Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
San José
On Mindoro's southwest coast, the intensely sun-bleached and noisy port town of
SAN JOSÉ
is a quintessential Philippine provincial metropolis, with tra
c-dense streets
lined with drugstores, cheap canteens and fast-food outlets. Travellers usually only see
San José as they pass through on their way from the airport to Sablayan or the Mounts
Iglit-Baco National Park (see p.256), for which permits can be obtained here. Though
Apo Reef is close by, there are no major dive operators in town and it's best to organize
a trip there through the
Pandan Island Resort
or in Sablayan (see p.257).
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE SAN JOSÉ
San José is bounded on its northern edge by the Pandururan River, beyond which are the pier and the airport. Arriving by
jeepney from Roxas, or bus from Sablayan, you'll find yourself on C. Liboro St in the west of town. From here it's a short walk
(or tricycle ride; P10) to the main thoroughfare, Rizal St, which runs across town and turns into the National Highway in the
east, where it runs inland to Magsaysay.
5
By plane
San José Airport is a 20min (P20) tricycle ride
from town, or you could take one of the private cars that
act as airport taxis, for which you'll pay at least P100 (fix
the price before you get in). The airport is served by one
daily flight from Manila (45min) with Cebu Pacific, whose
o
ce is at the airport.
By boat
Cheap flights have superseded boats to San José,
and there's little benefit from taking a ferry here. If
you are yearning for a sea voyage, Montenegro Lines
(
W
montenegrolines.com.ph) does operate ferries to
Batangas (Sun, Tues & Thurs 6pm; P726), and less regular
services to Cuyo Island and Taytay in Palawan (check in
advance). One route worth checking out is the “Bunso boat”
to Coron (see p.394), an informal bangka service that
usually departs Tues & Fri 9am (P1200; buy tickets from any
agent in town). The boat returns from Coron Mon, Wed
& Fri. The trip is supposed to take 6hr but can take much
longer. You must embark via a smaller boat from the beach
in front of central San José (another P20).
By bus
Buses leave from the Dimple Star depot (
T
0921
568 6449) on Bonifacio St at 6am, 11am, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm,
8pm and 11pm for Sablayan (3hr), Mamburao (5-7hr)
, , , Protected Area Office, Airport & Sablayan
0
50
ACCOMMODATION
El Mora Hotel
Mindoro Plaza
Sikatuna Beach Hotel
White House Beach Resort
Pandururan River
3
4
1
2
metres
Dimple Star
Bus Depot
N
Market
EATING & DRINKING
Akong Bakery
Kusina ni Lea
2
1
Metrobank
Mercury
Drug
Mindoro Strait
Sablayan
Jeepneys
TOWN
PLAZA
Land Bank
PNB
Police Station
& Town Hall
St Joseph's
Cathedral
Petrol
Station
Vans to
Calapan
and Roxas
SAN JOSÉ
Port
