Municipality in Occidental Mindoro, Philippines
Photo: Zuanzuanfuwa, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
San Jose is a municipality in Occidental Mindoro, Philippines. San Jose offers an off-the-beaten-path charm for tourists who shun the crowded and over-commercialized spots in the country. The major attractions of San Jose are its three offshore islands - Ambulong, Ilin, and White Island (also called Manadi). San Jose is also a favorite jump-off point to the world-class diving site - Apo Reef Marine Park.
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Ambulong Island is a 30-km² island with fine beaches, cliffs and abundant coral formations. It is characterized by white sand beaches, cliffs along pillars jutting out of the water, and underwater caves. Coral gardens and tropical fish are abundant in several coves. An islet called Grace Island is located at a limestone cove at the southern tip of Ambulong. A fisherman's village is located at the sheltered side of the island. Ambulong Island is also a jump-off point to some of the dive spots in the area, such as the Iling Point, Baniaga Reef, Ambulong Bank, Dungan Reef, Sardines Reef, Apo Reef, and Manadi Island. These dive sites are about an hour away by pumpboat from the Caminawit Port.
Ilin Island has a village of shell divers, being abundant in shells and coral reefs. There are ancient burial caves of early Chinese traders, ethnic fishing villages, and numerous dive sites from which to view many tropical fishes. Lush foliage encircle the clear blue waters of the South China Sea. There are scuba diving facilities, a 6.8 CTM compressor, seaport facilities, diveboats, and PADI and NAUI-certified instructors. Kweba Cansubong is a popular destination in the island apart from its white beaches, estuaries, rock formations, etc. Inasakan Beach, located at the far side of Ilin, is a small stretch of powdery white sand. It has been proposed to declare the island's timberland a conservation area for its natural fauna and flora. The Philippine teak, an endangered Philippine tree, is found only in Ilin and Batangas. Meanwhile, an endangered fauna called the cloud rat (or cloud runner/Ilin Island cloud runner) is found only in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro particularly in the island of Ilin. The cloud rat is the biggest and one of the most beautiful rats in the world.
White Island has a long powdery beach where buried turtle eggs are occasionally found. It has an almost mile-long beach with smooth and powdery white sand. The tranquil and peaceful island is an ideal place for swimming, scuba diving and fishing. Turtle eggs are occasionally found buried in the sand, and visitors are cautioned to keep them undisturbed.
A favorite sport for local residents near San Jose Airport. The beach is named after aroma trees in the area.
World War II Marker commemorating the second landing of Gen. Douglas MacArthur in the Philippines in December 15, 1944 which led to the Liberation of Manila and mainland Luzon from occupying Japanese forces. The granite marker is complemented by three murals.
The town center and the destination, locals and tourist alike. Also has a park. Town festivities and events are also held in this area especially in the grandstand area. A handful of souvenirs and merchandise can be bought here especially during the annual town fiesta in May or Christmas season.
Ruins of a Spanish coastal colonial fort. It contains four cannons which was used as defence against pirates during the colonial era. The area is connected by a wooden hanging bridge.
Mounts Iglit-Baco National Park is located in an area shared by the municipalities of Sablayan, Calintaan, Rizal and San Jose. The latter is also the main gateway there. It is a sanctuary for the 'tamaraw' (Bubalus mindorensis), an endemic species of buffalo found only in Mindoro. It provides a nice eco-tourism, trekking, or mountaineering alternative to beach/dive resorts. However, a part of the tamaraw genepool which is also a part of the national park is at the boundaries of Rizal and San Jose, more or less 50 hectares are in the territorial jurisdiction of the municipality.
Restaurant and bar near Aroma beach. Opens only at night.
Casual dining outlet with a name which roughly translates to "Lea's Kitchen".
A local coffee shop along near the beach
A beach resort in a secluded pristine cove in Ambulong Island. About 2 hours boat ride from the San Jose town center.
A.c. double room with own bathroom and cable TV.
Fan single/double rooms with own bathroom.
Single/double room with own bathroom.
Single/double rooms with own bathroom.
Simple rooms with fan or AC and private bathrooms, WiFi in the lobby. Nothing fancy but probably good enough if you are waiting for the boat to Coron.
Rooms include a private bathroom with a bath, bidet and free toiletries provided. Standard room & deluxe room rates include breakfast. Guests can dine at an on-site Pan Asian restaurant with free Wi-Fi and parking. Free shuttle service at the property. Seasons Cafe serves breakfast (6-10AM), lunch (10AM-2PM) and dinner from 6-10PM. Lobby Lounge serves light snacks and beverage from 2-6PM.
Has a Gaisano supermarket.
Has a Master Card/Visa Card ATM.
Has a Visa Card ATM.
By land
RORO Bus, and Philtranco have direct bus routes from Cubao in Quezon City, Sampaloc in Manila and Alabang in Muntinlupa) to San Jose that includes a roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ferry that operates…
By sea
Port of Caminawit has boats to and from Coron three times a week (₱800, 8 hr). You can book tickets or find out about the schedule on biyaheroes.com.
Most roads in the Poblacion area and nearby barangays are either paved with concrete or asphalt.
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San Jose · Regional · SJI
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