Are you looking for an island escape that is off the beaten path? If so, then Marinduque is the perfect destination for you! This small province in the Philippines is home to a variety of beautiful tourist spots, From pristine beaches and lush jungles to enchanting waterfalls and historic towns, there’s something for everyone in Marinduque. So if you’re looking for an adventure, be sure to add Marinduque to your list of travel destinations!
Here are some of the top tourist spots in Marinduque:
1. Poctoy Beach
Poctoy Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Marinduque. It is known for its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. There are also a number of restaurants and cafes located near the beach, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the view.
2. Maniwaya Island
Maniwaya Island is a small island located off the coast of Marinduque. It is known for its beautiful white sand beaches and clear blue waters. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. There are also a number of restaurants and cafes located on the island, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the view.
3. Malbog Sulfur Springs
The Malbog Sulfur Springs are a must-see for any visitor to Marinduque. The springs are located in the town of Mogpog and are known for their therapeutic properties. Visitors can soak in the springs to relax and rejuvenate their skin.
4. Tres Reyes Islands
The Tres Reyes Islands are a group of three small islands located off the coast of Marinduque. They are known for their beautiful white sand beaches and clear blue waters. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. There are also a number of restaurants and cafes located on the islands, making them the perfect place to relax and enjoy the view.
5. Mogpog Town
Mogpog Town is the capital of Marinduque and is known for its historic buildings and charming atmosphere. Visitors can explore the town’s museums, shops, and restaurants. Mogpog Town is also home to a number of festivals throughout the year, making it the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a cultural experience.
6. Gasan Butterly Garden
Imagine seeing thousands of gorgeous butterflies in a vibrant environment. That’s how you’ll feel when you visit the Butterfly Garden, one of Marinduque’s most popular attractions. In fact, the town is home to the butterfly capital in the Philippines.
7. Kawa-Kawa Falls
Have you ever considered climbing down the face of a waterfall in order to reach its bottom pool? That may appear daunting, but it is also exciting. So, if you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience, trek to Kawa-Kawa Falls.
In the event that you want breathtaking scenery, Kawa-Kawa Falls is ideal. It’s only 15 feet high and has a circular and deep catch basin. Climb to the top of the cliff and plunge or dive your way to the pool. Just make sure you know how to swim before going into the water. I do it every time I visit a waterfall.
The clear and cold water will provide you with the serenity you desire. Enroll in a private dance lesson to get some alone time while enjoying the lovely surroundings of your own backyard.
8. Mount Malindig
For those like me, the journey isn’t always enough when there is no walking to be had. If you feel the same, trek your lonely way to Mount Malindig, which is both beautiful and challenging. Because the routes are largely flat, attacking Mount Malindig is a good option for novices. Expect to encounter distinct flora and fauna kinds as you trek through the region, which is a significant biodiversity zone. You’ll come upon gorgeous mossy woods as you climb higher. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of Marinduque’s rolling hills, beaches, and islands from the top of the tower.
Hopefully, eco-tourism will aid in the preservation of Mt Malindig’s unique flora and fauna.
9. Mongpong Island
Mongpong Island is one of the most distant tourist destinations in Marinduque. But that just adds to the appeal, especially if you’re into less-visited areas. The island’s most famous feature is Ungab Rock, which can be seen on the eastern portion of the island. The rock formation resembles an arch and rises almost 100 feet tall. From Ungab Rock, you’ll have a long stretch of milk-white beach to explore. Although it is isolated, some people reside here. You can have meaningful interactions with them and learn about their culture while also sharing stories with them.
10. Boac Cathedral
The Baclayon Cathedral is one of the historical tourist attractions in Marinduque. It was built by the Spanish during their occupation of the island. Its distinctive Gothic design has been compared to those found throughout Latin America. The church was the site of many battles during the revolution against the Spanish. Before going out to war, Filipino fighters would frequently come here for prayer. In 1899, the church witnessed a blessing of the Philippine Revolutionary Flag.
11. Bathala Cave
Are you seeking for a unique spelunking experience? Don’t miss out on visiting Bathala Cave System, where you’ll find seven caves in total. However, four of them are open to the public. The following are the Churches Cave, Cemetery Cave, Python Cave, and Secret cave. Each has its own special trait. My favorite is the Python Cave, which is home to a number of pythons, one of the largest snake species. They are visible as you explore the cave. But don’t worry. They’re harmless as long as you follow some rules. For your own protection, local residents are pros and have you adequately covered.
12. Mang Illeol Sunflower Garden
That’s correct! You’ll see some lovely sunflowers in Baguio City or Benguet, among other places. They may be viewed at the Mang Illeol Sunflower Garden. It isn’t as big as the ones in Benguet, but it does give you a similar feeling of being in Benguet by visiting it.
13. Bagumbungan Cave
Bagumbungan Cave is another popular spelunking destination in Marinduque. Inside, you’ll discover a variety of intriguing stalactite and stalagmite rock formations. Some are so strange-looking that you’d think you were on another planet. The cave is home to small waterfalls and a brook with several pools. Look at the various marine animals that may be found in these ponds, such as eels, catfish, shrimps, and crabs. You have the option of seeing owls and bats in Bagumbungan Cave. That just goes to show how wonderful Bagumbungan Cave is, which is why it must be protected.
14. St Joseph Parish
Another great location for prayer and reflection is St Joseph Parish in Gasan, Marinduque, which has become one of the most popular tourist destinations. It’s a huge church that can accommodate thousands of people on any Sunday. Apart from its colonial architecture, the ceiling of the chapel displays Buri fan patterns, a common handicraft in the region. A peaceful sanctuary may be found a few meters from the church. The ancient bells of the temple may also be seen here.
15. Luzon Datum of 1911
The Luzon Datum is a stone monument located at the geographic center of the Philippines. It’s also known as Stn Balanacan and Mt Mataas na Bundok, and it sits on a hill known as Mt Mataas or Mataas na Bundok. Please go to the barangay hall first in courtesy of the local officials and notify them of your visit before visiting Luzon Datum. Then, follow a road and an overgrown path to get there. Luyang Bank is a classic example of a tourist-oriented development project in Marinduque.
16. Marinduque National Museum
Check out Marinduque National Museum to learn more about the province’s vibrant culture and history. The majority of the displays at Marinduque National Museum are photographs depicting the people’s customs. There are also recovered artifacts from sunken ships that date back to World War II. The museum is housed in an old stone structure that was erected in 1887. It is now one of Marinduque’s most popular tourist destinations.
17. Marinduque Wildlife Sanctuary
The Marinduque Wildlife Sanctuary is the next stop, which contains 9,000 hectares of greenery. The region is home to several bird species such as the Zebra Dove, Serpent Eagle, Brahminy Kite, and Philippine Scops Owl. Native trees including Ipil, Narra, Yakal, and Molave add to the lush vegetation. The Visayan Wildlife Sanctuary was established to protect endangered species. The cave-dwelling freshwater shrimp is one of the unique species that call this area home. Philippine warty pigs, Philippine deer, cloud rats, and green racket tails are among the wild animals that live on the protected territory. In 2004, the Marinduque Wildlife Sanctuary was designated as a protected area under Presidential Proclamation No. 696. Its forested watershed includes the towns of Boac, Gasan, Buenavista, Torrijos, and Sta. Cruz in the Philippines’ island province of Marinduque. Nature enthusiasts and daring explorers should not miss out on a visit to the Marinduque Wildlife Sanctuary, which is both a must-see hiking destination and an ideal camping ground for bird watchers.
