Tuesday, May 20, 2014

The Ultimate Guide to Marinduque

I have been going to Marinduque every Christmas since I can remember. I have decided to create write up about my  Hometown Province, Marinduque. Some of my friends thought that Marinduque is located in Visayas, but actually it is in Luzon. Marinduque is  a place which is very close to my heart since my Father grew up here. I just want to make a guide from a local’s perspective. 
Things to Do in Marinduque

1.   Experience the Moriones Festival  which happens every Holy Week


2.       Enjoy the first class treatment  at Bellarocca  Island Resort and Spa



3.       Sun Bathing at Maniwaya Sand Bars


4.       Island Hopping at Natangco Island


5.       Pray at the Boac Cathedral
5.


6.       Explore the Island of Marinduque in one whole Day (ROUND MARINDUQUE)
See the towns of Boac, Mogpog, Santa Cruz, Torijjos, Buenavista, Gasan
6.   


7.       Buy Pasalubong at Rejano’s Bakery. Home of the Famous Arrowroot Cookies




Where  to Eat in Marinduque?

1.       CafĂ© Mamita
Must Try: Bulalo, Bulalo Steak, Grilled Tanigue, LechonKawali, Grilled Squid and Barbeque
Price Range:P100 to P300 per person
Location: 1st Floor, Boac Hotel
1.        Barbarosa Pub
Must Try: Pizza and Sausages
Price Range: P150 to P400 per person
Location: Gasan, Marinduque
3.       Crispy PataniKa Ambo
Must try: Crispy Pata
Price Range: P300 to P400
Location: Sta. Cruz, Marinduque
4.       Cely’s Kitchenette
Must Try: Bopis
Price Range:P100-200
Location: Boac, Marinduque

Where to Stay in Marinduque?
1.       Bellarocca Island  Resort and Spa

This is  the only 6 star  resort  in the Philippines which is very similar to the islands of Santorini in Greece. Amenities include a 9 hole golf course, Jacuzzis, seaside pools , a spa and private villas. This is perfect for high profile individuals who want privacy from the real world.

     The Boac Hotel
If you’re looking for Hotel which is located in the City Center this will be the perfect place for you. This hotel is strategically located near the tourist attractions, like the museum, the Boac Cathedral, the Plaza and the tourism office. There are also many restaurants and ATM located near the hotel.  The food in hotel is quite good which serves authentic Filipino Cuisinie. They also have a gift shop which sells the Famous Arrowroot Cookies by Rejano’s Bakery. The Boac Hotel is very affordable which is convenient for families, solo travelers, tourists and businessmen. They also have Free Breakfast for 2 and WIFI.
I3. Beach Club Cagpo Hostel 
 I think this place is perfect for people who like to soul search and have a great time. This place is perfect for friends who want to bond and for people who like to do some food tripping. They have affordable rooms for P1,500 which can fit 4 people. They also serve Italian and American food.  
 


What to Buy in Marinduque?

Arrowroot Cookies at  Rejano’s Bakery      
Taste the tasty Urarocookies which isMarinduque’s pride.  
Price Range: P35 to 125  
Location: Brgy. Lipa,  Sta. Cruz, Marinduque                                                                                   
Try also their  Pandesal, Bonete, Lakas and Banana Chips





How to get to Marinduque?
BY AIR Unfortunately Zest Air has cancelled their flights from Manila to Marinduque since the airport is being constructed
BY SEA. There are daily trips from Lucena, Quezon to Mogpog, Marinduque.
There are two type of boats that goes to Marinduque the Fast Craft which will take you 2 hours and the roll on roll off (RORO) which will take you about 2.5 hours to 4 hours. Montegro Shipping Lines and Star Horse offers theses modes of transportation.
BY LAND.
There are two ways to go to Marinduque one is to drive by yourself to Lucena, Quezon via Star Toll way and bring your car to the roll on roll off. It’s advisable to bring your own car since it’s hard to commute in Marinduque. There are jeeps and tricycles are the only available mode of transportation via Commute.
An easier way to ride the JAC Liner Bus from Cubao to Marinduque. This will take you directly to Marinduque since the Bus transfers to the RORO and it will take to Mogpog, Marinduque.  




Marinduque Boat Schedule
Lucena-Balanacan
Balanacan-Lucena
4:00 AM
12:00 NN
8:00 AM
4:00 PM
Lucena-Cawit
Cawit-Lucena
12:00 MN
4:00 PM
12:00 NN
8:00 PM
FAST CRAFT
Lucena-Balanacan
Balanacan-Lucena
2:00 AM
10:00 AM
6:00 AM
2:00 PM
For Reservations Please Call:
Lucena:(042) 3737084 /09258891169
Marinduque: 0915-9945518/ 09178922336
09493221284/ 09331691399
 
                                                                                                
2 Days /1 Night Marinduque Itinerary
Day 1

1:00 AM
Depart Manila Via Private Van/ Door to Door/ Jac Liner
5:00 AM
Arrive Dalahican Pier (Lucena, Quezon)
6:00 AM
Depart Dalahican Pier Via RORO or Fast Craft
9:00 AM
Arrive Marinduque
10:00 AM
Check in at Boac Hotel
12:00
Hire a Van for a ROUND MARINDUQUE TOUR
8:00 AM
Dinner at Boac
Day 2

7:00 AM
Breakfast
8:00 AM
Experience the Maniwaya Sand Bars
12:00
Lunch
3:00 PM
Pack up things
4:00 PM
Check Out Hotel
5:00 PM
Depart Marinduque
11:30 PM
Arrive Manila



For More Information

Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa 
Barangay - Tungib - Lipata, Municipality of Buenavista Province of Marinduque, Philippines
Telephone:  +63 2 817 7290; +63 2 310 9931
Email:info@bellaroccaresorts.com
Website: www.bellaroccaresorts.com
Rates: $400 to $5000 (USD)

The Boac Hotel  
 Address:Brgy. San Miguel, Boac,Marinduque     
 Rates: P1,200- P2,200 per room per night        
Tel: (042)3321121