The largest town in Mindoro Occidental, Sablayan is a 1st class municipality with a history dating back to the early 20th century. Today it’s a bustling destination that benefits greatly from its proximity to the sea.
In early days, Sablayan was occupied by the Mangyan tribe and agriculture, fishing and hunting were their main sources of livelihood. Though hunting is no longer pursued, residents today still rely heavily on farming both the land and sea for income and self-subsistence.
Visitors come to Sablayan knowing that they’ll find a pleasant mix of coastal beauty and modern development, but less of the mass tourism associated with Boracay and similar holiday destinations in the Philippines. Whether visited on a short break from Manila or as a vacation in its own right, Sablayan is unlikely to disappoint.
Getting There & Away
Take a flight to Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila then a bus as far the pier at Batangas (3 hours). Boats run regularly from Batangas Pier to Abra de Ilog in Occidental Mindoro (3 hours), from where there are buses to Sablayan (3 hours).
Things to Do
Sablayan Attractions
- San Francisco Bridge
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The town’s main bridge is a lookalike of the golden gate bridge in san francisco.
Side trips from Sablayan
- Apo Reef
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This large area of natural beauty is famed as one of the finest scuba diving sites on the planet.
- Mt Iglit-Baco Natural Park
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This asean heritage site is home to endangered large mammals such as the tamaraw.