Discoveries in Mimaropa include protected marine areas, striking landscapes and island hopping; on Marinduque, religious traditions, historic buildings and local cuisine add to the experience. To plan your trip, you can first choose a focus: are you mainly interested in reefs and islands, or would you like to make culture and history the centre of your trip? The following places show how these different interests take shape across the destination.
Reefs, Rock Formations and Marine Areas
The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Palawan is part of Mimaropa. It protects nearly 100,000 hectares of marine habitats and includes three atolls and a large deep-sea area. Other marine destinations in the region include Apo Reef Natural Park in Occidental Mindoro and Siete Pecados Marine Park in Palawan.
The landscapes also offer contrasting details: Kayangan Lake features rugged rock formations and crystal-blue water, while Bacuit Bay offers views of the Tapiutan Strait. If you are comparing natural attractions, these present two distinct points of interest: the rock formations at the lake and the view of the strait.
Underground River and Island Hopping
The underground river in Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is described as probably the world’s longest navigable underground river. The park’s visitor centre houses an Ethnographic Museum that presents the history and culture of the Batak and Tagbanua. At the visitor centre, the museum complements the natural history of the park with information about these cultures. Entry permits and fees are required to visit the park’s attractions; take this into account when planning your trip.
The Balabac Islands invite visitors to embark on island-hopping adventures. As local access and procedures may change, check them before your visit. The islands of Bacuit Bay are also suited to island-hopping tours; check the availability of local tours in advance. This gives you two different places to consider for this interest, with the conditions for visiting each planned separately.
Marinduque: Traditions and Cultural Heritage
The Moriones rites take place during Holy Week. This costumed folk procession around Marinduque depicts the Passion of Christ. If you would like to include this tradition in your travel plans, check the exact dates before your trip.
An architectural landmark is Boac Cathedral: the fortress church dates back to 1792 and is designated an Important Cultural Property. The National Museum of the Philippines – Marinduque features permanent exhibitions on the protection of the Philippine Rise, the shipwrecks of Marinduque, and Moryonan art and devotion. The exhibition topics thus range from marine and maritime history to local art and religious practices.
Casa de Don Emilio is a carefully restored ancestral house where visitors can enjoy authentic dishes and local specialities from Marinduque. Check current opening arrangements before visiting. Malbog Sulfur Spring is another local picnic attraction, offering a different focus from the island’s cultural sights.
Discover more destinations: Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, El Nido, Aborlan, Roxas, Bulalacao, San Vicente, Ferrol, Magsaysay, Romblon, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, Romblon, Taytay, Looc, San Andres, Naujan, San Fernando, Brooke's Point, Gloria, Torrijos.
For the broader travel overview: Philippines.
