Sa Buktot Beach - Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro

   If one would think of a beach in Mindoro, Puerto Galera might be the first in mind. But aside from the famous white beaches of Puerto Galera, there are also a lot of fine beaches that can be found in Oriental Mindoro. One of them is in the town of Mansalay in the southern part of Mindoro, the beach named Buktot.

   While having a week-long vacation in Mindoro, we invited our relatives for a "beach outing" even just for a day. So we all head on to Buktot beach.

   I've never heard of this beach before but my relatives said it is well known in our hometown and the other towns of southern Oriental Mindoro. From Manila, one may get there within 6 to 7 hours. Here's how:

- Take a bus going to Batanggas Port (available in Buendia Avenue Makati and EDSA Cubao)
- Take a FastCraft or Ro-ro bound to Calapan Port
- From Calapan Port, take a van going to Mansalay, Bulalacao or San Jose
- Drop off at Mansalay town proper and hire a tricycle to take you to Buktot Beach
    * You may want to ask the driver to wait for you or pick you up again from the beach because transportation going back to the town is not available.

   For convenience, we hired a van to take us to the beach. You may contact Mr. Joseph Martinez (0919-5373366) for more information about the van service. He may pick you up at Calapan Port and take you directly to Buktot Beach.

   By private transportation from Calapan Port, take the Western Nautical Highway and drive straight to Bongabong. Roughly 30 minutes after you pass by the Bongabong River, turn right at a junction in front of the Sea Oil Gas Station then turn right at Francis Coronel Road going to Roxas. Take the San Juan - Magsaysay Provincial Road then you'll pass by Mansalay town proper. There is a zigzag after it then turn to the second road to the right (Buktot Beach Road).

   Buktot Beach Road is a narrow rough road. You'll pass by a small community along the way then at the end of the road is the Buktot Beach.

   Entrance fee of 10 pesos per head is collected by a caretaker upon entering the place. One can also rent an open hut for 100 pesos. Just be mindful of the small trees with thorny branches situated near the huts.

   Once I stepped out of the van, I already felt the salty sea breeze and heard the graceful sound of the waves. The long white beach entice me to take a walk barefooted along the shore and enjoy the blue sky, fresh air and the relaxing ambiance of the place.

   My son enjoyed swimming by the shore as I see my other relatives took pleasure in making sand castles. The white sand is not as powdery as in the beach of Cagbalete but is finer than the White beach of Puerto Galera. I tried diving underneath and was astonished on how clear the water is. I may say that this beach is arguably one of the best in Mindoro.

   Beautiful rock formations can be found at the right side of the beach. One would enjoy taking photographs on that spot.

   As I walk on the left side of the beach, the fine sand is gradually mixed with pebbles until it is all pebbles at the end. Visitors rarely go to this spot.

   Near the restroom is a trail going up on top of a hill where a fascinating view of the beach can be seen. From there, we can also see the mountain ranges of southern Mindoro and the other side of the beach as well. I enjoyed staying on top of this hill. But I was bothered by the trash left behind by the irresponsible visitors who went there.

Buktot beach as seen from the top of the hill

   Back at the beach, we also saw some fishing boats docked along the shore. One may also hire a boat and go to the deeper part of the sea where one would enjoy swimming, diving and sight seeing.

   Fresh water is available through the water pump beside the house of the caretaker. You can barrow a pale and bring it to the restroom where you can change your clothes. The restroom is not that well maintained at that time.

   There are no restaurants and stores nearby so I suggest to bring with you your food before going to the beach. As I've mentioned earlier, Buktot Beach is well known in Mansalay and other towns nearby so expect it to be crowded during weekends specially during summer.

   We all enjoyed our day at Buktot beach, I wished I could stay a little longer. The sun would set probably beyond the mountains but I think one could see a beautiful sunrise at this beach because of its location.

   This pristine beach is very vulnerable to destruction. Proper waste management would be a great help to maintain its cleanliness. Everyone should take responsibility on keeping the beach clean so the next generation will still witness this beach as lovely as it is in the beginning of time.