Exploring Occidental Mindoro

Beyond the southwest coast of Batangas lies Occidental Mindoro, a province that glimmers with natural luster that even the jaded traveler cannot ignore. Occidental Mindoro, 15 kilometers from the southwest coast of Luzon, is accessible by sea and air. Flights from Manila to San Jose are available from Sunday to Friday and travel time is around one hour. There are also chartered and commuter flights from Manila to Lubang Island that take about 45 minutes.

The town of Mamburao is the provincial capital and the seat of government. San Jose, considered the main commercial port of the province, is the center of commerce and entertainment. The bustling town is home to major banks, restaurants, cafes and schools. To the northwest of mainland Occidental Mindoro is Lubang Island, divided into two municipalities - Looc and Lubang - along with the surrounding islands of Ambil, Golo and Cabra. These islands have fine white sand beaches.

Sablayan, located at the center of the province, is the largest municipality. The town has its own municipal fish port, where produce is traded and shipped to surrounding areas. Sablayan is surrounded by a haven of biodiversity: it is the jump-off point to Apo Reef marine Park, the white sand beaches of Pandan Island, and the magnificient heights of Mt. Iglit-Baco National Park.

Ambulong Island, San Jose
One of the three island attractions in San Jose, the 3,000-hectare Ambulong has white sand beaches, interesting cliff pillars that rise up from the sea, and mysterious underwater caves. The island's Caminawit Port serves as a jump-off point to the numerous dive sites in the area such as Iling Point, Baniaga Reef, Ambulong Bank, Dungan Reef, Sardines Reef, Apo Reef and Manadi Island.


Apo Reef National Park, Apo Island, Sablayan

Colorful coral gardens in the waters off Apo Reef

Dubbed as the diving mecca of the Philippines, this 34-kilometer reef has a narrow channel dividing the reef into two lagoon systems. Beneath the clear water of these lagoons, divers can explore the fine white sand bottom with its colorful array of approximately 400 to 500 coral species. Almost 500 marine species, including a variety of sharks, stingrays and manta rays, can also be spotted around the area. Bird-watchers can visits the fascinating bird-populated islands of Binangaan and Cajos del Bajo, which are also part of the Apo Reef Marine Park.

Ilin Island, San Jose
Considered as the biggest island among the three off San Jose, Ilin has five beaches fringed with reefs that are approachable on foot during low tide. The area abounds with shells and the residents are mostly shell divers.

Pandan Grande Island, Sablayan
This 30-hectare islet has a curving white sand beach dotted with natives-style cottages which are used as diver's lodges. The beach is popular with snorkelers and divers, as it is located within swimming distance of a submarine drop-off inhabited by schools of reef fish.

Mt. Iglit, San Jose
Declared as a national park and forest reservation, Mt. Iglit is also a game sanctuary for the tamaraw, a species of wild water buffalo endemic to Mindoro. Resembling the carabao, the tamaraw is smaller in size, with shorter and straighter V-shaped horns. These endangered animals live in the forests at the foot of Mt. Iglit. Trekkers and climbers may be able to catch a glimpse of the tamaraw as well as several other species of indigenous wildlife and flora. Iglit-Baco National Park is also the home of the Hanuno'o Mangyan, Mindoro's aborigines. Authorizations for visits to the ethnic community are required; these can be arranged in advance by the hotels.

Parola Park, Lumang Bayan, Sablayan

The park's centerpiece, a historic watchtower or parola, was erected in 1896 to warn natives about impending raids by pirates. The ruins of an old church can be found in the park together with an old cannon once used to defend the town.

Calawagan Mountain Resort, Brgy. Alipaoy, Paluan

Jump and enjoy the cool, bracing natural pools of the Calawagan Mountain Resort. The Calawagan River has consistently been voted as the Cleanest Inland Body of Water in the Department of Interior and Local Government's (DILG) Clean and Green Program.Operated by the local government since 1976, the one-and-a half hectare resort is a popular picnic spot and swimming hole. Visitors are requested to bring their own food as there are no restaurants at the resort.

Mamburao Beach Resort, Brgy. Fatima, Mamburao
Located within a secluded cove, the resort covers 14 hectares of developed beach shaded by coconut trees. The area is ideal for swimming, boating, scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, deep-sea fishing, and water skiing.

Inasakan, Ilin Island
Marked by lush vegetation, encircling the clear blue waters of the South China Sea, the site serves as a jump-off point to other attractions in Ilin, in particular the numerous dive sites surrounding the island.

Hulugaan Falls, Brgy. Tambo, Ambil Island
Located in the southeast portion of Lubang Island, Hulugaan Falls is a series of falls that cascades down to a stony beach.

Besay Falls, Brgy. Tambo, Ambil Island
Besay Falls is composed of a series of cascades that flow into a basin of crystal clear water about five meters in diameter. The scenic road to the waterfalls passes through a rice plantation and a carabao pasture.

Tamayaan Beach, Brgy. Tamayaan, Mamburao
This one-hectare beach is a favorite swimming destination among residents. There are cottages for rent in the area. (source: Department of Tourism Ph)