Often confusing to both travelers and the local population as they dubbed oriental and occidental as the same and only one Mindoro. Both provinces has towering mountain ranges covered with virgin forest, breathtakingly beautiful powdery white beaches, cascading waterfalls, snorkeling and scuba diving galore…all these can be found in both provinces of Mindoro. But in this article we’ll take a glance on The Province of Oriental Mindoro. In spite of being close to the country’s capital, Oriental Mindoro is considered to be one of the unspoiled places…a place that would give a nature lover her or his heart’s desire… that of a nature derived entertainment.

The government together with the hospitable Mindoreños invites tourists, travelers as well as investors to experience the serene atmosphere and breathtaking beauty of this place that is dubbed as the “Golden Island”. Oriental Mindoro is bestowed with the country’s best naturescapes. The majestic mountains with its verdant green rain forests, the rivers and lakes, the calm and inviting clear blue water of the sea that incessantly pays homage to the powdery white sandy beaches would surely lure a person with the most discriminating taste an unforgettable and memorable holiday. The rare flora and fauna, the wild animals and the Mangyan Tribes are additional points of interests.
Mindoro was founded by a group of Spanish mission on February 2, 1921. During the early years, the Spanish administer Mindoro as a part of Batangas that was then called Bonbon. It was only in the 17th century that Mindoro was separated from Batangas with Puerto Galera as its capital. Mindoro is considered to be the 7th largest island of the Philippines. In, 1950, through Republic Act No. 505, Mindoro island was divided into two provinces, Oriental Mindoro on the eastern part with Calapan as the capital and Occidental Mindoro on the western part making Mamburao as the capital.

Oriental Mindoro has a lot of natural attractions to offer local and foreign visitors one of which is Alibatan Island in Baco, famous for its expanse of white sandy beaches that functions as breeding places for different species of turtles. Puerto Galera is known as the Pearl of Mindoro as it is not only Mindoro’s prime tourist spot but the country’s pride as well. The beautiful natural harbor that is known worldwide was used during the Spanish time as a shelter port when the archipelago was ravaged by typhoons, and now used as scenery. Worldwide known and popular for snorkeling and scuba diving haven because of its interesting underwater rock formations, Puerto Galera boast of colorful coral gardens teeming with sea anemones, countless colorful fish species to view and sate ones eyes.

Mt. Halcon is for one with adventurous spirit. Its towering 8,488 feet peak is considered to be the 3rd highest peak in the Philippines. So if you love nature tripping and mountain climbing, Mt. Halcon is definitely a most suitable destination for the adventurous. The 432 foot Tamaraw Falls is definitely a must-see. Be mesmerized by several falls that irregularly cascade from one fall to another until finally gushing in a frothing and swirling bed of water below. Oriental Mindoro is not dubbed as the Golden Island for nothing. Mountain climbing and trekking, indulging in water sports and even the passive butterfly watching can be an unforgettable experience of a lifetime…all these are offered by The Province of Oriental Mindoro. Enjoy !!!