Traveling to Marinduque for the first time this 2024? I hope this Marinduque Travel Guide Blog with sample itinerary, list of best things to do in Marinduque, tourist spots and places to visit for first-timers help you plan your trip!
Marinduque is a heart-shaped island situated south of the island of Luzon. Considered as the smallest province in Southern Tagalog (Region IV-B/MIMAROPA), it is composed of six municipalities, namely Mogpog, Sta Cruz, Torrijos, Buenavista, Gasan and the capital town of Boac. It is famous for its annual Moriones Festival during Lenten season, but you can actually visit it any time of the year. Especially now that it's so easy to travel to Marinduque!
In this Marinduque Travel Guide Blog with sample itinerary, I will help you in planning your trip by providing useful information on how to get there, where to stay, top things to do, tourist spots and attractions, as well as where to eat and and where to buy pasalubong and souvenirs. I also included a sample Marinduque itinerary below that you may use as your guide in exploring this amazing province.
2024 MARINDUQUE TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG FOR FIRST-TIMERS (UPDATED) - Things to Do in Marinduque, Tourist Spots & Places to Visit
HOW TO GET TO MARINDUQUE FROM MANILA?
OPTION 1: Take a direct flight from Manila to Marinduque via Cebu Pacific Air. Flight schedules are every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Cebu Pacific Air is the only airline that operates this route commercially. You can book your tickets at their website www.cebupacificair.com. Travel time is around 40 minutes. This is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Marinduque.
Airfare varies and depends on the season. To save on the cost of the airfare to Marinduque, I highly recommend that you book it in advance. For example, it will only cost you around 2,900 pesos all-in for a round-trip Manila-Marinduque-Manila airfare if you book your tickets 3 months in advance. See sample booking below.
OPTION 2: You can take a direct bus that covers everything from bus fare, terminal fee, ferry/RORO ticket and land transfers in Marinduque offered by Jac Liner. Travel time takes about 8 hours and bus fare is around 900-1,000 pesos.
OPTION 3: You may take a bus bound for Lucena Grand Terminal or Dalahican Port. From there, you may take a ferry/RORO to Balanacan Port in Mogpog, Cawit Port in Boac, or Buyabod Port in Sta. Cruz.
For a more detailed post on how to get to Marinduque from Manila with Flight, Bus and Ferry/RORO Schedules and fares, please CLICK HERE.
WHERE TO STAY: HOTELS & BEACH RESORTS IN MARINDUQUE
As the capital of Marinduque, the town of Boac offers several affordable and budget-friendly hotels, resorts, pension houses, and inns for you to stay at. With many old and new hotels and resorts, you'll definitely find a place to stay in Marinduque that will fit your budget and needs.
If you wish to explore and have a tour around Marinduqe, Boac is the most convenient and strategic place to stay. You may check out some of the these accommodations below that I have personally tried and stayed at during my previous travels in Marinduque.
Balar Hotel and Spa
Balar Hotel and Spa
Address: Brgy. Balaring, Boac Marinduque
Contact Number: 0917 882 2527
Tahanan sa Isok
Tahanan sa Isok
Address: Brgy. Isok Boac Marinduque
Contact Number: (042) 332-1231)
MY REVIEW: HOTELS IN MARINDUQUE: Tahanan sa Isok and Other Hotels in Boac, Marinduque
Other hotels and resort I have personally tried:
- Happy Bunny (Barangay Mercado, Boac / (042) 332 2040)
- Blue Sea Beach Resort (Brgy. Amoingon / (042) 332-1334)
Boac Hotel
Other Hotels and Beach Resorts in Marinduque
- Hotel Marinduque √ Book discounted room rates here!
- Luxor Resort and Restaurant √ Book discounted room rates here!
- Joepen's COCO Beach √ Book discounted room rates here!
- Eastpoint Hotel By The Sea √ Book discounted room rates here!
- Beach Club Cagpo √ Book discounted room rates here!
- Villa Briones √ Book discounted room rates here!
- Joey's Crib Beach Hostel √ Book discounted room rates here!
- Villa d' Arco Resort √ Book discounted room rates here!
- Hotel Zenturia √ Book discounted room rates here!
IMPORTANT TRAVEL TIP: If you are visiting during Moriones Festival, be sure to book your accommodation 3-4 months in advance. Due to the festive season, it is expected that accommodations will limited and expensive during the festival week.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN MARIDUQUE, TOURIST SPOTS AND PLACES TO VISIT
The six towns of Marinduque offer a wide array of attractions, tourist spots and exciting things to do. I listed below some of the top best things to do in each town, as well as the must-visit tourist spots and attractions each town offers.
TOWNS IN MARINDUQUE
THINGS TO DO IN BOAC MARINDUQUE + TOURIST SPOTS AND ATTRACTIONS
1. Experience Moriones Festival
Many travelers and tourists go to Marinduque for their annual Moriones Festival. Every town has their own Moriones Lenten Rituals, but for me the grandest is held in the capital town of Boac. If you're visiting during holy week, don't miss the senakulo, the processions, and the via crusis along the streets of Boac during Moriones Fesival.
2. Boac Cathedral
Sits on a small hill overlooking the town, the Boac Cathedral is dedicated in honor of the blessed "Virgin of Biglang Awa." Built in 1792, it is where Filipinos and Spaniards sought refuge from pirate attacks during that time. Its architecture is of Filipino-Hispanic Gothic with most of the original construction preserved; such as the facade and main body, the belfry and the altar.
3. Boac Museum
Located beside the Boac Town Plaza and Rizal Park is the Boac Museum. Housed in an old Spanish building that used to be a library and Municipal Trial Court of Boac, it is home to a collection of artifacts and important collections about the Island of Marinduque. Entrance fee is 20 pesos for adults and 10 pesos for Students and Senior Citizens. The museum is open from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with lunch break). Saturdays, Sundays and holidays are by appointment.
4. See the Old Houses of Boac
If you love old houses like me, Boac has many of them. Although I only found one house with a National Historical Institute (NHI) marker declaring it a heritage house, it is still a feast to my eyes seeing a handful of well-preserved houses lined up on the streets of Boac. Read more HERE.
5. Visit Marinduque Provincial Capitol Building
One of the many interesting structures in Boac is its 1927 provincial capitol building. Efforts have been initiated with the National Historical Institute to declare it a Historical or Heritage Site. Read more HERE.
6. Marl Insect and Butterfly Garden
Known as the first butterfly garden in Marinduque, Marl Insect and Butterfly Garden is a great place to interact and to learn more about butterflies. They also have a souvenir shop selling different items made from butterflies. Entrance fee is 50 pesos for adults and 30 pesos for children.
THINGS TO DO IN GASAN MARINDUQUE + TOURIST SPOTS AND ATTRACTIONS
7. Island Hopping at Tres Reyes Islands
Tres Reyes Islands are located off the coast of Barangay Pinggan in Gasan, Marinduque. Composed of three islands named after the 3 wise kings Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar, Tres Reyes Islands are popular island hopping destination in Marinduque. It has clear blue-green waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
8. Experience Gasang-gasang Festival
Gasang-gasang Festival is a yearly colorful Easter Sunday festival in the town of Gasan, Marinduque. It is in celebration of the origin of the name of the town "Gasan", which came from the term "Gasang-Gasang", a type of coral that used to be seen around the town's shoreline. If you're visiting Marinduque during holy week, add Gasang-gasang Festival in your itinerary. Read the full article here.
9. Visit Gasan Church
The St. Joseph Parish Church of Gasan, Marinduque is located at the poblacion of Gasan, Marinduque on top of a hill overlooking the town. Don't miss entering the church to see the beautiful interiors with coconut shells adorning the altar and huge anahaw-looking decorations at the church's ceiling. In front of the church is a view deck where you could enjoy an amazing view of the coastline and of the town.
10. Gasan Sea View Park
This public park is a good place to chill and relax while enjoying the cool breeze of the air. Not to be missed is this beautiful hanging bridge where you could take your IG-worthy photos.
THINGS TO DO IN BUENAVISTA MARINDUQUE + TOURIST SPOTS AND ATTRACTIONS
11. Mt. Malindig
Mt. Malindig is potentially active stratovolcano on the island of Marinduque. It is the highest peak in the island having an elevation of 1,157 meters above sea level. If you plan to climb it, the jump-off point to Mt. Malindig is located at Brgy. Sihi in Buenavista, Marinduque. The name of the province is said to have been derived from "Marindik" or "Malindik."
12. Malbog Sulfuric Hot Spring Resort
It is often said that a visit to Marinduque will never be complete without taking a dip in Malbog's Sulfuric Hot Spring. Located on the foot of the mountain in Brgy. Malbog in Buenavista, Marinduque, Malbog Sulfuric Hot Springs are volcanic in origin. Dipping into the warm swimming pools with sulfuric waters are considered to have medicinal properties that could heal skin-related ailments. This hot spring resort is a good reason to visit the town of Buenavista and have a relaxing swim to end your day.
13. Elephant Island / Bellaroca Resort
Located off the coast of Brgy. Lipata in Buenavista, Marinduque is the Elephant Island where you can find the luxury hotel and resort Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa. The resort has been closed for quite some time now, but with the opening of flights from Manila, some parties are now interested in investing and opening it again. I haven't been to this famous Santorini-inspired resort and I hope it opens again soon.
THINGS TO DO IN TORRIJOS MARINDUQUE + TOURIST SPOTS AND ATTRACTIONS
14. Beach Bumming and Swimming at Poctoy White Beach
One of the favorite beach destinations by the local and tourists visiting Marinduque is Poctoy White Beach in the town of Torrijos. It's a government-owned beach resort with a long stretch of semi-fine white sand beach. The blue, cool waters of Poctoy Beach makes it ideal for swimming. You can sit and relax at the beach with tall coconut tress providing shade and the view of Mt. Malindig as a backdrop to the beach makes it more appealing to every guest. Cottages, shower rooms, changing areas, and sari-sari stores are available for guests' comfort and convenience. Some water activities such as kayaks and skim-boards are also available for rent. Entrance fee is 50 pesos and cottage rental is 300 pesos.
THINGS TO DO IN STA. CRUZ MARINDUQUE + TOURIST SPOTS AND ATTRACTIONS
15. Maniwaya Island
Located in the town of Sta. Cruz, you need to take a 30-minute boat ride from Buyabod Port to get to Maniwaya Island. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Marinduque boasting of a long stretch of shoreline with fine sand and some parts with broken corals. It is a great place to camp, enjoy the beach, and view the amazing sunset.
16. Palad Sandbar
A small sandbar with semi-fine white sand surrounded with clear, shallow waters ideal for swimming. The sandbar only appears during low tide, so be sure to plan your visit.
17. Mongpong Island
One of my favorites! This island has huge rock formations and stretch of white sand beach mixed with broken corals.
18. Ungab Rock Formation
This is the main attraction on Mongponng Island. The Ungab Rock Formation is a huge rock formation that you can climb and jump from above and enjoy the clear blue waters.
19. Kawa-kawa Falls
Located in Brgy. Bangcuangan in the town of Sta. Cruz, is Kawa-kawa Falls. Named after the local term for basin or "kawa", it is a series of three cascading waterfalls, with the biggest pool on top. The basin is estimated to be at 12 feet deep.
20. Bathala Caves
Bathala Caves is a complex of several caves located in Barangay Ipil, Sta Cruz, Marinduque. On my previous trips to Marinduque, I've explored 2 of the caves. One is Church Cave or Kuweba ng Simbahan which is the biggest cave in the area which can fit an estimate of 100 people. Inside, you'll see huge rock formations. Also, the cave has lots of bats, guanos, roaches and other creatures roaming around.
Another one is the Python Cave which can be reached by descending through some sharp rock formations and then to the mouth of the cave. As the name suggests this is home to many snakes.
21. Bagumbungan Cave and Subterranean River
For the adventure junkies, spelunking at Bagumbungan Cave is a must-do when in Marinduque. Located in the village of San Isidro, Bagumbungan Cave (aka San Isidro Cave) and Subterranean River was discovered by a team led by the provincial tourism officers of Sta. Cruz, Marinduque in 2009. Be sure that you are physically prepared when doing this activity as it will take 4 hours in exploring Bagumbungan Cave.
22. Rejano's Bakery
Located in Brgy. Banahaw in Sta. Cruz, Rejano's Bakery is home to the famous Rejano's Arrow Root cookies. You can also buy here some pasalubong food items and souvenirs for your family and friends back home. Make sure to make a stop here and shop for pasalubong when visiting Sta. Cruz, Marinduque.
THINGS TO DO IN MOGPOG MARINDUQUE + TOURIST SPOTS AND ATTRACTIONS
23. Luzon Datum of 1911
One of the must-visits when visiting Mogpog is the Luzon Datum of 1911 marker. Located on top of "Mataas na Bundok," you have to climb a series of concrete stairs of more 400 steps to reach the summit of the mountain. Here you'll see the Luzon Datum marker which is considered as the "center of the Philippines." Also known as Station Balanacan, the Luzon Datum is the primary geodetic reference, or datum origin of all surveys in the Philippines - making Marinduque the "heart" or "the center of the Philippines."
24. Sunset Viewing from Mataas na Bundok
The best time to climb "Mataas na Bundok" is in the late afternoon for you to also enjoy the sunset, along with the amazing coastal view and some islets.
25. Paadjao Falls
Located in Sitio Paadjao, Barangay Bokbok in the town of Mogpog, Paadjao Falls is an ideal place for picnicking and camping. To get the the falls, it requires a bit of trekking passing through dense vegetation. The main falls is a 15-foot high cascading waterfalls which ends in a 10-foot deep pool.
TOUR GUIDE IN MARINDUQUE
You can explore most of the tourist spots and attractions in Marinduque on DIY (do-it-yourself) or you may get the assistance of a travel agency to fix and arrange everything for you. For your Marinduque travel needs, transportation, airport transfers, guiding services, Marinduque packaged tours and everything you need during your trip, you may contact Dream Favor Travel and Tours. They are the only DOT-accredited travel and tours company based in Marinduque who toured us around during our recent trip to Marinduque. Highly recommended!
For inquiries, please contact:
DREAM FAVOR TRAVEL AND TOURS
Address: Barangay Santol, Boac, MarinduqueContact Numbers: +63 918-933-1605 / +63 2-542-5229
Website: www.dreamfavor.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DreamFavor
Email: dreamfavortat@gmail.com
WHERE TO EAT: RESTAURANTS IN MARINDUQUE?
Having been to Marinduque several times, I've tried a lot of restaurants and food kiosks in Boac since it is where we usually stay. Here are some of my favorites.
Photo from 10 y.o. Cafe Facebook Page
10 y.o. Cafe
A new cafe in town, 10 y.o. Cafe is located in Brgy. Balaring in Boac, just beside Balar Hotel and Spa. They offer wide array of coffee, tea, sandwiches, and pastries. It's a good place to hangout where you could unwind and relax after a long day of exploring Marinduque.
Cafe Mamita
Located at the ground floor of Boac Hotel, Cafe Mamita offers great-tasting local dishes in Marinduque. Must try are their Bulalo, Sizzling Tanigue and Blue Marlin, Minakla (which is like shrimp and lobster combined) and their fresh vegetables in coconut milk.
Casa De Don Emilio
Located right across the Boac town plaza, dining at Casa De Don Emilio is like traveling back in time. The restaurant is set on centuries-old ancestral dwelling where old photos and furniture adorn the place. Must-try on their menu are the Lumpiang Ubod, Ulang-ulang Soup, and the Kari-kari.
WHERE TO SHOP FOR PASALUBONG & SOUVENIRS IN MARINDUQUE?
The local market is always a good place to shop for local items. But if you're visiting during the Moriones Festival, you can buy pasalubong and souvenirs at the trade fair at the Boac Moriones Arena. If you're traveling anytime of the year, Boac Hotel's Souvenir Shop is the place to be. They have wide array of local food products and souvenir items that you could take back home for your family and friends. What's the best pasalubong from Marinduque? No doubt, it's the Arrow Root Cookies. Yummmmm!
SAMPLE MARINDUQUE ITINERARY (4 DAYS & 3 NIGHTS)
To make the most out of your Marinduque adventure, I highly suggest a 4 days and 3 nights itinerary to fully enjoy most of the province has to offer.
DAY 1 - ARRIVAL AND TOURS IN GASAN, BUENAVISTA & TORRIJOS
- Arrive in morning in Marinduque via Cebu Pacific Air
- Early check-in or just leave your bags at the hotel √ See here the list of hotels & resorts in Marinduque
- Travel to Gasan
- Visit Gasan Sea View Park, and Gasan Church
- Island Hopping at Tres Reyes Island + Lunch
- Travel to Torrijos
- Beach bumming at Poctoy White Beach
- Travel to Buenavista
- See the Elephant Island / Bellaroca Resort
- Take a photo of Mt. Malindig
- Swim and relax at Malbog Sulfuric Hot Spring Resort
- Travel back to Boac
- Chill or hangout at 10 y.o. Cafe
- Back at the hotel and sleep
DAY 2 - TOURS IN STA. CRUZ AND MOGPOG
- Early morning travel to Sta. Cruz
- Transfer to a boat going to Maniwaya Island
- Enjoy Maniwaya Island
- Visit Palad Sandbar and Mongpong Island + Ungab Rock Formation
- Back in Sta. Cruz
- Visit Sta. Cruz Church and Rejano's Bakery
- Travel to Mogpog
- Climb Mataas na Bundok to see the Luzon Datum of 1911 Marker
- Sunset viewing from Mataas na Bundok
- Travel back to Boac
- Dinner at Cafe Mamita
- Back at the hotel
DAY 3 - TOURS IN MOGPOG AND BOAC
- Travel to Mogpog
- Explore, swim and enjoy Paadjao Falls
- Travel back to Boac
- Lunch at Casa de Don Emilio
- Explore Boac
- Boac Cathedral
- Boac Museum
- Pasalubong and Souvenir Shopping
- Old houses of Boac
- Marinduque Provincial Capitol
- Marl Insect and Butterfly Garden,
- Travel back to your hotel and have dinner
DAY 4 - DEPARTURE
- Proceed to Marinduque Airport for your flight to Manila
- Or if you're taking the ferry/RORO, proceed to Cawit Port or Balanacan Port and take the ferry to Lucena and then take the bus to Metro Manila
If you're visiting Marinduque during holy week, you may add 2 more days in this itinerary to witness the Moriones Festival. If you're craving for adventure, you may also add few more days if you want to include spelunking at the caves and hiking Mt. Malinding in your itinerary. Feel free to tweak this sample itinerary and adjust it depending on your flight/RORO schedule, the places you want to visit, and the things you want to do in Marinduque.
MARINDUQUE TRAVEL BLOGS
To help plan your itinerary, here are some of my previous Marinduque Travel Blogs that I wrote during my previous trips in Marinduque.
- Getting to Boac Marinduque on a Holy Week for the Moriones Festival
- DAY 1: Islands and Beaches
- DAY 2: Island Hopping, Beaches, Waterfalls, Caves and Hot Springs
- DAY 3: Hiking, Festival, Swimming, Waterfalls and More!
- DAY 4: Spelunking, Climbing, Beach Bumming and Trekking
- DAY 5: Festival, Putungan, Boodle Fight and Going Home
- Moriones Festival 2013 Via Crusis
- Holy Thursday Senakulo at the Moriones Arena in Boac
- Via Crusis on the Streets of Boac, the Highlight of the Moriones Festival
- Stations of the Cross at the Boac Cathedral
- Good Friday Procession
- A Close Encounter with the Morions
- Moriones Festival 2016 in Boac Marinduque
- Witnessing "Senakulo" in Boac, Marinduque
- Holy Wednesday Procession in Boac, Marinduque
Marinduque has always been a province so special to me and definitely one of my favorites. That is why I never get tired of visiting it again and again.
I hope this Marinduque Travel Guide Blog for first-timers with comprehensive list of things to do in Marinduque help you in planning an amazing and exciting Marinduque adventure. Have fun and enjoy!
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Thank You For Sharing!
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Thank you for promoting our province. :-)
ReplyDeletethank you for the blog! it helps a lot.
ReplyDeleteGusto po nmin punta dyn with our motorcycle...Nag inquire n po kmi khpon s lucena port. See you soon MARINDUQUE...😘
ReplyDeleteI like how you describe the place. I have been planning to visit Marinduque for months now. While others are visiting popular places here in the Philippines, why not travel to places people don't visit often?
ReplyDeleteI am happy because you visit marinduque my home
ReplyDeletethanks so much for this!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for promoting Marinqudue . God blessed
ReplyDelete