Jump to: About Marinduque | How to Get There | Top Things to Do | Sample Itinerary | Budget and Expenses | Where to Stay | Travel Tips
About Marinduque
Marinduque, located in the heart of the Philippines, is known as the “Heart of the Philippines” both for its shape and warm hospitality. This island province is famous for its Moriones Festival, untouched beaches, historic churches, waterfalls, caves, and offshore islands like Maniwaya and Tres Reyes.
How to Get to Marinduque
- By Land and Sea (from Manila): Bus to Dalahican Port (Lucena) → RORO to Balanacan Port (Marinduque)
- By Air: Cebu Pacific offers limited flights from Manila to Marinduque Airport (Gasan)
- Travel Time: 6–8 hours by land and sea, 1 hour by air
Top Things to Do in Marinduque
- 🏝️ Visit Maniwaya Island – White sand beach, Palad sandbar, and vibrant marine life
- 🎭 Experience the Moriones Festival – Every Holy Week in Boac and nearby towns
- 🏰 Explore Boac Cathedral – 1792-built church with colonial-era charm
- 🏊 Swim at Poctoy White Beach – Clean and serene with views of Mt. Malindig
- 🧗 Hike Mt. Malindig – The province’s highest peak at 1,157 meters above sea level
- 🏞️ Visit Bathala Cave – Underground cave network with chambers and bat colonies
- 🏖️ Discover Tres Reyes Islands – Coral reefs and beach coves near Gasan
Sample Marinduque Itinerary (3 Days / 2 Nights)
Day 1: - Morning: Travel to Marinduque - Afternoon: Explore Boac Town Proper & Boac Cathedral - Sunset: Walk along the riverside boulevard Day 2: - Morning: Depart for Maniwaya Island or Tres Reyes - Afternoon: Swimming, sandbar hopping, and snorkeling - Evening: Return to mainland / local dinner in Gasan Day 3: - Morning: Visit Poctoy Beach or Bathala Cave - Optional: Souvenir shopping at Boac Market - Afternoon: Travel back to Manila. Read our overnight tour in Maniwaya Island for a full itinerary and travel tips.Estimated Budget and Expenses
- Manila to Lucena Bus: ₱300–₱500
- Lucena to Marinduque Ferry: ₱260–₱400
- Island Hopping Tour: ₱1,000–₱1,500 (group sharing)
- Accommodation: ₱500–₱1,200 per night
- Food: ₱150–₱250 per meal
- Total (3D2N budget trip): ₱3,000–₱4,500+
Where to Stay in Marinduque
- Boac: Tahanan sa Isok Hotel, Boac Hotel
- Gasan: Balar Hotel and Spa, Villa Briones
- Maniwaya Island: Villa Atilana, Wawie’s Beach Resort
Check Marinduque hotels and resorts via Agoda
Marinduque Travel Tips
- 🗓️ Best time to visit: Holy Week (Moriones) or dry season (Nov–May)
- ⛴️ Ferry schedules vary — book early during peak seasons
- 💵 ATMs are limited — bring enough cash for rural towns
- 📷 Bring an underwater cam or GoPro for Maniwaya and Tres Reyes
- 🛶 Boat rates can be shared — travel in groups for cheaper island hopping
Final Thoughts
Marinduque offers a unique travel experience combining culture, adventure, and natural beauty. Whether you're joining the Moriones Festival, island hopping, or hiking volcanoes, this heart-shaped island is full of local charm and off-the-beaten-path discoveries. A perfect getaway for solo travelers and groups alike! Want to explore more places like this? Here’s my full travel guide after visiting all 82 provinces in the Philippines.
Maniwaya Island – A paradise escape in the heart of the Philippines
