San Jose (Mindoro)

San Jose is a municipality in Occidental Mindoro, Philippines. San Jose offers an off-the-beaten-path charm for tourists who shun the crowded and over-commercialized spots in the country. The major attractions of San Jose are its three offshore islands - Ambulong, Ilin, and White Island (also called Manadi). San Jose is also a favorite jump-off point to the world-class diving site - Apo Reef Marine Park.

Understand
Even with its considerable tourism potential, San Jose has yet to turn into a more popular destination at par with other parts of the Philippines. Among the challenges the town faces are coastal pollution, illegal settlers, and a lack of an effective ecotourism plan. Brownouts caused by a lingering power supply dispute have negatively affected local businesses and tourism.

However, a modest number of visitors continue to explore this quaint town on the southwestern tip of Mindoro.

By land
RORO Bus, and Philtranco have direct bus routes from Cubao in Quezon City, Sampaloc in Manila and Alabang in Muntinlupa) to San Jose that includes a roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ferry that operates between Batangas City and the port at Abra de Ilog. The ferry passes through Verde Island Passage and takes about three hours.

San Jose is linked to all towns of Occidental Mindoro via a mostly-dusty provincial highway that runs from north to south. Roads in and around San Jose are well-paved on mostly flat terrain. Local bus and jeepney operators ply the route from the northernmost town of Abra de Ilog all the way south to San Jose.

Vans run from the bus terminal all the way to Calapan (6 hr, ) along the eastern coast of Mindoro.

By sea
has boats to and from Coron three times a week (, 8 hr). You can book tickets or find out about the schedule on biyaheroes.com.

Get around
Most roads in the Poblacion area and nearby barangays are either paved with concrete or asphalt. The major thoroughfares are Rizal Street, Liboro Street, Bonifacio Street, Mabini Street, and the streets in and around the public market. Motored tricycles are the common mode of transportation around town. Jeepneys provide the main mode of public transportation between San Jose and other towns of the province. Pump boats can be chartered to provide access to nearby island resorts and diving spots.

Other destinations
There are other destinations in the area like the extraordinary landscape and rugged peaks of the Chocolate Mountains (more popularly known as the Devil's Mountain), the Linaw Baboy Falls in Brgy. Murtha and Mangarin Ruins.

Cultural events in San Jose include Indak Pandurukan, a street-dancing festival, and other activities during the town fiesta which is celebrated on May 1.

Eat
Most of the dining options in San Jose are found in the town proper. The San Jose Municipal Plaza also hosts a number of food kiosks and stands.



Connect
There are numerous local internet cafes in San Jose, especially in the town proper.

Go next

 * Roxas
 * Calapan
 * Batangas