Marinduque Island

Address: Marinduque Province, Philippines (island province; main town: Boac)

Overview - Marinduque is an island province in the central Philippines located in the Sibuyan Sea, known regionally for its cultural heritage and rural landscapes. It is often referred to locally as the “Heart of the Philippines” because of its roughly heart-shaped outline.

What visitors find - The island is best known for the Moriones festival during Holy Week, a distinctive religious and cultural event featuring costumed processions and reenactments of biblical scenes. Outside festival season visitors come for rural towns, small beaches and local crafts.

History - Marinduque was settled and administered during the Spanish colonial period and retains strong Catholic traditions that underpin events such as the Moriones festival. Local municipalities have histories tied to colonial-era parishes and agricultural development.

Location - The island lies southwest of Luzon in the Sibuyan Sea and forms part of the MIMAROPA administrative region of the Philippines. It is a short ferry ride from nearby islands and is accessed by sea and small inter-island flights to regional airports.

• Moriones Festival: The annual Moriones festival is a weeklong Holy Week event characterized by masked processions and religious pageantry that draws visitors to Boac and other towns.

What to See#

• Boac: Serves as the provincial capital on the western coast and the focal point for the island’s Moriones festival each Holy Week.
• Mount Malindig: The island’s highest peak and a marked natural landmark; it is a target for local hikes and provides views across the island.

Marinduque is an island province reachable by ferry from Luzon. Regular roll‑on/roll‑off ferries sail from Lucena (Dalahican Port) to Balanacan Port in Marinduque; the ferry crossing typically takes around 3-4 hours. From Manila drive south on the Southern Luzon (Pan‑Philippine) routes to Lucena - the road distance is roughly 140-160 km and the drive time is commonly 2.5-4 hours depending on traffic.

There are also occasional ferry connections from Batangas and other ports; once on Marinduque most towns are reached by local jeepney or tricycle from Balanacan or other ferry terminals.

• If your goal is to see the famous Moriones Festival, plan for Holy Week (Easter week); if you prefer quiet beaches and countryside drives, visit outside that period when the island is far less crowded.
• Most vehicle ferries connect Marinduque with Lucena (Quezon) via Balanacan Port-book earlier sailings if you're bringing a car and want a full day on arrival.
• Don't limit yourself to the coast: set aside time for small-town processions and local craft stalls in the island's interior, which many visitors miss when they only follow the main beach routes.