Puerto Galera Part 3: Sabang Beach And Casalay Boutique Villas & Diving Spot

I’ve been to Puerto Galera so many times, but this was my first time visiting Sabang Beach. To my surprise, what was once a sandy shore has now been transformed into a seaside boardwalk. The vibe feels less like a traditional beach and more like a village by the sea.

Sandy beaches can still be found nearby at spots like Small Lalaguna Beach, Big Lalaguna Beach, Dalaruan Beach, and Coco Beach, where the charm of Puerto Galera’s natural shores remains intact.

Sabang, however, is not a family-friendly destination after sundown. Its nightlife caters to a more mature crowd, with numerous girly bars showcasing Filipina performers. The entertainment scene here is lively and it is better suited for those looking to party.

We know how lively Sabang beach could get every night so I am impressed to see a clean boardwalk during the day. The wide boardwalk is perfect for a leisurely seaside stroll and relaxation by the seawall. Unfortunately, the roads leading to Sabang are narrow and can be a challenge to navigate.

But it was better before. Old Sabang was simpler and more natural, as I’ve heard from older generations. It used to be all sand, dotted with sustainable huts and lined with coconut trees. When businesses and concrete structures began encroaching on the shore, it lost its pristine beauty, becoming overcrowded and cluttered. Everyone just built structures on top of each other and side by side.

Since foreigners are flocked in this area, the culinary scene here became diversed and each restaurant offers different cuisine. But I just had an Oat Cappuccino from this cute cart of Seashore Coffee as we were still full from the breakfast we had at the hotel. Branded coffee shops like Seattle’s Best were also under construction during my visit, a testament to the area’s ongoing evolution.

Sabang is a hub for freediving, with inns and training centers on nearly every corner. That’s no surprise because when I snorkeled last time in Coral Garden and Giant Clam, which are just near Sabang, I knew that Puerto Galera is also lovely underwater. It is teeming with vibrant marine life and stunning coral gardens, making it a paradise for divers.

But since I do not know how to freedive and I do not have enough time in Puerto Galera to learn, I opted for parasailing instead. The experience was exhilarating! Although we were led to a different place for this activity, I could see the bird’s-eye view of Sabang beach and the rest of the town. It was a memorable way to appreciate Puerto Galera’s beauty from above.

There are plenty of accommodations around Sabang, but most cater to partygoers, diving groups and people who have their own secret businesses we shouldn’t care. You will see the hotel buildings on the other side of this cove.

For a more serene and exclusive stay, we chose Casalay Boutique Villas and Dive Resort. There are hundreds of hotels and resorts in Puerto Galera and honestly, Casalay is one of the few luxury hotels in the town. And by few, I mean five or less.

There wasn’t a direct road leading to Casalay so we were advised to park our car at Secret Bay, which surprisingly has a pristine white sand as well. From here, we rode a five-minute boat ride to Casalay.

Once there, the resort’s mountainside location becomes evident. At first, I couldn’t appreciate the facade of the resort. Villas are arranged uphill in what initially seems like a disorganized layout. So it doesn’t looked synchronized when viewed althogether. But over time, I got to see the beauty and goal of Casalay. The owner just prioritized conservation by preserving the natural greenery and minimizing environmental impact. In fact, I witnessed a lot of mountain trees, which were left untouched despite of the hotel’s construction.

I liked that the villa where we stayed was cozy and cabin-like, with high ceilings and glass doors. It shows a classic yet rustic charm. It was small though. It can merely fit a bed. There was no chair. There no television so there was also no Netflix. There was a mezzanine but the bed there was not assembled unless there were more than two guests. I wish they still set it up as it would have added to the room’s aesthetic.

The bathroom was spacious, with separate areas for the toilet, shower, and plunge pool. The plunge pool, however, was unavailable unless you stayed for three days or more. That’s understandable. It was neat but still plain-looking due to lack of decorations. The shower’s water pressure and warmth were fantastic. But the open design felt a little too exposed, even with the surrounding forest.

Despite the stunning beachfront with its mix of grey and cream coarse sand, it wasn’t particularly enjoyable to relax by the sea due to the rocky underwater surface. It was okay, but it felt similar to the sea conditions in Sabang and Friday’s. When it comes to playing in the sea, we still prefer White Beach.

Hence, we opted to swim in the hotel’s lap pool instead. The water was cold. We also had been informed beforehand that there was no lifeguard, so we needed to be extra cautious. Still, having a lifeguard on duty would have provided an added sense of security, especially in emergencies. That said, the staff at Casalay are experienced in water activities since the hotel is also a dive center, and I trust they can protect their guests if needed.

Guests should still be mindful of the pool’s layout, as one section has a depth of ten feet. This is where the hotel conducts short SCUBA diving training sessions. If budget permits, I believe taking diving classes at Casalay is a more worthwhile experience compared to the schools in Sabang. This judgment, however, is based on the ambiance and setting. I’m still not sure about the instructors’ expertise.

The al fresco restaurant was a highlight of our stay, with its simple yet homey design and natural ambiance. It doubled as a relaxing workspace for me, offering a breezy, calming atmosphere. We spent our snack upon arrival and breakfast here. We had our dinner delivered to our room, but it was also prepared by them.

Meals here were enjoyable. I particularly enjoyed the thin-crust pizza with flavorful basil and fresh shrimps. The Seafood Marinara had strong tomato paste but I am not complaining. The sizzling gambas had the right heat but could have used more shrimp, while the French toast was bland and lacked sufficient soak. The American omelette, however, was well-seasoned and generously filled. The Cucumber Lime was natural-tasting and the Iced Lattr was just fine.

Sabang Beach offers a mix of lively nightlife and daytime serenity, but its transformation over the years has made it less of a beach destination and more of a bustling seaside village. Casalay Boutique Villas and Dive Resort, however, is a hidden gem that offers tranquility, stunning natural surroundings, and a touch of luxury, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a peaceful retreat in Puerto Galera.