Mindoro - The Rough Guide to the Philippines

Travel Reference

In-Depth Information

THE MANGYAN

It's estimated that there are around one hundred thousand of Mindoro's original inhabitants,

the Mangyan , left on the island, who have a way of life not much changed since they fought

against the invading Spanish in the sixteenth century. With little role in the mainstream

Philippine economy, the tribespeople, who divide into eight tribal groups, subsist through

slash-and-burn farming of taro and yams, a practice the elders insist on retaining as part of their

culture despite the destruction it causes to forests.

You may well see Mangyan as you travel around the island, often wearing only a loincloth

and machete and carrying produce for market, but if you want to actually visit them in their

villages, it's best to go with a guide who can act as an interpreter. You can break the ice with

a few treats such as cigarettes, sweets and matches, but if you want to take photographs make

sure you have their permission. Treks to Mangyan villages are possible in several parts of the

island (see boxes, p.245 & p.256). Visit the Mangyan Heritage Center in Calapan (see below) for

a more in-depth introduction to the culture.

Mangyan Heritage Center

Bishop Finnemann Compound, Quezon Drive, Brgy Calero • Mon-Fri 8.30am-noon & 1.30-4.30pm • Free • T 43 288 5318, W mangyan.org •

Take a tricycle from Calapan port (P20)

Library, archive and research and education centre, the Mangyan Heritage Center is the

place to go for an in-depth introduction to the culture of Mindoro's oft-misunderstood

Mangyan peoples (see box above). There's usually a small exhibition of photos, books

and handicrafts on display.

ARRIVAL AND INFORMATION

CALAPAN

By boat Arriving in Calapan by ferry from Batangas City (see

p.120), the city centre is a 15min ride away by tricycle (P35).

By bus and jeepney If you're heading for Puerto Galera,

many resorts will send transport to meet you if you book

and pay in advance. Otherwise you can take a jeepney

(every 45min 6am-5pm; 1hr 30min; P100) from the petrol

station out beyond the Provincial Capitol building on

J.P. Rizal St (trikes charge P10 to the depot). Many of these

jeepneys don't go as far as Sabang or White Beach, so you'll

need to change to tricycle or taxi at Poblacion (Puerto

Galera town). For Roxas (3-4hr), jeepneys head out from

the market, small buses leave from a terminal on the corner

of Roxas and Magsaysay streets and there are also minivans

from the Angel Star terminal on Mabini St (every 15min

daily 5am-5pm; P200; T 02 783 0886), while larger

Dimple Star buses leave from the ferry pier (2 daily),

destined for San José via Roxas.

Tourist information The main tourist o ce for Mindoro

Oriental is in the Provincial Capitol building on J.P. Rizal St

(daily 9am-4pm; T 043 288 5622).

ACCOMMODATION AND EATING

Accommodation options in Calapan don't set the pulse racing, but there are some decent budget hotels. As for eating ,

a walk along the tra c-clogged length of J.P. Rizal St in town will take you past the usual Philippine fast-food outlets,

including Jollibee , Chowking and Mister Donut .

Calapan Bay Hotel Nautical Hwy (Quezon Drive),

Salong T 0920 477 6169. Bright and clean a/c rooms with

cable TV and hot water, and free wi-fi in the lobby. There's

also an at mosphe ric restaurant with a patio overlooking

the ocean. P1200

Parang Beach Resort 15min southeast of town in

Brgy Parang T 043 288 6120 , W parangbeachresort

.com. A number of plain but comfortable and well-kept

rooms in tin-roofed cottage s right on the shore, plus a

beachside restaurant. P1350

Riceland II Inn M.H. Del Pilar St T 043 288 5590,

W ricelandinn.com. This hotel has a range of motel-style

standard rooms in the main building, and more comfort-

able rooms in the annexe at the back (P750). Choice of fan

or a/c, and with or withou t cable TV determine the rate.

There's also free wi-fi. P450