Understand
[edit]White Beach is known for its sunsets, soft white sand, and crystal-clear waters. While it's quieter than Sabang, it still offers a lively mix of bars, restaurants, and evening entertainment, including fire dancing performances and live music. A variety of accommodations, from budget guesthouses to beachfront resorts, make it a favorite destination for travelers looking to unwind.
Climate
[edit]During the dry season (November–June), when the northeast monsoon (Amihan) prevails, White Beach is calm and ideal for swimming. However, during the rainy season (July–October), with the southwest monsoon (Habagat), conditions change, bringing strong winds, waves, and the occasional risk of typhoons. In some months, particularly August, strong swells can make swimming unsafe. For current weather conditions, check online sources before planning your trip.
Get in
[edit]You can take a tricycle, motorbike, or tuk-tuk (₱200-250) from Puerto Galera to White Beach. The ride takes about 15 minutes.
Get around
[edit]
White Beach is compact and easily walkable, with most resorts, restaurants, and bars along the beachfront or within a short walking distance. However, for those looking to explore beyond the main strip, several transportation options are available:
By tricycle
[edit]The most common mode of transport in the area. Tricycles (₱200-250) can take you to Puerto Galera town, Balatero Pier, or nearby beaches like Aninuan Beach and Talipanan Beach.
By motorcycle
[edit]Renting a motorbike (₱400-600 per day) is a great way to explore beyond White Beach. Roads can be steep and winding, so experience in riding is recommended.
By boat
[edit]Small bancas (outrigger boats) can be rented at Minolo Port for island-hopping tours or snorkeling trips to Coral Garden and underwater caves. Prices vary based on the number of stops and group size.
By jeepney
[edit]Public jeepneys and vans run from Puerto Galera town to different parts of Mindoro, including Calapan. They are a budget-friendly option but operate on set schedules.
On foot
[edit]White Beach itself is best explored on foot. Most shops, restaurants, and beachfront bars are within a few minutes’ walk from each other.
See
[edit]- 1 Minolo Port. A small but busy port where travelers can hire boats for island-hopping trips or snorkeling excursions.
- 2 Aninuan Falls (accessible via a short jungle trek from Aninuan). A secluded waterfall in the Aninuan area, offering a tranquil retreat surrounded by lush greenery. The trek to the falls takes visitors through a scenic jungle path with river crossings. The natural pool at the base of the waterfall provides a refreshing spot for swimming and relaxation. Entrance fee may apply.
- 3 Talipanan Falls (a short trek from Talipanan Beach through a forested trail). A small but scenic waterfall hidden in the lush jungle near Talipanan Beach. The trail to the falls passes through Mangyan Village, where visitors can learn about indigenous culture. The falls have a refreshing natural pool, perfect for cooling off after the hike. Entrance fee may apply.
- 4 Mangyan Village (near Talipanan Beach, accessible by tricycle or motorbike). Mangyan are the indigenous people of Mindoro, known for their distinct culture and traditions. Many Mangyan communities strive to preserve their way of life, avoiding outside influences. Visitors can learn about their customs, traditional crafts, and way of life. A reliable guide is recommended for visiting. Please be respectful and follow local customs. Donations appreciated.
Do
[edit]White Beach offers a diverse range of activities, making it an excellent destination for hiking, cultural experiences, and marine adventures.
Outdoor activities
[edit]This is a wild, rugged, and largely untamed destination, offering plenty for those with an adventurous spirit.
- Trekking and mountain biking – The hilly terrain beyond the coast rises to nearly 500m, providing scenic trails with panoramic ocean views. The Ponderosa Golf Club area has some of the best lookout points, with trails leading through lush forests and rocky ridges.
- Cultural exploration – Experience the indigenous Mangyan culture by visiting Mangyan Village in Talipanan, where locals showcase traditional weaving and crafts. The town center also hosts local markets and festivals, offering a glimpse into the region’s coastal Filipino heritage.
- Birdwatching and wildlife – The mangrove forests near Muelle Bay are home to a variety of bird species, including egrets, herons, and kingfishers. At sunset, giant flying foxes (fruit bats) emerge from the mangroves, creating a unique spectacle.
- 1 Ponderosa Golf Club. A picturesque 9-hole golf course perched in the hills, offering panoramic views of Puerto Galera and the surrounding coastline. Hiking to Ponderosa Golf Club from White Beach takes about an hour, with an uphill trail. The club also features a restaurant and viewing deck. Green fees apply.
- 2 Stairway Foundation. An international NGO focused on helping street children and raising awareness about child protection issues. The foundation uses creative arts, education, and advocacy programs to support vulnerable youth. Visitors can tour the center, learn about their initiatives, and support their work. Donations appreciated.
Water activities
[edit]This is a coastal paradise with diverse marine life and clear waters, offering excellent opportunities for diving, snorkeling, and water sports.
- 3 Aninuan Beach. A quieter and less crowded alternative to White Beach, with accommodations and dining options.
- 4 White Beach Reef. A shallow coral reef near White Beach, great for snorkeling, beginner diving and underwater photography.
- 5 Talipanan Beach. A peaceful beach, Talipanan Beach is a spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants. The beach is also home to Luca’s Italian Restaurant, a well-known spot for pizzas and homemade pasta.
- Scuba diving and freediving – White Beach is home to some of the best diving sites in the Philippines, with over 30 dive spots featuring vibrant coral reefs, shipwrecks, drift dives, and an abundance of marine life. Freediving courses are also available, with instructors teaching breath-hold techniques for those looking to explore the ocean on a single breath.
- 6 FreeDive School, Aninuan, [email protected]. Freediving courses ranging from beginner to instructor levels, including specialized training in breath-hold techniques, deep freediving, and safety protocols. Also offers accommodation.
- Island-hopping and snorkeling – From Minolo Port, visitors can arrange boat tours to Coral Garden, underwater caves, and secluded beaches, where they can snorkel among corals and marine life.
- Water sports – For those who prefer surface activities, White Beach and Sabang offer a range of water sports, including jet skiing, banana boat rides, parasailing, and kayaking.
Buy
[edit]- 1 Euronet Worldwide ATM (on the main strip of White Beach). 24/7. One of the few ATMs on White Beach that accepts international cards. Cash withdrawal fees apply, and the machine may run out of cash during peak tourist season. Transaction fees apply for international cards.
- 2 Parkway Shopping Mart. A store offering a variety of essential goods, snacks, beverages, toiletries, and some imported items. A good place to stock up on supplies while staying in White Beach.
- 3 7-Eleven. 24/7. A convenience store offering a selection of snacks, drinks, basic groceries, and travel essentials.
- 4 Local Market Street. A lively street lined with small shops, fruit stalls, local eateries, and souvenir stores. A place to grab fresh tropical fruits, try local street food, or find handmade crafts and beach essentials.
- 5 Polycare Pharmacy. A small but well-stocked pharmacy offering over-the-counter medications, first-aid supplies, and basic personal care products.
- 6 Palawan Express. Offers currency exchange services. Also provides money transfer, bill payments, and financial services.
Eat
[edit]A wide variety of restaurants and cafés.
- 1 Resto Veranda, White Beach. A beachfront restaurant offering a mix of Filipino and international cuisine. Known for its seafood dishes, grilled specialties, and refreshing tropical drinks.
- 2 Café Marco. A cozy beach café serving a selection of coffee, pastries, and light meals.
- 3 Arcobaleno Pizza. A casual Italian eatery specializing in wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and Mediterranean dishes.
- 4 Foodtrip Sa Galera Fastfoods. A local eatery serving Filipino fast food and street food favorites.
- 5 Yego's Restaurant. A restaurant offering a variety of Filipino and international dishes, including grilled seafood, rice meals, and refreshing tropical drinks.
- 6 Il Capo Smoke Haus. A barbecue and smokehouse-style restaurant offering grilled meats, smoked specialties, and Filipino-American fusion dishes.
- 7 Izakaya Abe Chang (居酒屋アベちゃん). A Japanese izakaya-style restaurant serving authentic sushi, sashimi, grilled skewers, and ramen.
- 8 Mai Pho Chaolong House. A casual Vietnamese eatery specializing in pho, chaolong (Vietnamese beef stew), and bánh mì.
- 9 Tamarind Bar & Restaurant, ☏ +63 956 693 4888. This restaurant by the sea side has a wooden roof. Food options are similar to typical bar & grill restaurants. From ₱400.
Drink
[edit]- 1 Wally's Bar. A beachfront bar known for its cold beers and tropical cocktails and sunset views.
- 2 Tamarind Bar. A beachfront bar with a great selection of cocktails, beers, and bar snacks. Often features live music and fire dancing performances in the evening.
- 3 Pirata (on White Beach). A sports bar and restaurant, offering cold drinks, international cuisine, and live sports screenings. A roadside venue attracting both locals and travelers.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Blue Water Lodge, ☏ +63 2 8441 0060, [email protected]. Each room is air-conditioned, with cable TV and a private toilet and bath with hot & cold shower. The Standard Rooms have one queen-sized bed, while the Deluxe Rooms have two. From ₱1,300.
- 2 Manalo′s Guesthouse (Five-minute walk from famous White Beach), ☏ +63 9176096072, +63 9176674077. Each room is air-conditioned, with a living room/lounge area, kitchenette, and private toilet and shower. From ₱1000.
- 3 Sea Jewel Beach Resort, ☏ +63 2 5534898, [email protected]. Twin, triple, quad and family rooms, all equipped with air-conditioning, and 21-inch flat screen TV with cable channels. Facilities and services are Restaurant and Free Wi-Fi Internet access.
- 4 White Beach Resort, Bar and Restaurant (center of White Beach), ☏ +63 917 632 8546. Comes with air-conditioning, a toilet and shower, and dining area. In the morning, you can watch the sunshine spill from the skylight through your room's balcony.
- 5 Aninuan Beach Resort, Aninuan, ☏ +63 920 931 8946, +63 920 931 8924. A beachfront resort offering various accommodation options in a quiet and relaxing atmosphere away from the crowds. US$100.
- 6 Tamaraw Beach Resort, ☏ +63 43 6392234. The owners are building a large conference center 5 meters from the main accommodation block and bungalows. On the other side 2 meters away the Sunset at Aninuan hotel is building a 3-floor extension. The access from the road to the beach is now severely restricted and only a small path remains for foot traffic. Best rates on official website start at ₱2000.
Connect
[edit]Go next
[edit]For travelers looking to explore beyond Puerto Galera, a trip to Apo Reef, one of the largest coral reef systems in the Philippines, is a great adventure.
To get there, first take a jeepney, van, or private transport from Puerto Galera to Abra de Ilog. From there, regular buses and vans run to Sablayan, with a total travel time of around 3–5 hours.
Once in Sablayan, local dive shops and tour operators organize trips to Apo Reef Natural Park, which is about 2–3 hours by boat. This UNESCO-listed marine sanctuary is known for its clear waters, rich marine biodiversity, and excellent diving and snorkeling spots. The reef is home to turtles, reef sharks, rays, and colorful coral formations.
Tours usually include boat transfers, meals, and guided diving or snorkeling excursions. Since accommodations on Apo Reef itself are limited, most visitors stay overnight in Sablayan or arrange camping on one of the nearby islands. It is recommended to book in advance, as tour availability depends on weather conditions.
For those looking to travel further, continuing along the Mindoro West Coastal Road leads to San Jose, a major transport hub in Occidental Mindoro. From San Jose, ferries to Coron operate twice a week, typically taking 6–7 hours.
Another option is to travel further east to Roxas in Oriental Mindoro, where daily ferries connect to Caticlan, the gateway to Boracay. The ferry journey from Roxas to Boracay takes around 4 hours.
As ferry schedules and routes may change, it is advisable to check departure times in advance and book tickets early, especially during peak travel seasons.