When you talk about Mindoro, Puerto Galera would probably be the first thing to come to mind. Perhaps it’s the most popular and the most accessible tourist attraction in the island. But Puerto Galera is just one of the many beautiful attractions in Mindoro. There is Pandan Island, Apo reef, Grace Island, the hidden islands of Bulalacao and there is Buktot white beach of Mansalay to name few.
Hidden in Brgy. Manaul Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro, Buktot beach is probably one of the cheapest yet still one of the most beautiful hidden gems in the island. It’s a long travel going there specially if you’re from Manila. But once you’re there, it’s worth your time and effort.
There’s no direct transportation going to the beach. There’s no available stores and accommodations within the area as well but there’s a wide beach front perfect for camping. If you are going there it’s probably best to go to Mansalay town proper first. Prepare everything you need from food, water, toiletries, cooking needs etc. From there you can rent a tricycle going to the beach.
The beach is perfect for friends and family gathering. The place is peaceful and the beach offers fine white sands. It is a very long undisturbed white beach without any signs of commercialization at least for the moment. There are beautiful rock formations from one end of the beach leading to the turquoise waters and wide sky behind. Sunrise and sunset can also be seen from the beach so there are plenty of activities for landscape photographers.
The Perfect Spot…
Once you enter the resort, there’s a hill to the right facing the sea. It’s just a 10-minute trek going up. From the top is a breath taking view of the beach. On a perfect sky, a greenish-blue sea is glimmering like a wide canvas of water color painting. From up there is a 360-degree view of the sea, to the mountains, to the grasslands and back to the beach. I’ve been there several times and the sunset never disappoints me. I’m probably going back here to chase the sunrise and camp overnight to capture the star trails.
Another Hidden Beach…
From Buktot beach there’s some rocky portions to the right just below the hill. Just follow the shoreline and it will lead you to another beach in which I’m not sure if it’s still a part of Buktot. Going there is not easy specially on a high tide. The rocks are slippery and thorns from aroma trees scattered along the beach. It’s worth going there because not so many people visit the area and the trail will surely add to the fun and adventure.
Other Attractions…
Mansalay is not just about Buktot white beach. There are several tourist attractions here as well. There is a beautiful Palaypay Sanctuary, The Melzar’s zipline and the 12 station of the cross along the way, the barter of mangyans and locals in Bait, the Hanunuo tribe of Mangyans in Panaytayan and the Casabangan beach perfect for diving. I’ve been in most of them but not in Panaytayan and Casabangan. I am planning to go there next summer and I will tell you my story and share my photos in my next blog.
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