Oriental Mindoro (Filipino: Silangang Mindoro) is a province of the Philippines located in the MIMAROPA region in Luzon. Its capital is Calapan City and occupies the eastern half of the island of Mindoro; Occidental Mindoro is the western half. To the east of the province lies the Sibuyan Sea and Romblon. To the north is Batangas across the Verde Island Passage. The Semirara Islands of Antique are to the south.Spaniards first arrived on Mindoro in the 16th century and initially administered it as part of Batangas. The island gained full provincial status in 1921. In November 1950, the island was divided into the provinces of Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro Oriental Mindoro is famous among tourists for Puerto Galera. This municipality, only a few hours from Manila, boasts splendid white beach resorts and diving spots. For the adventurous Mt. Halcon, on the western border of the province, provides one of the most challenging mountain climbing experiences in the Philippines.