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Voykit pocket guide · Philippines
Santa Cruz
Spend 1–2 days in Santa Cruz, Marinduque: explore the town centre and nearby beaches, then catch a ferry to Boac or Gasan.
Santa Cruz is the provincial capital of Marinduque with a modest selection of hotels, a central market and easy access to nearby attractions. One full day covers the main sights; a second day allows a beach visit or a short trip to Boac or Gasan.
- Country
- Philippines
- Best months
- Dec–May (dry season)
- Avoid
- Jun–Nov (rainy season)
- Stay
- 1–2 nights
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- PHP
- Money
- Philippine pesos (₱) in small notes for jeepneys, market stalls, tips and taxis; malls and hotels take cards.
- Daily spend
- Budget ₱1,200–1,800 excl. bed · Mid ₱1,800–2,500 excl. bed (estimate; check)
- SIM and data
- Globe and Smart sell SIMs at airports; SIM registration with passport is required by law.
- Emergency
- Police 117 · Fire and ambulance 117
- Plugs
- Types A, B, C · 220 V · 60 Hz · US flat pins common; check your devices for 220 V.
- Tipping
- Restaurants: 10% if no service charge.; Grab / taxi: Round up.; Boat crew: ₱100–200 per tour.; Massage: ₱50–100.
- Water
- Not drinkable from the tap; refill stations cheap.
- Toilets
- Called 'CR' (comfort room); bring tissue; many lack toilet seats.
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Coffee | ₱50–80 |
| Local snack (kakanin) | ₱30–60 |
| Tricycle ride (short, ≤5 km (3.1 mi))Tricycle ride (short, ≤3.1 mi (5 km)) | ₱30–50 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- MRQ · Marinduque Airport
- About 30 km (19 mi) north, 45 min by van to Santa CruzAbout 19 mi (30 km) north, 45 min by van to Santa Cruz
Typical fares
- Van Santa Cruz → Boac
- about ₱150 per person, 30 min (check)
- Tricycle within town
- ≈₱30–50 per short ride
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get around
Tricycles and jeepneys are the main local transport; hire a tricycle for short trips (≈10 min). Ferries to Boac or Gasan depart from the town pier.
See and do
Known for
- Provincial capital
- Oromismo Hotel
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Boac | Van or jeepney, about 30 min | ≈45 min |
| Gasan | Van or jeepney, about 40 min | ≈1 h |
Sleep
- Oromismo Hotel
- From ₱1,500 per night; air‑conditioned, restaurant and basic services
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| How much is the fare? | Magkano ang pamasahe? |
| Where is the bus stop? | Nasaan ang hintuan ng bus? |
| I would like to book a room. | Gusto ko mag‑reserve ng kwarto. |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Etiquette
- Greeting: Smile, handshake; 'po' to elders; avoid: Loud confrontation
- Beckoning: Palm down, wave; avoid: Palm up (used for animals)
- Invitations: Accept food offered or decline politely; avoid: Refusing bluntly
- Time: Expect 'Filipino time' socially; avoid: Lateness for flights and boats
- Churches: Covered clothes; avoid: Loud tours during Mass
Scams and watch-outs
- Roads can be narrow and steep; drive carefully in rain.
- Check ferry schedules in advance; services may be reduced during the rainy season.
Generally safe for tourists; stay alert during heavy rains and keep valuables secure on public transport.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Santa Cruz yet. Suggested stay: 1–2 nights. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- Provincial capital
- Oromismo Hotel
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Wikivoyage: Santa Cruz (Marinduque), revision 4565592 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=4565592
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Printed from Voykit (/santa-cruz-marinduque). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.