Mindoro, Philippines: travel guide
Large island south of Luzon with dive reefs, white beaches and mountains
Island destination known for white sand beaches, underwater cave systems, and a mix of beach and mountain activities.
About Mindoro
Mindoro is a large island lying just south of Luzon, a short ferry ride from Batangas. Its mountainous interior is home to the rare tamaraw, a small wild buffalo found nowhere else, while its coastline offers some of the most accessible beaches and reefs from Manila.
The island is usually split between its two halves. Oriental Mindoro includes Puerto Galera, known for its sheltered bays, diving and snorkelling, and for White Beach. Occidental Mindoro is quieter and wilder, with Apo Reef Natural Park, a large coral reef system ideal for divers. Mount Halcon draws hardy trekkers.
Mindoro suits divers, beach lovers and travellers who want a quick escape from the capital. The dry season runs from about November to May.
- Country
- Philippines
- Currency
- PHP
- Time zone
- Asia/Manila
Last updated
Top places to visit in Mindoro
White Beach Puerto Galera
Beach · 4.4 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
Puerto Galera's wide white-sand arc — calm shallow water, budget resorts, and easy day trips to nearby islands.
Sabang Beach (Puerto Galera)
Beach · 4.2 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Lively dive and backpacker beach at the gateway to the Verde Island Passage — world-class wall diving.
Apo Reef National Park
Wildlife · 4.8 rating · about 6 h · entry ₱150 (≈ ₹230)
The second-largest contiguous coral reef system in the world — pristine diving and whale shark sightings.
Tamaraw Falls
Waterfall · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A scenic 30-m waterfall on the road to Calapan — named after the critically endangered Mindoro dwarf buffalo.
Bulalacao Pink Beach
Beach · 4.5 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
A remote beach in southern Mindoro with faint pink hues from crushed red coral — accessible only by boat.
Mount Halcon Trail
Nature · about 8 h · entry ₱100 (≈ ₹150)
The highest peak in Mindoro at 2586 m — one of the Philippines' most challenging multi-day climbs.
Things to do
- Sabang Beach Snorkeling & Snooker Reef Water Sports · 4 h · from PHP 360 per person
- Mount Halcon Day Trek Hiking · 8 h · from PHP 530 per person
- Puerto Galera Firefly Tour by Kayak Wildlife · 2 h · from PHP 250 per person
- Mangyan Village Cultural Immersion Cultural · 3 h · from PHP 250 per person
Where to stay in Mindoro
- Beach Area about PHP 2,500 per night
Island with beach resorts and water sports
Hotels
- El Canonero Dive Resort Puerto Galera 3-star · PHP 3,000 to PHP 7,500 per night
- Calapan City Hotel 3-star · PHP 1,800 to PHP 4,000 per night
Where to eat
- Tamarind Restaurant Puerto Galera Filipino, International · about PHP 400 per person
- Coco Aroma Puerto Galera Filipino, International · about PHP 250 per person
- Big Apple Divers Bar Puerto Galera International, Filipino · about PHP 300 per person
Getting to Mindoro
Nearest airport: Coron (USU), about 140 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Scooter Rental
- Tricycle
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Money exchange short-change
Major tourist zones
Cashier counts notes quickly, palms one, then re-counts and accuses you of being short.
How to avoid it: Use credit card. Count change yourself before stepping away.
More in Philippines
Frequently asked questions about Mindoro
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Mindoro?
- The highest-rated places in our Mindoro guide are Apo Reef National Park, Bulalacao Pink Beach, White Beach Puerto Galera, Tamaraw Falls, Sabang Beach (Puerto Galera).
- Where should I stay in Mindoro?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Mindoro: Beach Area.
- How do I get around Mindoro?
- Ways to get around Mindoro covered in our guide: Scooter rental, Tricycle, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Mindoro?
- Scams reported to us for Mindoro include Money exchange short-change. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.