1. Go to the Palad Sandbar

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Palad Sandbar is a nice quiet island far away from any type of noise and commotion. It is located just 3 hours away from Manila. It is a long stretch of white sands and green waters surround it. Talk about a taste of paradise! It is a place where anyone can go and spend their vacation just to get away from his or her normal lifestyle and enter a more relaxed and calm environment. You can take boat rides around the sea and enjoy the lovely view all around you. In the evenings, if you stay there that long, you will catch an awesome sunset as well as still clear waters. Trust me; this is one place you would want to visit.

Palad Sandbar

Address: Palad Sandbar, Santa Cruz, Marinduque, Philippines

Duration: around 3 hours required

Access: A boat ride off Maniuaya Island

2. View the Ungab Rock Formation

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

I don’t think you have ever seen quite a rock formation like the one you would see while at Ungab. Ungab is a small village on the island, which the rock formations were named after. Now, these rocks go up to a hundred feet (30 meters) above water, so you can just imagine the majesty! These rock formations form a natural bridge on the water that you can have fun swimming under. There are some places where the water is very shallow, so even children can join in the fun. The waters are always clear, and even the locals occasionally bathe in them. There are also lovely places around to eat and stay at.

Ungab Rock Formation

Duration: around 4 hours required

Access: Off the coast of Sta. Cruz, Marinduque Island, Philippines

3. Swim at the Kawa Kawa Falls

Since we know that Marinduque already has such natural beauty, behold the Kawa Kawa Falls. These falls are found in the more mountainous places in Marinduque. The name ‘Kawa’ came to be because the water falls into a kawa shaped place. A kawa is like a frying pan, but slightly bigger. These falls are not very dangerous, so you can go swimming here whenever you please and believe me, the feeling is very refreshing. Just imagine being out in nature, birds flying around, a nice view, nice cool water to swim in and great company. Now that is a place I would want to go.

Kawa Kawa Falls

Address: Barangay Bangcuangan, Santa Cruz, Marinduque

Duration: around 3 hours required

Access: About 1 hour away from the town of Sta. Cruz

4. Dare to visit the Bathala Caves’ Python Cave

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Yes people, a python cave. However, don’t start thinking that it is something out of a horror movie. It is quite a cool place to visit. This place has mesmerizing formations, which are shaped like a dome. The cave is deeper than most caves and has a ceiling of bats. So, if you are the squeamish type, get ready to be startled at any moment. This cave is guarded by pythons and can be very exciting to visit. If you are lucky, you will get to see some. This will be an awesome experience if you love the whole thrill of it.

Bathala Caves

Address: Santa Cruz, Marinduque

Price: from 1 USD

Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm

Duration: around 3 hours required

Access: 40 minute drive East of Marinduque via Boac - Mogpog - Santa Cruz - Torrijos Rd/Marinduque Circumferential Rd

5. Attend the Moriones Festival

The Moriones Festival is a colorful religious event that takes place yearly. There is a slight history to this. The word ‘Marion’ from ‘Moriones’ is the mask or shield that is on the helmet. So, the Moriones Festival is an event where people dress up in their favorite helmets and costumes and at times, put on street shows. This festival happens for seven straight days, and people re-enact the scene in biblical times where Jesus was crucified. Longinus was a person in biblical times who was blind in one eye, but after the blood of Jesus had squirted in his eye, it restored his eyesight and made him turn into a Christian. They re-enact this scene too. It is a pretty significant event in Marinduque and is attended by hundreds of people.

6. Butterfly Garden. Need I say more?

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Butterfly Garden has to be one of the prettiest places you will ever visit. Marinduque is at times referred to as the butterfly capital of the Philippines. First of all, the garden has luscious green gardens with pink flowers all over. These are the ones which attract the butterflies and keep them in the sanctuary for longer. You can go jogging in the morning or evenings here and witness all the beautiful butterflies. There is also a nice waterfall in the garden, I mean it just sounds like something straight out of a fairytale, right? From here, you can also learn how to create a butterfly garden of your own at home!

Butterfly Farm

Address: Barangay Dos, Gasan, 4905, Marinduque, Philippines

Price: from 0.8 USD

Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm. Closed on public holidays

Duration: around 3 hours required

Access: Off Quenzon Boulevard next to Gasan Central School

Contact: +63 423421016

Near by Food: Marigold kitchenette

7. Butterfly farm

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This butterfly farm may seem just like a small garden in your backyard but it has an enclosed greenhouse filled with butterflies. Though it is not a hectare size garden, you will be delighted in watching the butterflies flying around or perched on flowers and leaves. You may also try putting one on your finger to observe it closely. Moreover, you’ll also learn about the life cycle of butterflies and other animals here. Should you want to buy some souvenirs to take home, they have a shop located in front of the garden where you can buy t-shirts, shawls, pencils, toys and fridge magnets.

Butterfly farm

Address: Marinduque Circumferential Rd 4905 Gasan, Marinduque

Website: Butterfly farm

8. Malbog Sulfuric Hot Spring Resort

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Malbog Sulfuric Hot Spring Resort is a famous picnic attraction that can be found at the base of Mt. Malindig volcano. It features two swimming pools where you can soak and let its sulfuric waters immerse your skin. It is believed that it has medicinal properties and effective in treating skin maladies like acne. Meanwhile, due to its warm water, it has a soothing effect that you’ll surely enjoy while in the midst of nature.

Malbog Sulfuric Hot Spring Resort

Address: Brgy. Malbog Buenavista Marinduque 4904 Buenavista, Marinduque

Website: Malbog Sulfuric Hot Spring Resort

9. Casa de Don Emilio

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Casa de Don Emilio is a restored heritage house located across the Boac town plaza. This structure has been known for being a historic edifice with a quaint restaurant on its second floor. Both local and foreign tourists visit this place to enjoy the local cuisine being served here such as adobo sa gata and Kari-Kari. Another interesting feature to see here is the antiquated band instruments hanging on its walls. These old musical instruments may be dented and unpolished but they surely bring an authentic quaint vibe to the whole place. Meanwhile, its furniture pieces, like the chandeliers and antique objects transform the aged place into an elegant dining room.

Casa de Don Emilio

Address: Mercader St, Boac, Marinduque

Website: Casa de Don Emilio

Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)

10. Now it's your turn to visit!

If it were me, I would visit the python cave first because it sounds really exciting! However, if you’re not one to do so, there are plenty of other places that are still waiting for you to visit. How lovely does the butterfly garden sound? I would not miss it for the world. Not only this but while you are here, you could taste the food in Marinduque, interact with the people and even learn a few words in their language. Life is all about new experiences with new people. The Marinduque Festival is also one of the most fun things you will do. This even happens during Holy week, meaning it goes on for days. That’s it from me! Now it’s your turn!