Bulalacao and San Jose: Mindoro's Underrated Destinations

April 07, 2016 Travel

It seems like everyone is planning a trip this summer to Boracay, Baler or Cebu.  If you are feeling a bit adventurous and want destinations that are more on the "off the beaten path" category, less touristy and more secluded, these destinations are for you.

Bulalacao and San Jose, both located at the southernmost tip of Mindoro Island, are two of the country's most underrated destinations.

We took this trip two weeks ago, and I am already at a point when I am a little antsy and obsessing about my next destination.  So, I decided to do this blog post to ease my wanderlust a bit.  Plus, my mind has constantly been drifting to Tambaron Island's stunning open beach cottages; Aslom Island's breathtaking underwater wonders; and Buyayao Island's serene setting.

Our first stop in this getaway was Tambaron Island, which was our home in Bulalacao for two nights and three days.


We stayed at Tambaron Green Beach Resort.




I must say it was an awesome discovery.  We stayed at the open beach cottages, which we got for P 500.00 per night.  We were allowed to bring in food, but there was also food available in the resort.  Their comfort rooms were well kept.  Overall, the resort was nice and clean.

So, it was such a wonderful place that when we heard of some hitches on our travel plans, we really didn't mind. It just meant more time to lounge around here 


or here.


Can you imagine these spots with a good book and an ice cold beer? 

It also meant more time to explore the nearby cove, which was equally beautiful and serene.


It was also another chance to witness a glorious sunset.


So, this is what happened.  We were supposed to go on an island hopping adventure on our second day, but I guess the coordinator was too drunk when we finalized our arrangement, so we ended up with a boat that can barely fit 5 pax.  We were 15.

Anyway, all's well that ends well.  Former Mayor Villas came to our rescue.  He lent us a boat.  We got his number from a fellow Tambaron Resort guest who heard about our predicament.

So, off we went island hopping on our third day.  First stop was the breathtaking Buyayao Island.  We couldn't resist jumping into the water as soon as we landed. 



It was everything my dream island is made of - secluded, clear blue and white sand.


We didn't want to leave but we had other islands to visit on our list plus our tummies were already grumbling.  So, we moved to Suguicay Island. It was not exactly what we expected as there were too many people plus there were trash on the island.  We actually didn't feel happy with the fees the community was imposing, but we paid anyway. 

Looking at the pictures now, I can say we were a bit hard on the island, and it was also beautiful.


So, after lunch at Suguicay Island, we traveled to Aslom Island, passing by Target Island, which was off limits that time because the owner was there (?).


It was not a big loss anyway as Aslom Island deserved more attention.


If you think the sandbar is awesome, wait til you see the thriving marine life residing beside it.  What's more incredible is that the water was only up to the knees high.




Aslom is another private island, and swimming is restricted to a few areas only.  We actually do not mind because the policy protects its coral reef.  We just wish it stays this way forever. 

It was a grand ending to our Bulalacao Island hopping. 

After Bulalacao, we decided to go to San Jose where we also took the bus back to Manila.  But before we ended our trip, we managed to squeeze in one final island exploration.  

We chose White Island.


We initially wanted to see Illin Island, specifically Grace Island Resort, but the boat schedule was too tight, and we cannot afford to miss our bus back to Manila.  So, we went to White Island.



White Island is another beautiful and simple island, with a few cottages, a store, and a comfort room.  It is also a good snorkeling spot.



That ends our adventure in Bulalacao and San Jose.

While we were already falling in love with this part of Mindoro, we all had work to go back to and there are thousand other islands to explore.

Here's to more damn good travels!

Kelly is a public relations professional and entrepreneur whose projects have assisted multinational organizations, small and medium enterprises, government officers, international organizations and non-governmental organizations. She is partner-consultant of RubyComm-K.Austria, a public relations management and consultancy company. Kelly is also a former government employee having served at the Department of Tourism for two years. Being mountaineers, Kelly and her friends travel by land, sometimes on rough roads and trek for hours to give a new lease of hope to students. She is co-founder of the group TREK or Trails to Empower Kids.

Other Good Travels

3 comments

  1. donMarch 30, 2017 at 8:01 AM

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  2. donMarch 30, 2017 at 8:56 AM

    Hey there! Nice post. Would like to ask for advice, when is the best time to go there? And, could you please post an itinerary and costs? Thanks a lot.

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    Replies
    1. Kelly AustriaJune 26, 2017 at 9:31 AM

      Hi, Don! Sorry for the late reply. Sorry, do not have the cost summary anymore. Re: best time, best bet is summer, but more people.

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