Top 19 Marinduque Tourist Spots + Best Things to do and see in the Province

With the Philippines’ abiding beauty and world-class destinations, there’s no need to go out of the country to unwind and relax. And when it comes to beauty, I would probably say Marinduque is one of my favorite destinations in Luzon, with all the beaches, adventure sports, and thrilling diving activities.

There’s also no need to worry about traveling solo in the province, as it was hailed as the Most Peaceful Province of the country in 2013.

Did you also know that the island resembles a human heart when seen from above? Interesting, isn’t it? But there’s more to Marinduque than meets the eye. Read the full article to make the most of your visit to the province!

Eat Kari-Kari at Casa de Don Emilio

Who would ever resist a savory and mouthwatering Kari-Kari, most importantly that it’s made at Casa de Don Emilio! Situated on the 2nd floor of a heritage house right across the Boac town plaza, this dining place serves local cuisine, which is an absolute must-try, including adobo sa gata and the famous Kari-Kari?

Surrounding its interiors are old musical instruments hanging on the wall bringing a more authentic vibe to the whole place.

Buy Uraro Cookies for Pasalubong

Uraro or “Arrowroot” cookie is one of the staples eaten in Marinduque. These bite-sized cookies looked like a meringue made with uraro flour, margarine, sugar, and eggs. It melts in the mouth. Try it. It is also said to have medical benefits. How awesome is that! Drop by at Rejano’s Bakery for pasalubong.

Discover the Best Beaches of Marinduque

There’s no other way for the beach bums to appreciate the province than to explore Marinduque’s serene and best beaches. This coastal province has one of the best Instagram-worthy beaches to visit, so make sure you don’t miss it on your itinerary.

Such beaches you should see include the white-sand Poctoy Beach, the Palad Sandbar, Mongpong Island, Aroma Beach, and Maniwaya Island, to name a few. Don’t forget to bring your sunscreen!

Visit Kawa-kawa Falls

If you’re wondering where one of Marinduque’s most peaceful parts is, visit the Kawa-Kawa falls at Barangay Bangcuangan in Santa Cruz. It’s a very tranquil surrounding, and you can even rent a cottage to rest at. It got its name from the literal kawa because it resembles the butt-rounded pan. Definitely, a sight to behold.

Exploring the Bathala Cave

For those who want to visit the famous cave surrounded by natural rock formations and a church-like interior, you can see it here at Bathala Cave, situated at Barangay Ipil in Sta. Cruz. The cave is also said to be mysterious, a playground of the gods, and out of its seven caves, only four are allowed to be visited. Just a tip, don’t forget to keep your mouths closed because hundreds of giant bats hang in the ceiling.

Visiting Gaspar, Melchor, and Baltazar Islands

More water activities await at Marinduque, including visiting the Gaspar, Melchor, and Baltazar Islands collectively known as Tres Reyes Islands. Named after the three kings of the nativity, these three islands off the coast of Gasan are also considered a popular destination in the province. These islands can be reached in more or less half an hour by boat. It’s an ideal place for snorkeling, swimming, and even picnics.

Visit the Boac Cathedral

Make your Marinduque visit even more memorable when visiting the Boac Cathedral, situated at Barangay Mataas. Built in 1792, this church is a fortress that was home to locals during a Moro attack in the 1800s.

You can still see the high-bricked walls surrounding the churchyard when you visit. What struck me most about this church is its beautifully carved doors, the sun-like design on the ceilings, and the gothic architecture.

See the interiors of the Sta. Cruz Church

If you want to see old churches built in the Spanish era, you should check out the Sta. Cruz Church. Built in 1714, the church is more likely a literal work of art. You’ll see how they creatively painted the ceilings with the portrayal of the station of the cross and intricately-made altar.

Visit the Catholic Church of Gasan

Like other churches in the province of Marinduque, the Catholic Church of Gasan is located on top of a hill overlooking the town and the vast blue ocean. Also known as the St. Joseph Parish Church of Gasan, this massive church is located in an elevated area at the center of the Poblacion. The design of the ceiling is patterned after a Buri fan, a famous handicraft in the town of Gasan. The beams were covered with polished “bao” or coconut shells, apart from its beautiful white retablo. The church also has a garden where the old church bells are placed. The church also has a view deck that offers a panoramic view of the town.

Explore the Bagumbungan Cave

Those who seek adventure and wilderness should head to the Bagumbungan Cave, which spans 1.9 km. It is located at Sitio Puti Barangay in San Isidro, just discovered less than a decade ago. This cave is the next biggest cave in the province, next to the Bathala Cave.

Before you enter, there will be an orientation on what and what not and what to expect inside. Also, the Bagumbungan Cave is now placed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) under its list of protected caves.

Experience Moriones Festival

If you want to discover the rich history of the coastal province, then witnessing the Moriones Festival should be on your bucket list! Held annually on Holy Week, the Moriones is a week-long celebration of the life and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. Local folks wear costumes and masks to resemble the biblical Roman soldiers. Here’s my previous Moriones Festival experience in 2016. Read it here.

Visit the Butterfly Garden

Another fun thing to experience with the whole family in Marinduque is visiting the Barangay Uno in Gasan, the butterfly capital of the Philippines. Entering the garden is like walking into a well-kept Japanese garden. Local folks say that it will come true if you whisper your wishes to the butterfly before setting it free. Why not give it a try, right?

Hike Luzon Datum of 1911

This is one of the best tourist spots in Marinduque for those who love a little bit of adventure, as this requires a short hike. Here’s a fun fact: Did you know that when you hike the top of Luzon Datum, you’re now standing at the center of the Philippines?

It’s just a 1.8km hike from the jump-off, so beginners need not worry. If you love to see a panoramic view of the ocean while enjoying the sunset, this is the best place to visit in Marinduque! So, mountaineers and adventure seekers, you know where to go next!

Malbog Sulfuric Hot Spring Resort

Take time off and unwind at the Malbog Sulfuric Hot Spring Resort situated at Brgy. Malbog in Buenavista. The hot spring is said to have a sulfur content, perfect for skin treatment and internal problems such as menopausal symptoms and digestive disorders. There’s also a cottage available for rent if you visit huge groups.

See the beauty of Mount Malindig.

The sulfuric waters from the hot spring come from Mount Malindig, the province’s highest point. Both locals and tourists are interested in climbing the large active stratovolcano on the island of Marinduque. It is also home to wild orchids and rich flora, making this a must-hike destination.

Join the Putong Ritual and discover the local culture

We were amazed at how the locals of Marinduque welcomed their guests, just like what we experienced upon our arrival at our hotel during the Cebu Pacific event. The local women performed the putong ceremony, which is a song of thanksgiving, hope, and prayer for long life, after which we were showered with flowers as a sign of affection, and a crown was placed above our heads as part of the ritual. The Putungan originated from the Municipality of Gasan.

Dive with the Morions at Poctoy Underwater Museum

One of the newest attractions in Marinduque is the underwater museum at Poctoy white beach in the town of Torrijos. The underwater museum is one of the projects of Congressman Lord Allan Velasco in partnership with Marinduque Divers.

Eat local cuisine at Café Mamita

Foodies shouldn’t miss pigging out at Mamita’s Café beside the Boac Cathedral. This place exudes a very homey vibe and serves sumptuous local dishes from sisig, nilagang baka, laing, sizzling blue marlin, and tanigue grilled squid and Bulalo, to name a few. Don’t forget to sample their Ginataang Manakla, a local variety of crayfish abundant in Barangay Malinao, Bonliw, and Suha in Torrijos, Marinduque. Most locals drop by during lunch after visiting the church. Don’t miss out on their halo-halo!

Visit Maniwaya Island

Located in the Municipality of Sta. Cruz is the emerging beach destination, Maniwaya Island. It is famous for its kilometer-long stretch of fine white sand shoreline, where Mabuhay accommodation facilities with native cottages and watersports equipment are available along the beachfront.

How to get there

With its brand-new ATR aircraft, Cebu Pacific offers flights from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 4 to Marinduque every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. The thrice-weekly flights will cut travel time between Manila and Marinduque to one hour from eight hours via land and Roro travel.

For travel and tour requirements in Marinduque, you may contact Dream Favor Travel and Tours (official website) – the only DOT-accredited tour operator in the province of Marinduque. You may reach them via telephone at (63918-933-1605) (632-542-5229).

Check out our complete list of recommended Hotels and Resorts in Marinduque via Agoda, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.

Also see:

• The Best Native Delicacies Visitors Must Try In Marinduque
• Marinduque Travel Guide
• Odiongan Travel Guide: Travel Requirements, Things to Do, and More