How to Get to Grace Island Resort Mindoro from Manila [2025–2026 Guide]
From Manila, fly to San Jose (1h, ₱2,500–4,000) or take bus + ferry (8–10h, ₱1,200–1,800). From San Jose port, a 15–20 min boat reaches Grace Island.
A trip to Grace Island Resort in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro is a tropical escape worth taking, and the good news is that getting there from Manila is easier than most travelers think. The resort is famous for its unique floating cottages and pristine waters, and you can reach it either by air or sea. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the 2025–2026 travel routes, costs, and times so you can plan your journey smoothly.
✈️ Option 1: Flight from Manila to San Jose, Mindoro (Fastest Way)
The quickest and most convenient way is to take a domestic flight from Manila (MNL) to San Jose Airport (SJI) in Occidental Mindoro.
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Travel time is just 1 hour, making it the fastest way to reach Grace Island. Only Cebu Pacific currently operates daily direct flights on this route.
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Ticket prices range from ₱2,500–4,000 (US$45–70) one-way, depending on booking period and season. Booking early is the best way to lock in lower fares.
🚌⛴️ Option 2: Bus + Ferry from Manila to San Jose, Mindoro (Cheapest Way)
If you’re traveling on a budget or prefer land and sea routes, you can take a bus and ferry combination from Manila to San Jose.
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From Manila to Batangas Pier, the bus ride takes 2–3 hours and costs around ₱200–300 (US$4–6). Several bus companies operate this route.
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From Batangas Pier to Abra de Ilog (Mindoro), take a ferry for 2–3 hours, costing around ₱300–500 (US$5–9) per person.
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From Abra de Ilog, continue by bus or van to San Jose, which takes 5–6 hours and costs ₱600–1,000 (US$11–18). Total travel time is around 8–10 hours.
⛴️ Step 3: Boat Transfer from San Jose to Grace Island Resort
Once you arrive in San Jose, the final stretch is a short boat ride to Grace Island Resort.
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Boats depart from San Jose Port, and the journey to Grace Island takes only 15–20 minutes, giving you a quick arrival at the floating cottages.
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The transfer is usually arranged through the resort, and roundtrip boat service costs about ₱300–500 (US$5–9) per person.
🏝️ Travel Summary Table
| Route | Mode | Duration | Cost (one-way, per person) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manila → San Jose | Flight | 1h | ₱2,500–4,000 | Fastest option |
| Manila → Batangas Pier | Bus | 2–3h | ₱200–300 | First leg of land route |
| Batangas → Abra de Ilog | Ferry | 2–3h | ₱300–500 | Budget-friendly |
| Abra de Ilog → San Jose | Bus/Van | 5–6h | ₱600–1,000 | Longest leg |
| San Jose Port → Grace Island | Boat | 15–20m | ₱300–500 | Arranged by resort |
💡 Tips for 2025–2026 Travelers
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Choose flights if you’re short on time, since the land-sea option takes nearly a full day compared to just 1 hour in the air.
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Book early during summer and holidays, as both flights and ferries sell out quickly due to high local demand.
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Coordinate your boat transfer with the resort, especially if arriving late, to ensure smooth travel from San Jose port.
❓ FAQs – Getting to Grace Island Resort Mindoro from Manila
Q1: What is the fastest way to get to Grace Island Resort from Manila?
The fastest way is to fly from Manila to San Jose (1 hour), then take a 15–20 minute boat to the resort.
Q2: What is the cheapest way to reach Grace Island Resort?
The cheapest option is bus + ferry + van (₱1,200–1,800 total), but it takes 8–10 hours compared to just 1 hour by plane.
Q3: How far is Grace Island Resort from San Jose Airport?
It’s very close. You’ll just need a 15–20 minute boat transfer from San Jose Port to the resort.
Q4: Do I need to book the boat to Grace Island in advance?
Yes, it’s best to arrange the transfer directly with the resort when confirming your stay, so the boat is ready when you arrive.
Q5: Can I travel from Manila to Grace Island Resort in one day?
Yes, with a morning flight you can be at the resort by midday. Even with the land-sea option, it’s possible, but expect a long travel day.