An old favorite with local beachcombers, Puerto Galer is as rambunctious as it can get in Philippine beaches. It has become the “spring break” capital of the Philippines where Filipino teenagers descend to party on a budget.

During the summer, take a sip of the Mindoro Sling in one of the beach bars or participate in a contest sponsored by liquor companies.

If you’d like a piece of tranquility you can easily hire a boat to stow you away in one of Puerto Galera’s pocket coves. Puerto Galera also offers good snorkeling spots where you can feed fish with pieces of bread.

Inland, Mindoro has a mountainous terrain great for trekking. Within the mountains you can bathe in rock pools and waterfalls such as the Tinukuran falls and Tamarraw falls.

Weekends is when locals descend, so as much as possible go during weekdays. It is also adviseable to book your room in advance since rooms are all occupied in peak months of March to May.

[Photo by saaammm]