Ponderosa Golf Course — Local services in Puerto Galera

A Memorable Experience at Ponderosa Golf Course

We created a core family bonding memory at Ponderosa Golf Course that I will cherish and always look forward to doing again.

Café and Restaurant The food and service were excellent, paired with a majestic view. My favorite breakfast was the longanissa with egg, and for snacks, I loved the turon with a cafe americano. The menu had a good variety, and we enjoyed every meal from breakfast to dinner. What impressed me most was how they accommodated special food requests for my toddler son—such thoughtful service!

Bed and Breakfast Accommodations My husband and I stayed in the Mulawin 2 room, which was spacious, clean, and incredibly homey. I haven’t slept so soundly in a long time! Waking up to the breathtaking view of mountains and trees from the veranda was a perfect way to start the day. It was a “zen” experience—ideal for meditation, reflection, or simply relaxing in the cozy chair with a book and coffee. It’s truly what rest should feel like.

Golf Simulator and Golf Course Even as a non-golfer, I had a blast! The golf simulator was cozy, air-conditioned, and equipped with high-tech gear—the same simulator used by Tiger Woods, as I was informed. With the caddy’s guidance, I even got the hang of proper swinging form and grip. My husband had fun learning too but I was more into it.

So after practicing with the golf simulator, I tried the golf course for the first time! Riding the golf cart to each hole was fun, and though it was nerve-wracking at first, the caddy’s professionalism and encouragement made the experience enjoyable. The course itself was a fantastic challenge, with its uphill and downhill holes providing a great workout. The scenery while playing was absolutely stunning.

Beaches Just 15 minutes away from the Ponderosa Country Club, my family visited Tamaraw Beach early in the morning. It was quiet and peaceful, with only a few people around, making it the perfect spot for family photos. The beauty of the beach was breathtaking, and it added another layer of joy to our trip.

Snorkeling and Trails Ponderosa also helped us arrange snorkeling and connected us to Edward, who picked us up with a speed boat to Media Island. With Edward were Manong Fred, a local native, and Jovy, a writer and researcher who shared the history of the island and their conservation efforts.

We started with a short 10-minute trail to the “Titanic” spot, which was perfect for photos. After the trek, we were treated to fresh buko, which was incredibly refreshing. Next, we went snorkeling, cruising over coral reefs in a “bangka.” The highlight was spotting and following a large sea turtle—it was an unforgettable experience!

Edward then took us to explore the Underwater Cave, which was both thrilling and picturesque. This part of the trip truly felt like an adventure, and the memories we made were priceless.

Final Thoughts Ponderosa Golf Course exceeded my expectations in every way. From the delicious food to the serene accommodations, fun activities, and nearby attractions, it was an unforgettable experience. Highly recommended for families, couples, and anyone looking for a perfect blend of relaxation...

The only golf course on Mindoro. A short 9-hole layout, it's built on a steeply pitched part of the property. The course demands precision and is best played with par as the objective. The greens are tiny but have been rehabilitated and are rolling much better than on my first visit here. Your short game needs to be on point to score well.

Local rules are interesting; it was designed as a fun course, so play with that in mind. Preferred lies anywhere on the golf course, within one club of the ball's original position, no nearer the hole. Drop zones being established on several holes as the position of the greens doesn't give you a place to miss.

A path is being built to allow a shuttle to transport players back up the steeper part of the course. This will make the course more enjoyable to play.

The views are spectacular, so don't take your game too seriously here. Stop, have a cold beverage and take in the scenery. It's a good time.

Food is excellent, beer's cold and served in a frosty mug. The clubhouse is homey and well appointed. A golf simulator is being installed and will add to the overall experience. Something to look forward to.

Four very homey rooms are available at the moment and another six will be ready soon. All have wonderful vistas of Batangas Bay just outside the door. A quiet, very peaceful place to stay while exploring all that Puerto Galera...

Ponderosa made me fall in love with Mindoro all over again. Over the years, I have visited mostly Sabang and White Beach - I’ve seen both areas change from beautiful authentic beach town destinations full of character to overcrowded, over-commercialized beach areas with little to no evidence of adequate infrastructure support, crowd regulation or environmental consideration. It became just a necessary pit stop whenever we wanted to dive Galera sites.

Ponderosa gave us a chance to experience the beauty of Mindoro away from the usual beach towns. Nestled in the side of the mountain 15 minutes from Port Balatero, it seemed like it had its own climate characterized by misty mornings and a cool mountain breeze. Accommodations were so comfortable, food was great, staff was so welcoming and thoughtful. You could play a round of golf anytime during the day and enjoy their VR golf room if you feel like staying in. There are also some interesting trails for hikers.

And if you wanted to go to the beach, drive down 15 minutes to hit Sabang or White Beach - Both have been cleaned up and fixed (great job on the board walk) and boasts some great places to eat and just hangout.

Definitely going back here. Big fan once again of Mindoro and Ponderosa. 5...