'''Sabang''' is small town located on the northeastern coast of Mindoro Island, Philippines.
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
By plane
The closest airport to Sabang is in Manila on the neighbouring island of Luzon. From the Manila airport, you'll have to travel by road to get to the port at Batangas.
For the well-heeled, Subic Seaplanes [http://www.seaplane-philippines.com/default.php] offer direct transfers by air in their Cessna floatplanes.
By boat
Most tourists arrive on pre-arranged transportation - via a banca arranged by their dive shop/hotel. You also have the option of arriving via ferry (from Batangas or a number of other islands) and then taking a jeepney to Sabang. The ferry service is regular, departing every two hours (with reduced service during the monsoon season) from Sabang. However, the ferrys appear primitive. They basically are large converted banca boats which may be uncomfortably packed during high season. Emergency equipment, such as life jackets, are on board but supplies may be scarce. The trip between Mindoro Island and Luzon will take you around 80 minutes. Many resorts and some independent companies offer pickup from manila airport, a ride to batangas and a transfer in a large banca.
By bus
There is no regular scheduled bus service to Sabang but jeepneys make frequent trips to nearby Puerto Galera, three kilometers away. Jeepneys are a novel type of Filipino public transport that were originally engineered from surplus military jeeps left in the country after WW2. Now they are often home constructed around older japanese vehicles with plenty of brightly coloured decoration.
Jeepney etiquete is simple, you go on, you pay your fare (it should be cheap, a few pesos), you wait until the jeepney is full and it will leave. However expect to be crowded in with a lot of people,and more often than not half the contents of the local fruit and animal market. Driving will be breakneck down 3km of partially un-made up road but this is well worth it for the experience.
An alternative to the jeepney is the cyclo.These are motorbikes with sidecarts converted to hold 4 passengers and then driven like things possesed down the same unmade up 3km road. Incidence of people falling out or just having the things crash is relatively high but hey, if you've got some balls, go for it!
Get around
The road terminates at the waterfront in Sabang and from there everyone is left to walk along the narrow streets or, for longer distances, take a banca.
See
'''La Laguna Viewpoint''' - Along the sidewalk that leads between Big La Laguna and Small La Laguna you'll find a narrow path. Follow the path for 20 meters up the stairs and onto the top of a rocky out cropping which has an oddly placed cement pad at the top, as if for a house. From the top of the outcrop, you'll be provided with some lovely views of the surrounding beaches and the surrounding islands.
'''Lighthouse Walk''' - Follow the road up past the market to the village of Sinandigan and on to the lighthouse where there is a spectacular view of the Verde Island Passage and Luzon to the north, and on a clear day the summit of Mt Halcon to the south. To the east you can see the City of Calapan in the distance and further on the horizon, the island of Marinduque.
'''White Beach''' - Bancas can be chartered for the 30-60 minute (depending on sea conditions) trip along the coast to a fine stretch of white sand that is popular with locals. While the sand is not powder fine, it is excellent for swimming and has a number of small restaurants, bars and shops. It makes for a good rest day if you starting to find Sabang a little small in between dives.
'''Sabang Webcam''' - If you want to See Sabang Beach live, there is a website ([http://www.mycam-asia.tv/]) that has three webcam locations for Sabang beaches, one each for Big La Laguna, Small La Laguna and Sabang. The webcam image frequency is once every 30 seconds so you can see the real-time vista, the weather and the people and boats coming and going.
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 $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.
'''Action Divers''' [http://actiondivers.com/diving.html] is a smallish dive shop has been in Small Lalaguba for more than 10 years but is very proud of its high level of customer satisfaction and safety.
They generaly run 3 dives a day at 9am, midday and 3pm. Local guides know all the good spots and understands the tides in the Verde Channel.
If you contact them they can put together diving and hotel packages to suit your needs.
'''Asia Divers''' [http://asiadivers.com/asiadivers/] is a reputable dive shop that has been around Sabang for over ten years. The divemasters, hailing from Britain, Germany, and Canada, are friendly and dive in smaller groups (usually four divers and one divemaster). They typically run four dives each day, including one night dive, and put together some nice hotel/dive packages with their sister resort, The El Galleon, located adjacent to their dive shop.
'''Atlantis Dive Resort''' [http://atlantishotel.com/puertogalera/scubadiving.php/] is a Five Star PADI Career Development Centers; two of only few dive centers with such a rating in Asia, you will find the highest standard of dive education, first class facilities and world class dive guides.
'''Big Apple Dive Resort''' [http://www.divebigapple.com/] is the place for all your fun and scuba diving requirements in Puerto Galera. The resort is located in the middle of Sabang beach and is central to and within a few minutes walking distance of all the famous nightlife and restaurants. The bar and restaurant are open 24hrs, serving a wide range of food and beverages. With two full size billiard tables in the bar overlooking the bay of Sabang it's a great place to make new friends and enjoy the fun loving atmosphere. A wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets from cottage style fan rooms to luxury air conditioned apartments with standby generators guaranteeing 24hr power. For the sporting fans there is 'Super Sports' Satellite TV showing live sports events from around the world. Fully equipped dive shop adjacent to the best swimming pool in Sabang offering PADI and SSI courses from open water to dive master at competitive rates.
'''Frontier Scuba''' [http://www.frontierscuba.com]. A 5-Star Instructor Training Facility, one of only a handful in Asia. Packages are arranged including direct private transfers from Manila airport and excellent resort accommodation. Their partner resort has more than 40 rooms all with hot shower, cable TV and airconditioned and is very reasonably priced. Resverations are made through the dive centre. The dive center has trained naturalists as guides. Recreational courses are offered from the Discover Scuba 'try dive' up to and including Instructor Courses and Exams. The Technical dive center is one of only a handful of TDI 5-Star Instructor Training centers in Asia - offering nitrox, Advanced Nitrox, Advanced Wreck, Extended Range, Trimix and advanced trimix courses as well as Technical Instructor courses. Highly recommended.
'''Sea Rider Dive Center''', e-mail searider_mark@yahoo.co.uk +63 29215885994, e-mail searider_mark@yahoo.co.uk, [http://www.seariderdivecenter.com]. The cheapest dive and courses rate in the island with excellent macro & pelagic spotter. Berde island trip and night diving are always part of their daily activities. They arrange accommodation and transporation from Manila Intl airport & Clark Field Pampanga Intl airport to Sabang vice versa. Free intro dive for '''Non Nitrox Divers'''. Free boat pick up for public commuters from Sabang pier or Muelle pier to Sea Rider. Free slot for group organizers and commissions awaits!
'''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 $100 They offer IANTD and GUE courses. The instructors also appreciate supplies of english tea bags, curry powder and Fray Bentos pies!
'''Puerto Galera Hash House Harriers''', [http://www.pghhh.com]. The local branch of the Hash House Harriers, an international group with clubs on every continent. All you need is a little taste for adventure combined with an enjoyment of the outdoors, when every Saturday afternoon a mixed group of Filipinos and Foreigners follow trails around some of the finest hashing areas in the country, when you will have the opportunity to see some of its most picturesque locations. You do not have to be super fit; the emphasis is more on enjoying the hash, and go at your own speed. If you would like to join in, meet at Capt'n Greggs Dive Resort on Sabang Beach from 3pm each Saturday. Runs depart at 3:30PM sharp. Cost for first time runners is 450 pesos for men, 350 pesos for women and 300 pesos for children which includes a t-shirt, post-hash drinks and transport. If you are already a member (i.e. you are wearing a hash t-shirt) subtract 150 pesos.
Buy
There are no ATMs in Sabang however the Rural Bank in Puerto Galera now has an ATM which accepts cards on the Megalink and Expressnet networks (generally Philippines issued cards only). Also since August 2008 the Allied Savings Bank in Puerto Galera town (10 mins from Sabang) has an international ATM that accepts Visa cards (debit / credit). The nearest banks with international Cirrus/Maestro links are in Calapan or Batangas (including ATMs at Batangas Pier).
The tourist center [http://www.touristcenter.com.ph/philippines/services/index.html] 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 exorbitant by Philippines' standards, ranging from around 100-200 Pesos for breakfast and 200-400P for lunch/dinner. Cheaper eats can be found at a few more local establishments, such as Tina's at the easternmost end of Sabang Beach.
'''Hemingway's Restaurant''' - Located at the West end of Sabang beach. The food here is consistently good, with Spanish style tapas and recipes from Key West and the Caribbean. Sangria, Mojitos and Margaritas are popular from the drinks menu.
'''Toko's Restaurant''' [http://www.atlantishotel.com/toko/index.php/] - Located at ''Atlantis Dive Resort''. Asia's finest resort restaurants in Puerto Galera and Dumaguete. Toko's is quoted by world reknowned "Lonely Planet" travel guide book as "world class cuisine". Enjoy relaxed dining with superb menu choices freshly prepared by Atlantis team of dedicated local & international chefs.
There are now TWO ATM's on Puerto Galera, Connected to Mega Link, Allied Bank being the newest.
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.
'''Marty's Bar''' - located in a quiet, unassuming concrete building in central Sabang, Marty's Bar is proof positive that it's the owner, that makes the bar. Popular and inviting, Marty quit his 23 years as an Australian Police officer to become the ever-present host of the friendliest bar on the beach. For the bookworms, an extensive collection of books makes Marty's 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.
'''Rafael's Rare Chords Bar''' - located at the western end of Sabang Beach (on the way to Small La Laguna) [http://www.rafaelsrarechords.com/]. 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 P33) and cheap home-cooked snack menu.
'''The Point Bar''' - located 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 6:30. Food can be ordered from the El Galleon Resort restaurant menu. Famous for their range of devestating shots, the tradition for anyone who's 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''' - Sabang has four 'girly bars'. Some girls are under-age and if caught you will be going to jail. All girls are licensed by the local munipality as 'maids' and can be brought out of the bar. All are trapped in prostitution as they make weekly remittances to support their families. If you have to indulge; play safe and don't be tight with your money
Sleep
'''''Sabang Beach'''''
'"Marti's Bar & Accomodation"' E-mail: martis_bar_sabangbeac@yahoo.com has a few rooms to let right above the bar for about P$600 a night. Rooms have private bathroom and kitchen. After diving, go have a beer with Marti.
'''Angelyns Beach Resort''' [http://www.frontierscuba.com/] - great value for money makes this one of the best buys in Sabang. 40 aircon rooms complete with TV, hot shower and mini bar. Breakfast is included in the price and the resort has a beach front restaurant and swimming pool. Reservations can be made through Frontier Scuba in conjunction with dive packages and transfers. Rates are from P1250~P1900 per room per night including breakfast. Unlike other resorts there is no additional service charge or VAT.
'''Atlantis Dive Resort''' [http://www.atlantishotel.com/] - The people, you come first in everything Atlantis do, whether it_fs your honeymoon, your first time on scuba or a dedicated photo dive for the most experienced divers. Atlantis resort team has decades of experience in all areas, but what makes us stand out is the way we make you feel. When you return, which we are sure you will_c it_fs just like coming home.
'''Big Apple Dive Resort''' [http://www.divebigapple.com/] - a budget minded resort right on the beach. of Sabang Bay. The Big Apple has a large outdoor pool, restaurant, and pool tables. Its is also located nearest the action. dive packages are available
'''''Small Lalaguna Beach'''''
'''El Galleon Resort''' [http://asiadivers.com/elgalleon/] - has a nice waterfront location on the point separating Sabang from Big La Laguna. If you are in Sabang to dive, you could easily spend a week and never venture further from El Galleon and its adjacent dive shop, Asia Divers. There are three types of rooms (budget, poolside and ocean view), all are quiet (no roosters or generators nearby), clean and close to the pool. Nightly rates for double occupancy range from $36 - $60 with discounts available with a dive package. Rates do not include service charge and taxes The resort also has a fine restaurant and is one of the few in Sabang that offers waterfront dining.
''' Portofino Resort''' [http://portofino.com.ph] has a waterfront location with a pool and a bar just inside the front wall. Restaurant and Bar are good. There are studio, single bedroom and two bedroom apartments which can be self catering. The elavated rooms at the front have a good view. Nightly rates for twin occupancy are posted on their website but could be negotiable when you contact them, so far its not Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year or Easter!
'''''Big Lalaguna Beach'''''
'''Campbell's Beach Resort''' [http://www.campbellsbeachresort.com/] - Situated at the far western end of the beach, Campbell's Beach Resort has rooms to suit every budget from 990 pesos per night. All rooms are absolute sea frontage with double beds, air conditioning, cable TV and private bathroom with hot showers. Additionally Deluxe and Penthouse Rooms are equipped with refrigerators and safety boxes. The bar and restaurant is a great place to relax and enjoy the sunset and offers a full range of drinks and Thai, Filipino and Western dishes as well as the best Angus Steak on the beach! Private Transfers from Angeles and Manila can be arranged, as can adventure activities, tours and scuba diving.
'''Lalaguna Beach Club''' [http://www.llbc.com.ph/] - In the center of the bay, LaLaguna Beach Club is a the most up-market hotel on the beach with an emphasis on diving. The resort has 31 rooms, 28 rooms offering air-conditioning and mini bar, cable TV, plus 3 cottages with electric fans. All rooms have private bathrooms and modern comforts including hot water. There are 6 family rooms available, consisting of 1 double bed and a set of bunk beds. (stretcher beds and mattresses available for children.) Popular activities which can be offered by the resort are beach picnics, mountain hiking, golfing and fishing. The Beach Club also offers dive trips to other destinations aboard their live-aboard dive vessel M.V. Rags [http://www.dive-safari.com/]
'''Swengland Dive Resort''' [http://www.swenglandresort.com/] - Swengland Dive Resort is a new establishment located on the beach at Big Lalaguna, and caters to holiday makers and recreational divers. There are 14 fully air conditioned rooms each with private en-suite bathroom, queen sized bed and cable TV from just 1,100 pesos per night and from just 900 pesos per night with fan. Enjoy an ice cold beer in the bar as you watch the sunset over the Batangas Channel or have a game of pool on the full-sized billiard table. The restaurant offers both Filipino and European cuisine and specialises in authentic Indian curries. Other facilities include cable television, internet access, 24 hour electricity, international telephone and fax service, money changing and travel booking and confirmation.
'''''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.
Sabang Oasis. abang Beach,Puerto Galera. 063-43-2773564. ww.sabangoasis.com. 500. Sabang Oasis is the newest and most modern resort in the center of Sabang. With a rooftop bar and swimming pool giving amazing views acroos the bay. All rooms have hardwired internet access and high pressure solar heated showers,5* hotel standard mattresses and air-con as standard, refridgerators and safety boxes are also fitted. Nightly rates are 1500-1800 with discounts available for longer stays
sabang oasis resort. abang beach. 063-43-2873564. ww.sabangoasis.com. 500-1800. Sabang Oasis is the newest resort situated in the center of Sabang and 2 minutes walk from the beach.All rooms are modern and finished to a western standard with hardwired internet access,solar heated high pressure showers, mini bar and safety box and best of all luxurious 5* quality sprung mattresses to ensure a good nights sleep. We have a rooftop bar and swimming pool that gives amazing views across the bay while relaxing and having a beer with us. Nightly room rates are from 1500-1800 per night with discounts available for longer stays. We also have 3 apartments for those wishing to stay 2 months or longer
Get out
The easiest way to get out of Sabang is to travel to Batangas by passenger banca from the station on the beach at 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 hours jeep ride from Puerto Galera) where there are regular Roro and fast passenger ferry departures for Batangas. Calapan is also the place to head for to pick up a bus bound for Roxas (4 hours) where there are regular ferries to Caticlan (Boracay). Other options include hiring a private banca to take you to Batangas, or if you want to visit Mindoro Occidental and Apo Reef, Abra de Ilog, accessed through the pier at Wawa.