Mindoro Occidental|Mindoro Occidental’s main commercial port takes its name from St Joseph, its patron saint, and is a bustling destination hailed as the commercial and entertainment capital of the province.
The town, which is located at the southern part of Mindoro Occidental, is a major producer of rice, corn, garlic, tobacco and salt and also has a significant aquaculture industry. Though San Jose was previously the official capital of the province, it was demoted in 1960 and this status given instead to Mamburao.
To visitors, San Jose is a destination at which to enjoy cultural diversity (the local population comprises of Visayans, Batangueños and Ilocanos) as well as the beauty of natural attractions such as the nearby White, Ambulong and Ilin islands. The town is also a good launch pad for diving excursions at the famous Apo Reef.
Getting There & Away
Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila provides the chief gateway for overseas visitors coming to the Philippines. From the airport, buses run to Batangas pier in Luzon (3 hours), from where there are ferries running to Abra de Ilog in Occidental Mindoro (3 hours). From here, there are buses or jeepneys running as far as San Jose.
Things to Do
San Jose Attractions
- White Island
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A beach close to a mile long with soft white powdery sand is the highlight of this location.
- Ambulong Island
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Covering 30 square kilometers, this island promises beautiful beaches and waters with abundant tropical fish and coral gardens.
- Ilin Island
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Famed for its village of shell-divers.
Side trips from San Jose
- Apo Reef
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This world-class dive site can be reached easily from san jose.
- Mt Iglit-Baco National Park
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Is home to the endangered tamaraw and has been designated an asean heritage site.