Marinduque offers a memorable and satisfying travel experience. With its beautiful beaches, undiscovered waterfalls, and dense tropical forests, the province boasts an extraordinary natural beauty that is phenomenal in the Philippines. The colorful festivals, traditional music, and delectable local cuisine of Marinduque all pay homage to the nation’s significant cultural history.

The Moriones Festival, one of the most well-known festivals in the Philippines, is a must-attend event that attracts travelers from all over the world. The Battle of Pulang Lupa Shrine and the Boac Cathedral are two historical landmarks in the province that provide insight into Marinduque’s colorful past. Marinduque is a must-visit destination for everyone wishing to have a genuine and memorable experience in the Philippines.

ABOUT MARINDUQUE

Marinduque is an island shaped like a heart and it is located between the Bondoc Peninsula in the southeastern part of Luzon and Mindoro Island. It is surrounded by four bodies of water, including Tayabas Bay in the north, Mongpong Pass in the northeast, Tayabas Strait in the southeast, and Sibuyan at the southern end.

Marinduque is a first-class province and has established itself as a popular tourism destination in the country. Its citizens are proud of their cultural heritage and identity as Marinduqueños and strive to maintain a safe and peaceful environment for both locals and visitors. The province is known for its thriving tourism industry and strong local economy, which is supported by a responsible and transparent government. The community is focused on sustainable tourism and empowering its citizens to be healthy and competitive in the global market.

THE BEST TOURIST SPOTS TO VISIT IN MARINDUQUE

The province has become a popular destination for travelers from all over the world because of the abundance of natural and cultural attractions it offers. Here are some of the top tourist attractions that you shouldn’t miss when you visit Marinduque:

Natural Wonders

  • Amoingon Beach
  • Bagumbungan Cave
  • Bathala Caves
  • Duyay Cave
  • Gaspar, Melchor, and Baltazar Islands
  • Ginaras Falls
  • Kawa – Kawa Falls
  • Luzon Datum 1991
  • Makulapnit River Dam
  • Malbog Sulfur Spring
  • Malindig Volcano
  • Maniwaya Island
  • Marinduque Hot Spring
  • Marinduque Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Mongpong Islet
  • Mt. Malindig
  • Natangco Islet
  • Paadjao Falls
  • Palad Sandbar
  • Poctoy White Beach
  • Polo Islet
  • Python Cave
  • Talamban Caves
  • Tarug Caves
  • Tres Reyes Marine Sanctuary
  • Tres Reyes Islands
  • Ungab Rock Formation
  • WHS Butterfly Farm

Cultural Attractions

  • Battle of Pulang Lupa Marker
  • Boac Cathedral
  • National Museum Marinduque
  • Sta. Cruz Church
  • Gasan Church

ISLANDS IN MARINDUQUE

Marinduque boasts of numerous exquisite islands. These islands are known for their spectacular beaches, clear waters, and tranquil ambiance, providing an ideal destination for relaxation and island exploration. Island hopping is a popular activity, where tourists can enjoy the stunning scenery and experience the unhurried vibe of the islands.

  • Agpisan Island
  • Atta Island
  • Baltazar Island
  • Banot Island
  • Elefante Island
  • Gaspar Island
  • Hakupan Island
  • Hidalgo Island
  • Maniuaya Island
  • Melchor Island
  • Mompong Island
  • Salomagui Island
  • San Andres Island
  • Santa Cruz Island

FESTIVALS IN MARINDUQUE

  • Ati-Atihan Festival
    The Ati-Atihan Festival, which takes place every 3rd Sunday of January in Sta. Cruz, Marinduque, is a celebration that began in the 1960s as a small gathering in some barangays near the Poblacion of Sta. Cruz. Over time, the festival has grown into a much larger event featuring street dancing and competitions in honor of the Sto. Nino. During the festival, participants paint themselves with black soot and don elaborate costumes resembling the Ati tribe of Cebu.
  • Maalindog Tubaan Festival
    Maalindog Tubaan Festival is a newly established festival in Buenavista, Marinduque that features street dancing competitions in celebration of the town’s fiesta. The festival also commemorates the local coconut wine industry, known as “tuba,” and pays homage to the legend of the beauty of Mount Malindig volcano, the highest peak in the province. The festival is a colorful and lively event that showcases the unique culture and traditions of the people of Buenavista.
  • Moriones Festival
    Moriones Lenten Observance is a unique Lenten tradition in Marinduque that is celebrated in the towns of Boac, Gasan, and Mogpog. During this time, locals don colorful garbs and masks resembling Roman soldiers and centurions. The festival culminates in the reenactment of the beheading of Longinus, a Roman soldier who pierced Jesus’ side with a spear. The entire towns of Boac, Mogpog, and Gasan are transformed into huge stages as the story of Longinus unfolds. This festival is a display of religious devotion and cultural heritage that draws tourists from all over the world to Marinduque.
  • Gasang-Gasang Festival
    The Gasang-Gasang Festival is a lively celebration of faith and gratitude for the resurrection of Christ, held annually on Easter Sunday in Gasan, Marinduque. The festival features street dancing competitions among the 21 barangays (villages) of the municipality, culminating in a final performance in front of a large audience for judging in one of the town’s open parks. It is a joyous occasion that showcases the community’s vibrant culture and unity in celebration of a significant religious event.
  • Pandang-Guitab Festival
    The Pandang-Guitab Festival is an annual event held on April 30th in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. Its name is derived from “Pandanggo” (Fandango) and “Dagitab,” which means “light.” The festival adapts the basic steps of the traditional dance called Pandanggo sa Ilaw (Dance of Lights), which is said to have originated in Lubang, Mindoro Island. The dance style of Pandang-Guitab involves a graceful sway-and-balance movement, with shallow gyrating of the hips and torso. The dancers also swing their hands gently from side to side while holding candles on glass, making sure not to drop them from their palms or heads.
  • Kangga Festival
    The Kangga Festival is held annually on May 13th in Mogpog, Marinduque to honor the town’s patron, St. Isidore de Labrador, who is the patron saint of farmers. During the festival, people from the barrios come together in town and parade with their wooden sled, called “kangga,” which is pulled by a carabao and decorated with different products from each locality. The celebration includes a contest for the most beautiful “kangga,” as well as competitions for cooking local delicacies and unhusking coconuts.
  • Araw ng Gasan-Kalesayahan Festival
    The Araw ng Gasan-Kalesayahan Festival is held every August 20 in Gasan, Marinduque. This grand celebration is packed with various activities, programs, and beauty contests, and is highlighted by a parade and competition of intricately designed kalesas or horse-drawn carriages. These kalesas are made from local indigenous materials, recycled materials, or a combination of both. Each district or a combination of two or three barangays of the municipality provides entries that mainly feature the major local industry or famous tourist destinations. Each kalesa has a couple of beauty contest competitors (a gentleman and a lady) on board during the parade.
  • The MIMAROPA Festival
    The MIMAROPA Festival, held in November, is considered the most significant festival in the MIMAROPA region. It is a regional-level event that showcases the festivals of Mindoro Oriental, Mindoro Occidental, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan, along with the cities of Calapan. The festival highlights the best products in terms of tourism, trade, dance, parade competitions, pageantry, and fairs. It is an invitational event that brings together the region’s finest offerings in one grand celebration.

LOCATION OF MARINDUQUE

Marinduque is located between the provinces of Quezon and Romblon. It is an island province comprised of one main island and several smaller islands and islets.

HOW TO GET TO MARINDUQUE

To get to Marinduque, there are several options available, including taking a ferry or a plane. The most common way to get to Marinduque is by taking a ferry from Talao-Talao Port in Lucena City, which is accessible by bus or private vehicle. There are also flights available from Manila to Marinduque’s main airport, Gasan Airport.

By Air

  • Cebu Pacific Airlines operates a 45-minute flight from Manila Domestic Airport to Marinduque Airport three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays).

By Land And Fery

  • Private vans, cars, and cargo trucks travel by RO-RO ship from Talao-Talao Port in Lucena City to Balanacan Port in Mogpog, Marinduque, which takes 2.5 to 3 hours.
Photo of Moriones Festival
Moriones Festival

Marinduque is the perfect place for those seeking a travel destination that offers a combination of stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural experiences. With its diverse range of tourist attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can explore the rugged terrain of Mt. Malindig, soak in the healing waters of Malbog Sulfur Spring, or marvel at the vibrant marine life at Tres Reyes Marine Sanctuary. Whatever your interests may be, Marinduque is guaranteed to leave you with lasting memories. So pack your bags and discover the stunning tourist spots in Marinduque today!