A gold mine called Mindoro

MANILA, Philippines - When rock star Sting sang “Fields of Gold” and described its magical allure, he could very well have been referring to the island province of Oriental Mindoro half a world away.

Its name coined from the Spanish phrase “Mina de Oro” which literally meant “mine of gold,” Mindoro’s rich soil is awash with mineral deposits and other natural wonders – which is considered its other gold mine.

Situated an hour away from Batangas City by ferry, Oriental Mindoro forms part of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway which connects Luzon and the Visayas.

Below are some of the fields of gold you can mine in this bucolic province:

Puerto Galera

One of the country’s earliest beach hideaways discovered in the 1970s by European backpackers, this resort town is a top-of-mind destination for beach bums. It has a series of beach coves, each with a distinct character, from those with a vibrant night life to the more quiet and sleepy shores.

Named to the prestigious Paris-based “Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club” in 2005, Puerto Galera is a hotspot for marine biodiversity, being at the heart of the world’s “Coral Triangle.”

Needless to say, it boasts of the most mesmerizing dive sites in this part of the globe.

In between scouring the coves and beaches are interesting finds such as quaint resorts and restaurants, villages of indigenous Mangyans, and breath-taking viewdecks.

Beguiling beaches

With a long coastline running from north to south, the province is dotted with sun-kissed beaches and uninhabited islets which will surely make you a stranger on the shore. A must-visit is the southernmost town of Bulalacao, a mini-archipelagic town which takes pride in the irresistible islets of Aslom, Buyayao, Sibalat, Maasin, Tambaron, Alibatan (Target) and Suguicay.

These islands take you back to the basics of countryside living, bereft of modern amenities but overflowing with nature’s bounty.

Buktot in Mansalay is another noteworthy beach if you want a serene excursion away from the multitude.

Wondrous waterworld

In addition to its rich coastlines, the province also takes pride in its mesmerizing waterfalls, lakes and rushing rivers which make it a wondrous waterworld.

Soak in the rejuvenating icy cascades of Tamaraw Falls in Puerto Galera, Botolan in San Teodoro, Alpaparay in Baco, Manihala in Bansud and Walang Langit in Gloria.

You can also take a banca or bamboo raft and bask in the tranquil waters of Pola River, Caluangan Lake in Calapan and Naujan Lake, or get a hydromassage at Lantuyang River in Baco.

For a dose of adrenaline, try white water kayaking at Aringoy River in San Teodoro, the must-do high octane adventure in the province.

Cozy up in Calapan

The capital city of Oriental Mindoro, Calapan is the place to be if you want a dash of modern living in this backwater province with its handful of boutique hotels, resorts and pocket shopping malls. It is also the main entry point to the province from Batangas City with its fast craft and roll-on, roll-off service if you decide to bring your car.

The mangrove forest in the remote village in Silonay is a showcase of coastal biodiversity, birdwatching and sustainable tourism where every guest is given the opportunity to enrich the mangroves.

Mount Halcon

Next to beach bumming, mountaineering is arguably the second most fascinating activity for Filipinos. And in this department, Mt. Halcon won’t disappoint.

Standing at 2,582 feet tall, it is regarded as one of the toughest climbs in the archipelago, with world-class tropical mountaineering challenges. Situated in Baco town straddling the two Mindoro provinces, the majestic mountain is habitat to a wide array of endemic flora and fauna.

A word of caution though: Halcon is not your ordinary trek, so you better do your homework and train hard before attempting to ascend this peak.

Soul Searching

As one of the earliest pre-Spanish settlements, Oriental Mindoro mirrors the soul of the Philippine archipelago. This can be seen at Puerto Galera’s Excavation Museum, where remarkable China ware from the Sung Dynasty and sunken goods from the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade have been unearthed.

Meanwhile, the church ruins of Bancuro in Naujan and Kuta in Bongabong tell of the roots of Catholicism in the then undivided Mindoro island province.

And lest we forget, the indigenous villages of Mangyan inhabitants are living museums themselves, showcasing their authentic way of life.

This and a whole lot more is Oriental Mindoro, a field of gold, a gold mine, waiting for you to explore and discover its priceless riches.