Buktot Beach, Mansalay | Oriental Mindoro’s Solitude Beach

May 12, 2023May 13, 2023 Rex Lim Lim 2023, ADVENTURE, BEACH, beaches, GUIDE, HOW TO, ITINERARY, TRANSIT PINAS, TRAVEL GUIDE

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Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro: Just a stone’s throw away from the main road lies Buktot Beach. Frequented by locals and tourists alike, I decided to drop by and see for myself why this little piece of paradise is worth the visit.

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Still a Hidden Gem

Mansalay is known for its scenic landscapes and natural attractions. The municipality is blessed with beautiful beaches, lush mountains, and stunning waterfalls. It offers a peaceful and serene environment for visitors to enjoy.

The town of Mansalay is situated on the eastern coast of Mindoro Island, facing the Philippine Sea. In addition, it is bordered by the municipalities of Bulalacao to the south, Bongabong to the north, and the province of Romblon to the east.

Just a short tricycle ride from the highway of Brgy. Manaul lies the beautiful Buktot Beach.

Natural Beauty

Buktot Beach is known for its natural beauty, featuring soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, and a picturesque coastline surrounded by lush greenery. Moreover, the beach is relatively secluded and offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere.

Life seemed to slow down during our visit here. Also, the entrance fee and cottage rental are relatively cheap that’s why locals frequent the place to relax and have a few (or too many) bottles of ice-cold beer.

The name of the Beach, “Buktot”, is from the Cebuano word “Buktut” which means hunchback. To add, it is said to be called as such due to the hill nearby with a seemingly hunched appearance from afar.

How to Get There

Buktot Beach in Mansalay is a beautiful destination located in the Oriental Mindoro province of the Philippines. If you’re planning a trip to Buktot Beach, here’s a travel guide to help you make the most of your visit:

Buktot Beach is located in Brgy. Manaul in the town of Mansalay in Oriental Mindoro.

By Air: The nearest major airport is Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila. You can take a domestic flight from Manila to San Jose Airport in Mindoro. You can hire a private vehicle or take a bus to Mansalay.
- Cebu Pacific flies to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro daily (as of May 12, 2023):
  - MNL-SJI: 06:15 AM – 07:30 AM
  - SJI-MNL: 08:05 AM – 09:20 AM

- By Land: If you prefer to travel by land, you can take a bus or drive from Manila to Batangas Pier. From Batangas Pier, take a ferry to Calapan Port in Mindoro. From Calapan City, take a minibus or van to the town of Mansalay.

The entrance fee is 10 PHP, while cottage rental depends on the hut you will stay at but rates start at 100php.
There’s also a restroom and fresh water in the area.