One of the white sand beaches of Alibatan Island (Target Island)
From Aslom Island, the privately owned Alibatan Island, frequently referred to as Target Island, was to be our next destination. Since this island was located way out in the open sea, the waves we encountered going there were really rough. Before making landfall on the island, we went around it to admire its scenic coastline.We landed at a beautiful cove on the southern part of the island.
The beautiful cove at the southern part of the island
Located southeast of Bulalacao and approximately 3 kms northeast of Sitio Bacungan, Brgy. Milagrosa, Alibatan was also called Target Island because, in 1946, Americans staying in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro used the island for aerial bombing practice. Exploring the island, you’d see bomb sites and jagged rocks broken into pieces.
This approximately 5-hectare, stingray-shaped island, noted for its white sand beaches, has a mountainous southern part (a seemingly weather-beaten resthouse, reached by concrete steps, is located on the highest point), with big rocks present throughout.
The rundown resthouse at the top of a limestone outcrop
A concrete pathway follows the coastline of the island, looping around its limestone cliffs, and towards an approximately half hectare lake at the center of the island.
The concrete pathway that goes around the island
Said to be a result of the American bombing, the lake teems with mangroves and serves as a breeding and hatching area for seagulls and sea turtles.
The lake at the center of the island
From atop its limestone cliffs, you’d see panoramic views of the lake, the island itself and its beaches. The waters around the area abound with the different species of fish, corals and oysters. Because of its proximity to the channel going to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, whales can also be sighted here.
Fascinating head-like rock formation
Target Island: Brgy. Milagrosa, Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro. Open 6 AM – 6PM. Admission is free. Visitors are not allowed to stay overnight on the island.
Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office: Provincial Capitol Complex, Calapan City 5200. Tel: (043) 286-7046 and (043) 441-0306. Website: www.ormindoro.gov.ph.