Unspoilt by progress and development, Mindoro Island is divided into two provinces – Oriental Mindoro on the east and Occidental Mindoro on the west. These two provinces are separated by a mountain range which runs through the island’s entire length. Both provinces have tourism values unique to their locations and terrain.
Oriental Mindoro
Oriental Mindoro is proud home of some of the country’s best naturescapes. Puerto Galera has one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbours. The splendid beaches of powdery-white sand, unexploited coral reefs and amazing marine life, and exquisite dive sites teeming with shallow coral gardens, unique rock formations, and abundant colourful marine species like sea anemones, trumpet fishes and moray, are enough to make someone gasp in awe and admiration. Puerto Galera is world-famous for its unbelievably preserved natural resources. One good example is the Tamaraw Falls, which to this day is admired for its assymetrical falls which drop to the foamy waterbed below.
If Puerto Galera is too close to nature for you, Alibatan Island in Baco may give you a different feel. It is where turtles and seagulls breed, corals and oysters found. Nature tripping and mountain climbing are what Mt. Halcon offer. Or check out Sabang Beach which is famous for its water sports activities during the day and nightlife socials. La Laguna is just beside Sabang Beach and is a good place for snorkelling and scuba diving where beautiful coral reefs abound.
An experience of Oriental Mindoro’s amazing beach resorts, interesting mountain lairs, unspoilt lakes, rivers and rainforests will never be enough if you are a true nature lover. Other pleasurable activities include butterfly watching, trekking, mountain climbing, game fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving and cave exploration.
Occidental Mindoro
Occidental Mindoro, is named Marine Wonderland, for its abundant marine resources, virgin forests, white-sand beaches, waterfalls and caves. The place is home to secret hideaways, diving mecca, game sanctuary for the tamaraw (a native wild animal) and diving paradise.
Apo Reef found in Sablayan, is the second largest reef in the world, with its 34 km stretch. It is also known as the best diving site in Asia. The Apo Reef boasts of about 500 marine life species and approximately 400 to 500 kaleidoscopic coral species. Just where can you find that profusion?
A game sanctuary for the local tamaraw – similar to Philippine carabao or buffalo, is San Jose’s Mt. Iglit, while Mamburao spans an elongated strip of beautiful beaches in natural and country surroundings.
Aside from Apo Reef, there are other great diving sites in Occidental Mindoro – all of them offering unexplored and unexploited shoals. Ambulong Island, Ilin Island, White Island and Pandan Grande – they all have exquisite coral reefs and spectacular marine resources. Pandan Island or Pandan Grande is for those holiday makers who don’t mind spending time in a tropical island retreat, a place of no luxury but full of nature-inspired surroundings – with only palm trees separating you and the sea, a hammock where you can spend your day resting and lazing around, where singing birds become your morning alarm.
Whether it’s Occidental or Oriental Mindoro you are heading, you will definitely treasure the unique experience of being close to Mother Nature.
