TIM eMagazine Volume 3 Issue 8 | Page 49

TIM eMagazine Vol.3 Issue 8 Enjoying the bare essentials of Occidental Mindoro Text by: Philip Ortaleza Photo by: Teddy Pelaez M ention Occidental Mindoro, and what instantly comes into mind is the world- famous resort destination of Puerto Galera.  But while everybody knows what Puerto Galera is, Occidental Mindoro is one province that has more than one attractions; it is indeed one place that has several corners of peace and quiet, with lush, verdant forests, miles and miles of pristine sandy beaches, underwater caves, cliffs that open up to crystal blue-waters, opportunities for diving while viewing spectacular underwater life, and of course, several placid islands that seem to be untouched by too much commercialism that had broken other renowned paradise spots. One of Occidental Mindoro’s prides is the Apo Reef Natural Park , whose 16,000-hectare reef area is the largest atoll-like reef in Asia and is second to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The place is also it is a favorite nesting ground for hawksbill and green sea turtles. The park is unique in its own sense, nestling 49