OCCIDENTAL MINDORO

Apo Reef National Park
It is the largest contiguous coral reef system in the Philippines and second in the world. This 34 square kilometer natural spectacle is undergoing consideration to be declared as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO World Heritage Center.

Tamaraws
Bearing close resemblance to the Philippine water buffalo, the remaining tamaraws in the country can be seen in Occidental Mindoro, specifically in the mountains of Mt. Iglit.

Natural Beaches and Dive Sites
Mamburao, Sablayan, San Jose and Pandan Island have several white sand beaches and dive sites that offers tourists a more personal commune with nature.

Saknungan Festival
Taken from the Mangyan term which means “bayanihan” or the spirit of cooperation, the event reflects the cultural heritage of Mindoro's ethnic communities.

Cultural

Snake Skeletal Imprint
Location: Montangcob point, Anahawin River, Brgy. Poypoy, Calintaan. Occidental Mindoro
A skeletal impression of a snake can be seen at a certain house-sized boulder found on the river bed. It is believed that the boulder is millions of years old.

Historical

Parola Park Watchtower
Location: Lumang Bayan, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro
A watchtower was constructed in 1861 to serve as watch point for impending raids by Muslims. In 1896, bells were added aid watchers in notifying the towns people. Later on, cannons and a church was built near the tower but the church was destroyed by the elements.

McGuire Field
Location: San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
The airbase was used by the American forces during World War II to launch bomb attacks against Iwo Jima and Okinawa, Japan. Later the airfield was converted into a domestic airport and named after 5th Air Force ace Major Thomas McGuire.

Lubang Island
Location: Lubang, Occidental Mindoro
In 1947, a Japanese Second Lieutenant Hiroo Onoda surrendered as a prisoner of war after 29 years of hiding in the mountains. Onoda only laid his arms after Major Yoshimi Taniguchi, his commanding officer back in World War II told him that the war was over.

Natural

Apo Reef National Park
Location: Apo Island, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro
It is the largest contiguous coral reef system in the Philippines and second in the world. Approximately 400-500 coral species can be found here. Within the National Park area are the bird-populated islands of Binangaan and Caios del Bajo, which have a variety of birds, ideal for birdwatching.

Mt. Iglit
Location: Calintaan - San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
Mt. Iglit is a game sanctuary of tamaraws (Bubalus mindorensis) and the home of Mangyan ethnic tribe. The Mangyans call the mountain as Mt. Mangibok, which means ‘Steep Mountain’. It is so steep and dangerous that several lives have been claimed. The mountain is part of the Mount Iglit-Baco National Park, a nominee to the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ambulong Island
Location: San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
The island has white sand beaches, cliffs along pillars jutting out of the water, and underwater caves. Coral gardens and tropical fish are abundant in several coves.

Illin Island
Location: San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
It is the biggest island in San Jose. It has has five beaches, some of which are fringed with reefs making passage impossible during low tide.

Hulugaan Falls
Location:Lubang Island, Ocidental Mindoro
Hulugaan Falls is a series of falls leading to a stony beach.t is accessible via a one-hour ride from Tagbac and a 20 minute trek.

Besay Falls
Location:Brgy. Tambo, Ambil Island, Lubang, Occidental Mindoro
Besay Falls features a series of waterfalls,each cascading into a crystal clear basin,about five meters in diameter.

Cabra Island
Location:Lubang, Occidental Mindoro
Cabra used to be a popular pilgrimage site because of reported apparitions of the Blessed Virgin in the island. It has golden sandy beaches on the southwestern part and rock formations along the east coast.

Pandan Grande Island
Location: Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro
This 30-hectare islet is surrounded by white sand beach and schools of reefs. Diver's lodge made from native materials are available for rent.

White Island
Location:Manadi, Barrio Ilin, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
This mile-long white sand beach is a preferred breeding site of turtles. Occasionally, tourist can find turtle eggs buried in the sand but visitors are advised not to disturb them.

Tayamaan Beach
Location: Brgy. Tayamaan, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro
The beach is a popular swimming and picnic destination among locals. The whole stretch of Tayamaan Beach is filled with coconut trees.

Lake Libauo
Location: Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm and Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro
It is a catchment basin for endemic birds like the Mindoro Bleeding Heart, Mindoro Owl, Mindoro kalaw, among others. The lake is embraced with various indigenous trees,blooming water lilies and cool wind.

Sablayan Dive Sites
Location: Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro
The shores of Sablayan is a diver's paradise. It has seven interconnected dive spots which offers diverse attactions.
1. Anchor and Christmas tree
2. Barracuda Deep
3. Coral Garden East and West
4. House Reef
5. Napoleon Wall
6. Neptune's Land
7. North Wall

Place: April 25 – 27
Date: San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
Taken from the Mangyan term which means “bayanihan” or the spirit of cooperation, the event reflects the cultural heritage of Mindoro's ethnic communities. Activities include agro-industrial and techno trade fair, drum and bugle parade, bikathon, Juego de Anillo,, palo sebo, hulihan ng baboy, and cultural dance competition.