Mindoro

Mountains, Mangyans, and Marine Marvels

Mindoro, the seventh largest island in the Philippines, is a land of contrast and connection. Divided into Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro, it offers an exceptional mix of mountains and coasts, heritage and biodiversity, adventure and serenity. Whether you’re after underwater treasures, cultural immersion, or a quiet escape, Mindoro welcomes you with both warmth and wonder.

A Tropical Gateway

Located in Oriental Mindoro, Puerto Galera is the island’s most popular destination and a certified UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve. Known for its white sand beaches, diving spots, and vibrant nightlife, Puerto Galera is easily accessible from Manila and makes an ideal first stop for beachgoers and divers.

Sabang Beach is a haven for scuba divers, with more than 40 dive sites, including coral gardens, wrecks, and underwater caves. Meanwhile, White Beach attracts sun-seekers, water sports enthusiasts, and weekend revelers with its fun atmosphere and coastal charm.

Dive into Biodiversity

Mindoro is surrounded by some of the richest marine ecosystems in the world. The Verde Island Passage, which separates Mindoro from Luzon, is considered the center of the center of marine shorefish biodiversity. It is a dream destination for divers and marine biologists alike. For more remote and uncrowded dives, explore the reefs around Bulalacao or Apo Reef Natural Park, one of the largest and best-preserved coral reef systems in the Philippines, located off the coast of Occidental Mindoro. Here, clear waters, drop-offs, and abundant marine life create a diver’s paradise.

Highlands and Hidden Wonders

Beyond the coast, Mindoro’s rugged interior offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and forest reserves. In San Teodoro and Naujan, you’ll find Naujan Lake, one of the country’s largest freshwater lakes and an important bird sanctuary.

Mount Halcon, located in Oriental Mindoro, is one of the most challenging climbs in the country and a sacred site for local communities. With its misty forests and rare species, it appeals to seasoned trekkers and conservationists alike.

Home of the Mangyans

Mindoro is the ancestral home of the Mangyan people, one of the most respected and culturally rich indigenous groups in the Philippines. Composed of eight distinct tribes, Mangyan communities continue to preserve their traditional way of life. Visitors may learn about Mangyan scripts, handicrafts, and customs through local tours and cultural exchanges, particularly in Calintaan, Bansud, and Mansalay.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Escapes

If you seek peace and seclusion, head to Occidental Mindoro’s coastal towns. Pandan Island in Sablayan offers rustic island life, snorkeling, and easy access to Apo Reef. Mamburao, Paluan, and Abra de Ilog remain quiet and less commercialized, with long stretches of undeveloped coastline and friendly local communities. Meanwhile, Bulalacao in Oriental Mindoro serves as a jump-off point to secluded islands like Aslom, Target, and Suguicay, where clear turquoise waters and white sand await.

A Taste of Mindoro

Mindoro’s cuisine is shaped by its coasts and cultures. Enjoy fresh seafood, native vegetables like uraro (arrowroot), and traditional dishes such as sinaing na tulingan, pinais, and binurong isda. In Puerto Galera and Calapan, cafés and restaurants also serve fusion dishes with international flair.

Mindoro Awaits

Whether you are diving into coral kingdoms, hiking sacred mountains, visiting indigenous villages, or simply lying under the sun, Mindoro offers a rare opportunity to connect with nature, culture, and self. It is a place where stories are carved into the land and sea, and where every traveler can find their own quiet adventure.