A Quiet Retreat: Tambaron Island, Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro

Sunset at Tambaron Island

Young professionals live a very fast-paced life. Work, party, traffic—name it. Despite the craze for the buzz and the lights, every once in a while, we all look for that quiet break. For our group of friends, we found that spot at Tambaron Island in the Municipality of Bulalacao in the Province of Oriental Mindoro.

How to get there? (From Manila)

Option 1

1. Take a bus going to Batangas Port. There are bus stations in Cubao and Taft. You can choose JAC, JAM, or other bus liners.

2. The Batangas Port will be the last stop. If the road is good, it will take 2-2.5 hours. From there, get a RORO ticket to Calapan. There are several ship lines you can choose from.

3. The boat ride will be 2-2.5 hours, depending on the sea condition. Outside the port, you’ll see A LOT of vans… Take a van going to Bulalacao. It will take you an average of 4 hours from Calapan Port to Bulalacao.

4. Get off the Bulalacao Market.

5. Take a tricycle or walk (it’s not that far if you don’t have that much stuff) to the fishport area. There will be fishing boats you can rent. Or better contact the Green Tambaron Island Beach Resort. They can organize the boat ride for you.

6. The boat ride takes 30-45 minutes.

Option 2

1. Take a RORO Bus from Cubao straight to Bulalacao.

2. Hire a boat to the island.

Option 3

1. Take a flight to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

2. Take a van to Bulalacao.

3. Hire a boat to the island.

Where to stay?

There is only one accommodation provider in the area. Don’t worry; their accommodation rate is budget-friendly.

• Executive rooms – The room is facing the sea. It can accommodate 2 – 3 persons. (1500/room)

• Deluxe rooms – It faces the sea and can accommodate 2-4 persons. (350/pax)

• Cabanas – Huts that face the sea. It is good for two people. (500/cabana)

• Dormitory – Can fit eight people. (Rate is seasonal)

• Beachfront cottages – Good for day trips. Free for those who booked a room.

They have huts assigned as eating areas, a basketball and volleyball court, and even a karaoke hall!

Despite its location. The island side where the accommodation is located has electricity. Don’t attempt to stay elsewhere. It is the only area that tourists can stay in.

Oops! Signal is hard in the area. Smart is the ideal service provider… If you are a Globe subscriber, be ready to trek a bit to get a good signal.

Food!

The accommodation has a basic firewood cooking place for a fee. You can also bring a butane stove just like we did. If you plan to cook your food, bring all the food you plan to cook. There’s no place to shop on the island. You can shop at the Bulalacao Market before heading to the island.

If you don’t want the hassle of cooking, you can also order food from them. Breakfast is 200/head while lunch/dinner is 250/head. If you are not a big eater, two people can share one order. Don’t expect much in terms of food selection. Their meal depends on what is available. You might end up eating the same meal several times. We had our good share of ginataang kalabasa with Crabs and Dynamite! Haha!

Remember I said there’s no shop around? Yes, there’s none, but you can buy junk foods, soda, liquor, or fresh buko (coconut) from the resort.

What to do?

Island Hopping

You can visit 2-3 islands. Unfortunately, we were not able to do this because some of the islands were not accessible during our visit, and all boats were booked.

Trek!

There are three other beach areas on the island that you can visit for swimming or snorkeling. Getting there is the exciting part! You have to trek!

Dangkalang Maliit – This is where the resort is located

Dangkalang Malaki – It will take 15-30 minutes to arrive. Depends on your pace.

Carbon—It will take you 1-1.5 hours. It is a suggested snorkeling area. On your way there, you can pass by Dangkalang Malaki.

Marasurong—Located at the bottom tip of the island, it is ideal for kite-boarding and windsurfing. It will take you 1-1.5 hours to get there. It is a mountain trail like that of Dangkalang Malaki and Carbon, just way steeper!

Star gazing.

The night sky on the island is very beautiful. You can spend the night tracing constellations or staring at them while comfortably lying on the white sand.

Bonfire!

The night can be spent chatting in front of a bonfire or playing games.

Games.

You can play basketball, volleyball, or whatever. They have an open space.

Karaokeeeeeeeee.

A Filipino outing is only complete with belting the all-time favorite songs!

Read a book or get some peaceful rest.

There are hammocks, huts, and seating areas around. You can even lounge on their raft while eating or watching the waves and feeling the breeze.

Going to Tambaron is quite a commitment! The length of travel and all the transportation you have to take! Rest assured, if you are looking for a quiet vacation option that offers relatively good comfort, isolation, and access, Tambaron Island is a good option!

Photos by: Gil Cruz, Makoi Popioco, Ai Dz, Ain Sabdulla