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Occidental Mindoro
is famous for...
Apo Reef National Park
One of the dive sites frequented by most divers in Occidental Mindoro is the Apo Reef. It is acclaimed as the best in Asia and second largest in the world, and as the diving mecca of the Philippines. It is a 34-kilometer reef, located 20 miles west of Mindoro proper, with a narrow channel running east to west, dividing this reef into two lagoon systems, north and south. Underneath, the clean waters, fine white sand, and numerous corals are visible.
The Apo Reef Marine Park includes the fascinating bird-populated islands of Binangaan and Caios del Bajo, which have a variety of birds that can irresistibly lure birdwatchers. The surrounding waters are abundant with marine fauna and luxuriant coral growth represented by approximately 400-500 kaleidoscopic coral species. Marine life includes varieties of sharks, stingrays, and manta rays. There are over 500 species. Apo Reef can be found in Apo Island, Sablayan, and is accesible in 2 to 3 hours by bus/jeepney or pumpboat from the capital to Sablayan.
Tamaraws in Mt. Iglit
Located in San Jose, 40 minutes from Manila by plane or by sea, is Mt. Iglit. It is one of Mindoro's reservation areas, declared as a game sanctuary for tamaraws, wild animals found nowhere else in the world. The tamaraw bears a close resemblance to the Philippine water buffalo, commonly known as carabao. However, it is smaller and has shorter horns growing straight upwards, forming a V, instead of curving wide open.
Beaches/Natural Springs
Mamburao boasts of an elongated strip of beach with natural and rustic surroundings. One of the province's luxurious resorts, the Mamburao Beach Resort offers cottages to tourists. Local residents frequent the beaches of Tayamaan. Paluan has resorts located at Barangay Marikit, Lipaoy, and Tubili. A partially developed resort presently managed by the local government, called Calawagan Resort, has a natural spring which attracts local tourists. Sablayan has coral reefs that are found at nearby islets. Pandan Isalnd has fine beaches to offer, though still partially developed. Popular tourist spots in San Jose are the beaches along its coastline and the islands which are accessible from the mainland.
Ambulong Island
The 3,000-hectare Ambulong Island is one of the three islands found in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. It is characterized by white sand beaches, cliffs along pillars jutting out of the water, and underwater caves. Coral gardens and tropical fish are abundant in several coves. The coral gardens and the white sand beaches are fantastic. A fisherman's village is located at the sheltered side of the island.
Ambulong Island is also a jump-off point to some of the dive spots in the area, such as the Iling Point, Baniaga Reef, Ambulong Bank, Dungan Reef, Sardines Reef, Apo Reef, and Manadi Island. These dive sites are about an hour away by pumpboat from the Caminawit Port.
Saknungan
An exemplary showcase of Mindoro's cultural heritage and resources is the Saknungan Festival, celebrated every April 25 to 27 in San Jose, which commences with the annual celebration of the province's blessings. Saknungan is a Mangyan term which means "bayanihan" or the spirit of cooperation, brotherhood, and unity at work. This is portrayed by the Mindoreņos in their day-to-day activities, especially during the planting and harvest seasons. The three-day festivity is highlighted by street dance and a parade. Also held are the agro-industrial and techno trade fair, drum and bugle parade/contest, bikathon, Juego de Anillo, cultural dance competition, palo sebo, hulihan ng baboy, cultural presentation, awards and fellowship night.
Occidental Mindoro Trekking
The large, wild island of Mindoro, easily accessible from Manila, offers some magnificent trekking experiences. Try ascending Mt. Halcon (2586m), a challenging four-day trek through old-growth rain-forest. Or brave the rugged journey south to the Mt. Iglit-Baco National Park, one of the last homes of the tamaraw, the endangered wild buffalo of the Philppines. Park rangers monitor the tamaraw population carefully, and with their help, trekkers have a good chance of seeing these elusive animals.
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