Beauty of Bulalacao (Oriental Mindoro, PH)

“It’s a good idea always to do something relaxing prior to making an important decision in your life.” ― Paulo Coelho, The Pilgrimage

Whenever a person tells me that they consider themselves beach lovers, I would often ask their idea of a perfect beach. Some says the beach should have an unobstructed view of the sea. Others would say it should have clean shoreline and crystal clear water. Most of those that I know would just say – it has to be relaxing.And I just have to agree with all their reasons. The perfect beach getaway is one that I can hear the sea breeze humming to my ears, the waves rolling on the shore, with my bare feet sensing the sand beneath its sole, no screaming children, no sea of tourists and big umbrellas blocking the ocean view, and perhaps a good book to keep me company while I await the sun to set.Isn’t this too ambitious to ask for? Well, no. Especially that the Philippines is a country blessed with a seemingly endless coastline – serene and beach worthy. So, if you’re looking to enjoy complete solitude on a dazzling beach, you’ll definitely want to check the untouched islands of Bulalacao in Oriental Mindoro.Bulalacao, a coastal town in southern Oriental Mindoro is virtually an untouched and a must-visit eco-tourism spot. It is said to be the home of the Hanunuo (a tribe of stone age primitive Mangyans). Bulalacao maybe that sanctuary you are looking for to escape the stressful city life.

Trivia: The town, whose name according to myth was derived from a bird of death known to locals as “bulalacao”. Sounds creepy but the attractions the place offers is the opposite since it is teeming with beautiful natural spots.According to their tourism office, Bulalacao has thirteen outlying islands dotted with a handful of beaches to count in a day, each beach has its own charm. The whitest sand beaches around Bulalacao are on Buyayao Island, Tambaron Island, Target Island and Aslom Island.  I was fortunate to have visited both Tambaron and Aslom Islands.

ASLOM ISLAND

Aslom Beach is an ideal tropical getaway. The island’s name came from the Cebuano word “aslom”, meaning sour, because of the abundance of sampaloc trees bearing the sour fruit.  The unblemished splendour of the island is ideal for beach bumming and exploring the marine world. The island has a crescent-shaped sandbar that stretches about 500 meters. The water is crystal clear and some lovely trees add charm to the place. There are no other establishments or restaurants on the island. While the island is private, travellers can stay for free during the daytime, however staying overnight is not allowed.

TAMBARON ISLAND Tambaron Island is a rocky-mountainous island. It is pretty close to mainland Bulalacao and is just about 30-45 minutes from Bulalacao Bay depending on sea conditions. The island offers white sandy beaches, colourful marine life, pastoral trails and a quiet environ. Unlike Aslom, one can stay overnight in this island since it is usually the ideal jump off point for island hopping in Bulalacao.

How To Reach Bulalacao:

These are the possible options you may take if you want to visit Bulalacao.

1. From Manila, book a ticket and plane your way to the domestic airport of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. From San Jose ride a bus bound for Bulalacao.
2. Another way is to ride a RORO Bus from Cubao. These buses go directly to Bulalacao via Batangas Port. The fare range isPhp700-800 (this includes the boat ride from Batangas Port to Calapan Port in Mindoro. Travel time takes 8-10hrs). Once in Calapan, ride a van or a bus bound for Bulalacao.
3. Lastly, you may take a bus going to Batangas Pier/Port from Alabang Terminal. Then ride a ferry boat (like Supercat) from Batangas, or a RoRo ship that will take you to Calapan Port. From Calapan Port, you’ll see vans going directly to Bulalacao.Once in Bulalacao, proceed to Bulalacao Bay and hire motor boats that can be rented from P600 to P 1,500 per day depending on the number of islands you would want to set foot on and your haggling skills.

Where To Stay in Bulalacao:
There are no “hotels” in Bulalacao but there are inns and houses where spare rooms have been converted to cater for a the increasing number of visitors.South Drive Inn & Grill –  0928 503-3327

San Rosa Inn – 0918 385-1433

Felipa Lodge – 0928 705-7035

Tambaron Island Green Beach Resort – 0920 339-2595

Thelma’s Paradise – 0907 440-1299

You may also contact the tourism office:
Oriental Mindoro Tourism Office | Tel (+63) 43 286-7046 | Fax (+63) 43 441-0306 |

E-mail : ormindorotourism@yahoo.com | www.ormindoro.gov.ph