Mandaon Travel Guide

Situated on the west coast, the sun-kissed town of Mandaon is somewhat sleepy and often overlooked by visitors to the Philippines. However, this is a good place to visit if you want to relax for a while.

Worth It?: Only if you are in the area and want a break from traveling.
What to Do: visit the caves, sunbathe on the beach, visit waterfalls, discover deserted islands.
Best Time to Go: between April and June, outside of the monsoon season.
How Long?: A day or two is enough time to chill out in Mandaon.
Trivia: the name Mandaon comes from the word mandoan which means 'landmark' in the Filipino language.

Mandaon is surrounded by natural beauty and charm. With rolling hills, wide valleys and rich farmland, walking or cycling through the area can prove to be a rewarding experience. There is a long stretch of coastline in this area providing many opportunities to swim in the cool waters or lounge on the sand as you listen to the whisper of the wind in the palm trees.

There are plenty of places to explore just outside Mandaon, making it a good place to use as a base to explore the area. Whether you want to crawl through cool caves, hike through jungle to sparkling waterfalls or take a boat and discover tiny islands, Mandaon will be waiting at the end of the day to offer visitors fresh fish and a warm welcome.

Travel to Mandaon - Getting There

The easiest way to get to Mandaon is from Masbate, which is a 20-minute minibus or jeepney ride away. There are regular flights to Masbate from Manila (1 hour) as well as jeepneys from all major towns and cities nearby and cruise ships from ports such as Cebu City, Calbayou and Bulan (3 hours).

Mandaon Things to Do

Mandaon Attractions

Trekking

although the mountains in Mandaon peak at less than 2,000 feet, there are great bush walks available as well as rock climbing and spelunking.

Side trips from Mandaon

Sombrero Island: this picturesque white sand beach takes its name from its hat-like shape.
Underwater Cave: is located in nearby Claveria; visitors can swim through the underwater entrance to this cave at high tide to discover 500-year-old remains sealed in carved wooden caskets.