Island Hopping in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro: Ambulong, Grace, Ilin and White Island

 

Have you tried island hopping in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro?

White Island or Manadi Island,  Occidental Mindoro

If you have then you must be familiar with these three islands where you can see from San Jose's Caminawit Port. And if you haven't, then let me give you a quick preview of what is waiting for you!



We passed through the White and Ilin Islands to get to the farthest two islands, Grace and Ambulong.



Grace Island

Grace Island Resort,  Occidental Mindoro

Grace Island, or Grace Island Resort, is a little white sand island that can be found very near to Ambulong Island Cove.  Grace, for me, seems to be cupped and protected of its mother island at the south most part of Ambulong. The whole island was turned into a resort and was developed thereafter into a unique little haven that is best if you are searching for serenity. Available there are zip-line, zoo, floating accommodations, among others. The travel time from San Jose's Caminawit Port is approximately 1.5 hours.




Ambulong Island

Ambulong Island,  Occidental Mindoro

Ambulong is one of the two largest islands near San Jose which is abundant with its fine white sand beaches, cliffs and coral formations. From afar during the boat trip, you can see the fisherman's village located at the sheltered side of the island. It is also a jump-off point to some of the dive spots in the area, such as the Ilin Point, Baniaga Reef, Ambulong Bank, Dungan Reef, Sardines Reef, Apo Reef, and Manadi Island.



Ilin Island

Cansubong Cave Resort, Ilin Island,  Occidental Mindoro

Ilin is the largest among the islands in San Jose. Abundant with shells and coral reefs, the villagers in the islands are mostly shell divers and fishermen. One of the attraction of the island is the Cansubong Cave Resort. The resort has a pathway made of limestone rocks that leads to the Cansubong Cave. This structure was hand-built developed by former San Jose Mayor Javarata.



White Island

White Island or Manadi Island,  Occidental Mindoro

White Island or Manadi Island, is a 15 minute boat ride from San Jose's Caminawit  Port and is also located near to the Cansubong Cave Resort in Ilin. It is small powdery white sand beach that you can tour in a few minutes and is also known as the beach where buried turtle eggs are occasionally found.

We saved the nearest as our last destination because we planned to stay longer here and take a long dip. I totally enjoyed it but was just disappointed with myself when I realized, when I got back in San Jose, that I left my sentimental and colorful beach necklace on the island.

Ilin Island (left) and Ambulong Island (right),  Occidental Mindoro

I went there and took these last February. Unfortunately, it was a cloudy day and I was determined to visit the three islands I have researched for weeks. So, I pushed through the plan for island hopping. Expectantly, it was drizzling during our boat ride and it (our boat) was battling with the strong waves of Mindoro Strait. Sadly, because of the strong waves my pink cellphone which I placed at the pocket of my camera bag fell of the sea and rescued by our boat man, but eventually died hours thereafter.

         

Yours truly

Island hopping at Occidental Mindoro

For the whole island hopping trip, we rented a boat good for two (which can accommodate up to four) people for Php 1500.  Kuya Allan, who drove us around the municipality contacted the boat man. Please note that what I have rented was some local's small fishing boat, if you want to have a better way for the island hopping, you can also contact their Dept of Tourism. For contact details of Kuya Allan, leave your e-mail address in the comment box section.




 

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