Solo Trip to Udallo, Abra de Ilog (Occidental Mindoro) – Travel Guide + Puerto Galera Side Trip
🐚 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 music playing.
He loaded my bag into the trunk and said with a grin, “Ready for some peace and quiet?”
The hour-long ride to Udallo passed in a blur of sleepy barangays, coconut farms, and slow countryside air. With Johannes narrating the route like a laid-back tour guide, I felt like I’d made a friend long before checking in.
🌴 Arrival: Where Time Slowed Down
Udallo is the kind of place where the breeze feels like a soft whisper and every view looks like a painting.
When we reached the resort, I was greeted by silence — and the sound of waves. No Wi-Fi. No noise. Just bamboo walls, a hammock, and a quiet beach waiting for footprints.
I sat down with a cold beer and just… existed.
🍽️ My Kind of Feast: BBQ, Buko, and Brewed Coffee
Dinner was simple but perfect. Grilled BBQ pork skewers, fresh buko juice, and a cup of hot coffee under the stars.
I wasn’t in a touristy place. No bars, no fancy menus — just the comfort of food I prepared myself, and the freedom to enjoy it slowly.
🌊 Day 2: Wallowing in Solitude
I woke up with the sun and wandered barefoot along the shoreline. The view? Pure serenity.
Rocks, sand, and salt in the air. I spent most of that day doing absolutely nothing — and loving every second of it.
🛶 Day 3: A Shortcut to Puerto Galera, Island-Style
On my last morning, Kuya Rod, a friendly fisherman Johannes had introduced me to, offered to take me to White Beach, Puerto Galera — via bangka.
It wasn’t part of the plan. But I said yes.
Riding that small wooden boat across the open sea — just me, my bag, and the waves — was the most unexpectedly thrilling moment of the trip. I arrived at White Beach by late morning, with enough time for lunch and a quick dip before heading home.
🧭 2025 Travel Guide: How to Get to Udallo (DIY & Budget-Friendly)
🚢 Step 1: Get to Batangas Port
- From Manila, take a bus (DLTB, Alps, or Jam) to Batangas Grand Terminal.
- From there, ride a tricycle to Batangas Port.
- Travel time: ~3 hours (from Cavite: ~2 hours)
⛴️ Step 2: Take the Ferry to Abra de Ilog
- Buy a ticket (Montenegro or FastCat) to Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro.
- Ferry travel time: 2–3 hours
- Fare: ₱280–₱350
🚗 Step 3: Arrange Pick-Up with Johannes (Udallan Beach House)
- Johannes will meet you by car at the port and drive you to Udallo.
- Drive time: ~1 hour
- Tip: Coordinate via text or Airbnb before arriving.
🛶 Bonus Option: Boat to Puerto Galera
- Ask Kuya Rod to take you to White Beach, Puerto Galera via bangka.
- Boat ride: ~45 mins to 1 hour
- Fare: ₱1000 (negotiable)
- Weather and availability may vary
🌿 Final Thoughts
What started as a simple solo trip became one of my most peaceful and memorable experiences. I didn’t spend much. I didn’t have a plan. I just let the place — and the people — carry me.
You don’t need to be rich, young, or experienced to travel. You just need to go.
Planning your own escape to Udallo or Puerto Galera? Drop a comment or message me. I’ll gladly help!
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