PLACES TO VISIT

Occidental Mindoro is the second province in Mindoro Island blessed with dozens of fascinating tourist spots. These tourist spots includes dive sites, coves and white sand beaches. It is also the home of the second-largest contiguous coral system in the world and it has even gained the reputation of being called as the Marine Wonderland of the Philippines.

Most of the tourist spots in Occidental Mindoro can be found on the municipalities of Sablayan, San Jose and Mamburao which one can also find good accommodations. There are around 400,000 people living in the province and they speak of Mangyan, Tagalog and English Languages.

If you are planning to visit all of the beautiful tourist spots in Mindoro Island, consider these best tourist spots in Occidental Mindoro. Read More: https://touristspotsfinder.com/occidental-mindoro-tourist-spots/

Agbalala Falls

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Agbalala Falls plunges 115 feet, its waters coming from a twin waterfall set deep in the rainforest. The waterfall drops to a pool with a depth of about 15 feet. To get there, tourists may choose between two trails. One option is to walk along the pebbled Casay beach, while the other is through an easy 15-minute trek by the mountainside. Both trails meet at the entry point of the falls where tourists are asked for donations. From there, the waterfall is a mere 3-minute walk. The boulders toward the end are slippery, so remember to be extra cautious. It can be found in Brgy. Wawa, Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro. Read More: https://explora.ph/attraction/380/agbalala-falls

Ambulong Island

Photo from: https://www.ironwulf.net/2009/06/15/mindoro-ambulong-island-grace-island/

Ambulong Island is one of the stunning islands in Occidental Mindoro. It has a powdery white sand beaches, calm and clear waters and beautiful sights of limestone cliffs. This island is also good for snorkeling since one can find beautiful coral gardens and plenty of marine lifeforms. There is a resort in the island named Ambulong Bluewater Resort that offers good accommodation. There are also beach beds and hammocks one can use. The island also serves as the jump-off point to the nearby dive sites and an island, so it would be better to include island hopping and diving in your plans.

Ambulong Island is located in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. Read More: https://touristspotsfinder.com/occidental-mindoro-tourist-spots/

Apo Reef National Park

Photo from: https://blog.macoymejia.com/tag/apo-reef/

Apo Reef National Park in Apo Island, Sibuyan is 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 -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 visit the fascinating bird-populated islands of Binangaan and Cajos del Bajo, which are also part of the Apo Reef Marine Park. Read More: https://triptheislands.com/destinations/occidental-mindoro-exploring-paradise/

Calawagan Mountain Resort

Photo from: https://tribuoccidentalmindoro.wordpress.com/2015/04/30/calawagan-mountain-resort-paluan-occidental-mindoro/

Calawagan Mountain Resort is a public resort located in the forested mountain of Occidental Mindoro managed by the Local Government. This is a quick getaway destination for local families, barkadas and teenagers especially during summer since this place have a natural cool and refreshing waters. It has a very clean river called Canawagan River which is the main source of freshwater in the swimming pools. The resort have picnic grounds and barbecue facilities. Cross on the hanging bridge and enjoy swimming in the river or explore the rock formations. Calawagan River received a national award from the DILG being the Cleanest Inland Body of Water in the Philippines.

Calawagan Mountain Resort is located in Barangay Alipaoy, Paluan, Occidental Mindoro. Read More: https://touristspotsfinder.com/occidental-mindoro-tourist-spots/

Grace Island

Photo from: https://www.choosephilippines.com/go/islands-and-beaches/4454/maldivian-feels-pearl-orient-apo-reef

Grace Island Resort might be the best island resort in Occidental Mindoro. It has clean sand beach and clear waters but what attracts the most are its floating cottages. This is a very private paradise perfect for family or couples. In your floating cottage’s balcony, you can just jump into the water and enjoy swimming then back to your cottage. They also have mini banana boat, zipline, and jetski. One can also visit their bird and marine sanctuary. Explore more of the island and you will surely want to stay longer. Their staffs are known to be very accommodating so one can easily approach them. Grace Island Resort is located in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. Read More: https://touristspotsfinder.com/occidental-mindoro-tourist-spots/

Hulugaan Falls

Photo from: https://triptheislands.com/destinations/occidental-mindoro-exploring-paradise/

To proceed on a trek to Hulagaan Falls we started by hiring a fishing boat from Tagbac beach. The trip took approximately half an hour. From the beach to the falls is about a 40 minute walk. On the trek up the Hulagaan river bed one has to be on the lookout for snakes.

A further word of caution – the pool beneath the falls is several metres deep and there is little in the way of a foot hold on the steeply sloping rock walls. So if you are not a good swimmer, it is best not to bathe there. The falls though attractive, are relatively small, being at a guess less then six meters high. Read More: https://www.delahyde.com/lubang/pagesl/Hulagaan_Falls.html

Inasakan Beach

Photo from: https://foursquare.com/v/inasakan-beach/54db5040498e65b6e95f7b9f

Inasakan Beach is a hidden paradise in Occidental Mindoro. It is an unspoiled powdery pure white sand beach and crystal clear waters that one could even see through the orange and blue starfishes in the waters. Visitors even compared Inasakan Beach very similar to Boracay but this beach is not yet developed. There are no vendors and establishments near the beach other than very few cottages. Which means you have to bring your own food and swimming gears.

Inasakan Beach is located in Ilin Island, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. Read More: https://touristspotsfinder.com/occidental-mindoro-tourist-spots/

Kalong River

Photo from: https://mindorotouristspots.wordpress.com/2019/02/01/kalong-river%EF%BB%BF/

A hike through Kalong River can be a great way to start your Mindoro trip as it is the only inland water body with pure serenity and is surrounded by white sand at its banks.

If you want a natural foot massage to relax your soles, go for a day trip to Kalong River.

The trail might be a little tiring as you cross the large stones on the way, but you will know it was worth that pain on reaching the site of the mesmerizing Kalong River. Read More: https://mysterioustrip.com/things-to-do-mindoro/

Mamburao Beach Resort

Photo from: https://www.vigattintourism.com/tourism/articles/Mamburao-Beach-Resorts

Mamburao Beach is one of the most visited tourist spots in Occidental Mindoro. It is famous for its very long stretch of fine sand beach, blue waters and arrays of palm trees on the coast. There are plenty of beach resorts in Mamburao Beach which offers great accommodation and facilities. It is a great destination for group of friends where you can enjoy swimming, diving and playing volleyballs in the beach. There are around eleven (11) beach resorts here so pick one that suites you.

Mamburao Beach is located in Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro. Read More: https://touristspotsfinder.com/occidental-mindoro-tourist-spots/

Mount Calavite

Photo from: http://exploring-wonders.blogspot.com/2012/01/mt-calavite-my-first-climb.html

Perched at the northwestern edge of Occidental Mindoro, overlooking South China Sea, is Mt. Calavite. Known as one of the two remaining areas where tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis) could be found in the wild (the other being Mts. Iglit-Baco), this mountain is a haven of biodiversity – one of the few places in the Philippines where hikers have a good chance of seeing animals such as wild boar, deer, and yes, even the tamaraw, roaming on its grassy slopes. The name ‘Calavite’ is said to mean ‘giant clam’ – and this is derived from an old Mangyan tale that tells of ships being seen at the mouth of Calavite.

The trek to Mt. Calavite usually starts at the Mangyan village called Sitio Ulasan in Brgy. Harrison, Paluan town. To reach this jump-off, you have to take a ro-ro vessel from Batangas Pier to Abra de Ilog, from which Paluan is still 2.5 hours away. The road is long and rough – with the views attesting to the pristine quality of the town. As you approach Paluan, Mt. Calavite would be a towering presence. At the town hall, one has to do a courtesy registration at the municipal hall, and a 30-minute trike ride will take you finally tot he jump-off. Read More: http://ilovepaluan.blogspot.com/2008/08/mount-calavite.html

Ambil Island

Photo from: https://www.delahyde.com/lubang/pagesl/Ambil_Island.html

Ambil Island rises to over 760 meters, and is about 26 square km in area.

In 1760, the island of Ambil was mentioned in an old document of the Spaniards. It was stated there that this community was made as the temporary headquarters of Moro pirates.

Ambil was again mentioned in an old Spanish document in 1819. It was stated there that an Englishman who traveled to the different parts of the country mentioned that a deposit of copper was discovered in this island. Read More: https://www.delahyde.com/lubang/pagesl/Ambil_Island.html

Mt. Iglit Baco National Park

Photo from: http://www.sablayan.net/mt-iglit-baco-national-park/

Declared as a national park and forest reservation, Mt. Iglit is also a game sanctuary for the tamaraw, a specied 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 animalis 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 Hanuo’o Mangyan, Mindoro’s aborigines. Authorizations for visits to the ethnic community are required; these can be arranged in advance by hotels. Read More: https://triptheislands.com/destinations/occidental-mindoro-exploring-paradise/

Onoda Trail and Caves

Photo from: https://jannispaghettiisawanderlust.wordpress.com/tag/punta-cave/

The Onoda Trail and Caves is one of Lubang’s popular tourist spots. It served as the hideout and escape route of Lt. Hiroo Onoda and his troops during World War II. The trail runs for eight kilometers, covering a series of four caves. There are also streams, century-old trees, and wild animals along the way. Want to know more? Read up on how Onoda and his group were able to survive during the long-running war. Read More: https://mindorotouristspots.wordpress.com/2019/02/01/onoda-trail-and-caves/

Pandan Island Resort

Photo from: http://www.sablayan.net/pandan-island-beach-resort/

Pandan Island Resort is one of the best tourist spots in Occidental Mindoro and tourists keep coming back to this simple and beautiful island. Aside from a stretch of white sand beach good for swimming and coral gardens perfect for snorkeling, visitors love this place because it is a peaceful, relaxing and friendly paradise. In the afternoon, visitors would love to play volleyball in the beach. If you want to go diving and island hopping, they have the diving gears and staffs to arrange your trip. It is one of the top resorts in the Philippines, not in terms of luxury but for it’s quality of life and it’s personalized atmosphere. Pandan Island Resort is located in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. Read More: https://touristspotsfinder.com/occidental-mindoro-tourist-spots/

Parola Park

Photo from: http://travel.yekram.com/?tag=parola-park

Ever wondered how Mindoro’s blue waters look from a bird’s eye view? At Parola Park, you can do just that with the longest island-to-island motorized zipline (P400/ride) ranging approximately of 5,500 feet, running over a 4-minute ride. As you coast down the vertical drop, don’t be scared to look down the sea. Some areas are so clear you could see the ocean floor. The park offers back and forth rides, so don’t worry about traveling back to the island. Visitors may also do rappelling and wall climbing activity. The park can be found at Brgy. Lumang Bayan, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. Read More: https://explora.ph/attraction/387/parola-park-zipline

Punta Cave

Photo from: https://jannispaghettiisawanderlust.wordpress.com/tag/punta-cave/

Tayamaan Beach

Photo from: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g2137102-d2157335-Reviews-Tayamaan_Beach-Mamburao_Occidental_Mindoro_Province_Mindoro.html

Tayamaan Beach is located just north-west of Mamburao. It is a coconut tree lined white sand beach, one hectare long. One of the famous beach resorts in Mamburao. Very affordable rates and easily accessible. The beach is ideal for swimming and is frequented by local residents and a few foreign tourists. The cove is perfect for snorkeling and diving. A paradise yet to be discovered. It has picnic cottages lined along the beach that can be rented.

It is a one-hectare beach lined with coconut trees. The beach is ideal for swimming and is frequented by local residents. It has picnic cottages lined along the beach that can be rented to tourists. Read More: https://wayph.com/tayamaan-beach-mamburao-mindoro-occidental/

Tibajin Bay

Photo from: https://mindorotravelguide.com/looc-occidental-mindoro/

White Island

Photo from: https://oayes.wordpress.com/2010/03/09/white-island-san-jose-occidental-mindoro/

White Island is one of the tourist spots in Occidental Mindoro. It is also called by the locals as Manadi Island which means “Sudden Appearance” for it is said to have suddenly appeared decades ago. It is a small island and an ideal destination for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing. Some part of the shore are breeding grounds for turtles where they bury their eggs. One can walk around the island in just few minutes. Again, there are no store or electricity in the island so you have to bring your own food.

White Island is located in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. Read More: https://touristspotsfinder.com/occidental-mindoro-tourist-spots/