Occidental Mindoro is the second province in Mindoro Island blessed with dozens of fascinating tourist spots. These tourist spots includes dive sites, coves and white sand beaches. It is also the home of the second-largest contiguous coral system in the world and it has even gained the reputation of being called as the Marine Wonderland of the Philippines.
Most of the tourist spots in Occidental Mindoro can be found on the municipalities of Sablayan, San Jose and Mamburao which one can also find good accommodations. There are around 400,000 people living in the province and they speak of Mangyan, Tagalog and English Languages.
If you are planning to visit all of the beautiful tourist spots in Mindoro Island, consider these best tourist spots in Occidental Mindoro.
10 Best Tourist Spots in Occidental Mindoro
1. Apo Reef
Apo Reef by Macoy Mejia
Apo Reef is one of the best tourist spots in Occidental Mindoro. Recognized as the second-largest contiguous reef system in the world next to Great Barrier Reef in Australia, it is being considered as the number one dive site in the Philippines. It is a 34-kilometer reef system divided into north and south lagoon systems by a narrow channel. Jellyfish, turtles, white-tip and black-tip reef sharks, manta rays and vast variety of corals and marine lifeforms one can witness when diving in Apo Reef.
Apo Reef is located in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. Contact the Tourism Office of Sablayan to arrange your visit. Stay at Apo Reef Club Resort, it is the recommend and the most popular resort near Apo Reef.
2. Inasakan Beach
Inasakan Beach by The Pinoy Byahero
Inasakan Beach is a hidden paradise in Occidental Mindoro. It is an unspoiled powdery pure white sand beach and crystal clear waters that one could even see through the orange and blue starfishes in the waters. Visitors even compared Inasakan Beach very similar to Boracay but this beach is not yet developed. There are no vendors and establishments near the beach other than very few cottages. Which means you have to bring your own food and swimming gears.
Inasakan Beach is located in Ilin Island, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. Sikatuna Beach Hotel is the recommended hotel near Inasakan Beach, they can arrange your trip to Inasakan Beach.
3. White Island
White Island by Elal Jane Lasola
White Island is one of the tourist spots in Occidental Mindoro. It is also called by the locals as Manadi Island which means “Sudden Appearance” for it is said to have suddenly appeared decades ago. It is a small island and an ideal destination for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing. Some part of the shore are breeding grounds for turtles where they bury their eggs. One can walk around the island in just few minutes. Again, there are no store or electricity in the island so you have to bring your own food.
White Island is located in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.
4. Ragara Beach
Regara Beach is a less crowded and quiet beach in Occidental Mindoro. It is composed of a long stretch of fine sand beach with an array of palm trees. There is a private resort in the beach called The Ragara Beach Resort which is a simple resort offering good accommodation and delicious meals. This beach is a simple paradise where they have huts, beach beds and hammocks available for visitors for free. A perfect place to unwind and enjoy the quiet and relaxing atmosphere.
Regara Beach Resort is located in Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro. Contact them first so they can fetch you at the entrance so you don’t have to walk around a kilometer long to reach the resort.
5. Pandan Island Resort
Pandan Island
Pandan Island Resort is one of the best tourist spots in Occidental Mindoro and tourists keep coming back to this simple and beautiful island. Aside from a stretch of white sand beach good for swimming and coral gardens perfect for snorkeling, visitors love this place because it is a peaceful, relaxing and friendly paradise. In the afternoon, visitors would love to play volleyball in the beach. If you want to go diving and island hopping, they have the diving gears and staffs to arrange your trip. It is one of the top resorts in the Philippines, not in terms of luxury but for it’s quality of life and it’s personalized atmosphere.
Pandan Island Resort is located in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro.
6. Ambulong Island
Ambulong Island by Tramping Philippines
Ambulong Island is one of the stunning islands in Occidental Mindoro. It has a powdery white sand beaches, calm and clear waters and beautiful sights of limestone cliffs. This island is also good for snorkeling since one can find beautiful coral gardens and plenty of marine lifeforms. There is a resort in the island named Ambulong Bluewater Resort that offers good accommodation. There are also beach beds and hammocks one can use. The island also serves as the jump-off point to the nearby dive sites and an island, so it would be better to include island hopping and diving in your plans.
Ambulong Island is located in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.
7. Mount Iglit-Baco National Park
Mount Iglit-Baco National Park by Phuxx
One of the most visited tourist spots in Occidental Mindoro is the Mount Iglit-Baco National Park. It is a protected area surrounding the Mount Iglit and Mount Baco located in the central interior of Mindoro. The park is the habitat of the endemic Tamaraw in the Philippines, it is currently one of the most seriously endangered animals in the world and for that very reason, this park was established. If you are a mountain climber then this is a perfect destination for you. Two days and one night tour would be enough. One would see the Tamaraw Buffalos eating, stunning sunrise and sunset in the mountains.
Mount Iglit-Baco National Park is located in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. Contact first the Tourism Office of Sablayan to assign a tour guide for you and arrange your visit.
8. Grace Island Resort
Grace Island Resort might be the best island resort in Occidental Mindoro. It has clean sand beach and clear waters but what attracts the most are its floating cottages. This is a very private paradise perfect for family or couples. In your floating cottage’s balcony, you can just jump into the water and enjoy swimming then back to your cottage. They also have mini banana boat, zipline, and jetski. One can also visit their bird and marine sanctuary. Explore more of the island and you will surely want to stay longer. Their staffs are known to be very accommodating so one can easily approach them. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
Grace Island Resort is located in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.
9. Mamburao Beach
Mamburao Beach by Vershia
Mamburao Beach is one of the most visited tourist spots in Occidental Mindoro. It is famous for its very long stretch of fine sand beach, blue waters and arrays of palm trees on the coast. There are plenty of beach resorts in Mamburao Beach which offers great accommodation and facilities. It is a great destination for group of friends where you can enjoy swimming, diving and playing volleyballs in the beach. There are around eleven (11) beach resorts here so pick one that suites you.
Mamburao Beach is located in Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro.
10. Calawagan Mountain Resort
Calawagan Mountain Resort is a public resort located in the forested mountain of Occidental Mindoro managed by the Local Government. This is a quick getaway destination for local families, barkadas and teenagers especially during summer since this place have a natural cool and refreshing waters. It has a very clean river called Canawagan River which is the main source of freshwater in the swimming pools. The resort have picnic grounds and barbecue facilities. Cross on the hanging bridge and enjoy swimming in the river or explore the rock formations. Calawagan River received a national award from the DILG being the Cleanest Inland Body of Water in the Philippines.
Calawagan Mountain Resort is located in Barangay Alipaoy, Paluan, Occidental Mindoro.
