Best Things To Do In Mindoro: Adventurous Travel Dares

1. Dip 'n dive in Apo Reef

If you are a person who loves the deep blue sea, this place is for you. Apo Reef Natural Park is the second largest atoll reef in the world, after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The reef is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This place in Sablayan is adorned with white sand beaches and clear waters, that are packed with a multitudinous variety of underwater creatures. You can get to this place by air from Manila, and after 45 minutes, you’ll be in Occidental Mindoro. Then you can just ride a tricycle to the bus terminal and take the route to Sablayan for a little over 100 PHP (2 USD). You have vans as options too, although it’s a little bit pricer. You can also take the RORO, you just have to look for that bus in Sampaloc, Manila, which would head to Sablayan. This route would take a bit longer, traveling the road by the sea.

Apo Reef Natural Park

Address: Sablayan, Mindoro

Website: Apo Reef

2. Explore the wilderness in Mounts Iglit–Baco National Park

A place that would test your endurance is a protected area of the Philippines and is an Asian Heritage Park. Mounts Iglit–Baco National Park is a part of the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites as well. The area is a very rich land, that is home to some known endangered species like the tamaraw, a hoofed mammal which distinctively has V-shaped horns and is part of the bovid family. With the luscious vegetation and towering trees, Baco is a refuge for animals like the striped-face fruit bat, the Philippine deer, the Mindoro climbing rat, and wild pigs. There are stories that the park is also a vicinity where the New People’s Army (NPA) had been seen sometimes. Going there will require a permit of 50 PHP (1 USD). If you want to explore the wonders of nature in the depths of sultry greeneries, visit Baco, Mindoro.

Mounts Iglit–Baco National Park

Website: Mounts Iglit–Baco National Park

3. Take a hike along Kalong River

Kalong River is the only inland body of water which has a sheer and calming characteristic, that is bordered by a distinctive white sand riverbank. If you want the soles of your feet to be massaged naturally by nature, have a picnic here by the Kalong River. After a tiring walk and lifting yourself up on big stones, cool down and relax in Kalong.

4. Splash in the cool Calawagan River Resort

Cleanliness is an attribute that describes this place best. Having garnered the “Cleanest River Award” twice in a row is proof enough that the people in Mindoro have taken heed of the importance of environmental awareness and care. Rivers, springs, and waterfalls are common water forms that you can see in Calawagan. In fact, these waters are clean enough to supply drinking water to the inhabitants in the vicinity. The resort features natural pools, that are basically just improved by putting in slabs of stones which are piled up so they contain the water that cascades down the rocks.

Calawagan River Resort

Facebook: Calawagan River Resort

5. Explore Inasakan Beach

Ilin Island is a small island in the Philippines. Located south of Mindoro, the island is home to the Ilin Island Cloudrunner, an endangered species of cloud rat. Ilin island is famous for its beaches. The clear water and the fine grain white sand are the major alluring features of the land, and a trip to Inasakan Beach is well worth the effort. No business facilities are found within the area and food is also not available. So when you come to the beach, pack a delectable meal and enjoy the water and view in peace.

6. Climb and take a walk to Agbalala Falls

Agbalala Falls in Abra de Ilog is 35 meters (115 feet) high. The cascading waters on the rocks are soothing to the ear. You can reach the place in two ways, by crossing over the mountainsides or by taking the pebble shores and big boulders of rocks. It is quite important to take note of the weather, since going hiking and trekking in the area might be too dangerous. Nonetheless, get a cool water splash in Agbalala.

7. Capture rarities in Siburan

A rainforest is an ecosystem with a high rainfall and luscious greens are usually rich in these areas. Siburan is the largest tract of lowland forest, that is home to wild animals like the bleeding-heart pigeon, the Mindoro Hornbill, the hawk-owl and other species that inhabit the land. These colorful fowls are what make Siburan Rainforest a wonderful, colorful sight in nature.

Siburan Rain Forest

Address: Sablayan, Mindoro, Philippines

Website: Siburan Rain Forest

8. Follow the trail of the past

What would have it been like, living during the war? This historical place stems back from the time when a Japanese soldier was sent to the Philippines for a mission, which was to protect an enemy attack to destroy Lubang Airport and the pier in Tilik. When the Americans arrived in the Philippines and took over, he was believed to be hiding in the forest, feeding on fruit-bearing trees and on animals within the area. His way of life in the forest left a mark, from which was made a tourist destination and attraction at present. Quite a difficult journey through the jungle for him, but for us; equip yourself with insect repellant, put on your hiking gear and bring your packed goods so you can head out to see the trails in the Lubang Island jungle!

9. Range over Onoda Caves

As Hiroo Onoda stayed in the wilderness for 29 years, his life must have been very simple. From feeding on the fruit-bearing trees and hunting animals, he must have found rest in the caves, on which he also left a mark. His life in the jungle is a vivid example of a daring challenge to a man. It also is a perfect picture of the saying; “the richest man in the world is not the one who has everything, he is the one who needs the least.”

10. Set your feet on the sand

The white sand beaches that border the land from the clear waters of Mindoro is a highlight in Haligi. The perfect place for a family gathering, perhaps a proposal, or just a place for a simple celebration of the life that we live. Go and have a getaway on the Haligi shores!

Engaging activities

Enjoy the wide range of activities that Mindoro has to offer! From exploring caves to diving in a coral reef site, there are endless things to do in Mindoro to keep everyone with an adventurous spirit happy. What are you waiting for? Book your trip now!