Oriental Mindoro – The Island's Loveliest Harbor

Like Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro has its own set of natural treasures. These are in the form of white sand beaches, coral reefs, rain forests, and dive sites. Its foremost asset is Puerto Galera, endowed with one of the most beautiful natural harbors all over the world. There are shallow coral gardens, interesting rock formations, and colorful species to watch, like crabs, shrimps, sea anemones, moray, and trumpet fishes.

The Mangyan settlement areas is another treasure of Oriental Mindoro. Amidst modernization, this ethnic tribe has managed to protect and preserve their cultural identity and keep their ways. Now, the Mangyans have become a respected community in the province and serves as the primary protector of Oriental Mindoro's natural treausres.

Demographics

1. Population – 735, 769 (as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area – 4,238.4 sq. km
3. Capital – Calapan City
4. Language/Dialect – Tagalog, Ilocano, Cebuano, English, and Filipino
5. Divisions

Cities (1)

• Calapan City

Municipalities (14)

• Baco
• Bansud
• Bongabong
• Bulalacao
• Gloria
• Mansalay
• Naujan
• Pinamalayan
• Pola
• Puerto Galera
• Roxas
• San Teodoro
• Socorro
• Victoria

Puerto Galera
The town of Puerto Galera is blessed to have one of the most beautiful natural harbors in the country and in the world. It is also gifted with pristine beaches, numerous coral reefs, and stunning dive sites.

Manyan Tribe
They are the aborigines of the people of Occidental and Oriental Mindoro. They are described as gentle and withdrawn people, and skilled weavers and craftsmen, producing intricate tribal finery, including baskets, mats, and other items, both functional and aesthetic.

Mt. Halcon
It is the third highest peak in the country. It has attracted numerous mountain climbers and trekkers due to its lush greenery and scenic summit.

Cultural

Mangyan Settlement
Location: Oriental Mindoro
The Mangyan tribe is composed of seven ethnic groups residing in different parts of Oriental Mindoro. These tribes are also found in Occidental Mindoro.

1. Alangan - Naujan, Baco, San Teodoro, and Victoria
2. Bangon - Bongabong, Bansud, and Gloria
3. Tau-Buid - Socorro, Pinamalayan and Gloria
4. Buhid - Roxas, Bansud, Bongabong and some parts of Mansalay
5. Hanunuo - Mansalay, Bulalacao, and some parts of Bongabong
6. Tadyawan - Naujan, Victoria, Socorro, Pola, Gloria, Pinamalayan, and Bansud.
7. Iraya - Puerto Galera, San Teodoro and Baco

Excavation Museum
Location: Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
The museum houses multitude of relics, dating as far as the 15ht to 19th century. Relics include Chinese and Siamese pottery, shell collections, and Ming Dynasty burial jars.

Historical

Kuta
Location: Brgy. Anilao, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro
It is the oldest Spanish fortress in the countr. Built during the 16ht century by the Jesuits, it has Spanish cannons and a boat.

Baluarte in Lumang Bayan
Location: Naujan, Oriental Mindoro
Another fortress in the province, . It has a watchtower on top of a hill, overlooking the bay. It was built by the Christian settlers to warn the townspeople of Muslim raiders.

The Cross at Muele
Location: Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
It was erected to commemorate the sinking of the battleship, Canonero Mariveles, at the Manila channel on November 18, 1879.

Natural

Mt. Halcon
Location: Baco, Oriental Mindoro
With a height of 8,488 feet above sea level, it is the third highest peak in the country. Mangyans call Mt. Halcon as ‘lagpas ulap’ or ‘beyond the clouds’ because of its height. A popular area in the mountain for mountain climbers is the ‘Knife’s edge. It is a .

Alibatan Island
Location: Baco, Oriental Mindoro
The five-hectare white sand beach island is a known breeding grown of turtles and seagulls. Corals and oysters are abundant around the island.

Tamaraw Falls
Location: Brgy. Villaflor, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
The 423-foot waterfalls, situated alongside the road, is actually a series of asymmetrical falls, leading to the grand one, dropping to a frothy waterbed below.

Puerto Galera Beaches

1. La Laguna Beach
   The area has been converted to a commercial beach resort. A number of resorts offer accommodation as well as travel and aqua sport facilities to tourists. La Laguna is ideal for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.
2. Small La Laguna
   Contrary to its name, Small La Laguna is bigger than La Laguna Beach. It also has coral reefs that attract more scuba divers and snorkeler. Like La Laguna, it has commercial establishments for accommodation and recreation purposes.
3. Talipanan Beach
   Talipanan is ideal for those who want to escape the usual busy and boisterous beach life. The area is not as busy as other beaches in Puerto Galera, thus, ideal for private swimming and relaxation.
4. Sabang Beach
5. Punta Guarda Beach
6. White Sand Beach
   

Religious

Simba Bato
Location: Brgy. Bancuro, Naujan
This is an ancient church with a chapel constructed on its original site

Banana Festival
Place: Baco, Oriental Mindoro
Date: March 18 - 19
The festival serves as the town’s celebration and thanksgiving for the abundant harvest of their main agricultural product – bananas. During this three-day celebration, locals dress up for a banana-inspired street dancing competition and beauty pageant.

Bahaghari Festival
Place: Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro
Date: April 25
From the local folkore story of salvation in the presence of a bahaghari (rainbow), locals stage colorful street dancing competitions, float parades, and a beauty pageant.

Lechon Festival and Gabi ng Pakulo
Place: Pola, Oriental Mindoro
Date: June 24
The fiesta coincides with the feast of St. John the Baptist. Pagoda, banquet, and other activities are held throughout the day. Highlights include the parade of lechon (roast pig) and the Gabi ng Pakulo (Night of Suprise) where locals prepare different street dance and other cultural presentation.

Sanduguan Festival
Place: Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro
Date: November 15
The feast recalls the barter trade between China and Mai, the old name of Mindoro. Activities include trade fair, cultural presentations, and the re-enactment of the Sanduguan.