The implausible land that is Occidental Mindoro is gifted with marine wonder starting from its unexplored woods, majestic white sand beaches, islands and islets abundant in marine existence, coral gardens, mystical caves, dropping waterfalls. These amenities of the province made it as “Marine Wonderland” of the Philippines.

The 34 kilometer reef situated in Sablayan lies in Apo Island which bears the name as Apo Reef is among the magnificent covert hideaways. It is the second largest reef in the world, the first I guess was in Australia. It is applaud is the finest in Asia and as a diving site of the Philippines. The Apo Reef Marine Park includes the fascinating bird-populated islands of Binangaan and Cajos del Bajo, which are bounded by waters with over 500 classes of marine being and lavish coral development represented by roughly 400 to 500 kaleidoscopic coral species. 

The wild animal tamaraw which is seen nowhere in the world was provided with a gaming refuge at Mt. Iglit in San Jose. Tamaraw has a similarity with the Philippine Buffalo which generally referred as carabao. Stretch strip of beaches with innate and bucolic environment bragged by Mamburao. A Presing Park situated at Lumang Bayan, Sablayan is usually attracted by explorers because it overlooks the seashore.

 
A living diving heaven with so much to provide to the divers in exploring the various uncovered body of water and reefs. Among the list of islands which offer ideal diving locations are the Ambulong Island, White Island, Ilin Island, and Pandan Grande. These islands offers a productive diving spot enclosed by superb coral reefs and multicolored marine creatures.

 
Saknungan festival is a 3-day thanksgiving carnival celebrated by the occupants of San Jose every 25th to 27th of April. The festival is emphasized by street dancing and parades. Saknungan is a Mangyan word which implies “bayanihan,” that renders the spirit of cooperation, brotherhood, and unity at work - the spirit portrayed by the Mindoreños day-to-day, especially during the planting and the harvesting seasons. 

The island of Mindoro which detached from the mainland of Southern Luzon is made of Occidental Mindoro and Oriental Mindoro. A mountain range running through the whole length of the island which stands as a natural and political border had divided these two provinces. Occidental Mindoro is located along the western region of the island, lies south of the province of Batangas in Southern Luzon. It is bounded on the north by Verde Island Mindoro Strait on its west and south, and Oriental Mindoro on the east.

 
Occidental Mindoro landscape is naturally rough having slender strips of coastal plains. Its ground is portrayed by consecutive mountain ranges, valleys, and elongated plateaus, with rolling lands along the coastal region.

EXPLORATIONS

Ambulong Island

Ambulong Island is among the three islands seen in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, exemplified by majestic white beaches, cliffs, coral gardens and underwater caves. Its coral gardens and tropical fish are opulent in various coves. The island also serves as the jump-off spot to various diving spots in the region. Other diving sites includes Iling Point, Baniaga Reef, Ambulong Bank, Dugan Reef, Sardines Reef, Apo Reef, and Manadi Island. Portals of these islands is the Caminawit Port.

Apo Reef National Park

Apo Reef Natural Park (ARNP) is situated 15 nautical miles west of the Philippine municipality of Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. It is a major component of the earth’s coral triangle, spanning a total of 27,469 ha – 15,792ha for the actual reef and 11,677ha as a protective buffer zone. Just over 30 years ago, the park was one of the world’s premier diving destinations. Godofreido Mintu, Mayor of Sablayan and key to the park’s newfound protection, recalls, “Granted, everyone wanted to see its reefs, but it was much more than that. The entire coast was also a vast fishing ground. Even during the height of its destruction in the 1980s, you could still catch a basket-load of fish in minutes. It truly was the "jewel of Mindoro.”

In biodiversity terms, the numbers are impressive. At least 385 species of fish, from the diminutive Bicolor Blenny to the spellbinding Emperor Angelfish, frolic amidst 190 coral, 26 algae and seven sea grass species. Larger residents and transients include the Manta Ray, Sperm Whale and various types of sea turtle. Sea birds too, are well represented, with at least 46 migratory and resident species, including the famed Nicobar Pigeon, roosting regularly on Apo’s three main islands.

Ilin Island

The largest of the three islands of San Jose, Ilin Island is where local divers gather to collect shells and sell them to tourists. Several beaches surround the island, which is an hour away by boat from the port.

Wannabe divers will be pleased to know that certified diving mentors and scuba equipment are available. However, if you wish to remain on land, the Cansubong Caves area and the fishing villages are excellent spots for sightseeing.

Lubang Island

Off the north eastern tip of Mindoro lies Lubang Island with its exceptional selection of beaches and coves. The waters around Lubang are a favorite fishing ground for Anglers who cross the narrow channel from Manila and Nasugbu, Batangas. Puerto Galera is an ideal place to do island-hopping from Luzon or a place to laze on pristine white sands and clear, warm water. The most popular beaches for swimming are White beach and Tamaraw Beach, while beaches near Sabang have best facilities for coral-cruising. You can find Sabang in the province of Oriental Mindoro on the northern tip of the island Mindoro, lot’s of Mindoro’s, but that is where it is! It lies roughly 130 kilometres from the Philippines capital Manila.

Ambil Island

The motivating appeal of Ambil is the picturesque Besay Falls, which is a 20-minute walk from the center of Barangay Tambo, cursor through a rice plantation and a carabao pasture. Besay features a series of waterfalls, each cascading into a crystal clear basin, about five meters in diameter.

Mt. Iglit

Reserved as the gaming refuge of tamaraw situated in San Jose Occidental Mindoro. Most climbers view hiking as an interaction between man and nature. In Mt. Iglit, this interaction is added with extra dimensions for it is also home to the Mangyan tribes folk, and the habitat of the endangered tamaraw. Indeed, aside from the summit assault which is quite challenging, a chance to encounter our ethnic brothers, free from the dilution of modern culture, is a unique experience. They, after all, are the real mountaineers – they live with the mountain and understand it more than we do. Until 2007, they continue to wear their traditional ‘bahag’ (loincloth) costume, although some have added a modern touch to it – wearing briefs instead.

Pandan Grande Island

The island is just a 15- to 20 minute boat ride from the mainland. It is one of the Philippine’s best. The white beach is surrounded by palms and unspoiled forest. You can find your own spot in the island, as if you are the only one there. The island as quiet and solemn where underwater scenery around the island is as great as the view of the area. A few meters from the shore, at less than one meter deep, you can start seeing the rich marine environment Different species of fish, sea turtles, stingrays are just few of what lies beneath. With a few minutes of stay in the water, you can watch a big sea turtle eat, get air from the surface and play with other marine creatures- a truly unique experience. School of big triggerfish, lionfish and even barracudas roam around the waters surrounding the island.  

Tayamaan Beach

Tayamaan Beach is located just north-west of Mamburao. It is acoconut tree lined white sand beach, one hectare long. One of the famous beach resorts in Mamburao which offer a 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 which 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. It is the beach that is often visited by local people of Mindoro. Thus, if the tourist wanted a real immersion in local culture, he must spend a day at Tayamaan. Here he will see the natural fun-loving traits of the Mindoro residents.

White Island

A smooth and powdery white sand beach which is almost a mile long. Its tranquility and peaceful appearance made the island perfect for swimming, scuba diving and fishing. Occasionally, turtle eggs are seen buried in the area which every must prudent not to drop steps on it.

Parola Park

Also known as Presing Park named after the wife of former Mayor Loreto Urieta during his term. This Mountain Park was served as the setting of a historic watchtower and cannon built in 1861 against Muslim pirates and intruders ho used to raid the area. Round the clock watchers and defenders stationed there at signal or warn the people to hide while launching volleys of cannon fires to defend the town. Today, a lighthouse and an old cannon could still be found there. The park offers the best sunset view in town. 

ACCOMMODATIONS

 SeaCoast Hotel

One of the finest hotels located along Airport Road, San Roque II, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, a province gifted with breath-taking view of nature that offers 5-Star accommodation for your vacation, fun and leisure. The hotel was established on September 13, 1999 and started its operation since then.

SeaCoast Hotel Bar & Restaurant has so much that sets it apart from the others. A haven to enjoy that offers physical refreshments. Luxuriate in the cozy atmosphere of well appointed air-conditioned rooms facilitated with colored cable T.V., intercom & comfortable bathrooms. A restaurant that offers a very affordable and yet luscious international cuisine and refreshing beverages.

Sikatuna Beach Hotel

Located in Airport Road, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines

Mindoro Plaza Hotel

Situated at San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines

White House Safari Lodge

White House Safari Lodge is perfectly maintained two-story house with a casual atmosphere. It is surrounded by a small flower garden on a black sand beach, in a quiet community of San Jose.