Skip to main content

Exploring Naujan, Oriental Mindoro

     About a minute after I started researching about the things we can do in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, I received an electronic notice that informed us that we missed paying our internet bill and then the connection was cut immediately. Usually I would panic, but we resorted to our original plan instead: to explore and be surprised by the things we will find on our own, to be lost and ask about places we can visit, instead of having a list of "things to do". Actually, not-knowing adds a distinct flavor to adventures, which offers a thrill factor when you navigate through places you have not seen an online preview of.  This free-style travel plan also help us take our time and just enjoy the experiences instead of rushing from one destination to another.

     So here are some of our new discoveries:
The municipality of Naujan boasts a good collection of ancestral homes that took us to another era in our history.
For only P100, yes one hundred pesos, you can afford a humble cottage with free access to the Estrella Beach Strip!
Ask around and someone would climb up a coconut tree to provide you with refreshing buko juice for only P10 a piece.
     We were fortunate to be in Naujan just in time for the Moriones Festival which will run from the 13th-20th. On our first day, we were able to see the preparation (James was able to try a mask on) and look closely at the intricate masks and costumes, which embody the artistic, historical, and cultural significance of the Moriones Festival.
We always pack light and we bring zero to little food because we always want to give affordable local cuisines a try. The boys loved Althea's Manhattan pizza (P109 a pie) and halo-halo (P20 per serving). For lunch, we spent under P200 for rice, bistek Tagalog, crispy fried chicken, and icy refreshments! On our way home we stopped by and discovered one of the tastiest and fluffiest special bibingka (rice cake) with buko and cheese, only for P10 a piece.
Fresh salt water fish and nipa products are just a couple of natural resources that provide livelihood to the people of Naujan.

Comments

  1. That's a super package of adventure on all fronts! It won't be a surprise when there'd be a barrage of visitors during the Spring Break. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a pleasure sharing about our latest finds, good deals, and the fun we had in the process. More to come about the other towns in Oriental Mindoro! Thanks for your thoughtful comment!

      Delete
  2. This blog is very informative Kamae! Kudos to your future adventures!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Bee! I wish that one of this days you can join us in one of our adventures. Really appreciate your comment!

      Delete
  3. Looking for more blogs. Proud Naujeñio here ♥️

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Day#2: Learning How to Trust Even More

     Sleeping was a challenge, with our tent's broken zipper, mosquitoes bugged us even after generously applying citronella repellent on our skin. It was also uncomfortable sleeping on a mat (banig) with a bumpy surface underneath. So our first missions on our list today were having our tent repaired and raking the sand under our tents. Daddy took care of both errands as I cook and look after the kids swimming with their new friends. After a while, I noticed that James and Adam were left alone and later found out that the other boys went to the rock formation at the end of the shore. I am amazed that my kids were able to decide for themselves and say no when they are not interested and they know how to listen to their intuition when something might be dangerous for them.      In the afternoon, James had his first diving lesson. He loves swimming and has tried snorkeling before, but this was his first formal diving class with a licensed instructor, Kuya Bok. I can't help bu

Day#3: Mansalay's Mangyan Burial Cave, Mangroves, & Buktot White Beach

     While enjoying our ride, Daddy saw a port and was curious, so we stopped to explore like we usually do and it was just the perfect time to enjoy some snacks so we bought some chips at the local sari-sari store as well. As we were licking our salty fingers, we saw some mangroves or bakawan, lining up a portion of the shore. Here are some pictures of what we discovered and enjoyed next.      We walked along the white shore, soaking in the unbelievable sight composed of mangroves, white dead corals mixed in the sand, and clean and clear water. It was definitely a stop worth taking!      When we reached a certain point, we found out that there are sea guards who are more than willing to take us to a cave. The tide was high, so we had to walk in knee-deep water, which made the experience quite relaxing and memorable.      We learned that the Mangyan Burial Cave is the resting place of some skulls and bones of our Mangyan relatives, an indigenous group living in d