History of the Province
The Island of "Mina de Oro"

        Legend has it that long before the Spaniards discovered the Philippines, Mindoro was already among the islands that enchanted pilgrims from other countries. It was said that vast wealth was buried in the area, and mystic temples of gold and images of anitos bedecked the sacred grounds of this relatively unknown land. The Spaniards even named the island "Mina de Oro", for they believed it had large deposits of gold.
 

        The history of Mindoro dates back before the Spanish time. Records show that Chinese traders were known to be trading with Mindoro merchants. Trade relations with China where Mindoro was known as "Mai" started when traders from "Mai" brought valuable merchandise to Canton in 892 A.D. The geographic proximity of the island to China Sea had made possible the establishment of such relations with Chinese merchantmen long before the first Europeans came to the Philippines. Historians claimed that China?Mindoro relations must have been earlier than 892 A.D., the year when the first ship from Mindoro was recorded to have sailed for China.
 

        Historians believed that the first inhabitants of Mindoro were the Indonesians who came to the island 8,000 to 3,000 years ago. After the Indonesians, the Malays came from Southeast Asia around 200 B.C. The Malays were believed to have extensive cultural contact with India, China and Arabia long before they settled in Philippine Archipelago.

"TAMARAW FALLS"

      Tamaraw Falls can be found in Barangay Villaflor near the city of San Teodoro. It is a 423-foot natural wonder because it is found along the road. It consists of a series of smaller waterfalls which converge to the main waterfalls cascading down to the waterbed below. This provides one of the most breathtaking sights to behold.

     The falls derived its name from a species of buffalo which can only be found in Oriental Mindoro. It is among the countrys endangered species as it is being hunted by people who are after its meat. Proclamation No. 692, signed in 2004, made October 1 a special working holiday in the province in celebration of the Tamaraw Conservation Month.

      Tamaraw Falls is fifteen kilometers from the town proper. There is a resort found at the foot of the falls and for a minimal fee, guests can refresh themselves at its cool and clean waters. Aside from that, there are recreation halls, picnic huts, and shower rooms that leads down to the foot of the falls. The entrance fee to the resort is PHP 25 per person.

      Tamaraw Falls serves as an alternative to the beaches of Puerto Galera. Although there are other waterfalls in the island, Tamaraw Falls provides one of the most breathtaking sights for tourists.

 KAWA-KAWA FALLS

                                                                TAGUAN FALLS

                          TUKURAN FALLS

                                                         WALANG LANGIT FALLS