Batangas – Balatero

Description

Balatero: A Gateway to Puerto Galera

Balatero is a barangay in Puerto Galera, a town in Oriental Mindoro that is famous for its white beaches, waterfalls and diving sites. Balatero is home to the main port that connects Puerto Galera to Batangas City by ferry. It is also close to White Beach, one of the most popular tourist spots in the area.

History

Balatero derives its name from the Spanish word “balate”, which means “coral”. Puerto Galera was a trading port and a safe haven for galleons during the Spanish colonial era, and Balatero was one of the places where corals were abundant. Balatero was also the site of a naval battle between the Spanish and the Dutch in 1640, where the latter was defeated.

Where to Stay

There are several accommodation options in Balatero, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious resorts. Some of the recommended places are:

• Balatero Beach Resort: A beachfront resort with spacious rooms, a swimming pool, a restaurant and a bar. Rates start from PHP 1,500 per night for two persons.
• Sea Jewel Beach Resort: A cozy resort with modern amenities, a garden, a terrace and a private beach. Rates start from PHP 1,800 per night for two persons.
• Dream Hill Condos: A condominium complex with fully furnished units, a swimming pool, a fitness center and a panoramic view of the sea. Rates start from PHP 2,500 per night for two persons.

Where to Eat

Balatero has several dining options that cater to different tastes and budgets. Some of the recommended places are:

• The Verandah Restaurant: A fine dining restaurant that serves international cuisine, seafood and Filipino dishes. It is located at the Coco Beach Island Resort and has a scenic view of the ocean.
• Rumulus Place: A casual restaurant that serves Filipino food, pizza, pasta and burgers. It is located near the Balatero Port and has a friendly atmosphere.
• White Beach Snack Bar: A snack bar that serves street food, snacks and drinks. It is located at the White Beach and has a lively vibe.

Tourist Spots

Balatero is close to some of the tourist attractions in Puerto Galera, such as:

• White Beach: A long stretch of white sand beach that is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, water sports and nightlife. It is also lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, bars and resorts.
• Tamaraw Falls: A 423-foot high waterfall that cascades into a natural pool. It is located along the road to Calapan and can be reached by tricycle or jeepney.
• Coral Garden: A dive site that features colorful corals, fish and other marine life. It is located near Long Beach and can be accessed by boat.

How to Travel to Mindoro

The easiest way to travel to Mindoro from Manila is by taking a bus to Batangas City and then taking a ferry to Balatero Port. The bus ride takes about 2 hours and costs around PHP 200 per person. The ferry ride takes about 1 hour for the fastcraft and 1.5-2 hours for the regular ferry and costs around PHP 300 per person . Alternatively, you can also take a flight to Calapan Airport and then take a van or jeepney to Puerto Galera.