Island Hopping in Santa Cruz

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Upgrade your Island Stay at the Polo Beachfront Resort

Polo Beachfront Resort is the premier destination on Polo Island and the largest beachfront resort development in Santa Cruz, Marinduque at the heart of the Philippines. Perfectly designed for grand events, corporate gatherings, as well as intimate celebrations and serene personal getaways. Your exclusive island sanctuary awaits.

To support your extended stay, Maniwaya hosts a wide selection of resorts catering to every type of traveler. You can find your home away from home at established spots like Wawie’s, Donalyn’s, Islas Moriones Resort, or Villa Atilana, among many others. Whether you are looking for a rustic beachfront cottage or a more modern resort experience, these local stays offer the perfect base to explore the island at your own leisure.

The Maniwaya experience is also a feast for the senses, with many tours offering a true taste of Filipino island culture. You can look forward to traditional “boodle fights”—a communal feast of fresh seafood, grilled meats, and rice spread across banana leaves—perfect for bonding with fellow travelers. As the sun sets, many resorts come alive with mesmerizing fire dance performances that light up the night sky. For those eager to see what lies beneath the surface, the island offers incredible snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities, where you can explore vibrant coral gardens and a diverse array of marine life in the clear Marinduque waters.

Beyond the sandy shores of Maniwaya lies Sunong Bato, a striking rock formation situated right along the island’s edge. Its name—meaning “stone carried on the head”—perfectly captures its unique silhouette, creating a serene mini-lagoon that offers a calm, emerald-green sanctuary for a refreshing dip without the need for high-altitude thrills. Nearby, the island’s Century-Old Tree stands as a massive living landmark and symbol of resilience, providing a shaded haven where its gnarled roots tell the silent story of the island’s enduring history.

As you navigate the coastline, the Old Pier reveals Maniwaya’s cultural heart through the Giant Moriones Statues. These vibrant, towering figures pay homage to Marinduque’s world-famous Moryonan tradition, serving as a grand welcome to the “Land of the Morions.” They stand not only as an iconic photo opportunity but as a proud tribute to the local identity and the deep-seated faith of the people of Santa Cruz.

Island Life in Maniwaya

For those looking to trade the frantic pace of the city for the rhythmic lull of the waves, Maniwaya Island invites you to embrace slow island living. Staying longer allows you to sync your internal clock with the tides—waking up to the soft glow of a Marinduque sunrise and spending your afternoons swinging in a hammock under a canopy of palms. There is no rush here; the island’s gentle atmosphere encourages visitors to disconnect from their screens and reconnect with nature, whether that means a quiet stroll along the shore or sharing stories with the hospitable locals who call this paradise home.

Mongpong Island

Ungab Rock Formation is Mongpong Island's primary attraction but it's surrounding beaches are equally pristine and perfect for a dip. Inquire from locals how to go around the island and check out views from scenic spots.