The experience happened when I was in the 3rd year of my bachelor’s degree, and when a research study was needed to be accomplished as a requirement for a major subject. The experience happened last August 2009, for 4D3N, together with my research team that happens also to be my friends.
The focus of the study was Oriental Mindoro’s very own Puerto Galera, specifically its Ecotourism’s Marine Biodiversity and the Mangyan Culture. So, for the study, we had decided to go and visit Puerto Galera’s very own Tamaraw Falls, which was named after the Philippines’ national animal; Tukuran Falls; Mangyan Village; and especially, their best diving sites: Long Beach Coral Garden and Sweet Lips Cave.
The focus of the study was Oriental Mindoro’s very own Puerto Galera, specifically its Ecotourism’s Marine Biodiversity and the Mangyan Culture. So, for the study, we had decided to go and visit Puerto Galera’s very own Tamaraw Falls, which was named after the Philippines’ national animal; Tukuran Falls; Mangyan Village; and especially, their best diving sites: Long Beach Coral Garden and Sweet Lips Cave.
On the first day of our research tour, the assembly was at the Batangas Bus Terminal in Cubao, Quezon City. It was an almost three-butt-aching-hours travel via Alps Transportation Inc. The fare was PHP 175.00, no student fare.
Then, upon arriving at the Batangas Port, we go directly to the Ticketing Booth. We were expecting something about the banner Mr. Cassie (White Beach Resort Tour Guide where we chose to stay) told us. But we were surprised, we just laugh, because instead of something captivating and good, it came to be something fun. The banner was a whole bond paper that says “Sarah & Friends” with our remaining names on. 
~roundtrip ferry ticket~ 
~terminal ticket~
Then, after passing the terminal gate and baggage check via an electronic machine, we were now waiting for the ferry boat to depart. The ferry boat ride was first time for the three of us, except for a friend who has a province and relative on the island. The trip was long, it was kind of boring, but still, we had enjoyed the green mountains, the white beach islands and bluish green water along the trip.
~breath-taking sights along the ferry trip~
At last, we arrived in Puerto Galera’s Poblacion Port. From there, a free shuttle service took us and the other visitors to the White Beach Resort (in Sabang, Puerto Galera). White Beach Resort, VM Beach Resort and Sea Jewel Resort are a three-resort compound. Upon arriving at the resort, Mr. Cassie checked us in at Room 203. The room was air conditioned, with cabled television and has a two doubled beds.
After organizing our personal stuffs, we had our lunch at the White Beach Resort Bar & Restaurant. All us four, shared the two long sticks of Chicken Barbecue that cost us PHP 260.00. Then back to room, after some rest, we went to the Municipal Hall to talk to the Mayor as part of our study. Mr. Julie (contracted tricycle driver for the next day’s trip) took us to the Municipal Hall via his tricycle for a special trip costing PHP 100.00.
~bound to eat our lunch~
Visitors of Puerto Galera may go to the Municipal Hall or to the Tourism Office located at the
Poblacion Port to asked for assistance during their stay, and sure the officials and the residence will accommodate with kindness and hospitality, just like they did to us. After doing our first step for the study, we returned to the resort to get a much longer rest, then we had our dinner. We decided to search for some restaurants along the beach to find much cheaper and other menu than grilled. We walked along the white sands of White Beach and have our dinner of nothing but grilled milkfish and grilled tilapia. After Dinner, we went back to the room, time for the real rest and taking our sleep was the end of Day 01.
On the next day, personal cell phones ringed its alarms. It’s time to get up. It’s time to prepare ourselves for the day ahead. Hot porridge was our breakfast that cost us PHP 30.00 each. The porridge has a unique pinkish color, but with a good-delicious taste, maybe the color was because the rice used was Mindoro’s very own Dinorado Rice. After breakfast, went back to room to take our baths and prepare ourselves for the day.
~breakfast under a shade of coconut tree~
~having breakfast with the fresh breezing air, and warm touch of sunlight, and music of waving sea water~
Mr. Julie served as our guide. Seating backed-ride gives me the privilege to view the best horizons from Puerto Galera’s mountain. Mr. Julie told us that from White Beach Resort to our first stop, Tamaraw Falls was an 18 kilometers drive. The last 8 kilometers was an aesthetic view of picture perfect clouds, of rich blue sea, of bountiful dark green trees and an air pollution-free drive. Mr. Julie pointed us the location of Verde Island, it can be seen one to two kilometers before reaching the Tamaraw Falls.
~views from the mountain~
After a long-hour drive, finally we arrived at the Tamaraw Falls. The fall was beautiful and cozy. For me, it is a natural infinity pool that is worth trying for. A PHP 20.00 entrance fee is required for those who want to soak and swim in its fresh clear water.
After taking pictures of the fall, we decided to head straight and go to Tukuran Falls. Mr. Julie told us that it was another 10 kilometers drive and the way ahead through was a rough-road.
Wow! The fall’s water was so clear, from deep blue to bluish green to stone clear color and with medium sized fishes. If only, we had brought clothes, we already jumped and soak ourselves like the carabaos!
Way back where the tricycle was, riding again the carabao, I and my friend seated in front of the cart beside the driver, and it was funny and more relaxing, it was like a roller coaster but a less butt-aching ride. If only, it is possible to ride at the back of the carabao, I would!
~riding the carabao cart infront~ 
It was already pass 12, and still we need to drive 28 kms back. Not only the four of us were hungry, but also Mr. Julie. Pulled-back to eat our lunch around more or less 2 o’clock pm. The carinderia where we have our lunch was just beside the tricycle’s terminal in Poblacion, that’s why this time, our lunch was not grilled but house-cooked. Preparing ourselves to another expected long ride again, just about to cross the street where the tricycle was parked, the carinderia owner shouted on us, in a good manner, that we’re not yet paid. And we just laughed out little because we forgot to pay what we had eaten.
Then, back to drive again. What we expected far was just two to three kms away from Poblacion. Mangyan Village was not what we expected. The village was not indigenous. Mr. Julie told us that Mangyans now have works that they are able to buy raw materials for their houses, especially roofs, for a better living and support, incase it storm. They are learning from the lifestyles of urban areas and exchange the nipa huts for a better shelter for their family. Mr. Julie adds up that the children of Mangyan was studying in private schools and was scholar by the nuns in the area. We didn’t stay less than 15 minutes in the village and arrive shortly back to White Beach Resort.
~one of few nipa huts~
Third day, being awaked earlier than 6 o’clock am, we had our breakfast of puto and kutchinta and hot 3-in-1 coffee in the small stall carinderia along the sideways of White Beach. After breakfast, we prepare ourselves for the planned water activity of the day.
Exactly 8 o’clock am, the ferry boat departed and took us near the shore of one island in Puerto Galera. From there, we transfer to motor boat and took us to the Coral Reef Garden and Sweet Lips Cave. Wearing our life jackets and goggles, we saw the life underwater, like colorful fishes and huge coral reefs. We had the privilege to feed the fishes with the bread we bought and brought. It was so amazing that they come near to us when we feed them and bites us thinking our legs were pieces of breads too. Then, in Sweet Lips Cave, we saw a star-fish like species, which was called “Pugita-pugitaan”. I have no digital pictures taken because we did not bring digital cameras for the thought that it might possibly be soaked, but sure next time I will bring to capture breath-taking scenery and memorable memories.
After that, lunch and free time, free time for beach swimming. Swim. Swim. Swim. Swim until the sun sets.
Then we had our late dinner of sizzling sisig and porkchop and two cups of coffee for me and for my friend. While eating, we had a chance to watch fire dancers performing and entertaining dining tourists.
~White Beach sunset~
Last day, woke up and prepared ourselves for goodbye. Then, Pinoy breakfast (tapsilog, longsilog and tocilog) with cups of coffee for the four of us. After breakfast, we took the privilege to take pictures over the lifeguard house. And then an hour and a half before the estimated time departure of ferry boat from White Beach, we used our time to buy more souvenirs. Then, past 12 o’clock, the ferry boat departed.
This Ecotourism Research Tour was a privilege, an experience and really a memorable one.
