Sabang (Mindoro)

Sabang is a small town located on the northeastern coast of Mindoro Island, Philippines, and administratively part of Puerto Galera.

Understand
Sabang is one of the barangays (small towns) in the municipality of Puerto Galera. Sabang is at the northern terminus of the road from the municipality proper of Puerto Galera, which is a ten minute jeepney drive away. Sabang also consists of the following beaches:
 * Sabang Beach
 * Small La Laguna Beach
 * Big La Laguna Beach

Walking between the three you might not even notice the difference but each has a separate feel and activity level, Sabang Beach being the liveliest. Big Lalaguna Beach is the best for swimming with its clean sand and coral reef with cordoned swimming area prohibited to boats.

Get in
Many travellers will reach Puerto Galera by plane or ferry (see Puerto_Galera for details), then take a jeepney or trike to Sabang. Sabang pier is still closed in 2019. The three available piers are Muelle, Balatero, and Calapan.

By boat


Many foreign tourists arrive on pre-arranged transportation - via an expensive private banca boat arranged by their dive shop/hotel. This usually is at Berberabe port, about 10 minutes south of the Batangas ferry terminal. You also have the option of arriving via a public ferry (from Batangas or a number of other islands). At the Batangas pier, ignore all the porters and touts and walk past them to the ticket area where there are several windows where you can buy ferry tickets. You will also need to by a terminal ticket (PHP30) at a separate window. White Beach (closest to Balatero port) and Tamaraw Falls are other destinations nearby. Muelle port is closest to Sabang town proper. Buy a round trip ferry ticket to avoid a fully booked ferry on your return. Returning on a Sunday without reserving a ticket can leave you stranded with no options from Muelle or Balatero. You will have to go to Calapan to return to Batangas. To travel around, take a jeepney, trike, or motorcycle to Sabang from your alternative landing place. The ferry service is regular, departing every two hours (with reduced service during the monsoon season).

Roll-on, roll-off (RORO) ferries and fastcraft  ferries are the only available modes of public transportation by water. Public wooden-hulled boats were banned in 2018. Emergency equipment, such as life jackets, are on board but supplies may be scarce. The trip between Batangas Port and Mindoro Island (where Puerto Galera is) will take you around 55 minutes by fastcraft and 100 minutes by RORO. Many resorts and some independent companies offer pickup from Manila airport, a ride to Batangas, and a transfer over the water.

The earliest boat back to Batangas leaves Sabang at 5:45AM while the last boat leaves Puerto Galera at 6PM. Fare is including terminal fee. Upon arrival there is an Environmental Users Fee (EUF) of payable by anyone who looks like a foreigner.

From Manila
Public buses leave from various parts of Manila to the port of Batangas frequently. If you are leaving from the Malate/Ermita part of Manila, you'll want to take a taxi to the Buendia bus station and get the next bus to Batangas. JAM Liner is the company of choice for trips from Buendia, but there are other competing companies on this busy route, each having providing different levels of service. Regardless of what bus company you chose, they share a major stopover at the Batangas City Grand Terminal, about 10 minutes before the Batangas pier, and the fare costs on an AC bus. There are no bathrooms on JAM buses, but executive class buses by some bus companies (e.g. ALPS, Ceres Transport, Gold Star) do have one. From there, see above for simple arrangements to transfer to a ferry for the trip over.

JAM transit runs hourly buses from their Cubao bus terminal.

An only slightly more expensive and much more convenient alternative from Malate/Ermita is the Sikat bus/ferry, a private service run out of the City State Tower Hotel in Ermita. The bus leaves at 8AM and after arriving in Batangas you are lead to the connecting ferry by a Sikat agent. However this has only one service daily which leaves Manila at 8:30AM.

Whichever bus alternative you take, you'll usually be on the beach in Sabang for lunch.

There are regular vans to Calapan from where you can catch a bus to Roxas and ferry across to Caticlan, Pasay Island, Boracay.

From Angeles
Public buses leave from Dau bus station in Angeles City for Cubao bus station in Manila, where you can transfer to Batangas. For a hassle-free van and boat combination transfer, Angeles2Puerto offer an affordable service leaving 8AM every day (except Wednesday) from Angeles City to Sabang Beach with the return trip departing Sabang at 10AM.

From Puerto Galera downtown
Jeepneys leave Sabang every 20 minutes to Puerto Galera, 5.5k from Sabang, and the same back to Sabang. Fare is one way. The road is now all paved but there are certainly some broken areas.

The trikes parked by Tropicana Hotel are for the trike, whether it is one person or four. There are trikes who drop people off in front of VSB (Victory Sports Bar) who are not allowed to wait around for customers. Just look at them and ask 'Bayan' (means town) and for you are on your way, but you will have to share the ride if he has a chance to pick up more passengers.

A habal-habal motorbike taxi to Puerto Galera is. Remember there is no liability insurance here.

Motorbikes can be rented from at depending on the season and your bargaining skills. Boats can also be rented for daily trips. Price and destinations to be negotiated.

Get around
Its mostly walking in narrow streets. In 15min you are in Small Lalaguna and in 20min in Big Lalaguna (to the left side) If you want to go to Pt. Galera (to the ATM e.g.) take a Tricycle for one way. A motorcycle or scooter can be hired for around (Scooter) and  (dirtbike) per day, cheaper if longer.

Do


Most visitors to Sabang are attracted by the excellent SCUBA diving provided by the protected marine sanctuary. There are a number of dive shops in the area (estimated at around 35) that provide access to a micro (i.e. small life) heaven. The dive sites that feature a large variety of small sea life with the occasional shark or turtle. Several sites are drift dives and often turn into (strong) current dives with the best diving (for coral and small life) being at 18m or 60 feet. Almost all of the dive sites are within a 10-minute boat ride of Sabang which allows you to spend your surface interval on the shore and it also allows most shops to offer as many as four dive trips (single tank) each day. Prices for a single dive are around US$18-32 for a single tank dive, including equipment rental, boat and dive guide, with discounts for more dives and if you have your own equipment.


 * Tech Asia is the technical branch of Asia divers. Run by an extremely experienced and dedicated team, they've been around for pretty much as long as Asia divers have. They can provide trimix and advanced nitrox diving and courses, and also supply essentials for rebreather diving such as sofnalime. They are reasonably priced, with a trimix dive (including gas) coming in under US$100 They offer IANTD and GUE courses. The instructors also appreciate supplies of English tea bags, curry powder and Fray Bentos pies.
 * Tech Asia is the technical branch of Asia divers. Run by an extremely experienced and dedicated team, they've been around for pretty much as long as Asia divers have. They can provide trimix and advanced nitrox diving and courses, and also supply essentials for rebreather diving such as sofnalime. They are reasonably priced, with a trimix dive (including gas) coming in under US$100 They offer IANTD and GUE courses. The instructors also appreciate supplies of English tea bags, curry powder and Fray Bentos pies.
 * Tech Asia is the technical branch of Asia divers. Run by an extremely experienced and dedicated team, they've been around for pretty much as long as Asia divers have. They can provide trimix and advanced nitrox diving and courses, and also supply essentials for rebreather diving such as sofnalime. They are reasonably priced, with a trimix dive (including gas) coming in under US$100 They offer IANTD and GUE courses. The instructors also appreciate supplies of English tea bags, curry powder and Fray Bentos pies.
 * Tech Asia is the technical branch of Asia divers. Run by an extremely experienced and dedicated team, they've been around for pretty much as long as Asia divers have. They can provide trimix and advanced nitrox diving and courses, and also supply essentials for rebreather diving such as sofnalime. They are reasonably priced, with a trimix dive (including gas) coming in under US$100 They offer IANTD and GUE courses. The instructors also appreciate supplies of English tea bags, curry powder and Fray Bentos pies.
 * Tech Asia is the technical branch of Asia divers. Run by an extremely experienced and dedicated team, they've been around for pretty much as long as Asia divers have. They can provide trimix and advanced nitrox diving and courses, and also supply essentials for rebreather diving such as sofnalime. They are reasonably priced, with a trimix dive (including gas) coming in under US$100 They offer IANTD and GUE courses. The instructors also appreciate supplies of English tea bags, curry powder and Fray Bentos pies.
 * Tech Asia is the technical branch of Asia divers. Run by an extremely experienced and dedicated team, they've been around for pretty much as long as Asia divers have. They can provide trimix and advanced nitrox diving and courses, and also supply essentials for rebreather diving such as sofnalime. They are reasonably priced, with a trimix dive (including gas) coming in under US$100 They offer IANTD and GUE courses. The instructors also appreciate supplies of English tea bags, curry powder and Fray Bentos pies.
 * Tech Asia is the technical branch of Asia divers. Run by an extremely experienced and dedicated team, they've been around for pretty much as long as Asia divers have. They can provide trimix and advanced nitrox diving and courses, and also supply essentials for rebreather diving such as sofnalime. They are reasonably priced, with a trimix dive (including gas) coming in under US$100 They offer IANTD and GUE courses. The instructors also appreciate supplies of English tea bags, curry powder and Fray Bentos pies.
 * Tech Asia is the technical branch of Asia divers. Run by an extremely experienced and dedicated team, they've been around for pretty much as long as Asia divers have. They can provide trimix and advanced nitrox diving and courses, and also supply essentials for rebreather diving such as sofnalime. They are reasonably priced, with a trimix dive (including gas) coming in under US$100 They offer IANTD and GUE courses. The instructors also appreciate supplies of English tea bags, curry powder and Fray Bentos pies.
 * Tech Asia is the technical branch of Asia divers. Run by an extremely experienced and dedicated team, they've been around for pretty much as long as Asia divers have. They can provide trimix and advanced nitrox diving and courses, and also supply essentials for rebreather diving such as sofnalime. They are reasonably priced, with a trimix dive (including gas) coming in under US$100 They offer IANTD and GUE courses. The instructors also appreciate supplies of English tea bags, curry powder and Fray Bentos pies.
 * Tech Asia is the technical branch of Asia divers. Run by an extremely experienced and dedicated team, they've been around for pretty much as long as Asia divers have. They can provide trimix and advanced nitrox diving and courses, and also supply essentials for rebreather diving such as sofnalime. They are reasonably priced, with a trimix dive (including gas) coming in under US$100 They offer IANTD and GUE courses. The instructors also appreciate supplies of English tea bags, curry powder and Fray Bentos pies.
 * Tech Asia is the technical branch of Asia divers. Run by an extremely experienced and dedicated team, they've been around for pretty much as long as Asia divers have. They can provide trimix and advanced nitrox diving and courses, and also supply essentials for rebreather diving such as sofnalime. They are reasonably priced, with a trimix dive (including gas) coming in under US$100 They offer IANTD and GUE courses. The instructors also appreciate supplies of English tea bags, curry powder and Fray Bentos pies.

Buy


The tourist center and the Tropicana restaurant do exchange money and traveler cheques as well as doing cash advances on credit cards. The exchange rates are not as good as in Manila, though. Western Union offices are located at the tourist center and at Tuping's Store (eastern end of the beach). Credit cards are not widely accepted in Sabang except at some of the larger dive shops and resorts, so it's best to stock up on cash beforehand.

Eat
The majority of restaurants are clustered in central Sabang. You'll also find restaurants along Big and Small La Laguna attached to the hotels and resorts. Prices are reflect Sabang's standing as a tourist destination, ranging from around for breakfast and  for lunch/dinner. Cheap eats can be found at a few local establishments




 * Full Moon Restaurant - on Small La Laguna Beach, Full Moon serves a wide variety of Asian and International dishes and is popular with visiting divers as well as local expats. Daily specials are on offer as well as an a la carte menu, bar snacks and an extensive wine list. Head chef Manny has worked overseas for many years and can share some of his more colorful anecdotes as well as some great cooking tips!
 * Full Moon Restaurant - on Small La Laguna Beach, Full Moon serves a wide variety of Asian and International dishes and is popular with visiting divers as well as local expats. Daily specials are on offer as well as an a la carte menu, bar snacks and an extensive wine list. Head chef Manny has worked overseas for many years and can share some of his more colorful anecdotes as well as some great cooking tips!
 * Full Moon Restaurant - on Small La Laguna Beach, Full Moon serves a wide variety of Asian and International dishes and is popular with visiting divers as well as local expats. Daily specials are on offer as well as an a la carte menu, bar snacks and an extensive wine list. Head chef Manny has worked overseas for many years and can share some of his more colorful anecdotes as well as some great cooking tips!
 * Full Moon Restaurant - on Small La Laguna Beach, Full Moon serves a wide variety of Asian and International dishes and is popular with visiting divers as well as local expats. Daily specials are on offer as well as an a la carte menu, bar snacks and an extensive wine list. Head chef Manny has worked overseas for many years and can share some of his more colorful anecdotes as well as some great cooking tips!
 * Full Moon Restaurant - on Small La Laguna Beach, Full Moon serves a wide variety of Asian and International dishes and is popular with visiting divers as well as local expats. Daily specials are on offer as well as an a la carte menu, bar snacks and an extensive wine list. Head chef Manny has worked overseas for many years and can share some of his more colorful anecdotes as well as some great cooking tips!

Drink
There are many bars, cafes and street-side food stalls to ensure that you don't have to search far for something to drink. Cold drinks ranging from fruit milkshakes to soft drinks/soda to alcohol are inexpensive and widely available.


 * 50 Bar - Located at beach front of Atlantis Dive Resort. Relax to the view of Sabang sunset at the 50 Bar down on the beach where you can enjoy a selection of tasty snacks and pizza. The friendly bar staff will serve drinks until kate and entertain you with upbeat atmosphere and your choice of music.
 * "Eddies" - opened 24/7, try their burgers only.
 * Marti's Bar - Located in central Sabang, Marti's Bar is proof positive that it's the owner that makes the bar. Popular and inviting, Marti quit after 23 years as an Australian police officer to become the host of one of the friendliest bars in Sabang. For bookworms, an extensive collection of books makes this joint the unofficial book exchange of Sabang.
 * Floating Bars - Sabang has two floating bars open in the high season to which you can either swim (divers often end their day by ascending to one of them) or stand on the beach and have the bar's boat ferry you across.
 * Octoclub - Located at the diveshop from Octopus Divers. From 4:00 pm divers and friends come together and have a cold drink and some snacks, talking about diving and listen to fantastic music of the 1970s and 80s. Good place to meet new friends.
 * OK bar - Newly opened karaoke bar.
 * Rafael's Rare Chords Bar  - at the western end of Sabang Beach (on the way to Small La Laguna). Small family-run bar popular with resident expats and tourists, open all day but most popular around sunset. Extensive music collection with menu that you can search and make requests. Good views, pool table, chess, TV, newspapers and free WiFi internet connection. Wide range of drinks at happy hour prices all day (SMB bottle ) and cheap home-cooked snack menu.
 * The Point Bar - above the Asia Divers dive shop, has a tropical, open-air design that offers 200 degree views of the Sabang and Big La Laguna Bay. It opens in the early afternoon but does not see much action until after the afternoon divers are done. It also gets quiet fairly early as the diver patrons retire to dinner and then return later for more fun. There are drink specials during Happy Hour which runs from 5:30 to 6:30PM. Food can be ordered from the El Galleon Resort restaurant menu. Famous for their range of devastating shots, the tradition for anyone who has completed a course with Asia divers or tech Asia is to wait until their instructors and course members are in the bar and then ring the large ships bell hung at the end of the bar. Ringing the bell means buying a round of shots for the whole bar, (Although this isn't as expensive as it sounds). You can also win T shirts by drinking a range of different shots. The point bar also has a fantastic BBQ night once a week which is well worth attending.
 * Girly Bars - November 2015 Sabang has 7 Girly Bars, Coco Lips, Broadway, Hammerhead is upstairs, Venus, Sabang Disco, Philippino Disco Midnight. Sabang has six "girly bars." You can enjoy a drink while you watch the talent, including featured dancers. The drinks there are substantially more expensive than at regular bars. If you buy one of the girls a "lady's drink," you'll be paying extra again for the privilege of a chat with her. All girls are licensed by the municipality as "maids" but are prostitutes and can be barfined. Local licensing requirements aren't very strict. Some of the girls there may be underage!
 * Victory Sports Bar VSB, owned by Neil from England. It is a good place to sit and watch life go by. Right across the entrance to Tropicana is this cozy bar run by Canadian expat Geno. Beer prices are competitive and the owner entertains customers every night as well as saying hi to passers-by. Breakfast and food are also available.

Sabang Beach

 * Red Coral - This is a small motel that has cheap rooms with kitchen and a view of the water. per night in low season. Right next to the Big Apple Dive Resort.
 * Red Coral - This is a small motel that has cheap rooms with kitchen and a view of the water. per night in low season. Right next to the Big Apple Dive Resort.
 * Red Coral - This is a small motel that has cheap rooms with kitchen and a view of the water. per night in low season. Right next to the Big Apple Dive Resort.
 * Red Coral - This is a small motel that has cheap rooms with kitchen and a view of the water. per night in low season. Right next to the Big Apple Dive Resort.
 * Red Coral - This is a small motel that has cheap rooms with kitchen and a view of the water. per night in low season. Right next to the Big Apple Dive Resort.
 * Red Coral - This is a small motel that has cheap rooms with kitchen and a view of the water. per night in low season. Right next to the Big Apple Dive Resort.
 * Red Coral - This is a small motel that has cheap rooms with kitchen and a view of the water. per night in low season. Right next to the Big Apple Dive Resort.
 * Red Coral - This is a small motel that has cheap rooms with kitchen and a view of the water. per night in low season. Right next to the Big Apple Dive Resort.

Big Lalaguna Beach


Longer term stays

There are several houses and apartments for rent in and around Sabang including many with beach front locations. Listings for these properties are hard to come by before you arrive; unfortunately, for rent signs and listings are most easily found by walking around.

Go next
Returning to Luzon The average visitor to Sabang goes back the opposite way he or she came.

To go by public transport, travel to Batangas by passenger banca from the station on the beach near Eddies Bar. Other departures are from Puerto Galera (Muelle Pier), Balatero and White Beach. An alternative route to Batangas is via Calapan (one and a half-hour jeep ride from Puerto Galera) where there are regular Roro and fast passenger ferry departures for Batangas. This is especially useful in stormy weather or typhoon warnings when ferry service in the Sabang/Puerto Galera area is suspended.

If you came over on the Sikat, you just have to take the ferry/bus trip back to Manila in reverse. The ferry leaves for Batangas at 9AM or 9:15AM. Just check in 15 minutes before departure at the Sikat booth near Eddies.

Other options include hiring a private banca to take you to Batangas.

Beyond Sabang Calapan is also the place to head to pick up a bus bound for Roxas (4 hours) where there are regular ferries to Caticlan (Boracay)., or if you want to visit Mindoro Occidental and Apo Reef, Abra de Ilog, accessed through the pier at Wawa.