Mindoro, which is just a few hours away from Manila, is the seventh-largest island in the Philippines. It is divided into two provinces: Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro. Mindoro is a popular beach destination but it is also a home to rainforests, rolling hills, devil’s mountains, and rich cultural heritage making it a perfect destination for adventure seekers.

The first (and only time) I visited Mindoro was some 15 years ago with friends when we had a weekend getaway at the famous White Beach in Puerto Galera.

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Last week, I got the chance to explore Mindoro with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and discover unique places to visit via the Mindoro Loop Motorbike Experience. It is a booming tourism trend that allows you to visit places in Mindoro via motorcycle.

This is part one of my Mindoro blog series that will focus on Oriental Mindoro.

How to Get to Mindoro:

• From Manila, you can take a bus or hire a van service to Batangas Port.
• From Berberabe Port in Batangas, take a Public Ferry or Water Taxi to Muelle Port in Puerto Galera. Travel time is around 30 minutes to 1 hour.

You can book a tour at an accredited travel agency that includes transfers to and from Puerto Galera.

New Fun Things to Do in Oriental Mindoro

Visit the Iraya Mangyan Cultural Village

The Iraya Mangyan Cultural Village is a popular tourist destination in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. It showcases the unique culture and way of life of the Mangyans, one of the indigenous groups of Mindoro.

The guided tour walked us through nipa huts made of bamboo, the old tree used as a traditional medicine during the German Measles pandemic, and the newly-renovated school inside the community. You can also observe traditional weaving techniques and buy local products.

Watch the sunset at White Beach, Puerto Galera

The White Beach in Puerto Galera is a popular destination for locals and tourists with its long stretch of white sand and clear seawater.

The place is so vibrant and alive with new restaurants, cafes, and bars serving a variety of food and drinks. It is also a perfect spot for swimming and water sports like snorkeling, kayaking, and diving.

Personally, I just enjoy watching the sunset as the sky turns warm oranges and pinks.

Visit the Tamaraw Falls

For someone like me who is weak at hiking, Tamaraw Falls is a refreshing destination in Oriental Mindoro as you can appreciate its beauty from the road. While adventurers and hikers can enter Tamaraw Falls and explore the trail.

The falls are named after the tamaraw, a critically endangered species of buffalo native to the island of Mindoro. The falls cascade from a height of approximately 20 meters into a natural pool below.

From Tamaraw Falls, we rode a motorcycle with the Oriental Mindoro Motorcycle Riders Club to Infinity Farm. I will share a separate blog about this experience.

Explore the Infinity Farm

Infinity Farm is an eco-farm located in the town of Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. The farm is committed to sustainable and organic farming practices and is dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the surrounding environment.

I love how the farm showcased the beautiful cascades of falls through beautiful landscapes and trails. The water is clear and flows beautifully like silk. We were not able to cover the 10-hectare farm but the farm also offers accommodation and hands-on activities for those who are interested in sustainable farming.

Visit the Oriental Mindoro Heritage Museum

An old fortress turned into a museum. The Oriental Mindoro Heritage Museum is a must-visit destination in Oriental Mindoro.

It is a modern museum that houses artifacts, documents, and artworks that illustrate the history and culture of Oriental Mindoro. Some of the interesting displays that caught my attention are the million-dollar worth of stone fossils, tamaraw bones, and an old wooden boat.

Ride the Bamboo Slide at Twin Panton Cave

If you are like me who is always game for new experiences and adventures, you must check out the Bamboo Slide in the Twin Panton Cave, located in Gloria, Oriental Mindoro.

The Bamboo Slide is Mindoro’s version of Roller Coaster. I personally enjoyed the thrilling experience, however, it is advisable to always check and follow safety measures.

Release your feels at the Stress Wall

Twin Panton Cave’s new attraction is the Stress Wall where you can freely express yourself – anger, disappointments, hugots and what-nots by throwing a bottle to the wall. Bottle price ranges from Php 5 to Php 20 depending on the size.

As a very gentle and loving person (haha), I didn’t have anything to release during our visit. But it was a fun activity to try. Something to test your strength and force.

Island Hopping at Bulalacao – Suguicay Island

Suguicay Island is one of the most beautiful islands in Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro. The beach has beautiful fine white sand, clear water, and black rocks that give the destination a very unique character.

On the other side of the beach is the secluded shoreline that leads to the sand bar.

The island is relatively undeveloped, but liveable, with cottages and stores lined up at the shorefront.

Explore the Pocanil Island and Pocanil Rock Formation

The mysterious rock formation in Pocanil makes this beach destination unique from the other beach resorts that we visited in Oriental Mindoro.

Pocanil Beach Resort offers more than pristine sand and clear water, but a whole new level of adventure for those who are into rappelling and spelunking.

Where to Stay in Oriental Mindoro

Hotel Casa Marco
Beach Front, White Beach, Puerto Galera, Philippines
https://www.facebook.com/CasaMarcoSuites/

South Drive Beach
National Highway, Barangay Maujao,
Bulalacao Oriental Mindoro 5214 Philippines
https://www.southdrivebeachresort.com/

We truly have such a beautiful country, and I am so happy and honored to be given a chance to explore Mindoro. I met a lot of interesting people who are really good at what they do. I even got a chance to bond with my blogger friend, @anagon. I really enjoyed the trip and I cannot wait to share more stories and photos.

Thank you to the Department of Tourism – MIMAROPA for having me again, and to the partner operators for taking care of us. I cannot wait to explore more of the Philippines.

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