Escaping the Grind: A Soulful Weekend in Dulangan and Baco, Oriental Mindoro

🌴 Escaping the Grind: A Soulful Weekend in Dulangan and Baco, Oriental Mindoro

As a 40-something traveler juggling work, socials, and the search for peace, I finally gave myself a much-needed break—from Trece Martires, Cavite to the laid-back beauty of Dulangan, Oriental Mindoro. A quick weekend escape, but it felt like a full reset for my mind and body.

🚤 Getting There: Trece Martires to Puerto Galera

I started the journey early from Trece Martires, headed to Batangas Port, and boarded a fast craft directly to Puerto Galera. It was a smoother and quicker ride compared to the alternative RORO via Calapan. Less travel time means more time to relax—and that’s exactly what I needed.

🌊 First Stop: White Beach, Puerto Galera

I arrived around lunchtime and we went straight to White Beach. I grabbed a grilled seafood lunch with garlic rice and cracked open a cold beer while watching the waves roll in.

The vibe was just right—lively but not too crowded. I stayed through the afternoon and watched the sunset from the shore, toes in the sand and nothing on my mind except how good it felt to just *be*.

🛏️ Where I Stayed: Watering Hole Apartments, Dulangan

After a relaxing afternoon at the beach, I headed to my accommodation—Watering Hole Apartments in Dulangan. It’s quiet, surrounded by nature, and a perfect place to unplug. No distractions, just the hum of crickets at night and cool mountain air. A very relaxing alternative to the party fervor of White Beach.

☕ A Peaceful Morning: Infinity Farm

The next morning, I took a short trip to Infinity Farm in Baco. If you’ve never had breakfast surrounded by waterfalls and rainforest, you’re missing out.

I had tuna belly sinigang, tuna panga, grilled Pampano, garlic rice, and fresh buko juice, paired with a strong cup of brewed coffee. I know that sounds too much but all were shared with my guide/driver. The peaceful sound of rushing water and birdsong made it one of the most memorable meals I’ve had in a while.

🧘‍♂️ Final Thoughts

This wasn’t a trip filled with tours or ticking off must-sees. It was about slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and enjoying simple joys—fresh food, cool air, and good company.

If you're in your 40s (or just tired of the city grind and party crowds), Dulangan and Baco offer a perfect weekend reset. Skip the stress, take the fast craft, and make time for stillness.

Until next time—travel slow, live fully.

Labels: Trece Martires, Dulangan, Oriental Mindoro, Puerto Galera, Travel Blog, White Beach, Infinity Farm, Fast Craft Travel

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Wanderlust at Forty: From Trece Martires to Maniwaya Island

Image
  Wanderlust at Forty: From Trece Martires to Maniwaya Island I finally did it. At 40, I packed a small bag, turned off the work emails and hangout invites, and went on my first beach trip from Trece Martires -- to Maniwaya Island . And honestly? Should’ve done this sooner. 🚗 Getting There: A Cavitean's Journey Leaving Trece Martires, I hopped on a ride south along the scenic Trece Martires–Indang Road, then onto the bustling Governor’s Drive toward Manila–Quezon routes.  After roughly two hours and a few pit stops, I reached Lucena Grand Terminal. From there, a van whisked me to General Luna Port, a humble but lively dock for mariners, in about 2 hours more. Around 11 AM , I boarded a boat bound for Maniwaya—a one-hour voyage across emerald-blue waters, with sea breeze and anticipation filling the air .  🛶 Where to Stay: Islas Moriones Beach Resort Tucked along Santa Cruz’s beachfront, the resort boasts air-conditioned family suites  with private balconies, a l...
Read more

Solo Trip to Udallo, Abra de Ilog (Occidental Mindoro) – Travel Guide + Puerto Galera Side Trip

Image
🐚 Starting My Travel Journey at 40: A Serene Escape to Udallo, Abra de Ilog (Solo DIY Trip) Posted on July 14, 2025 | by Tutubing Dahon ✨ Why I Chose to Travel Alone — and Why at 40 Starting over at 40 sounds scary to most people. But to me, it sounded like the only way forward. I’ve spent years putting off simple joys — like traveling — thinking it was too late, too risky, or too expensive. But one quiet weekend, I decided: If I’m going to explore the world, I might as well start close to home, and I might as well start now. That’s how I found myself on a solo DIY trip to Udallo, Abra de Ilog — just me, my backpack, and a longing for peace. 🚗 Picked Up by a Stranger Who Felt Like a Friend As soon as I arrived at Abra de Ilog Port , a tall, cheerful man with a German accent greeted me — Johannes , my gracious host from Udallan's Beach House . We had only exchanged messages on Airbnb, but he showed up right on time, driving a sedan with the windows down and acoustic mu...
Read more