Paluan Town is the Waterfalls capital of Occidental Mindoro?
Occidental Mindoro is a developing province covered by MIMAROPA and yet, it may be self-reliant to develop several public services accessibility, especially in terms of transportation. However, this province doing its best to raise its namesake Mina de Oro due to developing tourism destinations like the APO Reef which is recognized as the second-largest contagious reef in the world, and; the longest Island to Island Zipline in the World both located in the town of Sablayan.
Today, as to write this article, I just realize that this small town of Paluan has many potentials awing world-class tourist attractions that could soon be placed on the Philippines tourism map.
Paluan is a 3rd class Municipality positioned in the northwestern of Occidental Mindoro and a home of more than 16,000 people. Tagalog is the majority used by most locals and the Mangyan (Iraya) Language. Bisaya, Ilokano, and Bicolano are spoken by migrated people from outside the Province. Paluan is predominantly characterized as a rural municipality blessed with natural vegetation and economic-based Agriculture activities. The towns are covered by natural forest land planted with bearing trees and upland crops; continue to strive to further improve their economic activities specifically as far as the tourism potential.
The small town of Paluan is a 70.9 kilometer or an hour and 30-minute road trip from the Port of small-town Abra De Ilog in Occidental Mindoro. There is limited access to public transportation from the main port going to Paluan; It is suggested to take a cut ride going to the Municipality of Mamburao Integrated terminal for those planning for backpacking traveling. These are the reason why should visit the magnificent place of Paluan.
Calawagan Mountain River Resort
(Barangay Alipaoy)
The Calawagan mountain river resort is one of the perfect adventure places to spend in Paluan. Considered the cleanest body of water in the Philippines, it is a nature-based resort managed by the Local Government which be fitted for leisure, outings, and workshops. This place has available cottages, rooms, and function rooms that could cater to small occasions. Calawagan has a lap pool and a hanging bridge connecting the other side of the resort. While walking towards the bridge, observe the natural pool filled with natural waters and the relaxing background of rock formations. However, the management is urged to have an extra effort in enforcing proper waste disposal while the tourist should be responsible for taking care of the natural environment.
THE MOUNTAIN
(1500 above sea level; the highest peak of Mt. Calavite)
One of the Famous protected mountains is Mount Calavite. A large portion of forest land is restricted and dedicated as a Reservoir area for wildlife and a watershed covered by the Mount Calavite wildlife sanctuary. Some hikers opt to Mount Calavite to observe various classes of flora and fauna and rare opportunity to encounter critically endangered Tamaraws and an extraordinary bird called Mindoro bleeding heart (Gallicolumba platenae). These mountains witnessed several historic events during the colonial period and became protections against every natural calamity.
(Pinagbayanan Church Ruins)
In the early 17th century, Paluan was known as the Religious District of Calavite with an original name of Calawit during the Spanish colonials which means the shape of the mountain behind the settlement of the people. Aside from colonial history, Calavite mentions the different history of occasions in different times like a ship sinking oftentimes due to rough waves encountered by sailors then, now called Sitio Purao. In the year 1730 to 1734, Paluan or Sitio Paloang encountered severe damage from the attacks of the Moro Pirates that destroy most structures including the convent of Calavite.
THE WATERFALLS
The municipality of Paluan is surrounded by the beautiful scenery of mountains; it is also home to more than sixty-seven (67+) waterfalls with individual unique identities that can only experience in the province of Occidental Mindoro. Several waterfalls are still undiscovered by many and just a few have been visited except the locals which could still be considered virgins. Consider this place on your next trip and will assure you have made a great and unforgettable waterfall trip that can be experienced in Paluan.
While visiting these places, it is urged to first visit the local tourism office and hire a local guide in helping you to reach several magnificent waterfalls, especially for those who still apprentice in the line of mountain activities, hiking, and trekking. Experience the most unforgettable moment with a challenging adventure in your life, by the end, the most reward points you earned are to take every destination that you might want to reach and enjoy the blessing of nature's beauty inside the virgin rainforest.
- Bisay ng Purao or Purao Falls (Barangay Mananao)
- Kalo-Kalo / Agbolago Falls (Barangay Harrison)
- Lubinasan Falls (Sitio Hinugasan)
- Bisay ng Libatak (Libatak Falls) (Brgy. Alipaoy)
Barangay Marikit, is blessed with natural attractions; a home of seven (7) unique waterfalls which could be considered the only place in the province that could be a treasure to the Paluaneos. Local government and local tourism offices are encouraged to invest in road improvements to connect local tourism opportunities in the areas. Despite it, the local tourism industry in this town has a lot of potential.
- Alitao Waterfall (Barangay Marikit)
- Lubinasan Falls and Sacred River
- Diyagga Falls (Barangay Marikit)
- Biag-Dagat Falls (Barangay Marikit)
- Bisay ni Siparyak (Siparyak Falls) -(Barangay Marikit)
- Bisay ni Karawkaw (Karawkaw Falls) (Barangay Marikit)
- Paragon Falls (Barangay Marikit)
HOW TO GET THERE
The closest way to reach the Municipality of Paluan is to reach Batangas Port. There are Buses (Ceres, RORO Bus) that directly travel to Occidental Mindoro on a daily schedule. Look for a bus terminal in Cubao, Pasay, or Sampaloc in Manila.
If you're taking a direct journey from Manila, you may get off in the Town of Mamburao at Integrated Terminal. Then, Ride a Van, jeepney, or Bus going to the small town of Paluan.
For Backpackers with a start point of Batangas Port, should purchase a ship ticket (RORO) going to Abra de Ilog Port. Then, catch up a Bus, Van, or any kind of available transportation going to Mamburao Integrated Terminal. Get on to a Bus, jeepney or Van bound for Paluan Town
There is an available Airline flight bound for Occidental Mindoro (San Jose) for those not comfortable with a long ride (Bus Plus Ship). The flight is available from Manila and Clark bound for San Jose. Then, take a short tricycle ride going to the Bus terminal. Catch up a Bus or Van going to Mamburao or Abra de Ilog. Get Off at Mamburao Integrated Terminal; then, Get on to a Bus, jeepney or Van bound for Paluan Town
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