IN a country of 7,641 islands, it would take more than a lifetime to visit them all. But what if you could explore just one island that has everything — from white-sand beaches and colorful coral reefs to majestic mountain peaks and a rich cultural heritage — and reach it in less than four hours from Manila?

That island is Mindoro, the seventh-largest island in the Philippines. Located in Region 4B (Mimaropa), Mindoro is divided into two provinces: Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro. Often overshadowed by more popular destinations such as Palawan, the island remains one of the most accessible provinces in the region for travelers coming from Metro Manila.