Roxas – Calapan – 128 km
Following my nose, I got going roughly in the direction of Calapan, as from
Calapan ferries sail to the “mainland” at Batangas City. No one could tell me
exactly how far away Calapan was but, as soon as the road left the city limits,
signs indicated 126 kilometres. A map wasn’t needed after all. Even the rice mills
were closed on a public holiday, making it an amazingly peaceful ride.
Discovering indigenous tribes still lived on Mindoro Island came as a pleasant
surprise. Collectively known as Mangyans, they comprised twelve tribes, each with
its own language, culture and way of life. For centuries, they lived peacefully along
the coastal areas of Oriental Mindoro, where generally they fished for a living.
Then, however, others from nearby islands settled on the island. To avoid disputes,
these mild-mannered and peace-loving people moved to the mountains. Sadly,
they have been treated as second-class citizens, similar to other indigenous people
– often exploited, neglected and discriminated against.
It turned out less mountainous than first believed, and with that in my favour, I
continued to Calapan. Although far, the day provided good cycling.
Calapan – Sabang Beach, Puerto Galera – 54 km
Each island had its own vibe, and Mindoro seemed more tribal/traditional than
other islands. Farmers were riding water buffalo (not your everyday transport) and
villagers worked the fields in ways more traditional than elsewhere in the
Philippines.
Nearby Puerto Galera was the place to go as the area’s extensive and diverse coral
reefs had been declared a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve.