Detour

The island of Mindoro, four hours south of Manila, is a welcome and pleasant contrast to the congestion and chaos of the Philippine capital. As an airconditioned bus whisks you south along a combination of superhighways and pot-holed gravel roads, the hazy air slowly clears and the vegetation becomes brighter and more abundant. Gradually, the edginess of Manila subsides into island tranquillity. The most popular and accessible destination on the island of Mindoro, the Philippines' fifth largest, is the city of Puerto Galera and its surrounding beaches. While the city itself offers few diversions, it is close to a variety of beaches, each providing a slightly different feel. Want to party the night away? Then bustling Sabang Beach is for you. For a quieter and more laid-back visit, White Beach, Small or Big La Laguna Beaches and Coco Beach are probably better alternatives.

Whichever sandy stretch you choose, there's plenty on offer. Puerto Galera's coast boasts some of the finest diving in the Philippines (and, some argue, the world), with pristine coral reefs ringing the coastline. Take a tour of Mindoro Island's interior; you'll see lush tropical rainforests and get a glimpse of local Mangyan village life. After a long day of diving in sparkling waters and lazing on the beach, swing by Sabang Beach for a nightcap. Most establishments offer the basic "island paradise" theme, but a few unique eateries and watering holes can be found. The Sunshine Coast Bar and Restaurant proudly proclaims its status as winner of the 1997 national meat pie contest. Le Bistrot is an airy bar-cum-café with pool tables, darts and a lounge from which to soak up the passing nighttime parade. As Filipinos would say, Puerto Galera can be quite "Imeldific!"

--Steve Feldstein

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