Arguably the most popular tourist destination in the whole island of Mindoro, Puerto Galera offers a myriad of attractions for those looking for a quick getaway experience. Famous for its beautiful natural harbor, its numerous beaches alone are enough to lure tourists and are ideal for various water activities, including diving, snorkeling, water skiing, windsurfing, beach, and island hopping by bangka or boat, and swimming. Some of Puerto Galera’s well-known beaches include Sabang Beach, White Beach, Aninuan Beach, and Talipanan Beach. Puerto Galera is also known for its vibrant nightlife and has a diverse range of restaurants and dining options.

Brgy. Villaflor, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

A picturesque waterfalls with a natural cool swimming pool at the base, Tamaraw Falls is a worthwhile detour when visiting Puerto Galera. The 423-foot falls consist of three smaller waterfalls cascading down together to the main waterfalls gushing into a cool water basin where one can take a refreshing dip is a sight to behold. It’s named after tamaraw a species of water buffalo that’s endemic to the island province of Mindoro. Tamaraw Falls can be seen along the highway and faces the mountainside offering a relaxing view of the lush of the forest.

Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro

On the northwest side of Calapan is Caluangan Lake.  The lake’s borders are dotted with vast mangroves and its tranquil waters are refilled continuously by the Baruyan River. You can rent a boat or take a leisurely cruise to explore the lake and the river. You can also enjoy bird-watching, kayaking, and fishing. Here you can also get a picture-perfect view of Mt. Halcon, which is the highest peak in the whole of Mindoro.

Baco, Oriental Mindoro

One of the toughest peaks to climb in the Philippines, Mount Halcon stands at 2,586 meters high. Trekking Mount Halcon offers quite a challenge even for seasoned hikers and climbers with its difficult trails, steep slopes, rocky ridges, dense forests, and river crossings. It will take at least four days to reach the summit due to its difficulty level, but the spectacular view from its top and raw beauty of nature you’ll pass by along the way makes the whole experience definitely worthwhile and invigorating.

Naujan Lake National Park is one of the country’s first national parks having been declared as a national park on March 27, 1956. It features the fifth largest lake in the Philippines, the Naujan Lake. The freshwater lake is bounded by the municipalities of Naujan, Victoria, Socorro, and Pola. Endowed with natural beauty and rich biodiversity, the park is also considered as a home and breeding ground for migratory birds. The park has picnic huts and tables and caters to a number of recreational activities, such as bird-watching and boating, as well as an onboard educational tour.

Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro

Found in the southernmost part of Oriental Mindoro, the town of Bulalacao boasts unspoiled islands that include Aslom, Target, Tambaron, Suguicay, Sibalat, and Buyayao. Each will dazzle you with its own unique charm, although most of them don’t allow overnight stays. You can soak up under the sun on the tranquil powdery white-sand shores, enjoy the laid-back beach, and island vibe away from the crowd.

Capital City: Mamburao

Spanning the western half of the island province of Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro remains wonderfully unspoiled. Its capital city is Mamburao with San Jose as its largest municipality. Besides its striking views of mountain ranges and paddy fields, Occidental Mindoro has other captivating sights, immaculate white beaches, and a thriving ecosystem underwater, making it a promising hub for sustainable ecotourism.

If you’re in for an adventure and thrill, you can hike at Mounts Iglit-Baco National Park, which is home to tamaraw, an endemic species in Mindoro. The trek to the summit is challenging but you’ll be rewarded with the raw beauty of nature and getting there, you will meet the Mangyans, an indigenous tribe in Mindoro comprised of 8 different groups with distinctly different languages and customs. Camp for a night on the top of the spectacular mountain and catch the awe-inspiring sunrise.

Apo Island, Sablayan

The country’s largest coral reef system, Apo Reef National Park is a protected area and is home for hundreds of marine life, including an array of colorful reef fish, dolphins, whales, stingrays, sea turtles, lots of sea cucumbers, and more - some of which you may not easily find elsewhere. As you can expect, Apo Reef makes for a spectacular diving and snorkeling spot. Other activities you can enjoy here include kayaking, dolphin-watching, and lagoon-rafting.

Paluan, Occidental Mindoro

Calawagan Mountain Resort exudes in natural beauty that will leave its visitors in awe. A free-flowing river, Calawagan River was once awarded as the cleanest inland body of water in the country. In fact, its cold, crystal clear water serves as the source of the community’s drinking water. The mountain resort features swimming pools and cottages perfect for family picnics. It also has verdant forests and hiking trails great for those looking for a fantastic outdoor adventure.

Puting Bato Mountain, Lubang, Occidental Mindoro

One of Lubang’s main tourist attractions, the Onoda Trail and Caves feature the hideout of Japanese officer Lt. Hiroo Onoda who refused to surrender during World War II. For almost three decades, Onoda went on hiding in the mountains of Puting Bato, until his surrender in 1974. The trail expands to a total of 8 km and covers a series of 4 caves where Onoda and his troops took shelter. Along the way, you’ll pass by streams, century-old trees, huge rocks, and wild animals. Hikers who wish to visit the caves are advised to coordinate first with the local tourism office, and due to the difficulty level of the trail, it’s a wise idea to hire a guide during your tour.

North Pandan Island, Sablayan Occidental Mindoro

If you are looking for a quiet tropical island retreat, Pandan Island Resort, a private island with a small resort on the west coast of Occidental Mindoro is the place to be. The dreamy island resort has a fine white sand beach with rich surrounding waters and a lush tropical forest. Visitors are treated with vibrant tropical surroundings, although one can only expect basic accommodations. The resort offers native bungalows for those who want to spend overnights on the resort island. There is no electricity on the island and their main source of power is solar energy. Here you can enjoy lazing on the beach, go snorkeling and scuba diving, or swim with the turtles, as well as enjoy kayaking to a jungle river nearby.

Kalong River in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, is an inland body of water with a white-sand riverbank, making it one of a kind. The waters are so clear that you can see the stones in the riverbed. While getting there requires at least an hour of trekking, along the way, you'll see streams, rice paddies and get the semblance of the indigenous Mangyan community's simple living that will make your trip unforgettable.