Santa Cruz

Welcome to Santa Cruz, the largest and most vibrant municipality of Marinduque, where time slows down and island life comes alive with colors, culture, and coastlines. Nestled in the northeastern part of the heart-shaped island of the Philippines, Santa Cruz is your next under-the-radar tropical paradise worth discovering.

Santa Cruz is a peaceful coastal town known for its scenic beaches, untouched islands, and heritage-rich culture. Surrounded by coconut plantations and crystal-clear waters, it’s a destination perfect for both serenity seekers and island-hopping adventurers. This town plays a vital role in Marinduque’s economy and is home to friendly locals called “Tag-Santa Cruz.”

Whether you’re chasing island sunsets or historic charm, Santa Cruz has a treasure trove waiting:

• Maniwaya Island – A rising star in Philippine beach destinations, with powdery white sand and sandbars that rival Palawan.
• Palad Sandbar – A magical sandbar that appears during low tide. Picture-perfect for IG-worthy shots!
• Mongpong Island & Ungab Rock Formation – A postcard-worthy rock arch that looks straight out of a fantasy movie.
• Kawa-Kawa Falls – A hidden nature gem perfect for quick dips and day hikes.
• Santa Cruz Church – A Spanish-era church echoing the island’s deep Catholic roots.

The town’s culture is deeply rooted in Catholic traditions mixed with indigenous charm, best seen during community gatherings and fiestas. Santa Cruz locals are known for their warm hospitality, where sharing food and stories is a way of life. The town promotes Bayanihan spirit, with neighbors helping neighbors like one big happy family.

Locals mainly speak Tagalog, but with a charming Marinduqueño accent that adds a musical flair to every sentence. English is also widely understood, especially among younger generations and in tourism-related areas.

You haven’t truly visited Santa Cruz until you’ve tasted its unique island cuisine:

• Adobong Pugita (Octopus Adobo) – A seaside delicacy simmered in vinegar and spices.
• Laing na Gabi – Taro leaves cooked in creamy coconut milk with chili.
• Pinais – A traditional banana leaf-wrapped dish filled with coconut, spices, and seafood.
• Bibingkang Lalaki – A local giant rice cake topped with cheese and salted egg, perfect for merienda.

While Santa Cruz joins the island-wide Moriones Festival during Holy Week, it also hosts Barangay fiestas that showcase traditional music, dance, and native costumes. Expect to see street parades, drum and lyre bands, and colorful floats!

Local music in Santa Cruz combines folk tunes with Catholic hymns. You’ll often hear rondalla string ensembles during church processions and town celebrations. Community youth groups also perform modern dances mixed with native styles during barangay events.

Santa Cruz is best known for:

• Island-hopping getaways like Maniwaya and Mongpong
• Authentic Marinduqueño food experiences
• Warm coastal vibes and traditional rural life
• Being a launch point for Moriones Festival adventures
• Natural wonders and photo-perfect hidden gems