Let's Adventure to Mindoro!

Share

Come to Sablayan! and Discover the Wonders!


Share

Share

ORIENTAL Mindoro will have another tourism haven aside from Puerto Galera with the development of Polakay Island through a P300-million resort project to be undertaken by Ibayo Island Resort Corp. (IIRC) and the local government of Palo.

The project, to be known as the Polakay Island & Adventure Resort on Kabilang Ibayo Island, also known as Polakay Island, already broke ground last week and is targeted for completion in three years.

IIRC signed a foreshore lease agreement and joint-venture deal with the municipality of Pola to pave the way for the development of Polakay. It is being positioned as an ecotourism haven for both foreign and local tourists and will be an alternative destination to the already-popular Puerto Galera.


“Polakay Island & Adventure Resort is envisioned to be an ecotourism resort highlighting the natural wonders of Kabilang Ibayo Island, including its rich biodiversity,” Roderick A. Ongcarrenceja, IIRC president, said in a statement.

Ongcarranceja said that for its initial phase of development, Polakay Island & Adventure Resort will have hotels, villas and clustered cottages totaling 132 rooms for a capacity of 300 guests. The island resort will be positioned as an alternate tourist destination to Puerto Galera.

Civil works started in 2004 when Pola Mayor Alex Aranas allocated P30 million for the construction of a bridge connecting Kabilang Ibayo Island to the mainland of Pola, a fourth-class coastal town with fishing as the main livelihood of its 31,000 residents.

On Feb. 14, 2006, President Arroyo proclaimed a certain portion of Kabilang Ibayo Island as an ecotourism park by virtue of Proclamation 1002. This island boasts of more than 3 kilometers of beachfront and 400 hectares of mangroves, which is home to fireflies and a wide variety of fauna.

Share

Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines

Your GATEWAY to Western Mindoro Island…the WATERFALLS CAPITAL…

How to Get Here?

Abra de Ilog is one of the 11 towns in Occidental Mindoro. It is located in the West side of Mindoro Island in the Southern Tagalog region of the Philippine Archipelago.

To get here, there are several RORO trips from Batangas International Port to Matabang Port which take approximately 2 ½ hours. Montenegro Shipping Lines Inc. (MSLI), the origin of which started from this very place takes pride as the major transport vessel not only to the local residents but to the whole province as well hence, Abra de Ilog takes pride as the major GATEWAY to entire Occidental Mindoro.

From Matabang Port, one can hire a tricycle for only Php 20.00 to get to Poblacion, which is the center of all hubs & activities of the town. Anyone can explore the nine (9) friendly Barangays of the town via tricycle or by taking a walk while enjoying the peaceful scenery.

We are also home to multiple beach resorts which can give Puerto Galera beaches a run for their money. Oriental tourists prefer the Abra de Ilog coast because of its solitude, quietude & serenity. Waterfalls are one of the most visited and loved by local and foreign adventurers. Spelunking and white water rafting can be offered also to those who would like to take extreme challenge of nature.

Brief Profile

The Municipality of Abra de Ilog lies in the northernmost tip of the mainland Occidental Mindoro. It is bounded by Paluan in the West, Mamburao in the South & Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro in the East. It has a total land area of 72, 865.870 hectare, consisting mainly of 70.47% forest land and 20.91% agricultural. Just like the rest of the country, Abra de Ilog experiences dry season during the months of March, April & May. Rainy season starts in June and persists until late November. But unlike other coastal towns Abra de Ilog is located between two ranges of mountain hence; it can have a low of 20.8°C even during summer and a high of 30.1°C during wet seasons.

Its terrain can be attributed to the rugged mountains ranging from the coastline up to the most isolated, untouched land formation going further south. The town has average annual rainfall is 2,262.5 mm to 3,850 mm while the humidity range from 63° to 87° with an average of 75.4°. Based on 2004 Local Government Unit survey, the town has a total population of 23,915, 33.78% of which are Indigenous People (IPs) with almost 1:1 male to female ratio. Lowlanders or Tagalog are 15,835. Electorate population is 12,126. About 90.14% of families belong to poverty level.

Festivities

There are several occasions being celebrated every year. The likes of which are the Feast of San Rafael Archangel the Patron Saint of Abra de Ilog, Apo Iraya Festival and “Penitensya” Holy Week Pilgrimage.

Our Heritage

Most houses in Poblacion took after its Spanish influence. It can be seen through the architectural designs and the ways of the people themselves.These Acacia trees are the only one of its kind left during the Japanese occupation. The whole town was totally burned down but these sturdy trees survived the tragedy.

Beaches

Barangay Udalo is also home to multiple beach resorts which can give Puerto Galera beaches a run for their money. Oriental tourists prefer the Abra de Ilog coast because of its solitude, quietude & serenity. Casay Beach Resort offers very relaxing scenery on nipa cottages, native hammocks and sailboat. It is the first establishment in the town that has utilized non-fossil fuel as its source of energy. The powers take pride in their solar and wind powered facilities.

Our Finest

Kalong River located in Sitio Camurong is the only inland body of crystal clear water with a distinct white sand riverbank. It is a great come on for both local and foreign tourist.

Luang Baga Cave has been explored by the National Museum staff in 1992 when a number of anthropologist & paleontologist teamed up with our LGU personnel. The data has already been included in the Museum’s Archives.

Lanas Lake. Once a home of Mindoro’s crocodiles. It is almost a hundred hectare body of water located in Barangay Cabacao. Source of the tastiest Tilapia in the neighboring towns.

Agbalala Waterfalls. It is about 115 feet tall with 45 x 75 feet catchments pool. Agbalala – 16.46m X 22.86m catchments pool, Height 34.44m, Depth 3.65m. Above it is another breathtaking waterfall which is Agbalala Lovers Falls. Lovers falls – 13.72m X 9.15m Catchments pool, Height 13.72m, depth 2.44m

The Apyas Waterfalls is frequent hang-out among the local residents because of its proximity to Poblacion. You can enjoy the whole place anytime of the day paying only Php 10.00 for the maintenance of the place. Apyas – Height 4.57m, Depth 1.22m, 1.83m top to water surface

The greatest tourist attraction Abra de Ilog can offer is its inhabitants. Nobody can match the warmth, the solidarity, the industry and uniqueness of its people.

Ecotourism Potential Sites in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro

Beach Resorts

1. Beach Walk Resort – Barangay Lumangbayan
   
   
2. Casay Beach Resort – Barangay Wawa
   
   
3. Cymru Beach Resort – Barangay Wawa
   
   
4. Green Wich Hills Beach Resort – Barangay Wawa
   
   
5. San Souci Beach – Barangay Udalo
   
   
6. Tuko Beach Resort – Barangay Udalo
   
   
7. Udalo Beach Resort – Barangay Udalo
   
   
8. Yellow Beach – Barangay Lumangbayan
   
   
9. Wild Trek – Barangay Udalo

Waterfalls

1. Agbalala Chain of Waterfalls – Barangay Wawa
   
   
2. Apyas Waterfalls – Barangay Wawa
   
   
3. Bagolayag Waterfalls – Barangay Wawa
   
   
4. Balagnan Waterfalls – Barangay Wawa
   
   
5. Kalong river – Barangay Udalo
   
   
6. Bisay Waterfalls – Barangay Lumangbayan
   
   
7. Kadilawan Waterfalls – Barangay San Vicente
   
   
8. Mamangan – Bisay Waterfalls – Barangay Cabacao
   
   
9. Nangka Waterfalls – Barangay Balao
   
   
10. Papali Waterfalls – Barangay Wawa
    
    
11. Sto. Tomas Waterfalls – Barangay Wawa
    
    
12. Swim-Lawaan Waterfalls – Barangay Poblacion
    
    
13. Rayusan Waterfalls – Barangay Armado
    
    
14. Tulong Bato Waterfalls – Barangay Udalo
    
    
15. Tuuyan Waterfalls – Barangay Balao

Caves, Rivers & Lakes

1. Luang Baga Cave – Barangay Cabacao
   
   
2. Tuaw – Masaklang River Rapids – Barangay Cababcao
   
   
3. Lanas Lake – Barangay Cabacao

Historical Sites

1. Pinaglabanan Site – Barangay Lumangbayan
   
   
2. Pinagbanderahan – Barangay Armado

Festivities

1. San Rafael Archangel Patron Saint Fiesta – October 23-24
   
   
2. Apo Iraya Festival – October 24
   
   
3. Mahal na Araw Penitensya

Abra de Ilog Blog

Puerto Galera is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 21,925 people in 4,424 households. It is the northwesternmost municipality in Oriental Mindoro.


Puerto Galera is only three and a half hours away from Manila first by bus to the port at Batangas City and then by boat. Tourists can also take the tourist service called the Sikat, from the City State Tower Hotel in Manila from the Batangas City port to Puerto Galera or Sabang Beach, Mindoro.

Sabang beach is the main destination for foreign tourists, while White Beach remains popular with local travelers. Since 2001 White beach has seen uncontrolled development. New restaurants and places to stay are rapidly encroaching on the beach itself and little remains of the once charming beach. Puerto Galera town is a pleasant but sleepy Philippine town with few attractions. It has a large central catholic church and a Pier area, with a selection of bistros and cafes.

Behind the beaches are the huge and generally unexplored mountain ranges of central Mindoro. A particular local attraction is the nine hole golf course perched on the hillside above White Beach which commands spectacular views over Puerto Galera's natural harbor and the Verde Island Passage. Mangyan tribes are scattered over the mountains sides - some of the more remote tribes have no contact with the outside world. Of the eight tribes on Mindoro, the Iraya are the largest. They are based in the Puerto Galera area.



Puerto Galera is also one of the main [technical diving]destinations in Asia. Technical Diving International - [TDI] has many dive centers in the area, offering the full range of TDI courses from Basic [nitrox] to advanced [trimix].




In the summer of 1998 there was some extensive coral bleaching around Medio Island and a large section of shallow reef ('Coral Gardens') was virtually destroyed. Recent evidence has shown it have almost recovered with a larger diversity of coral species, replacing the prolific table corals.

In 2006 two large super-typhoons damaged the shallow areas around Escarceo Point. Many of the faster growing coral species were destroyed to a depth of 6m. This represents about 5% of the coral reef in the area.


By 2008 the density of COTs had greatly reduced, down to a 'normal' range of 30 per hectare. This seems to have been a natural reduction, rather than due to any collection program.
A study by the University of the Philippines in the 1980s, found that the Batangas, Puerto Galera area has the highest diversity of marine species in the world. It forms the centre of the golden triangle - The Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia - renowned for their coral and fish species.





Puerto Galera is politically subdivided into 13 barangays.
Aninuan
Balatero
Dulangan
Palangan
Sabang
San Antonio
San Isidro
Sto. Niño
Sinandigan
Tabinay
Villaflor
Poblacion
Baclayan

Apo’s reef fish can finally breathe easier now that a new resolution has been passed. Starting on the 2nd of October 2007, all extractive activities such as fishing, collection and harvesting of any life form will be completely banned from within the park. Ordinance No. 01 was the Apo Reef Protected Area Managemant Board's (PAMB) first law for 2007 and declares the whole of Apo Reef a ‘no-take zone’ – to allow the reef and its residents ample time to recover from years of fishing.

Courtesy by spygate31


Courtesy by spygate31

Abra de Ilog the Waterfalls Capital is one of the 11 towns in Occidental Mindoro. It is located in the West side of Mindoro Island in the Southern Tagalog region of the Philippine Archipelago.

To get here, there are several RORO trips from Batangas International Port to Matabang Port which take approximately 2 ½ hours.

Montenegro Shipping Lines Inc. (MSLI), the origin of which started from this very place takes pride as the major transport vessel not only to the local residents but to the whole province as well hence, Abra de Ilog takes pride as the major GATEWAY to entire Occidental Mindoro.

From Matabang Port, one can hire a tricycle for USD 1.00 or less to get to Poblacion, which is the center of all hubs & activities of the town. Anyone can explore the nine (9) friendly Barangays of the town via tricycle or by taking a walk while enjoying the peaceful scenery.

We are also home to multiple beach resorts which can give Puerto Galera beaches a run for their money. Oriental tourists prefer the Abra de Ilog coast because of its solitude, quietude & serenity. Waterfalls are one of the most visited and loved by local and foreign adventurers. Spelunking and white water rafting can be offered also to those who would like to take extreme challenge of nature.


The Municipality of Abra de Ilog lies in the northernmost tip of the mainland Occidental Mindoro. It is bounded by Paluan in the West, Mamburao in the South & Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro in the East. It has a total land area of 72, 865.870 hectares, consisting mainly of 70.47% forest land and 20.91% agricultural. Just like the rest of the country, Abra de Ilog experiences dry season during the months of March, April & May. Rainy season starts in June and persists until late November. But unlike other coastal towns Abra de Ilog is located between two ranges of mountain hence; it can have a low of 20.8°C even during summer and a high of 30.1°C during wet seasons.

Its terrain can be attributed to the rugged mountains ranging from the coastline up to the most isolated, untouched land formation going further south. The town has average annual rainfall is 2,262.5 mm to 3,850 mm while the humidity range from 63° to 87° with an average of 75.4°

Based on 2004 Local Government Unit survey, the town has a total population of 23,915, 33.78% of which are Indigenous People (IPs) with almost 1:1 male to female ratio. Lowlanders or Tagalog are 15,835. Electorate population is 12,126. About 90.14% of families belong to poverty level.


There are several occasions being celebrated every year. The likes of which are the Feast of San Rafael Archangel the Patron Saint of Abra de Ilog, Apo Iraya Festival and “Penitensya” Holy Week Pilgrimage.


Most houses in Poblacion took after its Spanish influence. It can be seen through the architectural designs and the ways of the people themselves.

These Acacia trees are the only one of its kind left during the Japanese occupation. The whole town was totally burned down but these sturdy trees survived the tragedy.


Barangay Udalo is also home to multiple beach resorts which can give Puerto Galera beaches a run for their money. Oriental tourists prefer the Abra de Ilog coast because of its solitude, quietude & serenity.

Casay Beach Resort offers very relaxing scenery on nipa cottages, native hammocks and sailboat. It is the first establishment in the town that has utilized non-fossil fuel as its source of energy. The powers take pride in their solar and wind powered facilities.

Kalong River located in Sitio Camurong is the only inland body of crystal clear water with a distinct white sand riverbank. It is a great come on for both local and foreign tourist.

Luang Baga Cave has been explored by the National Museum staff in 1992 when a number of anthropologist & paleontologist teamed up with our LGU personnel. The data has already been included in the Museum’s Archives.

Lanas Lake. Once a home of Mindoro’s crocodiles. It is almost a hundred hectare body of water located in Barangay Cabacao. Source of the tastiest Tilapia in the neighboring towns.

Agbalala. It is about 115 feet tall with 45 x 75 feet catchments pool. Above it is another breathtaking waterfall which is Agbalala Lovers Falls.

The Apyas Waterfalls is frequent hang-out among the local residents because of its proximity to Poblacion. You can enjoy the whole place anytime of the day paying only Php 10.00 for the maintenance of the place.

The greatest tourist attraction Abra de Ilog can offer is its inhabitants. Nobody can match the warmth, the solidarity, the industry and uniqueness of its people.

Apyas – Height 4.57m, Depth 1.22m, 1.83m top to water surface
Agbalala – 16.46m X 22.86m catchments pool, Height 34.44m, Depth 3.65m Lovers falls – 13.72m X 9.15m Catchments pool, Height 13.72m, depth 2.44m

Mt. Iglit National Park in Calintaan is a sanctuary for the tamaraw, a wild animal found nowhere else in the world. The tamaraw resembles the carabao or water buffalo to wildlife enthusuasts.
Mamburao is a tranquil town with fine beaches. The same have Tayamaan Beach.

Apo Reef National Park in Sablayan between Mamburao and San Jose is acclaimed as the diving mecca of the Philippines. It is 34 km atoll reef with a narrow channel dividing it into two lagoons. The park inludes the bird-populated islands of Binantgaan and Cajos del Bajo.

Presing Park, also in Sablayan, is a five hectare park overlooking the sea; in the middle of the park is a 15th century cannon belived to have been used against Moro pirates in the early day. Pandan Grande Island of Sablayan, has a white sand beach.

The major attractions of the industrial town of San Jose are its three offshore islands. Ambulong Island is a 3000 hectare island with fine beaches, cliffs and abundant coral formations. Ilin Island has a village of shell divers, being abundant in shells and coral reefs. White Island has a long powdery beach where buried turtle eggs are occasionally found.

Lubang Island in the northern part of the province became famous as the hiding of Hiroo Onoda, a Japanese world war II straggler found there in 1974.

On the western portion of the island is Tagbac, which more than five kilometer of gradually sloping golden-hued sandy beach lined with coconut trees. Hulagaan Falls in the southeast is a series of falls leading to a stony shore.

Mabil Island off the northeastern coast of Lubang is a favorite fishing ground for sportsmen who croass the narrow channel from Nasugbu, Batangas.

Cabra Island, northwest of Lubang, is another favorite fishing ground of laocal and foreign anglers; it used to be a popular pilgrimage site because of reported apparitions of the Blessed Virgin.

Calawagan Resort in Paluan. Have the cleanest bodies of water in the Philippines. It is mountain resort. There's a hanging bridge, tree house, training center, cottages, mini zoo and if your hobbies is mountain climbing, you can visit 15 minutes pool and mainit (hot spring).