Five Interesting Facts about Occidental Mindoro!

Occidental Mindoro is one of the provinces that makes up the MIMAROPA Region. It occupies the western half of Mindoro Island and consists of eleven coastal municipalities. It is home to some of nature's greatest wonders that are waiting for you to be explored. From ridge to reef, Occidental Mindoro is indeed a destination of choice.

So, if you are listing down your bucket list after the quarantine and have your leisure travel in the new normal might as well check out these interesting reasons why you should include Occidental Mindoro in your bucket list.

Tara Na! Let's get to know more about Occidental Mindoro.

1. The 2nd largest contiguous coral reef in the world is found in Occidental Mindoro.

Yes. You read it right. We are not just home to one of the best diving spots in the Philippines, but we are also home to a world-class wonder. The Apo Reef Natural Park. 

Apo Reef Natural Park is located in the town of Sablayan and is considered the primary tourism destination of the province. Its crystalline blue water envelops a diverse marine life, thus considered popular among local and foreign divers. It is a dive site you should not miss visiting if you are into diving. Aside from its abundant marine life, Apo Reef Natural Park is also the sanctuary of different species of birds that can be seen while you are sauntering to the mangrove boardwalk going to the lagoon located in the heart of the mangrove forest. From the top of its lighthouse, you can also have an overview of the whole island.

2. We have our own Little Maldives.

If you want to travel and experience something new, like have your slumber in a dreamy floating cottage while feeling the gentle breeze of the sea, you can actually experience this indulgence in Grace Island Resort.

This resort is one of the primary tourist destinations in the town of San Jose. It is alluringly situated on the island of Ambulong, which would take an hour and a half boat ride from the mainland of San Jose. It is enticing and, its beauty has charmed visitors who want to make the most of their vacation. It is represented by a lone tree, quaintly perched above the lininob rock, which symbolizes the life and beauty of the Island. Its floating cottages will remind you of Maldives but experiencing the place will give you total Filipino hospitality. You will be greeted by a welcome dance and a song performed by a band with a complimentary fruit smoothie to quench your thirst. This place is perfect for couples and group trips for a day tour or overnight stay.

3.  We have a white sand beach dubbed as "Mini Boracay."

If we talk about white sand, the first destination that comes to our mind is Boracay. But did you know that you can also experience white sand in Occidental Mindoro? And you can find it also in the town of San Jose. The Inasakan Beach.

This island is known for its purely alluring powdery white sand that will hold you captive once you experience life on this beach. Its crystal clear water will invite you to get tan while you enjoy water activities such as swimming and snorkeling. Its towering coconut trees are perfect for your Instagram photoshoot or, you can also have its young coconut for a buko juice. 

4. One out of nine ASEAN Heritage Sites in the Philippines is found in our province.

The island of Mindoro holds not only the beauty of the ocean. We also house some of the most protected landforms in the country. One of these is the renowned Mts Iglit-Baco Natural Park.

The breathtaking renowned Mts Iglit-Baco Natural Park is the sanctuary of biologically important flora and fauna. With its unique biodiversity and ecosystem, this tourist attraction is ideal for trekking and camping. You will experience the rich biodiversity while enjoying your trail to the peak. The largest portion lies in Sablayan but, the entry point of visitors is in Calintaan. Its evergreen forest and grassland are the ideal home and playground of Tamaraw, a dwarf buffalo endemic to the island of Mindoro. Mts. Iglit-Baco Natural Park is not just the home of Tamaraws but also home to the elusive Mangyan Tribe, the Tau-Buid. You will also get the chance to see up close the Tamaraws via the lenses of your telescope.

5. We are the home of the longest island-to-island zipline in Asia!

Aside from being the marine wonderland and divers paradise, Occidental Mindoro is also known for this particular outdoor adventure activity. We are not exaggerating but, the longest island-to-island zipline in Asia is located in our province!

Ziplining is one of the three activities in 3 in 1 Adventure. It is being offered in the Presing Park in the town of Sablayan. With a cable length of 1.7 km and a point-to-point distance of 1.4 km, this activity will travel you above the ocean for 3 to 4 minutes. This is also the first motorized back and forth pulley in Asia. Many personalities and vloggers have already experienced and featured the zipline adventure in their social media accounts and channels. 

Experience all these wonders in our province. Save these spots on your bucket list while we are still waiting for the right time to travel. For now, we will be the ones to travel to you through our online platforms. 

Nasasabik na kaming makita kayong muli!

For more details, you may contact our official Facebook Page Turismo Occidental Mindoro, or email us through tourism_occmin@yahoo.com