Marinduque is an island province at the geographical center of the Philippines touted as an accessible and affordable alternative to Boracay. Find yourself embracing nature’s innate beauty and basking in the island’s rich and colorful history and cultural heritage without the hassle of distance and cost.
Marinduque. What do we usually know of it? Usually, this island province is associated with the Moriones Festival, the trademark revelry and tourist magnet of the island. For some, Marinduque is also a reminder of a grim past when mining was an important industry in the island – an industry which took a toll on its environment and locals. But there is more to Marinduque than just Moriones and mining. It is a treasure trove of suprising and awesome finds.
Why Not Go
If you are a tourist looking for good company and awesome nightlife in a tourist destination, then Marinduque is not the place for you. There are no clubs, bars and discos in the island to enjoy. There is limited access to water sports as not all resorts offer such amenities. If you can find a resort that has one then good for you; But if not then you might want to consider before going. The roads are not good in Marinduque although it stretches through out the whole island. If you plan to bring a vehicle or commute, you might find the land and sea travel uneasy.
Why Go
This is the closest thing to Boracay or Palawan that you can find affordable and closest to Manila. With the wide array of activities in store for you, you can’t get wrong with your decision. Accommodations are flexible as you have a spectrum of places to choose from beginning with the affordable to the high-end. The locals are friendly and easy to get along with – a big advantage for those who want to embrace to local history and culture.
Getting There
BY LAND AND SEA – From Araneta Bus Terminal in Cubao take buses that leave for Talao-Talao Port in Lucena City, Quezon. The fare should be around P140-P160. If you are bound for the eastern side of the island, take a ferry for Buyabod Port in Sta. Cruz. If you are bound for the western side of the island, take a ferry for Balanacan Port in Mompog. Fares should be around P350-500. If you plan to take a vehicle, you can load it up a roll on-roll off (RORO) ferry. Montenegro Shipping has a 4-storey RORO that leaves Lucena for Cawit port in Boac daily.
BY AIR – Zest Air (formerly Asian Spirit) offers affordable flights from Manila to Marinduque four times a week with discounted fees ranging from almost P500-P1300 and regular rates for P1400-P4200. Travel time is around 45 minutes.
BY BUS (DIRECT ROUTE) – Jac Liner Incorporated, the biggest bus operator in Southern Tagalog offers direct bus routes from their terminals in Kamias, Quezon City and Buendia, Pasay to Buenavista, Marinduque. For reservations call (02) 404-2073.
BY AIR – Zest Air (formerly Asian Spirit) offers affordable flights from Manila to Marinduque four times a week with discounted fees ranging from almost P500-P1300 and regular rates for P1400-P4200. Travel time is around 45 minutes.
BY BUS (DIRECT ROUTE) – Jac Liner Incorporated, the biggest bus operator in Southern Tagalog offers direct bus routes from their terminals in Kamias, Quezon City and Buendia, Pasay to Buenavista, Marinduque. For reservations call (02) 404-2073.
To do List
1. See the Moriones Festival and don the costumes of the Roman soldiers.
2. Go diving at Poctoy Beach in Torrijos.
3. For mountaineers, scale the heights of the tallest mountain here, Mt. Malindig.
4. Go island hopping at Balanacan Bay in Mompog.
5. Snorkel around the waters of the Tres Reyes Islands.
6. Dip into the hot springs of Malbog in Buenavista.
7. Join the ritual putong and discover its healing effects.
8. Enjoy the exclusive first class treatment of Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa.
9. Buy uraro cookies as souvenirs.
10. Take a historical tour of the Marinduque churches.
2. Go diving at Poctoy Beach in Torrijos.
3. For mountaineers, scale the heights of the tallest mountain here, Mt. Malindig.
4. Go island hopping at Balanacan Bay in Mompog.
5. Snorkel around the waters of the Tres Reyes Islands.
6. Dip into the hot springs of Malbog in Buenavista.
7. Join the ritual putong and discover its healing effects.
8. Enjoy the exclusive first class treatment of Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa.
9. Buy uraro cookies as souvenirs.
10. Take a historical tour of the Marinduque churches.
The Best of Marinduque
Marinduque is a treasure trove of exquisite natural beauty. This island of 370 square miles is dotted with various white sand beaches, well-preserved diving sites, enchanting caves, rejuvenating hot springs and tranquil islets that provide for the perfect getaway. The best beaches in island can be found in Boac, in the barangays of Balaring, Caganhao, Cawit, Ihatub and Laylay. The fine white sand beach in Barangay Poctoy in Torrijos town is breath-taking, as well as the beaches at Maniwaya Island in Sta.Cruz town. Most of these beaches are situated in local resorts and spas which offer rooms for tourists at affordable rates. Some resorts also have equipment for watersports such as snorkeling, windsurfing and diving.
Best Time to Visit
For most tourists who want to see the Moriones Festival, the best time to go to Marinduque is during the Lenten Season which usually starts in the Philippines at the last week of March or the first week of April. The height of the festival usually occurs around this time wherein all the six municipalities showcase their own version of the festival. After Lent, the months of April and May are also witness to other festivals such as the Kangga, the Gasang-Gasang and the May Flower Festival. History and culture appear more vibrant and colorful at this point in time. Also, airline and ferry fares usually go cheaper at this time of the year to cater to the influx of tourists.
Tres Reyes Islands
Serving as favorite haunts, delightful picnic grounds, and dive spots in Marinduque are the islets named Gaspar, Melchor, and Baltazar, collectively known as Tres Reyes Islands.
Serving as favorite haunts, delightful picnic grounds, and dive spots in Marinduque are the islets named Gaspar, Melchor, and Baltazar, collectively known as Tres Reyes Islands.
