Oriental Mindoro Travel Requirements October 2021 + Where To Go, Where To Stay, Etc.

More than a decade later, I am back in "Gale", but this time as a travel blogger on her first media trip since the pandemic. I felt the thrill of getting reacquainted to a first love, but more so, seeing facets of Oriental Mindoro beyond its popular beaches.

If you're planning to travel soon, let's support our local tourism first. I have sworn by this last year, and proud to be fulfilling this promise sooner than I thought. Oriental Mindoro is such a beautiful destination located under Mimaropa region in Luzon, only about 3 hours from south of Metro Manila (Alabang). 

The beautiful Puerto Galera White Beach, still as beautiful as I remember it!

NOTABLE FACTS ABOUT ORIENTAL MINDORO

1. Oriental Mindoro is a center of marine fish biodiversity, home of the most diverse marine ecosystem in the world. Scuba diving in Puerto Galera is a must!

2. Oriental Mindoro is also known as the Rice Granary and Fruit Basket of Southern Tagalog. The region is so rich, the Spaniards even named the island "Mina de Oro", believing it had large deposits of gold.

3. Mangyans have inhabited the island since pre-history. They are believed to have originally traveled from Indonesia and settled down for good in the island.

4. Oriental Mindoro is one of the most visited provinces in the region for its picturesque spots of rich culture. From mountains to oceans, there's something for everyone here.

[source]

Epic scuba diving experience in Puerto Galera on the last day of our trip! Special thanks to my dive instructor Kuya Ton!

REQUIREMENTS TO TRAVEL TO ORIENTAL MINDORO

1. Negative RT-PCR or COVID Vaccination Card 

If you are NOT yet fully vaccinated:

To those who are not yet fully vaccinated, schedule your test around 2 days before your trip. I had my saliva test in a Red Cross here in Muntinlupa. 

To those who can go to Quezon City, RT-PCR for local tourists are now fully-subsidized (FREE) by Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines at the Philippine Children Medical Center (PCMC). More info here.

They also have a FREE swab antigen test before entering Oriental Mindoro, located at the Molecular Laboratory in Batangas City Grand Terminal branch (source ABS-CBN News).

If you are already FULLY vaccinated:

To those who are already fully-vaccinated, just bring your ORIGINAL VACCINATION CARD. No need to take tests.

2. Approved S-PASS 

Just complete the online form here: https://s-pass.ph/, and wait for approval by visiting the page from time to time. Usually results are released about an hour or 2 from application.

3. QR Code 

Generated via Tourist Registration App for Puerto Galera Travelers

4. Confirmed Hotel / Resort Booking - To any DOT-Accredited or LGU-Licensed accommodation establishment or Tour Operator

More information here:

Felt the warm welcome the moment we arrived in Puerto Galera:

WHERE TO STAY IN ORIENTAL MINDORO 

Casa Marco Suites 

Brgy. San Isidro (White Beach), Puerto Galera 

09778292525 

Filipiniana Hotel 

Brgy. Sto. Niño, Calapan City 

(043) 288-6624 to 25 

Globe: 09173928712 

Sun: 09329778900 

La Sersita Casitas Water Spa and Beach Resort 

Brgy. Don Pedro, Mansalay 

09634052262

Infinity Resort & Spa 

Brgy. Aninuan, Puerto Galera 

09177926353

Casa Marco Suites is a nice boutique hotel near the port, and located at the white beach.

NOTES:

1. Kids are already allowed to travel to Oriental Mindoro. Please continue practicing health protocols to ensure everyone's safety.

2. The Oriental Mindoro LGU also made sure 100% economic frontliners are already fully vaccinated. 

That's it! Now we learn how to...

HOW TO GET TO ORIENTAL MINDORO 

(PUERTO GALERA)

1. Go to Batangas City by Land Transportation (approx. 2 hours). You can rent a private van, or take a bus.

2. At the Berberabe Port in Batangas, take a Public Ferry or Water Taxi bound for Muelle Port in Puerto Galera. Travel time is about one-hour via fast craft ferry ride, or 2-3 hours if via RoRo. 

3. Upon arrival at Muelle Port, proceed to the Health Assessment Booth for clearance. Then finally, pay Php 120 Environmental Users Fee at the EUF booth.

For convenient travel to Oriental Mindoro, check out the following tour operators: 

Juan Pasyalan

John and Ann Travel and Tours

During the trip, we were also with other tour operators creating their very own convenient travel tours from Manila to Oriental Mindoro. Will update this page once they are up and running! 

Our water ferry from Batangas Berberabe Port to Muelle Port of Puerto Galera:

Beautiful bodies of water in Oriental Mindoro. Sharing more must-visit places...

ORIENTAL MINDORO BUCKET LIST

Puerto Galera White Beach

Book your Scuba Diving with Reef Haven (https://www.facebook.com/reefhavenph)

Talipanan Iraya Mangyan Village 

Brgy. Aninuan, Puerto Galera 

09064591429 

Vista Pilar Floating Deck 

Brgy. Batong Dalig, Socorro 

09393635900

Simbahang Bato (Bancuro Church Ruins) 

Brgy. Bancuro, Naujan 

09204630966 

Carabao Cart Ride to Tukuran Falls 

Brgy. Calsapa, San Teodoro 

09127666267

09196474263 

Infinity Farm 

Brgy. Mangangan I, Baco 

09171575592 

09190069960  

Bamboo Plantation, Twin Panton Cave, Bamboo Slide 

Brgy. Malubay, Gloria 

09177702756 

09654900992 

Gabutero Organic Farm 

Brgy. Labonan, Bongabong 

09209526421  

Pocanil Beach Resort and Kwebato Adventure 

(Island Hopping)

Brgy. San Roque, Bulalacao 

09125908757

Pasalubong / What To Shop in Oriental Mindoro

Banana Chips

Mangyan Handicrafts

Merl's Native Delicacies (Home of the famous Coco Jam and Suman sa Lihiya)

Carabao cart ride heading to Tukuran Falls: 

The Infinity Farm is so beautiful!

To conveniently go around Oriental Mindoro, I recommend our van driver Kuya Alden of Puerto Galera Transport Service Cooperative (DOT Accredited transportation service). You can message him via Facebook.

For more information on Oriental Mindoro Tourism, download the Travel Oriental Mindoro app on your phones, or visit https://www.travelorientalmindoro.ph/Home/

Special thanks to Sir Gadia, Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, DOT, Province of Oriental Mindoro, and Juan Pasyalan for this well-organized and fun trip! And to my friends and travel buddies (Van 4!) Karl, Jamie, Karizza, Kuya Ross, and Kuya Melo, Paul, and Kyle! 

I am excited to write more detailed blogs of our 5-day getaway in Oriental Mindoro. Our country is really so beautiful, it's about time we explore and support our own! Till the next adventures!

Lunch in Luca Cucina Italiana on our last day, before heading back to Manila.