Occidental mindoro TRAVEL guide

 Ambulong Island (Brgy. Ambulong, 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 fishermen?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.

Apo Reef National Park. One of dive site frequented by most divers in Occidental Mindoro is the Apo Reef in Apo Island, Sablayan. It is acclaimed to be the best in Asia and the diving mecca of the Philippines.

It is a 34-kilometer atoll-liked reef located 20 miles west of Mindoro with a narrow channel running east to west from 6 to 90 feet deep diving this reef into two lagoon systems (north and south). Underneath, the clear waters, fine white sands, and numerous corals are visible.

The Apo Reef marine Park is characterized by a bird-populated island of Binangaan and Cajos del Bajo. The island offers a variety of birds that would make bird enthusiasts visit the island. The waters that surround the island are abundant with marine fauna and luxuriant coral growth represented by approximately 400-500 species.

Ilin Island. It is the biggest island in the group of islands located in San Jose. It lies between San Jose and Ambulong Island. The area abounds in shells which can be obtained inexpensively on the island. The villagers from the nearby villages are generally shell divers.

Ilin Island has five beaches, some of which are fringed with reefs making passage difficult during low tide.

Lubang Island. It is located northwest of Occidental Mindoro and west of Batangas. It is separated from Mindoro by the Calvite Passage and from Batangas by the Verde Passage. On the west and north of Lubang Island is the vast South China Sea. Lubang is approximately 69 nautical miles from Manila.

It was in this island where a Japanese soldier named Hiroo Onada, was found in 1974. He surrendered as a prisoner of war after 30 years of hiding in the mountains.

Another Captain of the Japanese Imperial Army, Fumio Nakahira held out for another six years before being discovered in April 1980 at Mt. Halcon in Mindoro.

On the western portion of Lubang is Tagbac which offers more than five kilometers of gradually sloping golden hued sandy beach lined with coconut trees. Tagbac is around 20 minutes away from Lubang town proper by jeepney. Other favorite swimming areas are Tilik Beach and Conu Beach.

Another interesting spot is Hulagaan Faals, located at Brgy. Binacas in the southeastern portion of Lubang. Hulagaan Faals is a series of falls leading to a stoney beach. It is accessible via a one hour boat ride from Tagbac and a 20-minute trek.

Ambil Island. Located off the northern coast of Lubang, around one hour by pumpboat from Tilik Pier in Lubang. Ambil is a favorite fishing ground for sportsmen who cross the narrow channel from Manila to Nasugbu. An interesting attraction of Ambil is the scenic Besay Falls which is about a 20-minute walk from the center of Brgy. Tambo passing through a rice plantation and carabao pasture. Besay features a series of waterfalls each cascading into a crystal clear basin about five meters in a diameter.

Cabra Island. Southwest of Lubang, or approximately 30 minute ride by pumpboat from Tagbac. The island is generally flat with golden hued sandy beaches on the southwestern part and magnificent rock formations along the east coast. Like Ambil, Cabra is also a favorite sportfishing ground of local and foreign anglers.

Mt. Iglit (San Jose). It is one of Mindoro's reservation areas declared as a game sanctuary for the tamaraws. A tamaraw is a wild animal found nowhere else in the world. The tamaraw bears a close resemblance to the Philippine water buffalo commonly known as the carabao. However, it is smaller and has shorter horns growing straight upwards forming a V instead of curving in like that of the carabao's.

Pandan Grande Island (Sablayan). It is a 30-hectare islet surrounded by white sand beach and is also the site of a 20-room diver's lodge made of native cottages. This beautiful little coral islet is located within snorkeling distance from a submarine drop-off inhabited by schools of reef.

Tayamaan Beach (Brgy. Tayamaan, Mamburao). is is a one-hectare beach lined with coconut trees. It has some native picnic cottages lined along the beach which can be rented.

White island (Manadi, Bo. Ilin, San Jose). It has an almost mile-long beach with smoot and powdery white sand. The tranquil and peaceful island is an ideal place for swimming, scuba diving, and fishing. Turtle eggs are occasionally found buried in the sand.

Man-made:

(Parola) Presing Park (Lumang Bayan, Sablayan). It is a five-hectare park named after the wife of a former municipal mayor. The park is frequented by promenaders who seek rest and relaxation since it offers an atmosphere of serenity and privacy.

Overlooking the sea, the park enjoys cool breeze from the sea which relaxes one's moods. At the middle of the park, a 15-century canyon believed to have been used against the Moro pirates is on display.

Calawagan River Resort (Brgy. Alipaoy, Paluan). It is a one and a half hectare resort situated on the river bank at Brgy. Alipaoy, 1.5 kms. from the town proper. Since 1976, it has been operated and managed by the local government servicing local residents and those from neighboring towns who frequent the area for picnics and excursions. Picnickers are requested to bring their own food since there are no restaurants available.

Mamburao Beach Resort (Brgy. Fatima, Mamburao). It is completely secluded covering 14 hectares of developed beach resort amidst coconut trees. It has a four-km. long light grey sand beach, an ideal place for swimming, boating, scuba diving, wind surfing, snorkeling, deep sea fishing and water skiing. Water sports facilities such as a glass bottomed boat, speed boats, hobie cats and outrigger boats are available to the guests.

How to get there

air phil& asian spirit flies to San Jose from Manila everyday. . Travel time is approximately 40 minutes.

By sea, moreta (MV nikki) leave the port of Manila for San Jose or by batangas via abra de ilog or direct to san jose

references

http://www.itravelphilippines.com

http://www.lakbaypilipinas.com

http://www.pandan.com

http://www.arcbc.org

http://www.divephil.com