Montani Beach Resort — Hotel in Puerto Galera

After I had a nice overnight stay at Batangas City on Luzon, I went to Batangas port. On entering the port I did have a little trouble with what are known as ‘fixers’ - con men who pass themselves off as port/ferryline staff and try to charge you in addition to the price you pay for the ticket. Once I’d got rid of them I caught a small, full ferry to Puerto Galera on the island of Mindoro. This took about an hour I think. Quite a smooth trip. The passengers were mainly Filipinos, but there were a few tourists too. ||||When booking accommodation the decision I had to make was whether to stay in the main part of Puerto Galera or to stay at Sabang. I leaned towards Sabang, but the information I had suggested it was mainly for scuba divers, and I wasn’t planning to dive. I’m sure I would’ve enjoyed staying in Puerto Galera town or White Beach, but in the end I arranged to stay at Montani in Sabang, and it was most enjoyable.||||I would describe Sabang as ‘off the beaten track’, and in turn the Montani Beach Resort Hotel is quite well hidden within Sabang. There is no road or street to Montani. You need to walk along a narrow path from Sabang pier. So when you arrive by bus or trike (Philippines motorbike and side car taxi) you are not dropped off outside the hotel, you need to walk along the bay, past several other hotels to get to it. However, it’s still only 5 minutes walk from shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and transport once you’ve found it. ||||The first room I was given had some problems so the staff transferred me to a higher grade room. I liked it and in the end I booked an extra three nights, making it 5 in all. There seem to be a variety of rooms all at different prices. I didn’t get a chance to look around them but I think the most expensive ones look out onto the bay.||||The staff who work on the front desk, bar and dining area are experienced and friendly. I think some are actually from Sabang, know it well and can advise guests. I asked about motorbike hire. I could have had a walk around Sabang and looked myself, but I thought it was more sensible to try and get a recommendation. The hire was arranged straight away for the next day. The people at the hire business were great, the motorbike was in good condition and a helmet was included. I rode around the island all day taking in the sights and scenery, and when I delivered it back, I arranged the same for the day after. When I say I rode around the island I suppose I mean part of the island. When I looked at the map afterwards it dawned on me how big Mindoro is. It seems much of it is without paved roads. It’s much more of a natural tropical island than I had imagined it would be. On the second day I rode all the way to Calapan City and back. Another to add to the list of places visited. I think that might be a 65 mile round trip which was enough for me in the strong sunshine and heat. On the way there and on the way back I stopped for refreshments at a forested beauty spot called Tamaraw Falls. I’m pleased I didn’t miss that. Thus Sabang turned out to be a good base. ||||Montani is not a very large site but a swimming pool has been incorporated into the design. It is an integral part of the ground floor open fronted reception/bar/restaurant area. It was great to have a dip after a long hot day exploring. The restaurant tables are close to the pool. I didn’t eat at the restaurant every day but the dishes I tried tasted good. It’s a large selection of European and local dishes. ||||For some people the hotel being a walk from the road might be a negative - luggage needing to be carried or wheeled etc. However, one of the best things about Montani is to have a sunset drink at the bar restaurant looking out over the bay. Even if you’re not staying there, I would recommend the hotel just for that. Even if you don’t drink alcohol, go there and order a soft drink and watch the sun fade over the bobbing boats. Egg yolk yellow. Blood orange red. Jet black. Therefore I feel that Montani being away from the road with no traffic noise enhances the sundown experience and turns the possible negative into a positive.||||Finally though, I tore myself away. The staff pointed me in the direction of transport back to Luzon, and the stay was over until the...

I've been coming to Sabang for 15 years. I've stayed at this place more than 5 times during various visits, its now my most favorite place to stay in Sabang and White beach. things have changed since the pandemic, access and travel time, but well worth the effort. once you arrive, I don't even have to check in, I just show up and tell them which rooms I'd prefer, and its done. the rooms are large, 11, 12 and 14, my favs. their clean, good aircon, good wifi, great bathrooms and shower, warm water, TV works, has cable, viewing deck comfortable and glass slider access. food is the best I've had on the island, Mel, the chef, is great and very accommodating, he gave me my own personal access to the early morning bar to make my own brewed coffee, that'll never happen anywhere else folks, and he's a great cook. the staff is very friendly and accommodating, they speak good English, the place stays open until the visitors are finished with their entertainment. the pool is small, yet wonderful, access within walking distance from your get off taxi, but not very wheelchair friendly, not much of the PI is unfortunately, I plan to make this my only option to stay when visiting the island. I recommend calling ahead to check availability and have a back up plan because they fill up during high season. access to the island has changed a bit. Batangas seaport is your beginning and you can only arrive in PeurtoGaler, then can only take a tricycle and/or Tuktuk to get there, takes about 35 minutes, cost about 350 pesos and is better then white beach hands down. has walking distance to bars, clubs, nightlife, yet far enough away to be silent for sleeping, many scuba shops and options, its a scuba mecca, you can YouTube many themes here and you should, I can't recommend this place enough and if your on the fence, pull the trigger, its worth it. good luck...

I stayed twice in 2 weeks and I was glad my previous establishment had bad service levels . I was recommended by a local person and from get-go the front of staff was keen to show me the available rooms. The pricing was very good for the level of service and more than adequate accomodation . check-in went quickly & smoothly and special request for a chair to be placed in the shower & additional pillows [ I am physically challenged ] was quickly responded to. |The room was very clean & functional with a kettle, 2 bottles of water and sachets of coffee, sugar & creamer. The lock-box / room safe was key operated but large enough to store a laptop and a tablet and all other items.|Was good to have a shower {after diving } with almost regular hot water.|I showed the Lady attending to me how to make a Martini Espresso and she made it perfectly. Other cocktails were also very good.|The chef was more than happy to cook what we suggested and or fresh ingredients bought as I was craving for Fresh Shitake Mushrooms and Vegetable Soup which he delivered perfectly.|I was more than happy to wait for the chef to finish whatever I ordered as every meal was satisfactory and well priced.|Additional request for transport was handled well & timeously.||I would definitely return to stay at this venue and I am hoping by then that all building / alteration work has been completed as this was the only downside & a heads-up would have been good although even during the day I slept well throughout the building work...