Saturday 1 November 2014

Breathtaking Views in MIMAROPA

By Phoebea Co and Ally Dizon

(source)
Fall in love with the Philippines one province at a time from the MIMAROPA region with these breathtaking tourist attractions! :)

Do you want to prove if love at first sight is true? Read on!

~ MARINDUQUE ~
1. Tres Reyes Island
Isolated Cove in Tres Reyes Island (source)
The three famous islets named after the Biblical three kings that visited the baby Jesus (namely Gaspar, Melchor, and Baltazar) are collectively known as the Tres Reyes Island. They are delightful picnic grounds, scuba diving, and snorkeling spots in Marinduque because of the clear blue-green waters. The larget islet is Gaspar has a short stretch of coral beach with clear blue-green waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. While Melchor and Baltazarhave precipitous coasts and underwater caves frequented by deep-sea divers.

2. Bathala Caves
Simbahan (Church) Cave (source)
The Bathala caves are said to be mystical. There are four (4) caves  that have been identified and explored out of the seven (7) caves that are believed to be there: (a) Simbahan Cave named such because of its church-like interior; (b) A darker and deeper cave than Simbahan cave and is occasionally guarded by a phyton and from the ceiling hang hundreds of giant bats; (c) A cave that has an underground river; and (d) a cave that have human bones inside which are believed to be remains of the World War II soldiers

3. Poctoy White Beach
Poctoy White Beach (source)
Dubbed as the "Boracay" in Marinduque, it is true to its nickname. Fine white sand? Check. Clear, blue-green waters? Check. Scenic view? Check. Unspoiled? Check. There are also resorts around the area that offer affordable rates and have the equipment for snorkeling, windsurfing, and diving. Watch out for sea-urchins though! Better safe than sorry, right?

~ OCCIDENTAL MINDORO ~
4. Apo Reef National Marine Park
Apo Reef (source)

You may have read much about this from our previous posts. It's because Apo Reef never disappoints! It is recognized as one of the largest coral reef systems in the world, second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Truly a diving mecca in the beautiful country of the Philippines. Clear, visible waters, pristine white sand, a rich marina, what more could you ask for from mother nature?

5. Ambulong Island
Ambulong Island (source)



Ambulong is a 3,000-hectare island and is one of the three beautiful islands found in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. This beautiful paradise is known for its white sand beaches, cliffs along pillars jutting out of the water and underwater caves. Some coves are also rich with coral reefs and different types of fishes. Perfect for island hopping!

6. Agbalala Falls
Rugged Rocks Surrounding the Agbalala Waterfalls
Agbalala Falls (source)

Agbalala Falls rises up to a majestic height of 115 feet and goes down to a depth of 11 feet. It is one of the four waterfalls at Barangay Wawa (the other three being the Agbalala Lovers Falls, the Apyas Waterfalls and the Bagolayag Falls). You should truly check it out when you're in town!


~ ORIENTAL MINDORO ~
7. Mt. Halcon
Mt. Halcon (source)

As aforementioned, Mt. Halcon is considered to be the third highest peak in the country with the height of 8,488 feet above sea level. It is a favorite destination for nature tripping and mountain climbing. Aside from being one of the tallest peaks, mountaineers take delight in the challenge because Mt. Halcon is considered as the most elusive mountain as well.

8. White Beach
White Beach (source)

Puerto Galera (the port of galleons) is the most popular and a major attraction of Oriental Mindoro. It is known for its natural beauty. Pristine white sand, clear blue seas, it's truly a sight to see. A center of marine biodiversity in the world, it boasts it rich marina and vibrant coral gardens. In 2004, Puerto Galera was voted a member of "The Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World" as an organization affliated with UNESCO. White Beach is the most popular beach, out of the 32 beaches, in the area. 

9. Tamaraw Falls
(Image Source: lalamercado.wordpress.com)

There are plenty of natural landscapes in Oriental Mindoro. The most popular waterfall, being that it is the most accessible, is Tamaraw Falls. It is located in Barangay Villaflor, Puerto Galera. It is covered with lush green plants which adds an aura of freshness and naturalness to the area. From this photo, we could really see how breathtaking this place is.


~ PALAWAN ~
10. Tubbataha Reef Marine Park
A scuba diver admiring one of the coral reefs (source)
The Tubbataha is the Philippine's first national marine park and also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a high density of marine species, you will certainly feel like you are in an entirely different world. It is also one of the 8th top diving sites in the planet because of the colorful and vibrant marine life.

11. Puerto Princesa Subterranean Underground River National Park
Tourists entering the Underground River of Puerto Princesa (source)
It is not a wonder as to why this is one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Evidently, the place is breathtaking and the mysteriousness of exploring a karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 km long underground river just adds to its natural beauty. 

12. Kayangan Lake
A local sitting on a prominent rock formation in Kayangan Lake (source)
Awarded as the Cleanest Lake in Asia, it is clearly evident as to why. It is situated in top of a mountain and a 10-minute climb is required to feast upon and partake on this breathtaking body of water.

~ ROMBLON ~
13. Mt. Guiting-Guiting
Mt. Guiting-Guiting (source)
Situated in Magdiwang, Mt. Guiting-Guiting is the highest peak in Sibuyan Island. This mountain is recommended for seasoned hikers only. But if you're up for a little adventure, this is highly recommended because of the breathtaking view from the top of the mountain. Don't forget the hiker's basic things to bring as well!

14. Hambil Beach, Carabao Island
Local boy walking on a bent coconut tree (source)
Welcome to paradise! What's the difference of this beach from the usual white sand beaches? The bent coconut trees! You can climb them and sit there while listening to the waves and enjoying the sea breeze. Watching the sun rise or set while sitting there alone or with a loved one is something to be enjoyed in this beautiful beach.

15. Catingas River
Catingas River (source)
Known for its enchanting vistas, the world's smallest bat; the Singalong, an endangered wild cat; and Mancogo/ Iron Woods, the hardest wood are also found in the mountains of the Catingas River. It is a natural swimming pool, known for being the second cleanest inland water in MIMAROPA. The water is clean, clear, odorless, tasteless and ever-flowing.

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Sources:

Marinduque:
  • http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/index.php?title=Natural&func=all&pid=6682
  • http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/301298/newstv/biyahenidrew/marinduque-in-48-hours-a-biyahe-ni-drew-itinerary
  • http://gnehjski.blogspot.com/2012/03/blog-post.html

Occidental Mindoro:

  • http://www.wowmindoro.com/topstories/apo-reef-national-park-in-sablayan-occidental-mindoro
  • http://www.ironwulf.net/2009/06/15/mindoro-ambulong-island-grace-island/
  • http://www.lakadpilipinas.com/2010/06/mindoro-agbalala-waterfalls.html

Oriental Mindoro:
  • http://www.bluishtrekker.com/2013/08/on-quest-for-mt-halcon.html#sthash.AwspyzEe.dpbs
  • http://www.puertogalera.org/white-beach/
  • http://geejaytravellog.blogspot.com/2014/03/tamaraw-falls-and-virgin-island-beach-oriental-mindoro.html

Palawan:
  • http://osmiva.com/2013/06/tourist-attractions-in-palawan-philippines/
  • http://www.lakadpilipinas.com/2011/01/coron-kayangan-lake.html
  • http://bluedreamer27.blogspot.com/2012/01/top-five-reasons-why-it-is-more-fun-in.html

Romblon:
  • http://www.jovialwanderer.com/2012/03/reminiscing-mt-guiting-guiting-romblon.html
  • http://www.lakwatsero.com/destinations/travel-guide-carabao-island-hambil/
  • http://discovermimaropa.blogspot.com/2014/10/10-au-naturale-attractions-in-mimaropa.html
  • http://www.wowromblon.com/destinations/natural-attractions/romblon-and-its-natural-attractions/

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