About Marinduque
Marinduque is known as the smallest province in the Southern Tagalog region. It has the shape of a human heart floating on a clear blue sea, situated about eleven miles from the main island of Luzon. Marinduque lies between Tayabas Bay to the north and Sibuyan Sea to the south, south and west of Quezon, east of Mindoro and north of Romblon. It is 370 square miles in area which makes it the 13th largest island in the Philippine archipelago.
Marinduque can be reached by air via the Marinduque Airport in Barangay Masiga, Gasan, near the border with Boac; by sea through the three ports of call – Balanacan Port in Mogpog, Cawit Port in Boac and Buyabod Port in Santa Cruz; and by land via Lucena or San Juan, transferring to a ferry along the way. Two bus lines have service to Marinduque either via Lucena or via San Juan.
Characterized by rolling hills, spectacular valleys, unique seaside cliffs, with patches of lush flatland spread around the island, Marinduque is a favorite destination during the Lenten Season for their annual traditional biblical event, the Moriones Festival.
Marinduque’s Places of Interest include:
- White Beach. This beach is located in Barangay Poctoy in the municipality of Torrijos. This is one of the finest beaches in the Marinduque Island. It is surrounded by crystal clear blue waters and fine sand. Local fish caught are often sold along the beachfront.
- Tres Reyes Islands. This is also known as the “Three Kings” – a chain of three islands off Gasan coast where the main island is named “Gaspar Island”. It is famous for its pure white sand and clear blue waters perfect for diving. Gaspar Island can be reached only by boat.
- The Bathala Caves. The Bathala Caves are one of the popular tourist sites of Marinduque Island. This massive cave system can be found in the mountains of Santa Cruz on private property. To get to the caves, you must ask the property owner for permission and they usually charge a small fee. It is best to visit the caves with a tour guide as there are rugged landscapes and terrain that needed to be hurdled. The Caves offer a fantastic view, especially during sunset and sunrise when one of the caves in the system named “Cathedral Cave” lights up entirely, showing off its amazing lines. Another must-see is the “Python Cave” known to house a multitude of snakes.
- Red Mountain. This is the site of the Battle of Pulang Lupa during the Philippine-American War. It takes a long hike to reach the top, and once you’re there, a full 360 degree view of the surrounding Marinduque Area and valleys await you. The mountain got its name “Red Mountain” as attributed to the amount of bloodshed in the fierce battle involving Filipino and American forces during the War.
- Bellarocca Island. Bellarocca Island is situated off the south west coast of the Marinduque province. Bellarocca is the newest first class resort and spa in the island and its structure was honed from the famous Santorini, Greece. You can reach the resort by renting a private van which takes approximately 40-minute travel from Lipata town to Buenavista. From Buenavista, a 5-minute boat ride will take you to the resort proper.
For foreign visitors, diving is the main activity as Marinduque has loads of diving sites where one can explore the rich underwater marine life and coral reefs. The Tres Reyes Islands are the best point to start snorkeling or diving as the islands are teeming with rich and exotic marine life and warm tropical waters.
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