Labor Day Weekend at Puerto Galera

Puerto Galera has always been a favorite for Manila residents due to its accessibility. A bus ride to Batangas port and a boat ride later, you’re already in the sandy shores of White Beach. I actually haven’t been to Galera in almost a decade (last time I was here was 2009) and it was mostly a last minute decision to go here for the labor day weekend (original plan was somewhere else). Again due to the accessibility (no plane tickets required), plus the availability of rooms, it’s easy to have a quick getaway there. This would have been a complete fail if not for my good friend and always travel buddy RJ.

White Beach Puerto Galera

Now White Beach is notorious for the crowd and its nightly parties. During the day, hordes of people frolic the beach, along with a lot of other things set-up at the beach and when you’re at the water, you’re amidst a lot of inflatables or holiday seekers. 

Coconut anyone?

At night, the stretch is converted to a big party scene, each restaurant with their own form of entertainment which makes it loud, noisy and pretty much a big party.  

Beautiful day at the beach

Where to stay: Summer Connection

At the edge of White beach (the other side of what they call Jurassic (wink)), is a nice resort called Summer Connection.

Summer Conection

Positives for me: Location. It was at the end of White Beach, close enough to be accessible but far enough so you won’t hear the noise of the crowd (especially at night).  

Doggie by the beach

Also since this is at the end of the beach, there are less people meaning you get more space to just soak the sun at the shore or more space for you to enjoy swimming at the beach.

Morning stroll

Tanning time

Lush landscape of Summer Connection

Summer Connection's Pool

Amenities. Another plus for me was that it had a pool (and I think it was the only resort along White Beach that had one). If you’re tired swimming at the beach, you can lounge and just relax at the pool. 

Can't wait to take a dip

They also have spacious grounds with trees and a garden which makes the surrounding lush and nice. The flowering bougainvilleas were a nice touch to our Instagram photos. 

Perfect day

The rooms were spacious and come with toiletries (don’t expect too much though). Our room had a nice sitting area outside and a tiny veranda. 

Room for the weekend

We had a nice time just swimming at the pool, getting our breakfast at the garden outside or just lounging poolside at the kubo or lounge chairs. 

Just hanging out poolside

Pool day

Taking in the view

Coffee to start the day

 Where to eat: Casa Mia

Close by Summer Connection, is the Italian restaurant Casa Mia. I have to say, this probably the best place to eat at White Beach. The ambiance is laid back and you have the option to eat al fresco by the beach and take in the breeze and the view of the parties at White Beach from a distance. 

Casa Mia

The restaurant also has a little wine cellar and is a popular selfie spot for people (I mean I wish they would eat there or atleast order something and not just take pictures for the sake of social media). 

Which wine to drink next

We ordered their Casa Mia Pizza and Bolgenese pasta and it was delicious. Pasta was al dente and it was obvious that they didn’t skimp on the ingredients. Serving was also generous and we even had leftovers that we took back since we were already full. For me it was worth the price tag (kinda like you ate at a nice restaurant in the city). 

Cheers to a sumptous dinner

With the owner of Casa Mia

Although a last minute trip, it was a well spent weekend. We didn't do anything exciting but I think that was the beauty of it. The only things we did were eat, swim and just take a lot of pictures (for Instagram ofcourse!). We had the weekend just to relax and basically just be lazy the entire time. Surprisingly, I may come back here again soon.  

The beauty of Philippine beaches

Cheers!

Enjoying some halo halo on a hot day

Sunrise at White Beach

For more photos on my weekend at Puerto Galera, follow me on Instagram at @thisischristianjohn

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