Island Hopper. Mindoro

Mindoro is one of the island components of MIMAROPA representing the 1^st 2 letters. Most known destinations are two a city and a tourist spot facing Batangas City, Calapan and Puerto Galera.

At the Southern tip of the island is San Jose, the center of commerce at the other side of the island, Occidental Mindoro. San Jose is accessible two ways by sea from Batangas, via Calapan at the east coast and Abra de Ilog at the west.

Ship, ferry, fast craft, oversized banca cross passengers, cargoes, freight trucks, private vehicles to the other side. Batangas pier serves as the gateway to the island not only to Luzon but to the Visayas and Mindanao.

Once on shore at the island, San Jose can be reached in 4.5 hours from either entry point slightly faster via Abra de Ilog. From Abra de Ilog, kilometer distance is 189 while from Calapan, 239 kms with winding road towards the last hours. Both routes show scenic views of farmlands mostly rice and on the inner side, mountains and rivers. At the center are two nationally known mountains, the high and mighty Mt. Halcon with an altitude of 2,583 MASL and the Mount Iglit-Baco National Park, a ASEAN heritage park.

Compared to travelling on a landlocked area, mobility in island hopping is extremely unique. Trips are not marked only by landmarks but by the changing transport. From a public bus, one takes a RORO to cross the island. At the island, one can choose a utility van or continue with the bus ride. At the town proper like any other town, there are tricycles and private vehicles.

An inter-island trip provides a diversity in experience. For someone who travels not only to move from point A to B but in deepening appreciation for a place and the self, Mindoro has more than enough stimulus.

The 12-hour travel to San Jose the 18 hour stay and another 11-hour return trip is simply scratching the surface. What is beneath the Mindoro and the Tablas strait? What is at the peak of Mt. Halcon? What made Mt. Iglit a candidate as a UNESCO Heritage site? ? More importantly, how does a resident whether an aborigine, original settlers, migrants, and overstaying transients think and feel?

Initial trips to the island answer logistical interests. The succeeding visits satisfy the deeper understanding of the spirit of the place.

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