San Teodoro (Mindoro)
San Teodoro is a municipality in Oriental Mindoro. It's a quiet place, out of the way of the bustling night-life and commerce of Puerto Galera and Sabang.
Get in
Several ferry lines go to Puerto Galera and Calapan from Batangas. Prices are ₱150-200 per person. It might be worth while to check how long the ride will take, and also the size of the boat, especially if the weather is less than perfect.
There are also Ro-Ro ferries, if you want to bring a car. Depending on size, ₱1000-1200.
When in Mindoro, jeepney's go regulary between Calapan and Puerto Galera. As always in rural Philippines, jeepneys will be packed to the limit, including people on the roof. For a more comfortable ride, rent a van (₱2000-2500 for the day, including driver) or arrange a pick up from your hotel.
The trip from either Puerto Galera or Calapan is around 30 min by car and 1 hour by jeepney (they stop, frequently).
Get around
By jeepney (Puerto Galera - Calapan) or car/van (rent or arrange via your hotel)
See
The road going to Puerto Galera is breathtaking, and passes by Tamaraw Falls.
In San Teodoro there are several waterfalls and scenic spots, including Tukuban Falls, Binaybay Falls, Lambingan Falls, Botolan Falls, Aras Falls and caves, Punta(Ilag Point) and Tabunan Hot Springs.
There is also a small fish market in the center of town.
Do
One of San Teodoro's charms is that there's "really nothing to do". But if it gets too quiet you can swim in one of the above mentioned falls. In Tamaraw Falls there's man-made pools on the mountain side (entrance ₱25/person), in Tukuban there's natural pools in the forest. The last stretch going to Tukuban includes a hike or carabao ride (₱350 for up to six people) across several streams.
River Kayaking can be arranged, ask your hotel.
Dive or snorkel. The snorkeling is not as good as in Puerto Galera, so you might want to rent a boat (banka).
Buy
Again, San Teodoro is the place to get away from the vendors. Nevertheless, some handicraft from the local Mangyan tribe are available.
Eat
Red Sail Resto Bar serves international and local cuisine. Prices vary from ₱70-400.
Drink
Sleep
- Red Sail Resto Bar and Accommodations
(Contact number Rica Rañon, +63 918-691 1726, Jay Rañon +63 918-375 4456). Family Room or Honeymoon Suite for ₱2500/night, including breakfast. Standard Room for ₱1500/night, excluding breakfast. All rooms have air-con and cable TV. There is also a children's playroom available, free of charge.
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