Calapan, Philippines
Region: Oriental Mindoro
Geographic Coordinates: 13.414000, 121.180000
Temperature Range: 22.0°C to 33.0°C (72°F to 91°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with high humidity and rainfall throughout the year, with a peak from June to November due to typhoon season.
Population: 145786
Language: Tagalog
Calapan is a first-class city situated in the Oriental Mindoro province of the Philippines. It serves as the capital city of the province and is a hub for commerce, Trade, And education. The city has an interesting history dating back to pre-colonial times when it was inhabited by the Mangyan tribe. Today, Calapan is a thriving metropolis with modern amenities that attract tourists from around the world. One of Calapan’s main attractions is its natural beauty. Situated on Mindoro Island’s eastern coast, It provides breathtaking views of both land and sea.
It has several beaches perfect for swimming, Sunbathing or simply relaxing such as White Beach, Bulusan Beach Resort and Tamaraw Falls which offer crystal clear waters ideal for snorkeling or diving. Calapan also boasts several natural parks that showcase its lush flora and fauna such as Magsaysay Park which features a botanical garden with over 100 species of plants including orchids native to Mindoro Island. Another popular park is Bucayao Ecopark where visitors can experience zip-lining across treetops or trekking through forest trails while enjoying scenic views.
Aside from nature-based attractions, Calapan also has historical landmarks that reflect its cultural heritage such as St Joseph Cathedral which was built during Spanish colonial times in 1605 but was destroyed by fire twice before being rebuilt in 1954 to what it looks like today – an impressive structure made entirely out of stone blocks. The local government promotes eco-tourism through various initiatives such as tree planting programs aimed at preserving forests within Calapan’s vicinity while providing income opportunities for locals.
In terms of food culture, Calapeños are known for their love affair with seafood cuisine as well as exotic delicacies like “Tamilok” (woodworm) which is a local delicacy served raw with vinegar and chili. The city also has a vibrant nightlife scene with several bars and restaurants catering to locals and tourists alike. Overall, Calapan is an ideal destination for nature lovers, History buffs, And foodies alike. Its stunning natural beauty combined with its rich cultural heritage make it a unique place to visit in the Philippines.
With its modern infrastructure, Friendly locals, And warm hospitality – Calapan truly offers visitors an unforgettable experience that will leave them wanting more.
- Calapan City Plaza
- Mangyan Heritage Center
- Caluangan Lake
- Bucayao Falls
- Tukuran Falls
- Parang Beach Resort
- Bulusan Ecopark
- San Antonio de Padua Church
- Naujan Lake National Park
- Mountain of Salvation (Bunot Hill)
- Agriculture – The city is known for its agricultural products such as rice, coconut, banana, and other fruits.
- Fishing – Calapan has a significant fishing industry due to its location near the sea.
- Tourism – The city is home to several tourist attractions such as Tukuran Falls, Caluangan Lake, and the Mangyan Heritage Center.
- Education – There are several universities and colleges in Calapan that provide quality education to students from nearby provinces.
- Retail and Wholesale Trade – The city has many markets, malls, and stores that offer a variety of goods at affordable prices.
- Manufacturing – There are a few manufacturing plants in Calapan that produce products such as furniture, handicrafts, garments, and food products.
- Transportation – As the capital of Oriental Mindoro province; there are many transportation companies operating in the area including bus lines serving Manila via Batangas port or Roxas port; jeepneys serving nearby towns & municipalities; tricycles for local transport within the city limits; ferry services connecting other parts of Mindoro Island with Luzon mainland (via Batangas).
- The Battle of Calapan – a significant battle during the Philippine-American War in 1900.
- Governor Vicente A. Ylagan – a former governor of Oriental Mindoro who initiated various development projects in Calapan, including the construction of roads and bridges.
- Mindoro State College of Agriculture and Technology (MinSCAT) – established in 1910 as an agricultural school, it is now one of the leading universities in Southern Tagalog region.
- Mt. Halcon – a mountain located near Calapan that is known for its biodiversity and challenging hiking trails.
- Naujan Lake National Park – a protected area located southwest from Calapan that features diverse flora and fauna species.
- Dr Jose Rizal Memorial Hospital (JRMH) – named after the national hero, it is one of the largest hospitals in Oriental Mindoro province.
- The Feast Day of Our Lady Of Immaculate Conception – celebrated on December 8th annually, it is considered as one of the most important religious events in Calapan City.
- Calapan City Museum is a museum that showcases the history and culture of Calapan City.
- Bucayao Falls is a stunning waterfall that nature lovers must visit.
- Nucrisma Ancestral House is a historic house that dates back to the Spanish colonial period, showcasing traditional Filipino architecture.
- San Vicente Ferrer Church is a beautiful church that has been standing since 1698, featuring intricate carvings and stained glass windows.
- Tukuran Falls is another gorgeous waterfall that is perfect for swimming and picnicking.
- Caluangan Lake offers serene views of the surrounding mountains and great fishing and boating opportunities.
- Magsaysay Park is a popular park in the heart of Calapan City, featuring a playground, picnic areas, and jogging paths.
- Oriental Mindoro Provincial Capitol Complex serves as the seat of government in Oriental Mindoro province with several government buildings as well as gardens and fountains on its premises.
- Mangyan Heritage Center preserves the traditions of indigenous Mangyan people living in Oriental Mindoro province through cultural exhibits and activities.
- Lantuyang Beach ranks among one of the most popular beaches near Calapan city with white sand beachfronts perfect for swimming or sunbathing during summer months (March-June).
- Pakaradjan Festival is a cultural celebration that marks the founding anniversary of Calapan City. It lasts for a week and involves street dancing, parades, and competitions.
- Niyog-Niyogan Festival honors the coconut tree, which is one of Calapan’s primary agricultural products. The festival includes street dancing, beauty pageants, and food fairs.
- Feast of San Antonio de Padua is a religious festival that pays tribute to Saint Anthony of Padua through processions, novenas, and mass offerings.
- Balsa Festival commemorates the use of bamboo rafts or balsas as traditional transportation along rivers and seas in Calapan. The festival features balsa races and exhibitions.
- Subayan Keg Sining (Art Exhibit) showcases various artworks from local artists in Calapan City.
- Christmas Lantern Parade takes place annually during the Christmas season where students from different schools within Calapan City create colorful lanterns for a parade celebration.
- Lenten Procession happens yearly during Holy Week where people reenact Jesus’ crucifixion while carrying different images depicting biblical scenes in a procession ceremony.
- Sinaing na Tulingan – a slow-cooked dish made with tulingan fish, vinegar, and spices. It is a specialty of Calapan.
- Kakanin – various rice cakes made with coconut milk and sugar such as bibingka, kutsinta, puto, suman.
- Seafood dishes – Calapan is known for its fresh seafood such as grilled or fried tilapia, bangus (milkfish), squid adobo.
- Lechon Manok – roasted chicken served with dipping sauce and rice.
- Mang Inasal – a fast-food chain that serves grilled chicken with unlimited rice and other Filipino dishes.
- Jollibee – another fast-food chain that offers Filipino favorites such as fried chicken, spaghetti, burgers and fries.
- Gerry’s Grill – a restaurant that specializes in Filipino grilled seafood dishes like sinigang na hipon (shrimp sour soup) and sizzling sisig (pork head).
- Nuciti Cafe & Restaurant – offers fusion cuisine combining Asian flavors with western-style presentation like their best-selling crispy pata salad or the spicy tuna roll pizza.
- Pares King House of Beef Noodle Soup – Known for its beef noodle soup which comes in different variations.
- Bob Marlin Restaurant & Grill – A restaurant offering different types of seafood dishes such as grilled squid stuffed with cheese or crab meat au gratin.
- Calapan City Plaza is a public park situated in the heart of Calapan City, providing visitors with an opportunity to unwind and admire the beautiful scenery.
- Magsaysay Park is a recreational area that offers several activities such as biking, jogging, and sports.
- Sabang Beach is a famous spot for water activities like swimming and surfing.
- Tukuran Falls is an awe-inspiring natural wonder surrounded by lush vegetation that features cascading waterfalls.
- Bulusan Lake is a tranquil lake perfect for fishing and boating enthusiasts.
- Mangyan Heritage Center serves as an educational center where people can learn about the culture and traditions of the indigenous Mangyan people on Mindoro Island.
- Bucayao Ecopark provides eco-tourism enthusiasts with hiking trails, zip-lining facilities, camping areas, and picnic spots to enjoy nature’s beauty.
- Baco National Park is home to diverse flora and fauna species as well as natural attractions like waterfalls and hot springs; it’s also a protected area that requires conservation efforts to maintain its beauty for future generations to enjoy.
