carabao island day tour

7 BEST Things To Do In Carabao Island, Philippines

Carabao Island is a BEAUTIFUL destination just a stone’s throw from the more popular island, Boracay.

There are so many fantastic things to do in Carabao Island including beach hopping, cliff jumping, panoramic viewpoints, and more!

Many tourists that stay on Boracay Island often take day tours to Carabao, however, it’s worth staying on the island for a couple of days to enjoy its serene vibe, white sand beaches, and turquoise blue seas away from all the crowds on Boracay.

I have put together this complete travel guide of the 7 Best Things To Do On Carabao Island to help you craft together your own itinerary!

Also in this post, I have included useful information on how to get to Carabao Island Philippines, where to stay, how to get around, and the best time to visit.

Table of Contents

CARABAO ISLAND PHILIPPINES – OVERVIEW

Before talking about all the best things to do in Carabao Island, let’s discuss the essentials, such as getting there, the best time to visit, and more.

HOW TO GET TO CARABAO ISLAND ROMBLON?

Carabao Island (also known as San Jose Island Philippines by locals) is located in the central region of the Philippines and there is only one option to get here which is by boat.

The most common route to reach the island is from Tabon Bay in Caticlan which is 10 minutes drive north of the main seaport in Caticlan.

There are local boats departing at 9 am bound for Carabao to either Hambil Pier on the east coast and to Lanas Beach on the west coast.

Check which side of the island you booked your accommodation on and make sure to jump on the correct boat.

The cost of the boat from Caticlan to Carabao Island, Romblon, is 250 pesos (including the environmental fee) and it takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.

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HOW TO GET AROUND CARABAO ISLAND?

There are a couple of options on how to get around the island and they are by scooter, habal habal, tricycle, or on foot.

You can rent a scooter on the island for around 500 pesos per day and make your own way around to all of the tourist spots at your own pace.

The best place to rent a scooter is via your accommodation.

If you are not confident driving a scooter, the other option is to hail a tricycle or habal habal (motorbike taxi) along the main roads.

For a 15-minute drive, you can expect to pay around 50-100 pesos.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT CARABAO ISLAND PHILIPPINES?

The best time to visit Carabao Island Boracay, weather-wise, is between April and July when temperatures are hot and there is barely any rainfall.

This is also high season in Carabao, so expect to see more tourists during these months.

I recommend planning your Carabao trip on the shoulder months of the high season between November and March which sees a bit of rainfall but usually only lasts for a couple of hours and the rest of the day is sunny.

Try to avoid the typhoon season which is typically between August and October.

CARABAO ISLAND MAP

7 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN CARABAO ISLAND

Now that you have a better understanding of Carabao Island, let’s go through the best activities on the island, from hitting the beach to cliff jumping and more.

LANAS BEACH

Lanas Beach is one of the best beaches on the island and should definitely be added to your list of things do to in Carabao.

Lanas Beach is located on the western side of the island, which is around 15 minutes away from the port. From Lanas Beach, you’ll be able to see Puka Beach on Boracay Island in the distance. 

Lanas Beach is very calm and peaceful which makes it the perfect place to relax. It also offers one of the most romantic and relaxing sunset viewing spots.

There are not many resorts and accommodations on the island which means most of the time you’ll have the beach all to yourself and can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere surrounded by golden sand beach and turquoise water without being disturbed.

If you want a bit more action you can go to Lanas Beach Resort or to The Beach House and order your favorite cocktail at the bar whilst listening to the sound of the waves and enjoying the stunning ocean views .

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CATHEDRAL CAVE CLIFF JUMP

On the west side of the island, you will find the Cathedral Cave Cliff Jump.

Cathedral Cave has become a popular tourist spot on the island which offers numerous activities such as cliff diving, snorkeling, and cave exploring.

The entrance fee at Cathedral Cave Carabao is 100 pesos.

Many day tours from Boracay Island include the Cathedral Cave Cliff Jump on their itinerary which makes it one of the most popular and crowded spots on the island.

The cliff jumping area around Cathedral Cave is man-made and all the diving boards are connected to each other by bamboo walkways and bridges, which makes this location a perfect spot to just walk around and explore the cliffs.

There are local food huts available where you can order food and drinks for lunch. It’s also quite entertaining to watch people build up the courage to take the leap off the diving boards.

Cathedral Cave is divided into two different sides. On the left-hand side, there are two diving boards, which are about 3 meters and 5 meters high.

On the right-hand side, you will find the higher cliff jumps. Some of the jumps on this side range from 8 meters up to approximately 14 meters. 

Once you land safely in the water you can explore the pristine blue and turquoise waters and discover the colorful corals under the water.

When you’re done exploring, there are bamboo ladders in place making it easy to climb back up to the top of the cliffs for another jump.

You’ll also find the big caves on the right side which are worth exploring. There are helmets laying right outside by the entrance which are required to be worn when you enter.

It’s a good idea to get a guide to come along with you when you go exploring Cathedral Cave as there are several small tunnels, smaller caves inside the main cave, and some sharp rock formations in the water which tend to be slippery.

You’ll find the guides right by the entrance of Cathedral Cave.

The BEST Hotel in Carabao Island

Need a place to stay? Lanas Beach Resort is conveniently located in Carabao Island.

Whether you’re here to explore the sights or relax in comfort, Lanas Beach Resort offers the best of both worlds.

NGIRITON CAVE

Ngiriton Cave is one of the more interesting spots to check out on Carabao Island, located at the top of a hill and hidden in the forest at Sitio Lindero.

The way to the cave passes through local farmland and you’ll most likely have to stop and ask someone in the small village to point you in the right direction.

When you reach the jump-off point, it’s a short 5-minute walk along a dirt trail and up a set of stairs to the entrance of Ngiriton Cave. There is a fork in the trail and y ou will have the way to the left to find the entrance.

The huge opening of the Ngiriton Cave welcomes you with a huge swarm of bats hanging from the ceiling and hummingbirds circulating on the inside.

When I visited the bats were going crazy and flying in every possible direction.

The Ngiriton Cave had quite a bad smell to it probably because of all the bats so we decided to not spend much time there and continued on to the next tourist spot.

KODING KODING CLIFF JUMP

Koding Koding Cliff Jump is another must-visit spot on the island.

The Koding Koding Cliff Jump is about 3 to 4 meters high and a much smaller jump than the Cathedral Cave Cliff Jump. The entrance fee is 100 pesos.

Before getting into the details, I highly recommend bringing your Waterproof Phone Case to take awesome photos without risking damaging your phone.

It’s possible to swim around the area however, the sea can sometimes be a bit rough and you should be prudent in the water.

You can also chill out on a bamboo raft or just sit in one of the cottages and admire the crystal-clear water.

There are food, snacks, and soft drinks available for purchase on-site if you wish to grab something to eat and chill out in one of the huts.

Koding Koding Cliff Jump also features a small cave and an underground lagoon.

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BUSAY CLIFF JUMP

Busay Cliff Jump is one of the newest cliff-jumping spots and you won’t find too many tourists at this location. The entrance fee is 100 pesos.

When you get to Busay Cliff Jump it seems at first like you are stepping into someone’s backyard.

Be aware that in the surrounding areas of the Busay Cliff Jump there are monkeys that are quite curious so hold on tight to your belongings.

Busay Cliff Jump features three epic rock jumps ranging from 1 meter, to 3 meters, and the highest being 5 meters.

Other than cliff jumping you can make use of the rubber rings and kayaks, or go swimming around the area and enjoy the crystal clear waters at this location.

Don’t forget your quick-dry travel towel , you’ll definitely need it!

You can also rent lifejackets if you’re not a competent swimmer and light refreshments are available for purchase at the tour desk.

SAN JOSE BEACH

San Jose Beach is the main beach area of the island featuring crystal clear waters and swaying palm trees along the shoreline.

San Jose Beach is postcard-material and makes for a great spot to get an Instagram-worthy photo.

San Jose Beach is also very close to the center of the town where you’ll find several hotels, restaurants, eateries, and bakeries. It’s definitely the more touristic part of the island. 

Even though it’s the most touristic beach on Carabao, there aren’t many people as there are no day tours from Boracay Island that land here on San Jose Beach. You can even go snorkeling, which is great!

And of course, you will want to take your GoPro , the best item you can include in your backpack.

When I was on the island I saw no more than half a dozen tourists during the entire two days that I was there. This makes San Jose Beach a very quiet and tranquil place to explore.

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TAGAYTAY VIEWPOINT

Tagaytay Viewpoint is the best place on the island to watch the sunset and it’s not to be missed.

Tagaytay Viewpoint is one of the most well-known locations on the island. It’s surrounded by tall coconut trees and cows, horses and goats frequent the area.

You will feel as though you have arrived in the countryside all whilst smelling the salty air around you.

The entrance fee is 50 pesos upon arrival to the lovely woman who owns the land at Tagaytay Viewpoint. She is very welcoming to all of her visitors and you are free to explore the area as you please.

The woman and her family have taken very good care of the grounds and it’s decorated with the most beautiful shells, sheltered huts, and deck chairs. 

Once you stand on the highest point on Tagaytay Viewpoint you’ll be able to admire Boracay Island in the distance.

There is a treehouse on Tagaytay Viewpoint Carabao from which you can watch the sky turn purple, orange, and red.

This was a great place to sit down, order a soft drink and unwind whilst watching the spectacle of the sky.

However, to witness the sun go down above the horizon you’ll have to venture over to the other side of the treehouse.

There’s a fence that you’ll have to cross to get around to the other side of the hill.

A short stroll through the tall grass will lead you to the best viewing point to watch the sun disappear over the ocean.

I visited in the low season (September) and I was the only tourist at Tagaytay Viewpoint on this particular day, making it even more enjoyable without the crowds.

WHERE TO STAY IN CARABAO ISLAND

There are dozens of accommodation options to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay in Carabao. See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:

Luxury: Lanas Beach Resort

Located in Carabao Island San Jose Romblon, Lanas Beach Resort is the best property on the island, with luxurious rooms as well as dorms for budget travelers.

All the rooms are modern and cozy, it’s nestled steps away from the beach, and they have an on-site restaurant which is great to have breakfast or a meal before exploring around.

Mid Range: The Beach House

I personally stayed at The Beach House and can’t recommend this place enough!

Located a stone’s throw from the ocean’s edge, this boutique accommodation features an in-house restaurant, beach bar, outside terrace, private beach area, and off-road vehicles for use.

The rooms are clean and spacious and are fitted with air-conditioning, large comfortable beds, a wardrobe, a private bathroom, free wifi, and a minibar.

Affordable place to stay for couples, friends, and families.

FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY,  SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM

What to pack for romblon carabao island.

When visiting Carabao Island, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:

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FINAL THOUGHTS – THINGS TO DO IN CARABAO ISLAND

I hope you enjoyed reading this article about what to do in Carabao Island, and if you have any questions at all,   please leave me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

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THANKS FOR READING

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Carabao Island (Romblon): Secret Beach Getaway Near Boracay

Carabao Island used to be a secret place, somewhere a small number of backpackers knew about. Today it’s more familiar — in fact, it’s even part of island hopping tours in Boracay. Even so, Carabao Island has kept its cozy charm. It remains a place for those who like white-sand beaches but prefer a quieter location instead of the Boracay .

Here’s our updated travel guide to Carabao Island in Romblon, located an hour away from Boracay.

Our stay at Carabao Island

From caticlan, from boracay, from tablas island, romblon, places to see in carabao island, where to stay in carabao island, things to know before you go, what to read next:.

Carabao Island is a small island in Romblon Province. It’s locally referred to as “Hambil” by locals or its fancy-sounding Spanish-derived name Isla de Carabao.

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There are various theories as to why it’s called Carabao Island. Locals told us there used to be lots of carabaos (water buffalos) in the island. Others say that the island topography resembles a carabao, but there are others that say the shape resembles an “anvil”, hence the local name Hambil.

At the time of our visit, I knew little about Carabao Island but I admit that my interest was piqued. We came here from Tabon Baybay port in Caticlan, on a 1-hour ferry ride. Interestingly, the shirt of our boat captain was wearing says “Carabao Island” and underneath that The Promised Land”.

We got off the ferry and right there at the port was a long stretch of white sand facing a clear blue ocean. I was already expecting it to be beautiful, but what I didn’t expect is that we wouldn’t have to go too far to see it. It goes from the port and continues alongside the main road. As other beaches in the country, it’s safe guarded by lines of coconut trees.

I learned that there used to be a marine sanctuary here about 3 years ago; now the beach is open to the public.

In the late afternoon, the water recedes to reveal a field of seaweeds several meters away, where there are sea urchins, star fishes and sea anemones. In the morning and afternoon, everybody is free to frolic in its tropical waters.

Aside from the beach, there are also attractions in Carabao Island accessible via habal-habal or boat.

After hours out in the sun, we decided to explore the island. Hali and I chartered habal-habals which rode through through steep hillsides until we reached a coconut tree plantation. Past the farm’s wooden gates is an area called Tagaytay Point , which overlooks the island of Boracay. Boracay’s famous white beach is at the other end.

We rested here for a bit. We watched the farm’s caretaker harvest coconuts from the tree, which he gave to us for free.

We stopped next in Koding-Koding Point . The rocks here are pointed and ragged, with a wooden diving board ready for those who are brave enough to dive towards the sea below. Unfortunately, it was habagat season during our visit and the waves were too strong, so diving wasn’t advisable. Hali kept hinting about diving anyway, while our guide kept hinting back that it wasn’t safe.

We went inside the nearby cave, where there’s an underwater tunnel that leads outside. It wasn’t safe to go through it as well for the same reason as above. Hali tried to go through it and we were afraid for him, as it seemed the waves would trash him against the cave walls and ceilings. We were relieved when he finally came up the water. He told me it was amazing underwater and I should’ve taken a peek too.

Our last stop was Ngiriton Bat Cave . There’s nothing much to see here, to be honest. There used to have thousands of bats living in the cave. It was turned to an excavation site and the bats were since gone.

The ride back from the land tour to our accommodation in Kameo Lodge was nice. We passed a road with flowering plants on both sides and then another long road along the beach. The beach’s sand wasn’t as white as the one earlier, but who can say no to a cool sea breeze?

Travel Guide to Carabao Island (Romblon)

It’s possible to visit Carabao Island on a day tour, which is what most tourists prefer especially those who are staying in Boracay. Other spend more days since Carabao Island offers a more relaxing option compared to other nearby places.

How to get to Carabao Island

There are different ways to reach Carabao Island depending on where you’re coming from.

• Ride a tricycle to Tabon Baybay port where there are daily passenger boats to Carabao Island. Fare is P100 per person. Boat schedules are 8-9AM, 2-3PM, and 3-4PM daily. Return trips to Caticlan are at 6AM daily.
• Head to Bulabog Beach in Boracay and charter a boat from the locals for a day trip to Carabao Island. Rate depends on boat size and can range from P1500 (good for 4 people) to P3000-4000 (10-12 people), depending on your haggling skills.
• An alternative is to head to Station 1 and find boats operated by locals living in Carabao Island. Ask for a ride for a small fee. These boats normally leave as early as 2PM.

Tip : If you want to go from Carabao Island to Boracay, you can try asking for a ride from boats on island hopping tours as the pickup/dropoff points is Boracay Island.

• There are ferries in Sta. Fe in Tablas Island en route to Carabao Island. Ferry schedule is at 9-10AM. Fare is P100 per person. Return trips to Sta. Fe are 5:30AM daily.

These are the attractions in Carabao Island.

• White Beach . This is the island’s main beach. It has fine white sand, clear water perfect for swimming.
• Tagaytay Point . A farm overlooking the island of Boracay. This is also a favorite spot for watching the sunset. Entrance fee is P70 per person.
• Koding-Koding Point (or Kuding-Kuding Point). Here you can cliff jump and swim through an underwater tunnel that leads right out the ocean. Entrance fee is P100 per person.
• Cathedral Cave . Here you can go on spelunking or jump from 2 diving boards 30 feet hight. Entrance fee is P100 per person.
• Angas Cave . Another cliff-jumping site.
• Ngiriton Bat Cave . A cave used to be home to thousands of bats. There is nothing to see here, so I recommend skipping it. Entrance fee is P100 per person.
• Tan-Agan Picnic Grove . This is a fairly new installation in the island. Here in Tan-Agan Beach you can see vibrant-colored tents and floaters.

You can rent a habal-habal to explore these locations. Rate is P700 per person.

At the time of our visit, there were limited accommodations in Carabao Island. We stayed at Kameo Lodge, about 15 minutes away from the port. Rate starts at P500 good for 2 people.

• Kameo Lodge : Facebook | 0915 690 9174

Here are other resorts in Carabao Island.

• Carabao Backpackers and Guesthouse . Located in Lanas, this is another budget-friendly option in Carabao Island. Rooms and dorm spaces are available. Book discounted rooms here .
• Lanas Beach Resort . A resort with a nice beachfront and a restaurant offering local & international dishes. All rooms have a sea view. Book discounted rooms here .
• The Beach House . Another comfortable resort with its own private beachfront. Book discounted rooms here .
• Oceans Edge Resort . A luxurious resort with swimming pool. Book discounted rooms here .

Looking for something else? Click here search for other resorts in Carabao Island .

Planning to stay in Boracay Island instead? Click here to search for other resorts in Boracay .

• Bring enough cash. There are no ATMs in the island.
• There is decent mobile signal coverage.
• There are casual eateries in the island. Resorts may also offer cooking facilities if you prefer to cook your own food.
• Carabao Island is generally a quiet island. Do not expect to find bars or party lounges.

Has this Carabao Island travel guide been helpful to you? Let us know in the comments section!

This is part of our backpacking trip in Panay Island . Here are the places we’d been to:

• Boracay in Aklan
• Carabao Island in Romblon
• Malalison Island and Seco Island in Antique

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Katherine Cortes is a long-time backpacker and a freelance writer/editor. She likes beaches, snorkeling trips, and relaxing staycations (preferably with bath tubs!).

13 Comments

Hi, ilang oras po yung tricycle from caticlan airport to tabon baybay port? and meron po ba kayong contact ng mga boat drivers from tabon baybay port to confirm the 3PM sched which is our only time to get to the island… thanks!!!

Katherine Cortes

Afaik walang trike from Caticlan Airport to Tabon Baybay Port. From the airport, you need to ride a van to Caticlan Port and from there ride a trike to Tabon Baybay Port.

I have no contact but there are 2 schedules in the late afternoon: 2 or 3PM and then another at 3 or 4PM. It’s advisable to be there early. Hope that helps.

Hello po..ask ko lng po kng my trip on the same day going back to boracay?like mga late afternoon?thanks

Maria Lynielene F. Fabon

Hi,Kat! Thank you for your wonderful blog! I just want to ask if may contact kayo sa Carabao Island?

Sa accommodation lang which I’ve listed naman sa post. 🙂

hello ung boat from tabon port isang biyahe lng 8to 9am, kng sakali hndi pala nmin maabutan yan wl ng biyahe, kinabukasan p ulet tama ba ako ng pagka intindi hehe, at ung pabalik from hambil 6am lng, salamat sa pag sagot

Ang alam ko oo, pero tanong niyo na rin dun para sure. 🙂 If ever naman I’m sure may marerentahan rin kayong bangka since malapit lang naman siya.

Happy and Busy

Yun oh! haha #1 sa google! Kath! yung boat marami parin from Tabon Baybay port nu? hahah Thanks sa guide!

Hahaha! Thanks katukayo. Uu tsaka daily naman yun afaik. Usually pag boat scheds nagcoconfirm na rin kami in person a day before, if advanced dating namin.

Hi Kat, just discovered your blog and I love it! 🙂 I am looking for tips whether I should go to Boracay or to Carabao Island in January. Which island would you prefer, if you had only 3 days for beach and leisure at the end of your holidays? I am not looking for party or crowds, but I will travel solo… Before I will do a 9 days tour in Northern Phillipines and want to relax the last days in one place. Your post about Boracay doesn’t make it easier for me, it sounds good too… 🙂

I’m actually leaning more towards Boracay because it has a wide selection of restaurants and activities, if you ever want to do anything other than beach bum. Station 1 or 3 should be relatively quieter, as well as Puka Beach. You can also island hop and stop over Carabao Island from Boracay.

Carabao Island is really nice, but apart from the land tour there’s not much to do and restaurants/stores are really limited – there were only 2 eateries near our accommodation then if I remember correctly. If that’s not an issue and all you ever want is some peace and quiet, definitely stay here.

Anyway Boracay and Carabao Island are really close to one another so you can easily change places. 🙂

KATHLENE CLEAH DAGPIN

Hi Kat. My boyfriend is coming to Carabao Island via Kalibo Airport. I just want to ask if you know any latest requirements going there. THANKS.

Alam ko vaccination card na lang hinihingi ngayon.

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Carabao Island Travel Guide: 5 Awesome Things to Do!

Jackson Groves

Posted on Last updated: September 12, 2023

Categories PHILIPPINES

Carabao Island is a bit of an unknown gem right around the corner from Boracay in the Romblon Province . Many people take the awesome day trip from Boracay at some stage but it’s actually a perfect spot for a multi-day adventure stay, away from the crowds of Boracay. If you like cliff jumping , you need to get yourself to Carabao. There are two awesome spots to send some backflips but it’s not just cliff jumping there are loads of other things to do on Carabao and I’ll show you what they are in this Carabao Island Travel Guide.

Table of Contents

CARABAO ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE

Carabao Island, often overshadowed by its illustrious neighbor, Boracay, is a hidden gem nestled in the Romblon province of the Philippines. Boasting pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic cliffs, this serene island escape provides a tranquil contrast to the bustling tourist hubs nearby. Named after the Filipino word for “water buffalo,” Carabao Island exudes an untouched charm, reflecting a blend of raw natural beauty and rich local culture. It’s a haven for those seeking a more laid-back and authentic island experience. In this article, I’ll share a few of the best things to do on Carabao Island.

HOW TO GET TO CARABAO ISLAND

Less than 10,000 people live in Carabao and its capital is San Jose. There are hardly any cars on the island, with motorbikes and boats the popular form of transport.

Carabao Island is just above Boracay and below the island of Tablas. To the right, across the ocean is Roxas. This means, there are many ways of getting to Carabao Island but at some stage, they all involve a boat.

• From Tablas: You can rent a private boat for $20 USD or whatever you can negotiate with a local fisherman, or boatman. You can also take the morning/daily ferry, which departs around 8 am in the morning. There is no nightly ferry.
• From Boracay: There are many day charters but also boats that will happily leave you on Carabao. Expect to pay anywhere from $5-10 for the private transfer depending on the size of your group.
• From Caticlan: The ferry from Caticlan to Carabao leaves daily at 9 am
• From Roxas: From Roxas, you will need to take the ferry to Tablas and then another ferry to Carabao.
• From Manila:  You can fly into Caticlan or Tablas and then take the ferry as mentioned. There is no airport on Carabao.

CARABAO ISLAND TRANSPORT

There are hardly any cars in Carabao and no public transport. If you need a ride you can jump on the back of a motorbike. However, the island is so small you can walk to most places locally.

We rented a motorbike one day to visit San Jose and Cathedral Cave but other than that we walked everywhere. The motorbike cost $9 USD for the entire day with gasoline included.

WHERE TO STAY ON CARABAO ISLAND

We stayed at a local homestay. It was a beautiful family that had a few kids. We hung out with the kids every day and the family cooked breakfast, lunch, and dinner for us local style. It was a great way to do the stay.

There are also a few nice resorts nearby such as Oceans Edge Resort , which will have you right on the beach and within walking distance of the cliff jumps and viewpoints!

5 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON CARABAO ISLAND

Alright, let’s get into this list of the top things to do on Carabao Island in Romblon, Philippines.

KODING KODING CLIFF JUMP

Kuding Kuding on Carabao Island is one of those places you walk into and just get so excited you almost panic. Crystal clear, vibrant blue water lay in waiting for you from several diving platforms at this epic hangout spot.

There are several diving boards of only about 3 meters in height so it is a great spot for families, kids, and travelers alike. There are also rafts to hang out on in the water. Ladders make it easy to get in and out of the water but reef shoes are advised.

I suggest visiting Kuding Kuding Cliff Jump and Cathedral Cliff Jump on the same day if you have the energy as they are both nearby and definitely both worth visiting!

Carabao is a small island so you can probably walk to Kuding Kuding cliff jump depending on where you are staying or you can hire a motorbike for about 500 pesos give or take depending on your negotiation abilities.

There are tables inside little huts to chill and take cover from the sun after cliff jumping. Food and drinks are also available but nothing too extensive just basic snacks.

View full blog post:  KODING KODING CLIFF JUMP

CATHEDRAL CAVE CLIFF JUMP

From the road, we found the small Cathedral Cave sign and walked down the winding, muddy trail through all of the trees. After a few hundred meters we reached the entrance and paid 100 pesos to enter. That is just $2.50 USD. There has been a lot of bamboo construction of walkways and diving boards so you aren’t just paying to jump off a regular cliff, which justifies the fee.

There are two areas to jump at Cathedral Cave. We first visited the site on the left. Here there are two diving boards, which are about 3 meters and 5 meters.

A bamboo walkway winds across the roads leading you out to the ocean. The water was insanely clear and blue, it was such an epic spot and we actually had it all to ourselves for most of the time.

Along the boardwalks, you can stop off to the sides and explore the caves. The water glows and small fish are swimming about. If you are game there are several small tunnels and caves within the caves to explore.

The other side is where the big caves are and also where you will find the big cliff jumps. You can take a guided tour inside the caves to see all the natural formations. They make you wear a helmet and it’s quite an interesting cave to check out.

We were there for the cliff jumps so I was stoked to have a diving board, which was roughly 8-10m high directly above the crystal clear water. I sent way too many backflips as we watched on as the local visitors built up the courage to jump.

Some of the local kids, however, were pros. They were jumping from the highest cliff, which had to be at least 20 meters. I decided to give it a crack and join them for a jump.

There’s no doubt that cliff jumping is one of the highlights and best things to do on Carabao Island.

View full blog post:  CATHEDRAL CAVE CLIFF JUMP

TAGAYTAY SUNSET VIEWPOINT

One of the highlights of Carabao Island was hanging out in a treehouse, watching the sunset while staring out across the ocean to the recently vacated Boracay Island. At Tagaytay viewpoint, you can get the sunset and the Boracay view all in one place.

It is quite touristy but it’s Carabao, it’s not busy. They have built a house and small cafe as well as a treehouse to turn the spot into a cool viewing area. It is surrounded by a lot of trees but you can get a great sunset view or the view of Boracay. From the east coast of Carabao Island, you could walk here in half an hour or drive your bike all the way up the path.

TAGAYTAY TREEHOUSE CAFE

There are a few awesome little treehouses set up at Tagaytay. If you get there early enough, you can hang out in these treehouses and watch the sun set over the ocean while sipping on a drink from the cafe!

SAN JOSE PALM BEACH

One day we rented a motorbike for $10 USD and made the journey up and over the hill to San Jose Beach. This is the main beach area of the island and there are a few resorts here. It seemed to be the more touristy side of the island with lots of food options and coffee spots. The water here is much clearer than the east side or at least while we visited and the main attraction is the palm trees along the beach.

Many of the palms are very bent, which makes for that classic tropical postcard photo. We found that there were some really cool palms down the far end of the beach at a spot called Sea Garden, which you can find on Google Maps. Finding these iconic palms is one of the most popular activities on Carabao Island.

SAN JOSE HIDDEN BEACH

Once we reached Sea Garden, we continued to explore further along the coast. An old staircase and bridge were falling apart but we wandered through some small caves and found some private beaches. No one else was to be seen and we enjoyed exploring some of the more random parts on Carabao Island.

It was a very quiet place and something to treasure. Crowded beaches are becoming more and more common in the Philippines and throughout the world so to sit down on the sand and watch the ocean come and go is a beautiful thing. This exploration was one of my favorite things to do on Carabao Island.

BEST TIME TO VISIT CARABAO ISLAND

Carabao Island, located just south of the more famous Boracay Island in the Philippines, offers a quieter alternative to its bustling neighbor. It boasts pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and a more laid-back atmosphere. If you’re considering a visit, here are some recommendations regarding the best time to go:

• Peak Tourist Season: The period between December and February, in particular, is the peak tourist season. This is because many are looking to escape the colder climates of their home countries. The weather is cooler and quite pleasant during these months.
• Hot Months: March to May is the hottest period of the year, known as the summer months in the Philippines. Expect sunnier days and warmer temperatures, but this is also a good time to enjoy the beaches.
• This period is considered the rainy or monsoon season. While there will be days of heavy rain, it doesn’t mean it will rain continuously. There are still many sunny breaks in between.
• If you’re looking for a quieter experience and don’t mind the occasional rainfall, this might be the time for you. Accommodation rates tend to be lower during these months.
• Consider local festivals and events. These can add a cultural dimension to your trip, though they may also mean more visitors. For instance, the “Kanyaw Festival” is held in September to honor the island’s patron saint.
• Carabao Island is less commercialized than Boracay, but it’s always good to visit when the environmental impact is minimized. The Philippines occasionally implements tourist limits or temporary shutdowns on popular islands to allow for rehabilitation. As of my last update in 2021, there was no such shutdown on Carabao Island, but it’s always a good idea to check current conditions.
• Due to changing global situations like the COVID-19 pandemic, always check travel advisories, quarantine requirements, and safety protocols.

In Summary: The best time to visit Carabao Island depends on your preferences. If you prefer sunnier days and don’t mind more tourists, December to May is ideal. If you want a quieter experience and are okay with occasional rains, June to November is a good choice.

BACKGROUND OF CARABAO ISLAND

The island’s history is not as extensively documented as some of the larger Filipino islands, but here’s a brief overview:

• Before the Spanish arrived in the Philippines, the islands, including Romblon and Carabao Island, were home to indigenous communities. These early inhabitants were likely to be Austronesian settlers who migrated from the southern parts of Asia.
• The Spanish colonized the Philippines in the 16th century. Romblon and its islands, including Carabao Island, were visited by Spanish explorers, and eventually, the Spanish influence became prominent. Catholicism was introduced, and several churches and Spanish-era structures were built throughout the province. However, Carabao Island, being smaller, didn’t have as many notable structures as other islands.
• After the Spanish-American War at the end of the 19th century, the Philippines was ceded to the United States. The American colonial government introduced a new system of governance and education. During this period, infrastructure development took place, and English became a medium of instruction.
• During the Second World War, the Philippines was invaded and occupied by Japanese forces. While the primary battles and resistance movements were centered on the larger islands, smaller islands, including those in Romblon, felt the effects of the war. After the war, the Philippines was granted independence by the United States in 1946.
• Carabao Island, along with the rest of Romblon, embarked on local developmental projects post-independence. Over the years, tourism has grown, especially with the rise of Boracay as a popular destination. Carabao Island began drawing visitors looking for a quieter and more pristine environment.
• The island has been earmarked for tourism development due to its proximity to Boracay. Infrastructure improvements and resort developments have been taking place, with the local government aiming to strike a balance between development and environmental sustainability.

WHERE IS CARABAO ISLAND

Carabao Island, also known as Hambil Island, is located in the Philippines. It is part of the Romblon province and lies just about 8 kilometers south of the world-famous Boracay Island in Aklan. Positioned in the Sibuyan Sea, Carabao Island is closest to the northern tip of Panay Island. Despite its proximity to the bustling Boracay, Carabao offers a more tranquil and untouched ambiance, making it a peaceful alternative for travelers in search of a quieter retreat.

MORE ROMBLON TRAVEL GUIDES:

• Tablas Island: 20 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON TABLAS ISLAND
• Sibuyan Island: 9 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON SIBUYAN ISLAND
• Carabao Island: 5 THINGS TO DO ON CARABAO ISLAND
• Romblon Island: 17 THINGS TO DO ON ROMBLON ISLAND
• Cresta de Gallo Island:   CRESTA DE GALLO ISLAND, ROMBLON – EPIC DAY TRIP
• Hiking G2 (Guiting Guiting):   TREKKING MT GUITING GUITING (G2)

Sunday 29th of October 2023

Places to stay on Carabao: 1. BORACAY VIEW RESORT (on Carabao Island). 2. Oceans Edge 3. The Beach House 4. Lanas Beach Resort

Carabao lies North of Boracay, not South of Boracay 🤗

High 10 Island Hopping Excursions in Asia - Brand Rator

Sunday 6th of June 2021

[…] a trek, snorkeling, or on boat rides simply on this island. ​ Carabao island will be visited as a day tour out of Boracay – which is the most well-liked vacationer vacation spot within the nation. Boracay is legendary […]

Rider Transferdirect

Wednesday 20th of January 2021

Amazing! I know nothing about traveling all over the country but after reading this It’s added to my list, what a wonderful looking place to explore.

Thursday 21st of January 2021

It is a hidden gem to stay here.

Top 10 Island Hopping Tours in Asia - Enewsgate

Sunday 15th of March 2020

[…] a trek, snorkeling, or on boat rides easily on this island. ​ Carabao island can be visited as a day tour out of Boracay – which is the most popular tourist destination in the country. Boracay is famous for having one […]

Carabao Island Day Tours

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Carabao Island Day Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

CARABAO ISLAND ITINERARY | Complete Travel Guide

With the world becoming seemingly smaller every day, it is difficult to find new and untouched places to explore. Luckily, it is still possible, and Carabao Island in the Romblon region of the Philippines is totally an off the beaten path location. Follow our Carabao Island itinerary to discover one of the true hidden gems in the Philippines.

What’s crazy about Carabao Island is that it sits right next door to one of the most popular islands in the entire country, Boracay. Boracay is packed with tourists, yet its beautiful neighbour, Carabao, is almost empty of any tourists.

While many tourists go on a day trip from Boracay to Carabao, we fully recommend staying on Carabao Island in Romblon for at least a couple of days. It’s an awesome, authentic experience of island life in the Philippines and one you won’t forget in a hurry. If you are anything like us and love getting off the beaten path and have a good sense of adventure, you won’t regret adding it to your overall Philippines itinerary .

Check out our  Southeast Asia Packing List  for a guide on what to pack for your Philippines adventure!

Disclaimer – This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we receive a small commission if you make a purchase at NO extra cost to you. This will never impact our reviews and we only recommend products and services we firmly believe in. Thanks for your support!

How to Get to Carabao Island

The easiest way to reach the island is to first fly into Caticlan Airport. Our plane was full of tourists all heading for Boracay and we were the only people heading to Carabao. From the airport you will need to take a tricycle to Tabon Baybay Port which only takes 5 – 10 minutes.

The “port” is in a local village at the end of a dirt road and doesn’t look much like a port at all. From what we could find out from the locals, the Caticlan to Carabao island ferry leaves at 9am and 3pm each day. The ferry cost us 100 PHP ($2 USD) per person and took just over 30 minutes.

The ferry boat docks on the east side of the island at the town of San Jose. Once we arrived on Carabao we were required to pay a 50 PHP ($1 USD) entrance fee and we paid 20PHP for a ride to our accommodation which was only a couple of minutes from the port.

Things to Know Before You Go

• There is no electricity between 6am and 2pm . That means no air conditioning, no fans and no WIFI during these hours. Use this time to get out and explore the island.
• It was the quietest of all of the islands we visited in the Romblon region.
• There are no banks on the island so make sure you come with enough cash to get by.
• Scooters are not available for hire, but you can find semi-automatic bikes.
• While WIFI was hard to come by and patchy when you did find it, our Smart SIM card had surprisingly good 3G coverage.
• There is very limited information online regarding accommodation, ferries and restaurants. It’s all part of the experience to just turn up and make the best of it all.

Carabao Island Accommodation

As the island is off the tourist track, there is very little infrastructure and only a handful of places to stay. You won’t find many fancy resorts here. If you are travelling on a budget, expect a basic room with a fan and air conditioning if you are really lucky.

We recommend booking a place before you arrive as the place we originally wanted to stay was already booked when we got there. We ended up staying at Edward’s Lodge, and while it wasn’t expensive, we wouldn’t recommend it or particularly want to return.

While we stayed on the east side of the island in the little town of San Jose, many of the nicer hotels and guest houses are actually on the west coast, spread along the beach. As the island is quite small, it really won’t matter too much which side you stay on and you will probably get a chance to explore the whole island regardless.

Budget: Carabao Guest House – It’s basic but has everything you need for just a few dollars a night plus you are right on the beach. Choose from dorm beds or book yourself a private room.

Mid-range: Lanas Beach Resort – Lanas Beach Resort is a beautiful beach front property with a nice bar and restaurant on a patio overlooking the beach. We came here for lunch during our time here and even though they weren’t officially open yet, they still cooked us up a delicious meal.

Luxury: Oceans Edge Resort – This is the one place on the island you can stay in absolute luxury. The resort is located on the cliff’s edge and has a stunning swimming pool that looks out over the ocean. If you want to escape the crowds of Boracay but still enjoy some luxury, this is the place to do it.

Best Time to Visit Carabao Island , Romblon

The best time to visit this region in the Philippines is from November to May. While the temperatures remain fairly consistent year round, there is quite a high chance of rainfall between June and October.

We always recommend visiting during shoulder season, meaning November and May, in order to avoid crowds and to have availability at various hotels.

As there isn’t a major dip in temperatures throughout the year, you could visit at any time and diving is still popular in the Romblon region year round.

Getting Around the Island

We’re not sure that scooters have made their way to Carabao Island just yet. After spending an hour asking around for scooter rentals, the closest thing we were offered was a personal semi-automatic bike from one of the locals. At this stage of our travels we had never ridden a semi-automatic bike so we decided against renting one. Now that we have some experience riding semi-automatic bikes I wish we had rented one as they are actually really easy to ride.

Our second choice was to hire one of the locals to take us around the island to explore. A full day of exploring around the island, with two of us on the back of the bike cost 800 PHP ($16 USD). It was a tight squeeze with 3 of us on the bike, but manageable for the day.

If you want to rent your own bike it will cost around 500 PHP ($10 USD) for the day.

Top Things to Do on Carabao Island , Philippines

When planning your Carabao Island itinerary one of the most important things is finding out what there actually is to see and explore here. Luckily, Carabao Island has plenty of awesome activities for you to enjoy which we have listed below.

We suggest staying on Carabao Island in Romblon for a minimum of 2 – 3 days. You will need at least a couple of days to explore the island. If you are looking to relax and have a full holiday here, you could easily spend more than that. Here is our suggested itinerary for 3 days on Carabao Island, Romblon.

Cathedral Cave Cliff Jumping

Cliff jumping at koding koding point, rent a bike and explore, lanas beach, said beach (san jose beach), tagaytay viewpoint.

It wouldn’t be much of a remote island adventure without some cliff jumping and Cathedral Cave is just about the perfect place to do this. The rugged cliffs tower over beautiful blue water and the local people have built a cliff jumping playground for the adventure lovers out there.

This place is a great mix of natural and man-made structures. The cliffs provide an epic backdrop for jumping into the blue water below and the walkways and diving boards make it easily accessible. There’s no need to scramble over jagged rocks here.

The entrance fee for Cathedral Cave is 100 PHP ($2 USD) per person. This is a bargain as there has been loads of work put in to build the bamboo walkways, platforms and diving boards here. The diving boards range all the way from 3 metres to over 10 metres high. We spent an hour jumping from the cliffs into the beautiful water below.

This is a popular spot for day trips from Boracay, which means that it can get crowded here really quickly. Try and come early in the morning to beat the crowds. We arrived early and there were only a handful of people here, but about half an hour in several boats arrived and the place was packed.

There are a couple of awesome shaded platforms looking out over the diving boards where you can sit and have an ice cold juice or beer and watch the world go by. Cathedral Cave was definitely one of the highlights of the island.

After we had our fill of Cathedral Cave we made the short drive down to Koding Koding Point where there is a similar type of cliff jumping set up. The entrance fee for this spot is also 100 PHP ($2 USD) and they have also built bamboo bridges, walkways and diving boards here. There is also the added bonus of a slide into the water here.

All of the diving boards are much lower here, with a maximum height of around 3 metres. This spot is much more mellow than nearby Cathedral Cave, but it was just as enjoyable as there was very few other people here.

The water is such an outrageous shade of blue here and it was so much fun jumping into the water. This is where I learnt to backflip as the diving boards are the perfect height (although my first attempt ended in a serious belly flop).

A couple of boats did start to make their way from Cathedral Cave to Koding Koding Point as we were leaving, so again, we suggest trying to visit here early.

While we didn’t get the full experience of doing this, we recommend renting a bike and exploring the island for yourself. We got a glimpse of some cool spots while sitting on the back of our guide’s bike, but it is always better to do it yourself. Having your own bike means you can explore and find your own cool places. Bike rental should cost around 500 PHP ($10 USD) for the day.

Lanas Beach is the other main beach on the island and it is located on the opposite side of the island to San Jose. It is on the west coast and there are several places to stay right on Lanas Beach as well as in San Jose.

As you would expect on a tropical island, this beach is an endless stretch of untouched white sand and blue water. We didn’t walk along the whole beach but the stretch that we did walk along, in front of Lanas Beach Resort, was completely empty. To really get away from it all and enjoy some peace and quiet head to Lanas Beach.

Palm trees line the beach, meaning you can catch some shade and get out of the sun for a while, or head up to the patio overlooking the beach at Lanas Beach Resort to grab a cold drink.

One of the main reasons that we wanted to visit Carabao Island in the first place was some of the pictures we had seen of Said Beach. This is the main beach in front of the town centre of San Jose on the west side of the island.

The combination of bright white sand and blue water looked like something you would see on Boracay minus the crowds. The entire beach is lined with palm trees and as it is so long it never feels like it is busy.

We stayed just north of this beach so we walked along it each day and spent an afternoon basking in the sun here. It is truly spectacular and made the journey here worthwhile.

Unfortunately, when we visited there was loads of seaweed washed up on the beach and many of the locals worked hard each day to clear this from the beach. Even with all the seaweed it was still beautiful and by the morning we were leaving a large section of the beach had been cleared giving us a glimpse of just how good this beach was.

Towards the south end of the beach, near the Sea Garden there is a secondary bay that is much smaller and very secluded. We had to walk through the water to actually reach it, but there wasn’t another soul in sight when we got to this secondary beach. It’s worth walking to the south end of the San Jose Beach to discover this hidden gem.

While you can visit Tagatay Viewpoint at any time of the day, you will really want to come here for an epic sunset. The viewpoint is right on top of a hill and gives unreal views all the way down to the water. You can see Boracay and some of the other surrounding islands as well from up here.

They have built a cool tree house where you can hang out and enjoy the sunset views all the way to Boracay. The entrance fee for Tagatay viewpoint is 100 PHP ($2 USD) per person.

Where to Eat

Our Carabao Island itinerary is a little bit light on suggestions for places to eat, but that’s because there really wasn’t much of a choice when we visited. Many of the places shown on Google maps were either closed or shut down, but the places that were open were very cheap and the food wasn’t bad considering where you are.

There was also one proper convenience store called 5/13 which stocked snacks, cold drinks and some other basic foods.

Carabao Island Grill – This is where we had most of our meals in the town of San Jose. The food ranges from 50 – 185 PHP ($1 – $3.70) per meal and they had a good mix of Filipino and western food.

San Jose Public Market – If you enjoy seafood you can buy your own fresh fish from the market for around 100 PHP ($2 USD) and you can actually pay most of the restaurants to cook it for you. Carabao Island Grill charges 30 PHP ($1.20 USD) to grill your fresh fish for you.

Lanas Beach Resort – Even though they weren’t officially open when we visited, they still cooked us up a curry and the view from their restaurant along Lanas Beach is hard to beat.

Final Thoughts

It seems crazy that somewhere so awesome and beautiful can be situated in such close proximity to Boracay, and yet be so quiet in terms of tourism. This is the perfect place to come and find amazingly beautiful beaches and cliff jumping spots, but with very few other people around.

Our Carabao Island itinerary encompasses all of the best parts of the island but we recommend coming to explore it for yourself. Skip Boracay and enjoy a more authentic island experience on Carabao.

Planning a trip to the Philippines? Check out our other blog posts on the area:

• ROMBLON ITINERARY | The Philippines Best Kept Secret
• BON BON BEACH ON ROMBLON ISLAND
• CRESTA DE GALLO ISLAND | Hidden Paradise
• PERFECT 3 WEEK PHILIPPINES ITINERARY
• SOUTHEAST ASIA PACKING LIST

*Please note, prices are a reflection of our experiences while traveling the Philippines in May 2019 and are subject to change. Prices quoted in PHP were the exact prices we paid and USD conversions are listed for your convenience.

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Hi, we're Luke and Roxy, a travel couple from Ireland and Canada. We are all about finding awesome, off the beaten path adventures and love to find the cheapest way of doing things. Thanks for visiting our blog!

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Carabao Island Travel Guide: Romblon’s ‘Hidden Gem’ No More

Carabao island itinerary, places to stay, things to do and more.

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Carabao Island, Philippines

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C arabao Island, Romblon — Nestled in Romblon and a few minutes away from Boracay remains a little-known gem, the Municipality of San Jose or Carabao Island, but most known to locals as Hambil. Thanks to its unspoiled scenery, unimaginable beauty, and leisure activities, it is fast becoming a must-see destination in the Philippines.

During our superb 3-day tour care of the Department of Tourism MIMAROPA – with the company of other media friends – we have discovered how amazing this little island is. Read along to know more!

In this Carabao Island Travel Guide Blog, we listed some tips on how you can do your own DIY Day trip to Carabao Island, Romblon. We also included a sample Carabao Island Itinerary, Things to do and see, how to get there, and more.

Where is Carabao Island?

Carabao Island is part of San Jose town located in the southernmost tip of Romblon. The Island is a 15-minute boat ride from the smaller but equally beautiful island of Boracay. The island has the same white-sand beaches and pristine waters that can be found in Boracay but the island offers a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. San Jose is separated from Boracay by a narrow body of sea called Hambil Channel.

The island is also a divers paradise that offers beautiful unexplored dive spots like Lanas slope, West Wall, Devils Boulder, Gentle Wall, Tunnel Dive, Cathedral Cave, Channel Dive, Cemetery Wall, Village Reef, and Lobster Wall.

About San Jose, Romblon

In the 16th century, San Jose was abundant with cattle and carabao, thus its name. It was in 1965 when the Congressman of the lone District of Romblon Hon. Jose D. Moreno extended an effort to make the Carabao Island an independent municipality. San Jose, or rather Carabao Island is often referred to as the sister island of Boracay.

Best Time to Visit

Carabao Island is famous for its water activities and the best time to visit the island is during the dry season from Mid November to May.

How To Get There

To go here, from Manila, book a flight going to Tablas or Caticlan via Cebu Pacific. Travel time from Manila to Tablas will take around 1 hour and 25 minutes while the flight from Manila to Caticlan takes about an hour.

Cebu Pacific offers flights from Manila to Tablas thrice weekly. These one-hour-and-twenty-five-minute-long flights are usually scheduled on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The cheapest one-way ticket fare is estimated at around Php 2500. For more information, visit Cebu Pacific Air via www.cebupacificair.com .

How to get to Carabao Island From Tablas

From Tablas, catch a jeep to Sta. Fe and take a 1-hr boat ride going to the island. The ferry schedule is at 9AM. Boat Fare is P100 per person (USD2).

From Boracay

If you’re in Boracay and wanted to take a peak of Carabao Island’s beauty, you can ask where the public boats are at Bulabog Beach that goes to Hambil. Travel time takes about 45 minutes.

From Caticlan

If you’re coming from Caticlan, you can also charter a tricycle going to Tabon Baybay port to catch a boat that will take you to Hambil. Boat transfers are available in the morning and in the afternoon. The boat leaves Caticlan at 8AM and 3PM daily. Fare is P100 per person (USD2).

Where to Stay in Carabao Island?

From what once a secret place for backpackers before, Carabao Island is now ready to accept more visitors in the next few years. Here are some recommended accommodations in Carabao Island you might be interested to check out in your future travels.

Oceans Edge Resort

Address: Inihawan, Lanas, San Jose, Carabao Island, Romblon, Philippines

Check Rates and Availability

Ocean’s Edge Resort is a cliffside luxury resort located in Carabao Island in the town of San Jose, Romblon. It is a tropical island paradise that can be reached by boat from Boracay in less than an hour. Although travel to and fro either island doesn’t take too much time, the islands seem worlds apart. Read -> Oceans Edge Resort Review

Nipa Hauz Resort

Address: Lanas, San Jose, San Jose, Romblon

A very serene place with complete amenities and hospitable staff. You’d definitely feel the tropical vibe from its rooms and you also get to have direct access to the beach. Filipino dishes are also to die for at their in-house restaurant. If you’re a backpacker or a vacationer with a limited budget, then this resort is for you. The rate starts at PHP1000.

Carabao’s Rocksbay Resort

Address: Lanas Beach, Carabao Island, Romblon

A resort with a view of the beach at an affordable rate. The 1.5-star property offers various activities to their guests from kayaking, boating, hiking, and diving. They also boast excellent facilities such as daily housekeeping, luggage storage, BBQ facilities, restaurant, a bar can be enjoyed here.

The Beach House Resort

Address: Lanas, Carabao Island

Known as the only luxury boutique resort on the island, you get to experience comfortable accommodation while exploring the beautiful Carabao Island. With rates starting from PHP3,500, one can enjoy its facilities from their bar/lounge, a comfy bed, minibar, refrigerator, and more! Their restaurant also offers cuisine from Filipino to Western. Must-try are the seafood dishes!

Also read: Top Hotels And Beach Resorts In Carabao Island, Romblon

Places to Visit

But of course, no Carabao Island visit is ever complete without visiting these top places and trying out some water activities.

Koding-Koding Point

For the thrill-seekers, you may find this secluded destination exciting as this is the perfect place for cliff jumping. Just be careful with your steps as the rocks here are pointed and ragged. However, if you’re more of a laid-back traveler, you can also spend your day here by resting on a bamboo raft or just sit in one of the cottages and enjoy the view of the sea.

Sunset Viewing at Tagaytay Point

Surrounded with lush trees, you will certainly enjoy sunset viewing here at Tagaytay Point. At this view deck, you can see the entirety of Boracay, Caticlan, and Aklan. There’s a small café so you can chill and sip coffee while gazing at its admirable view.

Cathedral Cave

Another perfect place for jumping and cliff-diving is here at Cathedral Cave. There are diving boards for those who wanted to try cliff diving and bamboo walkways. Aside from these thrilling activities, there are also beach caves nearby to check out. The water’s so clear, you can see fishes swimming below. According to some locals, big fishes are swimming around at the back of the cave.

Strolling at Poblacion White Beach

Away from the touristy Boracay, you will also get the same view of the sea here at the Poblacion White Beach. It boasts a long-stretched of white sand, coconut trees lined along the shore, and a great view of the clear waters. You can bring your swimming suits and enjoy the clear blue waters. What could we ask for more?

Ngiriton Bat Cave

The long walk is worth it when you visit the Ngiriton Bat Cave. Here, you’ll see bats and hummingbirds. Upon entrance, you’ll get to have a fresh buko or coconut juice – the perfect refreshment after that tiresome walk. This is an exciting destination as you get to crawl through some narrow openings and exit into a forest, but don’t worry, you will be provided with a flashlight and safety helmet to enter the cave. Make sure to wear your most comfortable footwear of course.

Map of Carabao Island

Carabao Island Travel Tips

• As of this writing, there’s still no ATM machines on the island, make sure to bring enough cash.

Travel Budget

• The boat ride from Tablas – Php100 per person
• Boat Ride from Boracay – Php100 per person
• Koding-Koding Point Entrance Fee – Php100 per person
• Cathedral Cave Entrance Fee – Php100 per person
• Ngiriton Bat Cave Entrance Fee – Php100 per person
• Tagaytay Point Entrance Fee – Php70 per person
• Habal-Habal Rental – Php700

* Rates may change without prior notice.

The Overall Experience

Overall, if you want to have a breather outside Manila, but in a limited budget, then this is the place to be. The island is peaceful, offers plenty of beach activities for both the adrenaline-seekers and the laid-back ones. Boracay is beautiful, yes. However, for those looking for a quieter alternative, I think Carabao Island checks all boxes as a must-see destination in the country.

Walking amongst underrated island like this is such a liberating feeling. If you want to know what we’re talking about, then book your flight as early as now, and you’ll be amazed at how Carabao Island will take all those stresses away.

Searching for the best hotels and affordable flights? Check out our complete list of affordable Carabao Island hotels and resorts via Agoda  or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.

Did you enjoy reading our Carabao Island Travel Guide blogpost? Please follow #TeamOutofTown,  on  Facebook , and  Twitter ,  Instagram , and  Pinterest  for more travel ideas.

• Cruising Romblon – What’s Missing In Carabao Island
• 25 Island Destinations In The Philippines For Your Bucket List

Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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Carabao island - 1-day tour from boracay.

What You'll Experience

Geographically located in the province of Romblon province, Carabao Island has enjoyed a boom in tourism due to its natural wonders and its proximity to Boracay. Explore this underrated paradise with a laid-back 1-day tour, which will take you to the best spots in the island for snorkeling, swimming, cliff diving, and more. Visit turquoise swimming holes, lush mangrove forests, and volcanic rock formations, or venture into a small cave to discover the sights within. Come noontime, enjoy the seaside view while having a delicious local lunch, already included in the price of your tour. Make your Boracay escapade more memorable when you book the Carabao Island - 1-Day Tour now on Traveloka! 

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Romblon: Carabao Island, A Pleasant Surprise

My grip on to the side of the boat tightened as the huge waves tossed us up in the air. Our boat was like jumping over a hurdle while forging through the swells that were about a meter high. Even with a life jacket on, I was a bit concerned and my imagination ran wild. Will our small boat be able to make it to Carabao Island without capsizing?  All thanks to our young but skillful boat men, my paranoia was wiped out about 45 minutes later when we arrived safely in Carabao Island . However, it wasn’t quite the Carabao Island that we were expecting it to be.

Our Awaited Arrival

We don’t know much about the place. I was walking along the White Beach in Boracay when I saw a photo of Carabao Island on one of the posters. I thought that it would be nice to check it out on our next island hopping tour.

The water was crystal clear however, a rocky coast with seaweeds washed up ashore welcomed us upon landing to this part of Carabao Island. We were then approached by locals and we asked them if we were indeed in Carabao Island. They confirmed that we were in one of its barangays, Barangay Lanas. These locals have been eyeing us from afar and have been waiting for our arrival. They are habal-habal (motorcycle) drivers who offer tours around Carabao Island.

After haggling with the price, we agreed to take a tour to Hambil Beach , their version of Boracay White Beach, which was on the other side of the island in Barangay Poblacion. As much as we wanted to do other things, we have little time to spare. We only have the boat chartered for four hours (10 AM – 2PM) from Station 1 in Boracay . So, without wasting anymore time, we hopped on to their habal-habal and made our way to Hambil Beach.

Carabao Island Backstory

It was originally known as Hambil Island until one of the Spanish voyagers who visited the island changed its name to Carabao Island or Isla de Carabao as it bears resemblance to that of a water buffalo from afar. But other stories say that a lot of Carabao roamed freely on the island’s terrain some time ago that’s why it was called Carabao Island. Today, Carabao Island is officially recognized as the island municipality of San Jose, Romblon located at the southern tip of Tablas Island.   Not too far away, separated by Hambil Channel, is the world-famous island of Boracay.

The “ Habal-Habal” Ride

The main mode of transportation to go around Carabao Island is the habal-habal . Navigating its narrow roads reminded me of our trip to Gigantes Norte in Gigantes Islands . The pathway was just wide enough for 2 motorcycles side by side to pass through. It has a series of ascends and descends traversing through coconut plantations, open fields and tree-laden path.

I particularly enjoy habal-habal rides because during these drives I get the opportunity to talk to or sort of interview the local drivers about their place. How things were and how things are now, what are their hopes and wishes for their place and how the surge of tourists affected their daily lives. More often than not, they were willing to share their thoughts. However, not all of them are very knowledgeable. There are even some who take advantage of travelers. But if I get lucky, I chance upon those who are genuine ambassadors of their respective places.

It took us about fifteen to twenty minutes to finally get to Barangay Poblacion. Along the road, Hambil Beach was already in sight just a few meters away from the town’s welcome arch. Our drivers dropped us off at one of the cottages then it was time to explore.

Carabao Island, A Diamond In The Rough

I stepped out from the cottage and moved closer to the shore to scan through the long stretch of uncrowded white sand beach which was kind of unexpected, given that it was close to Boracay. There was only one other group of tourists aside from us at that time.

The sea was fairly calm on this side of Carabao Island with minor waves delicately rushing to the shore. I made some more strides until I have felt its remarkably fine sand under my feet. The turquoise water was so clear and inviting and I couldn’t help to just gaze at it any longer so I joined my mom and aunt as they dipped in. It was noticeable that the seabed was as fine as the shore with few specks of minute stones.

After soothing our bodies with the refreshing water, I meandered along the shore to observe and to take a few more shots.

Lucky are those grade-schoolers whom I saw passing by this stunning road-side beach as part of their daily grind. The cottages have become an after school “tambayan” for some of them. At one end of the beach was the Port of Said, at the other end was the local tourism office.

Separating the beach from the main road and residential houses are the towering and gracefully bent coconut trees in perfect array along the coast. Truly an Instagram-worthy sight!

Carabao Island is a diamond in the rough; an untapped paradise that is brimming with potential to be one of the most sought after destinations if it will be well taken care of. Since it is a public beach, the shoreline has some bits and pieces of plastic bottles, soda cans and other garbage.  It is an easy fix if both locals and tourists would take ownership and commit to the “leave no trace” policy.

Although it a was very momentary first meeting, the rawness of Carabao Island made a mark on me. I hope to take another trip here to do some more exploring as it was more than just an escape to the neighboring world-class island of Boracay.

How to get to Carabao Island – Boracay Day Tour

From Boracay, we chartered a boat from Station 1 for a day tour to Carabao Island for Php 3,000 and docked at Barangay Lanas. Then we took a habal-habal to bring us to Hambil Beach or White Beach for Php 300 per person. You may contact our habal-habal driver for a tour around the island. His name is Kuya Carlo and you can reach him at +63 930 928 7281 .

It if is a bit steep for you for a day tour with limited time, there are also some boats going to Carabao Island from Bulabog Beach. Chartering a boat from here maybe cheaper as these are mostly the locals from Carabao Island who are working in Boracay who go back home in the afternoon around 2PM -5PM. When trying to get a ride from here use the name of Hambil Island rather than Carabao Island.

How to get to Carabao Island – From Caticlan – Longer Stay

According to our guide, there is also a boat that goes to Carabao Island directly from Caticlan. From Caticlan, take a tricycle and proceed to Tabon Baybay Port. From there you can take a passenger boat going to Carabao Island. Boat leaves at 8:30 AM and travels for about one hour to Port of Said in Barangay Poblacion (White Sand). Fare is Php 100. If you’re going back to Caticlan, the boat from Port of Said leaves at 5:30 – 6:00 AM the following day.

There is also another route from Sante Fe, Tablas, Romblon going to Carabao Island .

Other Things to do in Carabao Island

• Cliff Diving at Kuding-Kuding Cave (With Underwater Tunnel)
• Visit Ngiriton Cave (Bat Cave)
• Diving at Barangay Lanas
• Sunset Watching at Tagaytay Point

Read my other posts in this Panay Island series:

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A solo traveler and a photography enthusiast. More than the wonderful sights that I want to see, I also want to capture extraordinary moments, experience different cultures and learn about the place’s history and its people.

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Sad to know that are bits and pieces of trash in the shore. 🙁 Anyway, that beach is stunning. Carabao Island is such a beauty. ♥ I would really love to go here. Thanks for sharing 🙂

With just a little TLC, it will be pristine. Thanks Patatas. 🙂

I didn’t know this island, but Boracay. Thanks for letting the world know about another hidden and peaceful beach. Would love to visit the place soon. Would you recommend this island more than Boracay ?

It really depends on your preference. If you want to be disconnected and away from the crowd then this would be a better option. But you can always try both. 🙂

Very nice! We have been invited to visit Romblon next year to cover a new dive site. We will probably visit Carabao Island and its beaches as a side trip. 🙂

Wow! That’s cool. I am so inspired by your diving adventures that I wanted to do a DSD course when I come back home next year. 🙂

Hi When In My Journeys,

Nice nice! Yes, we strongly encourage you to do a DSD. We tell you scuba diving is addictive. Hehehehe!

There is always something exciting about exploring secret, hidden beaches. This one is worth all the effort to get to. The white sand is unbelievably beautiful. The water is just crystal clear! It’s paradise in every sense of the word.

We weren’t expecting too much but for me the island just over delivered.

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Top Things to Do in Carabao Island

Things to do in carabao island.

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1. Said Beach

2. Carabao Island Day Tours

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ROMBLON | Carabao Island From Boracay, a Daytour

“It’s like a never ending swimming pool!” One of my friends exclaimed. With a tinge of green, the water, indeed, was unbelievably azure. We were still moving, our boatman steering the vessel towards the shore, but everyone on the boat can’t help but stand to admire the water surrounding us. Most of our companions work at Boracay, it was definitely something to be impressed by another beach, even with their home island’s beauty. The weather wasn’t as sunny, it was actually drizzling, the morning we left Boracay Island to visit its neighbor, Romblon’s Carabao Island . From Ferra Hotel , it was just a few minute’s walk towards Bulabog Beach where a motorized outrigger boat from Boracay West Cove awaited us.

Normally, we’d take the public transport to wherever we want to go, but since there’s only one scheduled boat ride going to and from Carabao Island from Boracay—and at an ungodly hour at that (5:30AM, PHP80.00)—we decided on simply chartering a boat for a daytrip to the island (PHP1,200.00). It’s much more expensive, but we have it all for ourselves and we can decide exactly where to go.

About thirty minutes to an hour away from Boracay, Carabao Island is huge; about twice the size of Boracay. Its pre-colonial name was Hambil , and most locals still use this name. In reality it is, in whole, the municipality of San Jose . The name Carabao Island came to be after the Spaniards renamed it Isla de Carabao , for they said it resembles a water buffalo when viewed from a boat.

We really didn’t see the resemblance since we were busy chugging on beer and sleeping in between en route to the island. When I awoke, our boat was already docking on an unnamed beach nearest Boracay in Barangay Pinamihagan [GPS MAP: 12.035830, 121.942325] . It wasn’t the Carabao Island we had in mind, so we told the captain to move back and find a more picturesque beach.

Rain lashed at us as we navigated the western side of the island. The first beach our boatman saw, he docked on. And right as we were sliding into shore, the rain abated. We were at a stretch of beach somewhere in Barangay Lanas [GPS MAP: 12.061590, 121.912133] . There were open huts right by the shore, but it still wasn’t to our liking. It was a pebble beach, but to be fair, its water was very clear.

We went for a quick swim, and clarity was indeed magnificent. I didn’t see much corals, since I didn’t venture that far, but marine life was quite abundant—passing a school of small fishes as I languidly swam parallel to the shore. Our swim was cut short by a bloom of jellyfishes—that made us decide to move and postpone our breakfast again.

Not wanting to waste more time, we took to Google Maps to find the best stretch of beach on Carabao Island . It turned out we were circumnavigating the island wrong, should we gone eastward, we could’ve been on our destination sooner! But since we were too far west, we decided to simply circle the island, just so we can have a look-see of its periphery.

It took us about half an hour (of drinking), passing through numerous beaches with head shrugs, before we finally saw what we were looking for, Hambil Beach . The sand was blinding white, the water absolutely blue, and there’s a bent coconut tree perfect for selfies to boot too!

The water is astounding azure; it actually looked very similar to Kalanggaman Island and those we saw on our eight days Maldives trip from the previous year! We were oohing and aahing as the boat docked on the beach’s mid-side [GPS MAP: 12.052426, 121.958638] .

Surprisingly, Hambil beach is actually where the Hambil Pier is, one of the two passenger docking areas on the island, and is near to the island’s poblacion or main town. There are already a few resorts on its northern side and a market where our companions bought some fishes to grill.

We proceeded to the small huts right by a limestone cliff where an old man welcomed us. For a minimum fee, we have our own grilling area, cabanas where we could rest and eat, an open wooden balcony built right on the trunk of a talisay tree, and it even has a curious cave on the side of the cliff, that one with a separate entrance fee.

We did the requisite photo ops, and then quickly ran down the beach. The water was extremely clear! And the seabed, totally devoid of any rocks to mess your feet up, it was pure white sand! The descent was not that steep, but just right for swimming. It was just as what D said, like an unending infinity pool. It was perfect. More than perfect, actually.

We did nothing but swim, horse around the rocky area of the waters, snorkel, and chase small fishes. And in between, we lunched on freshly grilled fishes, smoky chopped pork liempo, fruits, and Red Horse Beer. Nothing but this, for hours on end, until there was nothing left on the table and we were all swam out.

I know Carabao Island holds more beautiful places to see; ragged cliffs to jump off on, more fine beaches to frolic on. But we were contented with what we had then. We found paradise away from paradise. Or shall we say, we found paradise an hour away from paradise.

~ BORACAY WEST COVE & FERRA HOTEL HOSTED OUR ROMBLON ISLAND HOPPING TOUR. VIEWS & OPINIONS, ALL MINE.

Carabao Island Boracay Day Tour Address: Hambil Beach, Poblacion, San Jose,               Carabao Island, Romblom GPS Coordinates Map: 11.977473, 121.909972

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16 comments.

Does the boat to Romblon depart daily? Ang ganda ng beach nila!

There are boats going direct to Carabao Island from Boracay daily at Bulabog Beach, but I don't think there's a fixed schedule. There's also another from Caticlan, but it leaves quite early.

Grabe ka! Sinama mo talaga yung photo ni atty. Hahaha. Ang kyot! Di naman mukang kalabaw yung carabao island. Pauso talaga mga Kastila. #triggered

Haha, natuwa naman yata si Atty! :D Mga Kastila talaga, ang hilig mag rename ng mga isla haha

Tama nga sabe nila sa Maldives "Ang Carabao Island ng Maldives"

Very true, hahaha. Maisingit lang ang Maldives

Sobrang ganda naman ng Carabao Island. Maldives nga! :)

Haha, baka mapagalitan tayo pag sinabi natin Maldives of the Philippines :D

hello sir..very nice blog po!I would just like to ask kung my contact number po ba kayo ng any budget hostel or place to stay po sa hambil beach? thank you very much..

Hi, unfortunately we didn't stay overnight at Carabao Island. I don't think there are hostels in Carabao Island, but I'm sure there are a lot of homestays and budget hotels. There aren't that many tourists in Hambil so you can just look for one when you arrive.

Hi. Do you have a contact number nung na rent nyong boat? Also want to do a day tour sa carabao island and yung nacocontact ko, they are charging us 3k for the boat. Thanks in advance!

Hi Nicole, we booked our Carabao Island Boracay daytour from Ferra Hotel. They charge about P2,000++, if I remember correctly. You can get lower ones by haggling with tour operators along the beach. :)

Hi. Thank you!!!! Btw, are the boats by Bulabog beach?

Hi Nicole, yes I think you can find boats going to Carabao Island along Bulabog Beach

Hi! May contact number ka nung boat na nirent niyo? Nag ask kasi ako, 7k chinacharge sakin.

Hi Janina, we booked our Carabao Island Daytour from Ferra Hotel, you may contact them at this numbers +63 (36) 288-1177 | +63 (917) 680-9140 for updated tour price :)

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ROMBLON 4-DAY ITINERARY: Guide, Budget & Everything Else You Need To Know

Ever experienced living behind the shadows? Like you have this super famous sister or a best friend perhaps that people so adore they keep talking how beautiful, smart and talented she is and you can’t help but take a backseat. That no matter how you resemble those qualities, people won’t seem to notice. It’s like there’s an invisible wall, so big, it forbids you to shine. Yeah, it sucks. It must have really suck and that probably how Romblon felt about being behind the shadow of Boracay for a very long time.

Romblon is one of the  rarely explored provinces of the Philippines. While it is just 45 minutes of boat ride away from the world famous island, Boracay , it doesn’t seem to share a bit of the limelight. Few have ventured into these parts of our country which makes it bittersweet. While I love destinations which are off the tourists’ radar, I also believe that people has to see how beautiful the world is. Romblon is no exception.

They say people tends to destroy beautiful things that some travelers choose to rather keep unknown places to themselves. But I say, let these places teach us a thing or two. Let it move us and make us stewards of their preservation. A secret can’t last forever. I definitely can’t keep Romblon a secret no matter how much I want to. It deserves more. More eyes to adore it. More lips to tell wonderful stories about it. More minds to keep thinking about it and hearts to love it so deeply they can’t bear to see it ruined. Romblon is such a beauty and is simply one of the best that it just can’t stay hidden in the shadows far too long.

OUR 4-DAY ROMBLON ITINERARY

Our 4-Day Romblon Itinerary is not the most ideal at all since we just worked around what our limited time could afford us taking into consideration the holiday rush, transportation, and price. We went there during the Holy Week as we wanted to escape the holiday crowd and we all know how traveling during the holidays could easily become a nightmare. And as much as we wanted to keep everything cheap, it didn’t which is what we expected of our traditional Holy Week Escape. The previous year was epic in the Babuyan Islands and this year, we wanted to take the fun a notch higher in Romblon. Since flying to Romblon was not an option (expensive and no flights on our travel date), we took Batangas Port as our gateway and Caticlan our jump-off point. So, allow me to share how it all went down.

Day 1 – The Breathtaking Carabao Island

Carabao Island is said to be the twin sister of Boracay. This island haunted me for years because personally, who wouldn’t wanna know if some island out there has the same powdery white sand as Boracay. Although Calaguas Island came really close, Boracay however (in my opinion) is still in a whole different level. So I thought they wouldn’t call it its twin sister for nothing and I just couldn’t pass at the chance to see it. Since we were going to Romblon, there was no way Carabao Isla nd is off the itinerary. Hence, this was where we were on our first day.

My first impression of Carabao Island upon seeing it was “Wow!” When my foot touched its sand upon disembarking, I couldn’t believe how it seemed to have the same sands as Boracay. It truly is its twin sister but cuter and with more innocence. It’s untouched and raw packed with all the tropical goodness from towering palm trees along the shoreline to the caves and stunning cliff diving spots. Although I still think the sun sets more beautifully in Boracay but Carabao Island definitely did not disappoint.

• Touring Carabao Island is done best with a motorcycle. Either you rent one or hire a habal-habal to drive you around. Habal-habal normally costs P500 for one whole day of tour but this price could go up during holidays.
• Make sure to reserve your accommodation in advance especially if you are going here on weekends or on holidays.
• If your entry point is in Caticlan, go to Tabon Baybay Port early as there could be limited trips and boats fill up pretty quickly.
• If you are in Tablas, entry point is Sta. Fe Port which is a 2-hour jeepney ride away from Odiongan.
• If you are headed to Tablas Island by the end of the day, last passenger boat to Sta. Fe leaves at 4PM. No trips during holidays and you may need to charter a boat for P3000.
• Make sure to bring enough cash before going to the island as there are no ATMs available there.

Where To Stay In Carabao Island:

Day 2 – Exploring Bonbon Beach, Cobrador & Alad Islands

Our first day spent in Carabao Island was such a blast. But as much as we wanna stay for one more day, there is so much more to see in Romblon. Hence early the following morning, we got ourselves on a boat going to Santa Fe in Tablas Island. We were en route Romblon Island, the province’s marble capital as we heard, it’s home to a gorgeous beach and surrounded by stunning islands. The journey going there was no joke as people were trying to rip us off from our boat ride to Santa Fe to our ride going to San Agustin. Things lighten up a bit when we got our ferryboat ride to Romblon Island cheap at P2000. Imagine a boat that could load up 50-60 passengers paying P100 each agreed to such a bargain. Beat that!

We went straight to island hopping upon reaching Romblon Island. The passenger boat owner was also gracious to arrange for us our island hopping boat for P1500. We headed first to Cobrador Island where we got to see amazing rock formations, fine sugary white sand beach, crystal clear waters, and a stretch of palm trees. We headed to Alad Island next since the other island we were supposed to visit could not be accessed due to rough seas and for the same reason, we were not able to try those several cliff diving spots. We capped off the day with a beautiful sunset in Bonbon Beach, which beauty and charm compensated enough for all the stress we went through that day.

• If you are traveling here on a non-working holiday or during the Holy Week, expect that nothing comes cheap. Regular public transpo is limited to non-existent.
• Reserve your accommodation beforehand if you are traveling during peak season or during the holidays.

Where To Stay In Tablas & Romblon Islands:

Day 3&4 – The Enchanting Cresta De Gallo

My friends and I are big fans of all things virgin. Not that there’s the slightest spec of virginity in us (LOL) but we got this certain fascination about untouched and remote places. There’s something about their pureness and rawness that we find impeccable and riveting each time. Cresta De Gallo embodies such pureness that we could not bare missing the chance to explore it during this trip. Our third and last day was spent unraveling the mystic of this island and we absolutely loved it!

Going here was no easy peasy. We even faced the possibility of our voyage to Sibuyan Island being canceled. Restless from island hopping the day before but at 6AM, we already got our asses in Romblon Port just to not miss our trip. Sadly, due to the lack of passengers, the RoRo did not leave until 8AM. We arrived in Sibuyan Island after 2 hours and quickly got into the bumpiest jeepney ride of our lives from Magdiwang to San Fernando. At 2PM that day, our eyes were already feasting on cerulean waters and the endless strip of fine white sands. Cresta De Gallo was a paradise and our Holy Week Escapade couldn’t have been better anywhere else.

• Prepare for a bumpy jeepney ride from Magdiwang to San Fernando. Not sure about the roads now but during our visit, it was unpaved and rugged which made the ride worse than a turbulent airplane.
• There is no standard rates for boats going to Cresta De Gallo so you are best to shop around until you find the best deal.
• If you are going overnight in Cresta De Gallo , make sure to discuss clearly with the boat operator the hours as to when you are going back to San Fernando the next day to avoid confusion and to set the price right. Some of them take overnight literally. Like staying on the island for the night and going back to the mainland at 6AM the following day.
• There are no ATMs in Sibuyan (at least during our visit) but you can withdraw money from pawnshops and remittance centers using your atm/debit cards.
• Trips going back to Magdiwang from San Fernando are only available from 5AM – 9AM.

Where To Stay In Sibuyan Island Other Than Camping Out In Cresta De Gallo :

WAYS TO GET TO ROMBLON

There are three major jump off points in going to Romblon which are Tablas, Romblon and Sibuyan Islands. Modes of transportation also varies which depends on your point of origin and chosen destination but sea travel is definitely the most common and has a variety of options.

From Manila – You can fly directly to Romblon. Cebu Pacific flies three times weekly to Tablas Island from Manila. If this isn’t an option for you, you can ride a bus to Batangas Port and hop on any of the ferries enroute Romblon.

From Batangas Port – There are several shipping lines plying the waters to Romblon from Batangas Port that trips are available everyday. Fares range from P800-P1500. Please refer to the table below for the schedules.

From Lucena   Port – Starhorse Shipping Lines has trips to Sibuyan Island every Tuesdays and Saturdays which depart at 2AM and arrive at 8PM. Trips from Sibuyan Island to Lucena Port are on Mondays and Fridays at 8AM. Fare is P500.

From Marinduque – In Cawit, Boac Marinduque, Starhorse Shipping Lines stops by at 6AM every Tuesdays and Saturdays enroute San Agustin, Romblon Island and Sibuyan.

From Caticlan – 2GO has daily trip going to Odiongan Port at 8AM. You can also slowly make your way up by taking the passenger outrigger boat in Tabon Baybay Port in Caticlan going to Carabao Island at 7AM.

From Capiz – 2GO has trips from Roxas City to Romblon Island on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 2PM.

GOOD TO KNOW

Transportation – UV Express and jeepneys are the main mode of transpo connecting major towns in bigger islands like Tablas and Sibuyan. Getting around small islands can be done using a motorcycle or habal-habal. RoRo are available daily for interisland transfers but you just got to be mindful of the schedule. During non-working holidays such as the Holy Week, public transportation may not be available.

Food – There are a variety of choices in every island from local eateries serving home cooked Filipino dishes at P50 a meal to restaurants offering a fusion of different cuisines for P250 a plate. Group meal package is also offered by some eateries for an affordable price. Sadly, fast food restaurants like Jollibee are only available in Odiongan, Tablas Island.

Prices – Romblon is on the affordable side when it comes to exploring major spots, food, transportation and accommodation but things can get quite the opposite during holidays and peak season.

Accommodation – Places to stay at in Romblon range from hotels to beach resorts, small inns and homestays which are pretty affordable. Some resorts and/or islands also allow pitching of tents at the beach for a minimal fee.

The Islands – Romblon has three major islands namely Tablas, Romblon and Sibuyan Islands. We opted not to include Tablas Island in our itinerary as we really wanted to see Cresta De Gallo and a day in Tablas might tamper our plans. Tablas is just too big of an island that we might as well spend all our 4 days there.

The small islands surrounding Romblon are inhabited. Most of which are fishing villages but a good part of each of the islands have long stretch of pristine beaches. The sands are sugary fine with rough coral stones in the mix. Cresta De Gallo Island on the other hand is completely remote with little to no signs of human settlement.

Banks & ATMs – Banks and ATMs (Automated Teller Machine) are limited only to Odiongan and other towns in Tablas Island and Romblon Island. Sibuyan Island doesn’t have an ATM (at least during our visit) and withdrawals are normally done in remittance centers such as Cebuana Lhuiller and Palawan Pawnshop. To make sure your expenses are covered during your stay, bring enough cash.

Connectivity – Mobile data is pretty stable in all three major islands of Romblon for both Globe and Smart users with the exception of some highly remote areas where connection is intermittent.

BUDGET & OTHER ESSENTIALS

There you have it lovelies! I know! I was just as surprise as you to discover how much a treasure the province of Romblon is. For comments, questions and suggestions, just leave them on the boxes below. Be awesome and share this post. I’ll see you next time. Ciao!

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