Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro | Into Mindoro’s Southernmost Gems

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

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Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro: There’s always more to Mindoro than just Puerto Galera, at the southernmost tip of the province, lies the laidback town of Bulalacao, equally deserving of the spotlight the latter is basking on.

In this adventure let us take you to the white sand beaches and islands of Bulalacao!

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Table of Contents

Bulalayo

Bulalacao is a municipality located in the province of Oriental Mindoro in the Philippines. It is situated on the southeastern part of Mindoro Island, specifically on the eastern coast of Oriental Mindoro. Bulalacao is known for its beautiful beaches and coastal areas.

Back in the day, locals would often refer to this town as “Bulalayo” a portmanteau of “Bulalacao” and “Malayo” (far). This is due to that time when roads are still rough and there are no seaports or airports that it will take you a day to reach it from Calapan.

Target Island

First stop on our island hopping tour is Target Island or called by the locals as Alibatan Island. From Dangkalan in Brgy. San Roque, it took us almost two hours to reach this island.

Target Island is a 5-hectare island surrounded by white sand beach and has a lagoon in the middle which is believed to be formed because of the bombings by the Americans.

True to the stories, this island used to be a target site for bombing practices during World War II. As of today, there are no entrance fees collected when visiting the island. Moreover, they say that Willie Revillame currently owns the island.

There are abandoned structures on top of one of the islets. Also, you can walk along the concreted pathways that go around the island.

Aslom Island

The next stop is the 12-hectare Aslom Island! The island got its name from the Cebuano word “aslom” meaning “sour” because of the abundance of Sampaloc (Tamarind) trees that are known for their sour fruit.

Moreover, there’s a crescent-shaped sandbar at the tip of the island, but sadly it was underwater because of the prevailing tide during our visit. Also, the island is privately owned, but visitors can still visit the sandbar.

Suguicay Island

Only a 15-20-minute boat ride from Bangkal Staging Point in Brgy. San Juan takes you to Suguicay Island. Its inviting turquoise waters, fine white sand, and the relaxing sound of the waves are perfect for unwinding and taking a break.

There are water activities one can do and it is easy to mistake it for a private resort, but entrance here is free. In addition, this island is inhabited and has a source of fresh water.

At the tip of the island is a small sandbar flanked on both sides by a thriving mangrove forest.

Buyayao Island

The last stop on our tour is the welcoming shores of Esperanza Beach on Buyayao Island. There are cottages to rent and a source of freshwater.

Buyayao Island is a 206-hectare forest reserve with more than 500 forest species under thick vegetation. Apart from its abundant wildlife, the island is rich in corals and marine biodiversity making it ideal for snorkeling and diving.

Two islets dot the boomerang-shaped white sand shore of Esperanza Beach.

Grim Reaper?

Local legends say that the name of the town came from the name of a certain bird called by natives as “Bulalakaw” (so let’s rule out the shooting star myth). Then near the spring of Talisi and Lumagsak, this bird would often appear. Consequently, just like a grim reaper, death will come afterward to one of the residents.

Overall, Bulalacao in Oriental Mindoro offers a serene and scenic destination for those seeking to relax by the beach, explore nature, or immerse themselves in the local culture.

How to Get There

Bulalacao is the southernmost town of 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. Also, better check the schedule of ferries prior to your travel.
From Calapan City, take a minibus or van to the town of Bulalacao. If there are no trips available at the port, you can take a Yellow Mega Mini Bus headed for Pinamalayan or Roxas, then transfer to another one headed for Bulalacao.

There are no entrance fees at Target, Silad, and Aslom Island.
Whereas, there are packaged tours for Maasin, Suguicay, and Buyayao Islands which include boat transfers, entrance fees, and Kubo accommodations if planning to spend the night in Esperanza Beach in Buyayao Island.

For east and west island hopping tours, you may coordinate with the Tourism Office or at the resort where you are checked in:
- Bulalacao Tourism Office – Facebook Page, 0975 890 1711

Southdrive Beach Resort offers Target, Silad, and Aslom island hopping tours for 6500php/10pax from 07:00 am to 12:00 nn only.

- You may contact Jane Artiola of Buyayao Vitamin Sea Resort for more details. 0977 395 1505

Ferry Schedule:

As of May 12, 2023: regular passenger fare starts at 528php for Batangas to Calapan Trips. Also, take note that the terminal fee is 30php/pax.

For those planning to take their cars, the rate for light cars starts at 2670php (Fastcat) up to 3280php (Montenegro). The driver is free of charge, but you still have to pay the 160php terminal fee to and from.

Where to Stay

Festin Paradise Resort – Brgy. Milagrosa, Bulalacao 0917 506 3479

Southdrive Beach Resort – Brgy. Maujao, Bulalacao 0928 503 3327
- Room Rates: 1500-1800php for two pax

Nicole’s Island View Resort – Brgy. Milagrosa, Bulalacao 0912 727 8316

Bulalacao Hotel – Brgy. Campasaan, Bulalacao 0977 805 8789/ 0936 506 7213
Realfive Hotel – Brgy. Campasaan, Bulalacao 0906 194 2507/ 0928 502 9540

Felipa Lodge Beach Resort – Brgy. Poblacion, Bulalacao 0999 991 2703/ 0917 658 0747/ 0970 149 1544

Itinerary

Bulalacao 3D2N Adventure
Originally planned to do this for two days only, but due to the limited number of trips by bus and van to Bulalacao, the itinerary had to be stretched to three days.

Day 0 – Manila to Calapan
2200 Bus to Batangas Port from Buendia

Day 01 – Calapan to Bulalacao
0200               Calapan Port, tricycle to Riceland Inn
0800               Checkout, explore downtown Calapan, brunch at Mabuhay Panciteria
1100               Mini Bus to Pinamalayan (Limited trips to Bulalacao as of May 12, 2023)
1340               Pinamalayan, lunch
1415               Depart for Mansalay
1520               Buktot Beach, Brgy. Manaul, Mansalay
1730               Arrival at Bulalacao, check in at Southdrive Resort, free time

Day 02 – Island Hopping
0700 Start Island Hopping Tour (Target, Silad, Aslom, Suguicay, Tambaron, Buyayao Islands).
1500 Arrival at Esperanza Beach, Buyayao Island, free time

Day 03 – Bulalacao to Manila
1000               Depart for Brgy. San Roque, Bulalacao
1200               Minibus to Roxas
1300               Roxas, lunch
1415               Van to Calapan Port
1640               Calapan Port
1700               Ferry back to Batangas Port
1900               Batangas Port
1930               Bus back to Manila
2030               Back to Manila