About - Puerto Galera Oceanside Villas

Welcome to Puerto Galera Oceanside Villas

Recipient of “The Most Beautiful Bay in the World ” award.

‘Puerto Galera Villas’ was the concept of Alan Burrell and Khin Soe Tin (aka Suzie)1. The “Boathouse” was built during 1999 and completed early in 2000, while Oceanside Villa was built during 2007 and finished early in 2008. The design and construction of the two-Villa complex involved no architect, but utilized many individual skilled local artisans to implement many innovative off-the wall designs which would maximize utilization of local expertise and construction methods – particularly in roofing and flooring techniques.

Alan was formerly employed by the Asian Development Bank as Director Energy and Khin Soe Tin by the International School, Manila in a learning support.

The villas are secluded, very peaceful, and about 50 meters apart. They have their own private dock, and have dramatic views over Dalaruan Cove and Puerto Galera Bay. The villas are primarily designed for medium size groups typically two or three couples with children, and are rented in their entirety (not on a room-by-room basis). They have extensive floor areas and terraces, so larger and diverse groups like team building – are also welcome, but sometimes we ask larger groups to help by bringing own towels and some bed covering/pillow slips. It must be noted that in Puerto Galera, the town water supply is occasionally erratic, and although we have significant water storage, water must be reasonably conserved. There are plenty of mattresses.

The villas are rented primarily on a self-catering basis and food is not provided, but we provide an excellent cook / housekeeper who will assist you with the shopping, cooking, child-minding and housekeeping, and will guide you as to things to do and places to go in and around Puerto Galera.

Our staff live on the premises in accommodation on the ground floor of the Boathouse, and with the help of occasional supporting staff as necessary, they take care of both villas.

Things to know

Puerto Galera – Recipient of “The Most Beautiful Bay in the World ” award.

Road Access

Although most coming and going from the Villas is by boat, there is a concreted barangay road some 30 meters behind the villas with private parking facilities for 2 vehicles. From the Villa, it is an easy 15-20 minute walk to Lalaguna and Sabang tourist beaches. Turn right on the barangay road and then left after fifty meters on the Lalaguna road. When you reach Lalaguna Beach, walk along the various beaches to Sabang. Motorcycle taxis (called ‘habal habal’) are available as well. Ask the caretakers to arrange for motorcycles, but DO take flashlights if you are going to return after dark. In the wet season, usually commercial transport by water is better.

Security

We have not had any security problems in Dalaruan (maybe because we have a generous community assistance programs for the local San Antonio School and for disadvantaged groups in the immediately surrounding areas). Nevertheless, please secure your possessions in the small safety deposit box, in the small filing cabinets in each of the master bedrooms and/or in the locked headboards in the bedrooms. Remember to take key on its lanyard with you. Best not to leave valuables around the house while you are out just in case.

Communications

Excellent mobile phone reception is available from both Globe and Smart providers, and we have good Internet broadband communication at the Villas. Internet connection is also available free of charge at most restaurants in town or at Puerto Galera Yacht Club (PGYC)

Food

Puerto Galera Villas generally operates on a “self-catering” basis. Food can either be brought from Manila or purchased locally ~ you may enjoy accompanying our resident staff to the wet market and to the many grocery stores in town. The Swiss Bakery and Casa Italia near the market have a wide selection of home-baked bread. Barbeque equipment is available at the villas. The caretakers will shop and assist you with cooking but we regret that we cannot offer free boat transfers for shopping. (If you find the staff helpful, it would be appreciated if you could offer gratuities accordingly). We have very competent cooks at the villas, and if you wish to use one of them to shop and cook for you, a fee of P500/day is charged, with this fee going directly to the assigned cook.

Laundry Services

Laundry services are available at the villas. Pesos 10 each for small items (light T-shirts, underwear, tops, shorts) and P15 for long trousers, jeans etc. This goes directly to the staff concerned.

Vehicles for Rent

Self-driven motorcycles and ATVs are available for rent in Sabang and around Puerto Galera town. Occasionally self-drive cars may be available too. Vehicles with drivers including minivans, jeepneys are available at various locations. Our caretakers can help in this regard.

Money Exchange

There are a few ATMs in Puerto Galera and in Sabang though they are not always reliable. Money can be exchanged at several money changers in PG and Sabang, and at ‘Candavas’ ~ the large grocery store near the Wet Market in town.

Returning to Manila

Returning from Puerto to Manila presents better options than coming the other way. Public ferries leave Muelle, Roros from Baletero and soon a Fast Cat from Muelle And Balatero. Schedule for ferries as of October 2018 is as below. Please call and double check ahead of time or get to the Terminal early and buy the tickets.