price of 200 pesos per pax. We also paid additional 70 pesos as an entrance fee to the resort we stayed in.

Let's get it on!

We don't have an underwater camera but thank God... a local offers us one at the cost of 500 pesos if you have your own SD Card and an additional 50 pesos if you don't. I consider this as a great deal because I want to record and capture this very unforgettable moment. Since 10 of us will pay for it, it will not cost me that much -- perk for travelling in group. *wink

The students :]

The rules and guidelines

After paying all those fees, we headed to the briefing area to discuss the do's and don'ts for this whale shark interaction. Note: Do not apply any sun block (or any lotion) before and during the swim. This is not good for the whales because it might contaminate the water. The talk lasts for about less than 15 mins and after that, we headed straight on our "bangka" and the adventure with the butanding starts from that point!

I really like the design of the "bangka" here

When I first saw the whale sharks, I was really terrified and afraid that they might knock me out but I was wrong. They swim gently and I can say these giants are very friendly. :]

They may seem like sharks however they are the friendly version of it

They love to eat krill aka "alamang"

It was really fun swimming with them despite of the large waves and the saltiness of the water. Looking at the photos below, we are proud to say that it was all worthy.

Butanding up close shot of Julius

Butanding up close shot of Baron

My butanding up close shot (I did not touched it. Promise)

Butanding up close shot of Edward

But before we had that shots (above), look at the craziness (chaos) we went through. Hahahahaha

I can easily identify myself with that knee support on my left leg. =]

Seeing the whale sharks glide about a foot away from me was the most fascinating part of this adventure. This was indeed a remarkable experience for me which will remain in my memory forever.

The adventure seekers

Breakdown of Expense:
Transportation: 154 pesos (from South Terminal Bus - Brgy. Tan-awan)
Registration/Boat: 300 pesos (local tourist fee, changes for foreign tourist)
Mask and Snorkel: 200 pesos
Resort Entrance Fee: 70 pesos
Underwater Camera: 500 (without SD Card / good for sharing)
SD Card: additional 50 pesos

Swimming. It's more fun in the philippines!

Additional tip: Sumilon Island is nearby this area. It will be a good side trip for your Cebu exploration. Now you have an idea on my next post. ;]

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