July 21st, 2023 at 05:07 am
Top 25 Places to Visit in Romblon, Philippines in 2023
Romblon, Tablas, and Sibuyan are the three main islands that make up the province of Romblon. There are numerous other isles and reefs nearby and in between them that draw scuba divers and underwater photographers from all over the world. Any of these islands might be a dream for beach lovers!
We’ll discuss some of the best places to visit outside the three main islands in this section, as well as some fun things to do within the province.
Cobrador Island
Romblon is well known among beachgoers for its three-island tour, which visits the islands of Alad, Logbon, and Cobrador to the north of Rombon Island. The most remote and northerly of the three is Cobrador Island, which is also home to people. The island’s interior is typically hilly, with a few rocky cliffs and formations jutting out into the water to frame the tranquil beachscapes.
Cascarro Islet (Cliff Jumping)
If the weather is right, you can go cliff jumping at the adjacent Cascarro Islet, where most island hopping trips halt. Boats may have trouble approaching the stairs leading to the leaping board during the habagat season because the waves can become too large. The guardhouse, which is still colored aquamarine, is still present in this tiny adrenaline haven.
Logbon Island
The western coast of Logbon Island, which is also one of the three islands on the tour, is almost entirely covered by a beach. The Logbon Sandbar, which hangs off of its southeast tip and is just near Romblon Beach Resort, is, nevertheless, its most notable feature. You can see Bang-og Island and Bonbon Beach from this location. The Nabagbagan Rocks are located at the other end of the cove.
Alad Island
Alad Island, another populated island north of Logbon, is home to gorgeous, undeveloped beaches with ivory sand. The seas around the island, which constitute a marine sanctuary, are great for snorkeling and scuba diving on both the west and east sides and are home to a wide variety of fish species and soft and hard corals.
Carabao Island
Carabao Island, also known as Hambil Island, is located off the southern shore of Tablas Island. Additionally, it is conveniently adjacent to Aklan’s Boracay Island, attracting many beachgoers looking for a more sedate, laid-back getaway. Its crevices and crevices are flanked by coconut trees, accented by cliff diving locations, and filled with white sand.
Its 22.05 square kilometer land area is home to a variety of attractions, such as:
- Lanas Beach
- San Jose Beach
- Tagaytay Viewpoint
- Cliff jumping spots like Cathedral Cave and Koding Koding
Scuba Diving
Scuba divers from all over the world have long made Romblon their home and playground, but the general tourist population is still taking its sweet time discovering its beautiful beaches.
Romblon is situated next to the Verde Island Passage, which is regarded as having the world’s finest biodiversity. There is an underwater wonderland below the waves, which is distinguished by several diving spots like:
- Three P House Reef
- Bonbon Sea Grass Valley
- Blue Hole
- Lunas
- The Rope
Romblon Food Trip
Romblon’s cuisine is frequently disregarded and not given due attention in popular culture. But when you go, you shouldn’t forget about it. The province has a sizable portion of rich terrain, and the rivers surrounding it are a never-ending source of fresh, plentiful supplies. The most popular ingredients are coconut and shellfish.
Romblon Island Tourist Spots
The municipality of Romblon, the province’s capital and center of economic and administrative activity, is located on Romblon Island. The island also has some cultural attractions as well as scenic sandbars, secret coves, and white sand beaches. Let’s examine a few of them.
Fort San Andres
Fort San Andres, which provides views of Romblon’s harbor and town, is perched atop San Antonio Hill between Barangays Capaclan and II. It has four turrets, one in each corner, and almost 300 square meters of coral stones and limestones. The grounds of the fort also feature Spanish-era artillery.
During the 80 Years War, the fort was constructed in the middle of the 17th century as a component of Spain’s military defense to safeguard its seized territory and colonies from Dutch invaders and Moro pirates. The National Museum of the Philippines designated it a National Cultural Treasure in 2013.
Talipasak Beach (San Pedro Beach)
Talipasak Beach is a quiet section of sand on the western tip of the island that makes for a relaxing day at the shore. On a beautiful, clear day, the sea shimmers in a variety of blue and green hues. Fine granules and crushed coral make up the sand’s cream color. The seas offer excellent snorkeling conditions just a few meters from the shore.
Your primary route to the beach is through San Pedro Beach Resort. You can spend the night there or go on a day trip. If you decide to stay the night, be aware that the resort’s amenities are modest and that the cellular service can occasionally be spotty.
Bonbon Beach
Due in large part to its accessibility and natural beauty, Bon Bon Beach is the most well-liked beach attraction in the province. Bonbon Beach is notable because it wraps around two sides of a picturesque cape that protrudes from Romblon Island’s western coast. At the point where these two beaches meet, a long sandbar extends out to the adjoining uninhabited Bang-og Island during low tide.
Tiamban Beach
Tiamban Beach is another beach location close to the town center and is situated in Barangay Lonos just south of Bon Bon Beach. It is covered in fine, light-colored sand and is quite lovely. It’s a great location to see the sunset.
Cajimos Marble Factory
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau estimates that the province is blessed with a 150 million metric ton marble resource, which, at present extraction rates, may last for up to three hundred more years. Naturally, the marble sector plays a significant role in the province’s economy.
Ashtrays, paperweights, other tiny items, furniture sets (garden couches, benches, dining tables, etc.), and building supplies (tiles, stones, chips, etc.) are all examples of marble-related products. The municipality of Romblon is where the majority of the marble extraction, quarrying, and processing takes place.
Romblon Shopping Center
Visit the Romblon Shopping Center, a building that has several souvenir shops, if you’re seeking products that are distinctly Romblomanon. True to the moniker “marble capital,” it is awash with everything made of marble, including household items, furniture, and religious statues.
Romblon Cathedral
One of the most significant landmarks in the province is the St. Joseph Cathedral, which is its full name. Its origins can be traced back to the fifteenth century and was recognized as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines in 2001.
The fortress church was initially constructed to function as both a place of worship and a fortification against Moro incursions in the 17th century. The Portuguese Recollect priest Fr. Agustin de San Pedro oversaw the construction of the church, much as he did with the Twin Forts.
Tablas Island Tourist Spots
The largest island in the archipelago is Tablas Island. Despite its size and land area, the majority of the island has not yet been developed, making it a haven for individuals who enjoy cliff leaping, adventure routes, island hopping, and other thrilling activities like these.
Biaringan Zipline
View Tablas Island’s northeastern end’s picturesque coastline from above! A two-way island-to-island zipline, the Biaringan Zipline connects Tablas to the smaller Biaringan Island. According to reports, it is a first for the nation.
The zipline is 1,350 meters long in total, and it is 700 meters from Station 1 to Station 2, and 650 meters from Station 2 to Station 3.
Dad’s Bukid
Romblon is more than just a beach town! Dad’s Bukid, which is perched on a mountainside and provides a laid-back setting for visitors seeking to unwind while admiring the view of the Tablas highlands, in particular Pader forest, Mt. Kang-ayong, and Mt. Ondok, which is oddly known as Suso ng Dalaga, gives a view of these features.
The farm, a pioneer in ecotourism in San Andres, aspires to spread the virtue of simple living through its “buhay-bukid” philosophy. You can perfect the skill of doing nothing there!
Marinor Mountainview Resort
In the municipality of Ferrol, Marinor Mountainview in Brgy. Hinaguman is another highland resort. Its eye-catching wooden replica of the Eiffel Tower that spans its entrance gate makes it simple to identify. You will notice another building that resembles a ship sticking out from the slope as you go to the main hall. It says MV Marinor on the sign.
Binucot Beach
Binucot Beach is a lesser-known beach attraction that can be found in the town of Ferrol on the southwest coast of Tablas Island. The rocky outcrops, coconut palms that line the beach, and its cream-colored berm formed of shingles, stones, and boulders all serve to accentuate its natural beauty. A striking beachscape is created by the two coves that are cut off by a large, lush rock islet.
The sunset can also be seen well from Binucot Beach. You can ask the locals for the routes to the cave and the hilly overlooks.
Due to the presence of hard and soft corals as well as other rare and endangered species, it was designated as a marine protected area in 2009. Additionally, the beach is a haven for turtles.
Bel-at Point
A lengthy wooden boardwalk that extends into the water from the middle of the beach leads to an overwater gazebo with a roof that acts as a viewing platform. On Tablas Island, this is among the best places to catch the sunset.
Looc Fish Sanctuary
The Looc Fish Sanctuary is a 48-hectare protected marine sanctuary that is tucked away in the center of Looc Bay. It was started in 1999 to enhance local livelihoods while simultaneously safeguarding the local marine habitat. About a hundred distinct marine species, including reef fish, octopuses, eels, turtles, gigantic clams, and corals, can be found in the sanctuary.
Cabaliwan Peak
If you’re looking for spectacular panoramic views of the sea and the nearby verdant mountains, head to the Cabaliwan Peak, which is located in San Agustin close to the border with San Andres. On a clear day, you can even view the majestic and mythical Mt. Guiting-Guiting. The gorgeous and exciting trip up the concrete road to the location winds through the high terrain.
Sibuyan Island Tourist Spots
Next to Tablas, Sibuyan Island is the largest island in the Romblon archipelago. It is home to the municipalities of Cajidiocan, Magdiwang, and San Fernando, three of the province’s municipalities. The island is frequently referred to as the “Galapagos of Asia” due to its unspoiled terrain, completely unaltered woods, and abundant animals. Mount Guiting-Guiting (G2), the highest mountain in the province, is its most notable natural landmark.
Here are a few of Sibuyan Island’s top tourist destinations.
Cresta de Gallo
Located about 12 kilometers off the southern tip of Sibuyan Island, Cresta de Gallo is not the most straightforward tropical paradise to get to, but those who do so are rewarded with immaculate white-sand beaches and azure waters.
Cresta de Gallo is made up of two islets connected by a sandbar that pops up during low tide. The other sandbars include two that extend from the northern tip of the smaller islet and one that follows the southern end of the larger island.
Mt Guiting-Guiting
The most notable element of the 1996-founded Mount Guiting-Guiting Natural Park is Mount Guiting-Guiting, also known as G2 by mountaineers, which towers over Sibuyan Island. It is known as the tallest peak in the province, rising 2,058 meters above sea level. It is one of the hardest mountains in the nation to climb because of its intimidating peaks and treacherous slopes, which present enormous challenges to mountaineers.
Mayo’s Peak is the typical camping location before climbing to the summit. Most inexperienced hikers choose to end their climb here, which is already a triumph! The wind speed and visibility mostly affect the weather, especially getting closer to the grassy summit.
Cantingas River
Cantingas River, which originates from the picturesque Mount Guiting-Guiting and empties into San Fernando Bay, is the island’s main source of water and electricity (via a mini-hydro power plant), providing around 90% of the island’s needs.
The most well-known section of the river is the Cantingas River Resort, which provides a calm retreat amidst a breathtaking natural landscape. Swim in the crystal-clear waters. Jump from one of the three concrete diving platforms at 5, 7, or 10 meters in height if you’re feeling very daring. Or, if you’re just in the mood to unwind, simply soak your feet in the water while admiring the gorgeous scenery, which includes Mt. Guiting-Guiting in the distance.
Waterfalls
There are several cascades on the island, each with its own allure and distinctive personality. Here are a few examples:
Busay Falls
Situated in Barangay Panangcalan, it has a tall column that plunges down a rocky cliff into a large swimming hole. Huge rocks and slabs encircle the location.
Dagubdob Falls
The four-tiered system of cascades and natural ponds known as Dagubdob Falls is located in Barangay Espana. Some swimming pools are ideal for cliff diving.
Cataja Falls
The magnificent multi-level splashing machine – Cataja Falls situates in Barangay Jao-asan in the municipality of Magdiwang. The wet season, when there is a lot of water and a strong flow, is the greatest time to visit.
Lambingan Falls
Lambingan Falls, located in Barangay Silum in Magdiwang, is a modest waterfall compared to others in the region. It is also one of the most visited because of its proximity to the major road.
Cawa-Cawa Falls
Cawa-Cawa Falls – a three-level cascade with three kawa-shaped natural pools. It situates in Barangay Weste in the municipality of Cajidiocan, within the ancestral territory of the Sibuyan Mangayn Tagabukid. Although the cascades aren’t particularly high, cliff diving is possible due to the pools’ good depths.
Where to Stay in Romblon
Romblon Island, Tablas, and Sibuyan are the three main islands that makeup Romblon. The ideal location will depend on the sights you want to see. However, the majority of visitors often stay in Romblon or Tablas. These places have the largest hotel options and the most established attractions.
The best resorts and inns in Romblon include:
- The Three P Beach Resort, Romblon Island
- The Beach House, Carabao Island
- Oceans Edge Resort, Carabao Island
- Footprints Beach Resort, Tablas Island
- Lanas Beach Resort, Carabao Island
- Aglicay Beach Resort, Tablas Island
- M Villa’s Farm Resort, Tablas Island
- Coco Cabana, Romblon Island
- Sanctuary Garden Resort, Sibuyan Island
Visit Newsnowgh.com for the most up-to-date information on changes to visa criteria, prospective paths to obtaining legal residency, and others.