Mindoro Voyage Tips and guide

Contents

Mindoro Island is an unspoiled island that's within easy reach from Manila. The town of Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro province is a popular tourist destination with many beach and entertainment facilities.

• 13.5120.9541671 Puerto Galera - Once a wild west style backpacker destination, now with considerable development toward more upmarket tourism. It is famous mainly for two things — excellent diving and many girly bars — both of which are concentrated in Sabang. The city itself has some hotels, dive companies and other tourist facilities, but most visitors stay in one of two suburbs:
  • Sabang, lively but somewhat sleazy; it sometimes feels as if half of the population is working girls. Sabang is also the dive center of northern Mindoro.
  • White Beach, exactly what its name suggests, with excellent swimming, and somewhat less wild than Sabang.

There are ferries from Batangas City to Puerto Galera.

• 13.435833121.0191672 San Teodoro - Next to Baco, the other town along the (scenic) route from Calapan to Puerto Galera. San Teodoro is known for its waterfalls, but otherwise, there is nothing to do in this town either.
• 13.358394121.0976643 Baco - This is one of the two towns along the road from Calapan (the administrative capital) to Puerto Galera. Baco proper houses about 500 people and a series of shops and schools. Despite what Google maps tells you, Baco is on the Western Nautical Highway and not at the beach. Baco is a nice and friendly town, and a good place to buy some groceries but it has nothing of interest to tourists.
• 13.414121.184 Calapan - The capital with all disadvantages that come with that. The town has a cosy centre, but since nobody does anything about any form of pollution, the air smells always of exhaust fumes and the river and its banks are essentially of plastic bags. The center of town is formed by The City Plaza that holds a stage, a playing field, and the obligatory statue for Rizal, and the public market and city market just at the other side of the San Augustin Aguinaldo bridge. Most restaurants (albeit all of the Jollibee, Inasal, and Chow King style; nothing of western quality) are at the west side of the city market. Calapan has absolutely nothing that is of any interest for tourists. There are ferries from Batangas City to Calapan.
• 12.35275121.067615 San Jose - San Jose is an economic hub of Mindoro's western half despite not being the provincial capital, a distinction of the town of Mamburao. San Jose is a hub town; its airport is served by Cebu Pacific five times weekly.
• 12.583333121.56 Roxas (Mindoro) a stopover town on your way to San Jose town, it has ferries to Romblon and to Caticlan on Panay Island.

• 13.766667120.21 Lubang group of islands - Off to the northwest of Mindoro, and included in Mindoro Occidental province. These are relatively isolated — one Japanese soldier held out in the jungle of Lubang from the end of the Pacific War in 1945 until 1974 — but have some fine beaches and dive sites and are now seeing some tourism and development.
• 13.2625120.9952 Mount Halcon — The highest peak on the island is popular among experienced hikers. The trek is challenging but rewards climbers with breathtaking views and rich biodiversity. Requires a guided trek and a permit.
• 13.17121.3493 Naujan Lake National Park — The largest freshwater lake in Mindoro, home to various bird species and a serene destination for nature lovers. Best accessed from Naujan town. Entrance fee applies.
• 12.6569120.41794 Apo Reef Natural Park — One of the world's top diving spots, this UNESCO-listed marine sanctuary offers crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and rich marine biodiversity. Boat tours available from Sablayan. Marine park fees apply.
• 12.212827121.2824865 Alibatan Island — Also known as 'Target Island,' this small island is home to a saltwater lake and is a great spot for birdwatching and nature exploration. Boat tours available from Occidental Mindoro. Island access fees may apply.

Mindoro has two administrative halves. The north-east part is called Oriental Mindoro; the south-west part is called Occidental Mindoro. The boundary of the two provinces roughly follows the mountain range that bisects the island from southeast to northwest.

All towns of any significance are at or near the coast. On Oriental Mindoro you find, driving from the far north-west to the deep south-east, the following towns: Puerto Galera; San Teodoro; Baco; Calapan; Naujan; Victoria; Socorro (of the road: Pola); Pinamalayan; Roxas; Mansalay; Bulalacao. After Bulalacao the road continues to Occidental Mindoro where San Jose is the main town.

The original inhabitants of Mindoro were the people now known as Mangyan. They once held the whole island and were quite populous and prosperous, but today there are only a few hundred thousand left, mostly as isolated highland tribes. Locals are called Mindoreños (or Mindoreñas), and are mostly of Batangas heritage.

Mindoro is a Tagalog-speaking area, with the varieties spoken here generally the same as in the provinces of Batangas, Quezon, and Marinduque, but the most commonly encountered variety spoken throughout the island is the Batangas dialect.

There are also indigenous languages spoken in the island, many endangered to near extinct, including Hanuno'o, with 14,000 native speakers, and Iraya (not to be confused with the Visayan language Karay-a), with 10,000.

Mindoro is an island in the Philippine archipelago known for its beaches, nature reserves, and diving opportunities. Puerto Galera, on the northern coast, is famous for its marine-rich bays and is a popular tourist destination. As of March 2025, no special permits are required for visiting, but booking accommodation in advance is recommended, especially during peak season (December–April).

San Jose Airport (SJI) in Occidental Mindoro is the main gateway for travelers flying to the island. Cebu Pacific operates direct flights from Manila, with a flight time of approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. Fares start at around $100, though prices may vary depending on demand and booking time.

Travelers can reach Mindoro via a combination of bus and ferry from Manila. Buses to Batangas Port depart from PITX and Buendia terminals, with a travel time of approximately 3 hours. The fare is around ₱300. From Batangas, multiple ferry options connect to different parts of Mindoro.

For a more comfortable and direct journey, travelers can opt for a private transfer. Taxis and private vans are available from Manila to Batangas Port, offering a flexible departure time and a more convenient travel experience. The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic. Prices start at around PHP ₱5000, but costs may vary based on vehicle type and negotiation with the driver.

Si-Kat operates a combined transport service from Manila to Puerto Galera via Batangas. This option includes a bus ride from Manila to Batangas Port, followed by a ferry transfer to Puerto Galera. The total cost is ₱1550.

• Puerto Galera: Regular ferries take between 1 to 2.5 hours, depending on the vessel, with fares around ₱600. For a faster but costlier alternative, private water taxis are available, taking about 1 hour at a cost of ₱15000 per boat (6–8 passengers).
• Calapan (Oriental Mindoro): Travel time is 2 to 3 hours, with fares around ₱600. This route is preferred for travelers heading to the eastern side of the island and serves as an alternative for reaching Puerto Galera, especially for late-night arrivals when direct ferries are unavailable.

Travelers can reach Mindoro from Boracay via a vehicle ferry service. The journey takes approximately 5 hours, with fares starting at ₱1600. Ferry schedules may vary, so it is advisable to check availability in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

Travelers can reach Mindoro from Coron via ferry services connecting to San Jose in Occidental Mindoro. These connections operate on an irregular basis, typically around twice a week. Schedules are subject to change, so it is recommended to confirm availability with local operators in advance. Travel times and fares can vary depending on weather conditions and service providers.

• Tricycles: The main mode of transport in towns.
• Jeepneys: Operate between towns, with schedules depending on passenger demand.
• Ferries: Schedules may change due to weather conditions. Verify updates before departure.

Currency: Carry Philippine pesos for transportation and services, as card payments may not always be available. Connectivity: Mobile signal is stable in most areas but may be weak in remote locations. Consider buying a local SIM card for better coverage. Puerto Galera is ideal for snorkeling and underwater photography.

There is a coastal highway that rings the island and connects all the main towns. Most of it is a good road by the standards of provincial areas of the Philippines, well-paved and with good signs for both routes and hazards. By the standards of more developed places it is not great, narrow and often quite hilly and winding. Passing is quite dangerous on much of it and there are quite a few slow vehicles.

There are jeepney and bus services between most of the main towns; the jeepneys are usually cheaper and the buses more comfortable.

• Tamaraw Falls near San Teodoro is a scenic multi-tiered waterfall cascading into natural pools. The lower pool, located under a bridge, offers a refreshing swim in cool mountain water. A few meters upstream, visitors can enjoy stronger waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery. Nearby, a small beach area can be found along the road.
• Tukuran Falls near San Teodoro is a picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, often reached by a short trek or a carabao (buffalo) ride. The natural pools at the base provide a refreshing swimming spot.
• Aninuan Falls is a secluded waterfall in the Aninuan area, offering a tranquil retreat surrounded by lush greenery. The trek to the falls takes visitors through a scenic jungle path with river crossings. The natural pool at the base of the waterfall provides a refreshing spot for swimming and relaxation.

• Talipanan Beach near Talipanan village is a quieter alternative to White Beach, featuring a more relaxed atmosphere, scenic views, and nearby trekking trails.

Mindoro is one of the best diving destinations in the Philippines. Sabang (a district of Puerto Galera) is home to numerous dive centers offering dives around coral reefs and shipwrecks. The island’s western coast, including Apo Reef, is a globally recognized marine sanctuary.

Puerto Galera Reefs are a snorkeling and diving destination with coral gardens and diverse marine life, including sea turtles and reef fish. Various dive shops in Sabang (Mindoro) offer trips.

Mindoro's waters and rich marine biodiversity make it ideal for freediving and snorkeling. Areas near Puerto Galera and the protected waters of Apo Reef are especially popular. Several local operators offer training and guided trips tailored for non-scuba divers.

White Beach in Puerto Galera is a popular spot for tourists, offering cafes, bars, and water activities. If you seek tranquility, head to the beaches near the towns of Torre and San Jose on the western coast.

Mount Halcon are excellent hiking spots where you can see rare species of flora and fauna. Nature lovers should visit Tukuran Falls and the wild jungles of southern Mindoro.

The Mangyan tribes have lived on the island for centuries. Some villages are open to visitors, where you can learn about their traditions and crafts.

In the coastal waters of Mindoro and the island’s western coast, you can rent a boat for sea fishing or excursions to secluded islets. Adventure seekers can embark on expeditions to lesser-known destinations like the Lubang Islands.

Fresh seafood is a highlight across Mindoro. Grilled fish, squid, and shrimp are common in both beachside eateries and local markets. In coastal towns like San Jose and Sablayan, seafood is often caught the same day.

Some areas offer traditional Mangyan dishes made from root crops, rice, and native vegetables, often cooked in bamboo or banana leaves. These are typically available during cultural visits or festivals.

In towns and barangays, small eateries serve local Filipino meals like adobo, sinigang, or pancit at very low prices. Great for quick, filling meals.

Puerto Galera has the most variety, with beachfront spots offering Western, Asian, and Filipino dishes. White Beach has a lively dining scene with grilled meats, pizza, and international comfort food.

Tropical fruits like mangoes, bananas, lanzones, and coconuts are available year-round. Local bakeries sell sweet bread (pandesal) and rice cakes (kakanin), good for snacks on the go.

Tap water is not always safe to drink. Stick to bottled or filtered water, which is widely available. In remote areas, consider carrying water purification tablets or a reusable filter bottle.

Try Tanduay rum, a popular local brand that’s affordable and widely available in stores and bars across the island. It's a go-to choice for locals and tourists alike.

Puerto Galera, especially around Sabang and White Beach, is the nightlife hub of Mindoro. Sabang is known for its vibrant expat scene, numerous dive bars, and lively nightclubs that stay open until the early hours. Many bars here cater to divers and backpackers, offering cheap drinks, live music, and themed parties. White Beach, on the other hand, is famous for its beachfront bars, fire dancing shows, and a more touristy party atmosphere. For a more relaxed vibe, some resorts have chill-out lounges with acoustic performances and sunset views.

Local bakeries and cafés serve instant coffee and sometimes local brews. Fresh coconut juice, fruit shakes, and sugarcane juice are widely available and great for staying cool in the heat.

Mindoro is prone to typhoons, especially from September to November. Check weather forecasts and avoid sea travel during storms. Some areas are also prone to landslides and strong currents.

Puerto Galera is generally safe, but petty theft can happen, especially in tourist areas. Keep an eye on your belongings, avoid carrying large sums of cash, and be cautious of overcharging by tricycle drivers.

Dengue fever can be a concern during the rainy season. Use insect repellent and wear long sleeves in the evening. Malaria is extremely rare on Mindoro and is not considered a significant risk for travelers. Some beaches may have jellyfish, and certain areas have sea urchins or venomous stonefish—wear water shoes when exploring shallow waters.

Ferry schedules can be unpredictable due to weather conditions. Always check with operators in advance. If renting a motorbike, drive cautiously, as roads can be steep and poorly maintained in some areas.

Boracay From Roxas or San Jose, take a ferry to Caticlan, then a short boat ride to Boracay. Known for its white-sand beaches and nightlife, it offers a different, more commercial island experience.

Coron (Palawan) Accessible via ferry or flights from San Jose. Coron is famous for its WWII shipwreck dives, turquoise lakes, and dramatic limestone cliffs.

Batangas (Luzon) Ferries from Puerto Galera connect to Batangas City, making it an easy route back to Luzon. From there, Manila is just a few hours away by bus or car.