Provinces

Occidental Mindoro Province

Written by Patrick

ABOUT

Occidental Mindoro is a province in the Philippines located in the MIMAROPA Region. Its capital is Mamburao. Occidental Mindoro offers more than its awe-inspiring views of paddy fields and mountain ranges. With unspoiled white beaches, underwater paradise, and other captivating sights, the province is a promising hub for sustainable tourism. Occidental Mindoro is one of two provinces of Mindoro island.

LOCATION

Occidental Mindoro

Coordinates: 13°00′N 120°55′E

FAST FACTS

The following are a few useful and interesting details about this province.

Province:
Occidental Mindoro
Location:
13°00′N 120°55′E | View Map
Year Founded:
1950
Capital:
Mamburao
Area:
5,865.71 km2 (2,264.76 sq mi)
Population:
525,400
Density:
83/km2 (220/sq mi)
Division:
Region:
Cities & Towns:
11 Towns (Municipalities)
Demonym(s):
Occidental Mindoreño/a
Elevation:
(Mount Baco) 2,488 m (8,163 ft)
Time Zone:
PST (UTC+8)
Zip Code:
5100–5111
Area code:
+63 -(043)-XXX-XXXX
Electricity:
Standard voltage is 220V.
Plug commonly used is Type A but Types B and C are used as well.
Bring A to B adapter(s).
Currency:
Philippine Peso (PHP)
Exchange Rate:
Approximately 1 USD = 50 PHP | click for exact exchange rate
Income Class:
Second Class
Religion(s):
82% Roman Catholic
Language(s):
Tagalog, Mangyan, English
Known For:
Paddy Fields and Mountain Ranges
Major Industries:
Agriculture (rice, tobacco, onions, garlic), Food processing, Mining (gold, copper, silver, chrome)
Climate:
Tropical
Best Time to Visit:
April, May
Clothing:
Casual light clothing: shorts, t-shirt, sandals. Light jacket and pants at night, at higher elevations, and boating.
Bus Terminal(s):
COMING SOON
Website:
None

CLIMATE

The climate in this province has two distinct weather types: rainy season and dry season. Rains begin to fall in the province in late May, intensifying through June, July, August, September and October, then gradually subsides in November.[citation needed] The months of August and September are the wettest period, with storms directly passing through the area.

On the other hand, dry season starts in November, with rainfall subsiding in intensity, and altogether ceasing in January, February, March and April. March and April are the driest period, with cloudless skies and parched earth characterizing the general area.

The best time to visit this island is between April and May, which is also the time when the beaches get really crowded.

The most appropriate clothing in this province is casual light clothing: shorts, t-shirt, sandals. Light jacket and pants at night, at higher elevations, and boating.

READ MORE: Climate & Weather in the Philippines

CITIES & TOWNS

Occidental Mindoro Province Map

The Occidental Mindoro provinceis divided into 11 Municipalities:

  • Abra de Ilog
  • Calintaan
  • Looc
  • Lubang
  • Magsaysay
  • Mamburao
  • Paluan
  • Rizal
  • Sablayan
  • San Jose
  • Santa Cruz
 

ISLANDS

There are outlying islands surrounding the mainland of Occidental Mindoro which are under the jurisdiction of the province.

  • Ambulong Island
  • Ilin Island
  • North Pandan Island
  • South Pandan Island

POINTS OF INTEREST

The following is a list of points of interest relating to the Occidental Mindoro province:

  • Agbalala Falls
  • Ambulong Island
  • Apo Reef Lighthouse
  • Apo Reef Natural Park
  • Aroma Beach
  • Binangaan Island
  • Bisay Falls
  • Calawagan Mini-Falls
  • Calawagan River Resort
  • Grace Island
  • Hanging Bridge of San Agustin
  • Ilin Island
  • Inasakan Beach
  • Kalong River
  • Karung- Kaban Cave
  • Lake Libuao
  • Manadi Island
  • Mangarin Watchtower
  • Mindoro Pines
  • Mt. Calavite
  • Mt. Iglit-Baco National Park
  • Onoda Trails and Caves
  • Parola Park
  • Sablayan Museum
  • Sablayan River
  • Siburan Rain Forest
  • St. Joseph Cathedral
  • Tayamaan Beach
 

If you plan to visit the Province of Occidental Mindoro, you can use the following sites to determine the best places to stay:

FESTIVALS

The following is a list of festivals celebrated in Occidental Mindoro throughout the year:

  • Dugoy Festival – January 18

FAQs

The following are the most frequently asked questions about the Occidental Mindoro province.

Where in the Philippines is Occidental Mindoro located?
Occidental Mindoro occupies the western section of Mindoro island.

Is Occidental Mindoro a city or province?
Occidental Mindoro is a province.

What is the Capital of Occidental Mindoro?
The capital of Occidental Mindoro is Mamburao.

What is Occidental Mindoro known for?
Occidental Mindoro is known for paddy fields and mountain ranges.

How do I get to Occidental Mindoro?
There are several ways to get to Occidental Mindoro, the most common being from Manila:

  • Bus to Batangas Pier | 2.5 hours | $3-$5 + Car ferry to Abra de Ilog | 3 hours | $3-$16
  • But to Batangas Pier | 2.5 hours | $3-$5 + Ferry to Puerto Galera | 1 hour | $5-$12 + Car to Mamburao | 6 hours | $32-$50

RESOURCE: Best Online Transportation Resource for the Philippines

How many islands are in Occidental Mindoro?
There are 4 islands in Occidental Mindoro province.

What does Occidental Mindoro mean?
Mindoro is derived from the Spanish term “mina de oro” which means “gold mine”.

How Safe is Traveling in Occidental Mindoro?
Occidental Mindoro is generally safe for locals and tourists.

Is the climate in Occidental Mindoro the same as the rest of the Philippines?
The climate in Occidental Mindoro province is considered tropical with significant rainfall most months of the year.

To learn more about the various climate types in the Philippines, and for a Climate Map, click the link below…

READ MORE: Climate & Weather of the Philippines

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About the Author

Patrick

Patrick is an entrepreneur, digital nomad, explorer, and photographer. Patrick is always in search of fun and adventure. He is well travelled throughout the world, and although location independent, his home base is Phoenix, Arizona in the USA. Patrick loves island lifestyle which is no wonder why he is so interested in spending time in the Philippines with it’s over 7,000 islands. Patrick created this site to share his knowledge of and experiences in the Philippines with Filipinos as well as other foreigners.

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