'''Marinduque''' is an island in the Mimaro island group of the Philippines.
Cities
Boac
Buenavista
Gasan
Mogpog
Santa Cruz
Torrijos
Other destinations
Tres Reyes Islands
Understand
Talk
Get in
Marinduque Island can be accessed by a number of Ports and by Air via Gasan Airport.
By Air
Currently, Marinduque is served with a direct flight to and from Manila with Zest Airways (Formerly Asian Spirit), the aircraft lands at the Marinduque Airport in barangay Masiga, roughly in between Gasan and Boac.[http://www.zestair.com.ph]
By Boat
Marinduque can be reached by a number of ports from Lucena City, on the Mainland (Luzon). Balanacan Port, Cawit Port or Buyabod Port are the ports of call for Marinduque Island. If you are to reach Marinduque from Manila, you must take a bus or similar to Lucena City then take a Ferry/Boat from Lucena to one of the ports listed above. Currently Montenegro Lines (MSLI) serves routes from Lucena to Marinduque, but a few others do have a sheduled routes to Marinduque.
There are rumours that certain shipping line company will open a route connecting Batangas and Marinduque by way of Cawit Port and a port in San Juan, Batangas.
By Bus
Marinduque does have direct Bus service from Manila to Marinduque, you must purchase a bus ticket from one of the cities (Manila and Surrounding areas) that is direct to Marinduque. This means the bus will drive you directly to Marinduque from Manila (Of course, via the Ferry along the way).
Get around
Jeepneys, Tricycles and FX's are the main means of transport on Marinduque Island. Prices are negotiated from Driver to Driver, but at the Main Tricycle terminal and Jeepney terminals on the island, their are posted Fixed rates.
See
'''White Beach''' - White Beach is located in Barangay Poctoy within the municipality of Torrijos. Poctoy's white beach is one of the finest beach's on the Marinduque Mainland, Their your surrounded by clean clear, deep water and warm happy locals. The area is also a hangout for the local community, where you can spend the night singing karaoke or talking and meeting the locals. Not only is it a Social area, it also doubles as a small market area in the day. You can purchase the latest Catch of Fish from the Fishermen, you can buy products from the Sari-Sari store or sit back and drink a beer at the adjacent resort.
'''Tres Reyes Islands''' - The Tres Reyes Islands (Also Known as the "Three Kings") is a chain of 3 Islands off the coast of Gasan. The main island is known as "Gaspar Island", It is famous for it's always empty beach's, perfectly white sand and amazing diving and clear azure warm water. The beautiful islands can be accessed via boat only, you must organise a boat trip with one of the Resorts along the coastline or with a local fisherman. Don't be scared to haggle with either of the two, as long as your realistic.
'''The Bathala Caves''' - The Bathala Caves are one of the famed sites of Marinduque, this Massive cave system is located in the mountains of Santa Cruz on private Property. You must ask the propertie's owners to access the Caves, they typically charge a small fee. You also have the option of payinga bit more Peso's (not much) for a Guided tour. It is wise to have a guided tour if it's your first time, as you have to climb and hike some fairly rugged landscapes. The Caves are amazing to view, especially during sunset/sunrise when the Cave (named - The Cathedral) lights up entirely, showing off it's amazing lines. The Python cave is another cave that is a must see, Do not go to the Python cave if you have a fear of Snakes, The name wasn't made up for no reason. The Python's caves is a large system of caves with Rock Pythons living in the walls and areas, but do not fear as they are relatively harmless as long as you don't do anything to upset them (don't worry, the Guides keep you fairly far from the action anyway).
'''Red Mountain''' - Red Mountain is the site of the Battle of Pulang Lupa in the Philippine-American War. After a long hike to the top, you will be rewarded with a ful 360 degree view of the surrounding Marinduque Area and valleys. The Mountain also is the place of the Battle of Pulang Lupa Memorial, the Battle was won by the Filipino's of Marinduque against the Americans, the name "Red Mountain" was because of the amount of Blood spilt between the Americans and Filipino's during the Philippine-American War. If you don't like long hikes or are suffering from some sort of health problem, I would warn that the Hike is hard especially during a Hot day. You can access half the track up to the Main Memorial with a vehicle, but the hike is still difficult to those not in best shape.
Itineraries
Do
'''Go diving''' - Marinduque has a lot of places to explore underwater, generally the Drop-off into the reefs and marine life in Marinduque is a few hundred meters off shore (depending where you are). The Tres Reyes Islands are great to start you off in diving or snorkeling, the islands are surrounded by abundant marine life and warm tropical waters.
'''Watch cockfighting''' - Generally every weekend (Saturday especially) the local cockfight begins around noon. If you do not agree with cockfighting or prefer not to know anything of it, i urge you to avoid the Cockfight Arena's during the Weekend. If you wish to take part in the activity you can, by simply paying a fee at the door you can enter the arena and place bet's. It's is an amazing sight to see, the arena's are typically packed and very noisy and social.
'''Take part in the Moriones''' - The Moriones is an amazing festival that takes part all over Marinduque during Holy Week. During the Lenten season, Marinduque comes alive with people from all over the countryside visting to witness the very popular and famous Moriones Festival, a colorful religous celebration that links to the story of Longinus with Christ_fs Passion and Death. This festival is known as the most colorful in all of the Philippines, if you plan on visiting during the festival you should prepare in advance, as a lot of people travel during the holy season (peak travel season).
'''Relax and explore''' - You have many options of what to do on Marinduque, typically a lot of coastal resorts will have a boat on offer (Also known as a "Bangka"), you can take the boat out and explore your own way or go for a relaxing snorkel offshore. If you wish to visit more inland, their's a number of things to do. Exploring and bargaining at the local markets is always a good way to socialize and take in the sights. Their are also a number of traditional places to visit, you can purchase traditional crafts made by local artisans or you can even purchase your own "Moriones Festival" Mask.
Eat
There is a wide range of things to eat on Marinduque Island. In the bigger citys such as Gasan or Boac, you have more of a range of things to eat. Resorts around Marinduque do also serve meals, but when it comes to the more rural areas you will likely have less of a choice, typically Filipino food is only served around the rural areas. Street barbeques can be common around some sari-sari stores and the city areas. In some resorts you also have the option of cooking for yourself.
Drink
There are many bars on Marinduque Island that can offer you whatever your drinking need is. Most of the normal bars can be found in the main citys whilst in and around rural Marinduque you have Sari-Sari stores and beach-side-bars. A number of karaoke bars are dotted around the island, where you can usually find a drink nearby.
Sleep
Gasan
Gasan has a number of hotels and resorts spread out along the coastline.
'''Katala Beach Resort'''. Many facilities on offer such as a running restaurant and bar, air-conditioning, a boat you can hire and clean rooms with friendly staff. The resort is located directly on the beach.
'''Club Marinduque''', [http://www.clubmarinduque.com]. Has a number of facilities such as food, air-con, a pool and large rooms. The resort is right on the beach, and is one of the premier resorts on Marinduque.
Torrijos
Torrijos has primarily resorts located along the coastline.
'''Beach Club Cagpo''',(''beachclubcagpo@yahoo.com''), [http://www.clubcagpo.tk] is situated right on the beach, with 200 meters of white private beach on offer. A seasonal restaurant serves European and Filipino dish's. There is a private van on offer if you wish to be picked up at the port. The cottages include air-con and private bathrooms. You also have the choice of making your own meals with an outdoor kitchen available as well.
Boac
Boac has a number of hotels and resorts available.
Santa Cruz
'''Santa Cruz has a number of hotels and resorts available.
'''Oromismo Hotel''', [http://www.oromismohotel.com]. Located right in downtown of the town of Santa Cruz, is one of many newer buildings built in 2008..
Conveniently located in the heart of Downtown behind Ssnta Cruz Municipal Building, and in front
of Fire Department and inside [Oromismo Bldg].,
you will find the following tenants: D_fMarge restaurant, Murillo Dental clinic,
Medical Specialty offices,Yanoo gifts/boutique shop,Best Cellular sales and repair and Hair groom Barbershop.
1st class hotel ever built in 2008, a 4 story cemented building dedicated to the people of Santa Cruz
Large bedrooms and fully air-conditioned
Dependable and ample supply of Hot and Cold running water on premises
Dependable owned power generator is on the premises in case of brownout (loss of local power)
Hotel floors completely tiled. No carpets.
All accessories such as bed spreads, bed sheets, pillow/covers, and bathroom fixtures are all imported from the U.S.A.
There are Stores and Offices available for rent and ideal for jewelry pawnshop,banks,offices,branch offices,etc.
Clean ? Exterior and interior.
Courteous staff - 24/7 days on duty
Banquet hall available for rent for parties or conferences located on the top of the building-4th floor.
Laundrymat is on the premises, washing machine and dryer imported from USA.nO MORE PALABA IN THE RIVER, JUST PUT IN THE WASHING MACHINE. SMELL FRESSH.
oromismohotel8@yahoo.com
Tel. 011-6342-321-2024''' ==
Stay safe
Like any other place in the world, it is unsafe to flash all your money or belongings in public, or leave them sitting around unattended. Marinduque has a very small crime rate, in fact one of the smallest in the Philippines, But this doesn't mean you should leave all your stuff hanging around. It's wise to take care of your stuff wherever you go in the world as you travel.
Get out
To get out of Marinduque, you simply have to get to one of the nearest ports on time. Jeepney's, tricycle and FX's can always take you to the port. In the larger cities, such as Gasan, Torrijos, Santa Cruz and Boac the Bus Liners tend to stop off at the local terminal. They wait until the bus is full or when it's time to leave for the Port. If your unsure of the time of departure for the Port, ask around, especially to bus or jeepney Drivers. They always know the right time.