Bulalacao is one of fourteen (14) municipalities along with one city comprising the province of Oriental Mindoro in the Mimaropa Region.
Unlike the bustling shores of Puerto Galera, Bulalacao is carving out its niche as a destination for off-the-beaten-path travelers in search of pristine islands and a laid-back vibe far from the crowds.
Located at the southeastern tip of Mindoro Island, the town sits some 176 kilometres (109 mi) from the provincial capital in Calapan, unveiling a scattered collection of stunning islands and islets—each offering its own slice of raw, unspoiled beauty.
A Tapestry of Islands
Bulalacao is primarily visited for its island hopping experience, a journey into a string of pristine destinations that rival Palawan in beauty yet remain refreshingly uncrowded.
Each island tells a different story of untouched nature, community-run tourism, and the promise of solitude.
- Aslom Island: A 12-hectare island known for its breathtaking underwater wonders, making it a prime spot for snorkeling and diving, along with a long, crescent-shaped sandbar that glows turquoise under the midday sun.
- Buyayao Island: The largest island in the group, spanning approximately 206 hectares. It is a declared forest reserve known for its thick vegetation and diverse wildlife, offering a serene and secluded atmosphere for those wanting to escape modern distractions. Remote and rugged, it is a diver’s dream with coral reefs teeming with marine life.
- Suguicay Island: The most developed for tourism, it is a popular stop featuring white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a long bamboo bridge. It offers water sports like parasailing, banana boats, and fly fishing, enchanting visitors with its powdery sandbars and rustic cottages, perfect for day trips.
- Tambaron Island: A marine sanctuary ideal for snorkelers wanting to explore its vibrant underwater world. Features scenic coves, unique open-beach cottages and a private resort ideal for overnight stays and sunset viewing.
- Target Island (Alibatan): Historically used as a bombing practice site by the US Air Force, it now features unique rock formations and a central lake.
- Sibalat Island: Known for its creamy white sands and panoramic hilltop views.
- Silad Island: A frequent stop on eastern island-hopping circuits.
- Pocanil Islet: Located near the mainland of the Buyayao Peninsula, famous for its limestone rock formations and quiet coves perfect for beach camping.
- Liwagao Island: A 114-hectare island officially a sitio (sub-village) of Barangay Maasin in Bulalacao.
The tours are often staged from the Bangkal Port via a scenic 300-meter bamboo mangrove boardwalk.
Inland Adventures
Beyond the sea, Bulalacao’s inland attractions reveal another layer of its character.
- Bagong Sikat Falls offers a refreshing jungle escape, while Pocanil Rock Formation provides dramatic coastal views for photographers and wanderers alike.
- For those seeking elevation, Abintang Mountain rewards trekkers with sweeping panoramas of the town and its surrounding islands.
The Boulevard Life
At the heart of town, the Bulalacao Boulevard stretches 300 meters along the coast—a boardwalk where locals gather at sunset, food stalls serve delicacies, and travelers find themselves immersed in the rhythm of provincial life.
It is here where Bulalacao’s spirit shines most clearly: simple, welcoming, and deeply connected to the sea.
Flavors of Bulalacao
No visit is complete without sampling local specialties. From seaweed canton to polvoron and the quirky Bul-shot cocktail, Bulalacao’s cuisine reflects both its coastal abundance and its inventive community spirit.
In brief, Bulalacao captures the essence of Philippine tourism at its purest—where nature and culture remain at the forefront. For those seeking authentic experiences, it offers a rare balance: islands that rival Palawan’s beauty, but with the warmth and intimacy of a town deeply rooted in tradition.