Marinduque Island

by rooks, posted in Uncategorized

Unlike other islands in the Philippines, a Marinduque destination is rarely heard of.  When a friend mentioned the island in a one unplanned day tour with other friends, an itinerary is roughly drafted and a travel date temporarily plotted.  And so it happened.  On the dawn of July 2, 2016, our Marinduque adventure commenced.

Map of Marinduque

Marinduque is an island in the Philippines that belongs to Region IV-B with Boac as its capital.  Marinduque is at the West of Quezon Province, East of Mindoro, and North of Romblon.  Its northern region lies in the Tayabas Bay while the southern region lies in the Sibuyan Sea.  The island is composed of 6 municipalities: Santa Cruz, Mogpog, Gasan, Boac, Buenavista, and Torrijos.  The smaller islands on the north are Polo Island, Maniwaya Island, and Mompong Island.  Tres Reyes Islands and the Elephant Island are the smaller islands on the south.  Geographically, Marinduque is at the center of the Philippine archipelago and the exact location can be found in the Municipality of Mogpog.  To reach midpoint, one must brace for a bumpy ride to Barangay Hinanggayon and trek.  Unfortunately, we were not able to visit the marker due to the rainy weather.  Someday, hopefully.

For our Marinduque escapade, we stayed at Residencia de Palo Maria at Maniwaya Island.  While the resort is not starred, the simplicity of the place and the hospitality of the staff makes the stay worthwhile.  It is laid back provincial life where electricity runs from 3PM – 7AM only.  With a full itinerary, having no electricity during the day is unnoticeable.

Day 1 – Arrival and Swimming at Palad Sandbar

1 - Marinduque

Day 2 – Around Marinduque

From Maniwaya Island we sailed to Buyabod Port.  It became the starting and end point of our trip around Marinduque.

SANTA CRUZ

1 - Santa Cruz

2 - Santa Cruz
Breakfast at Rico’s Inn.
3 - Santa Cruz
A Morion Statue. The Moriones Festival is annually held at the Island of Marinduque during the Holy Week.
4 - Santa Cruz
Holy Cross Parish Church

MOGPOG

1 - Mogpog

3 - Mogpog
A pop up bakery for some morning snacks.
2 - Mogpog
San Isidro Labrador Parish Church

BOAC

1 - Boac

2 - Boac
Simbahan ng Boac. Built in 1792.
3 - Boac
Inside Simbahan ng Boac.
4 - Boac
Cafe Ma’ Mita. We bought our pasalubongs here. While waiting for the others, a woman came in bringing her products. She told us that the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and in partnership with the cafe, help them in selling their products. It encouraged me more to buy more local products as they help the small entrepreneurs of our country.

GASAN

1 - Gasan

2 - Gasan
Parish of St. Joseph, Spouse of Mary. Built in 1609.
3 - Gasan
Inside the Parish of St. Joseph, Spouse of Mary.

BUENAVISTA

1 - Buenavista

2 - Buenavista
Path going to the Malbog Hot Spring.
3 - Buenavista
(Left) Malbog Hot Spring. It is one of the exhausts of Mt. Malindig. (Right) A swimming pool was built near the hot spring. The water from the hot spring warms the pool through the small holes of the cemented fence. The water in the pool flows to the river, thus, the water is constantly replenished.
4 - Buenavista
Elephant Island or Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa. Unfortunately, the resort which opened in 2009 is now closed.

TORRIJOS

1 - Torrijos
Poctoy White Beach.

and back to Santa Cruz

5 - Santa Cruz

2 - Marinduque
The Crew.

Simply Marinduque:
** At lunch time, a friend ordered a viand which looks like Dinuguan, tastes like Bopis, and is called Kare-Kare.
** Try the pizza of GoodChow Food Express at Boac. Highly recommended. Very delicious.

How to go to Maniwaya Island (our route)
1. Go to Kamias, Cubao bus station.
2. Ride the bus going to Lucena Grand Terminal.
3. Take a van going to Heneral Luna Port.
4. A boat of the Residencia de Palo Maria (previously contacted) fetched us.

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© rooks 2016

2 thoughts on “Marinduque Island”

  1. Hi! I would just like to confirm if there’s no really need to take a tricycle going to the port after the van? Did you just walk towards the port?

    Reply

    1. Hi, Charisse. Yep, no need. If you are to take our route, you have to contact the resort so that they can fetch you. Tell the driver of the van in advance that someone from that resort will fetch you so that he will bring you to the correct port (just in case there are other ports I do not know of).

      Reply

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