Welcome to Sibuyan- Romblon- Tablas Islands
I wanted to see the sand bar of Cresta de Gallo in Sibuyan Island
and the Aglicay beach resort in Tablas Island.
So, I started planning and researching.
I wanted to see the sand bar of Cresta de Gallo in Sibuyan Island
and the Aglicay beach resort in Tablas Island.
So, I started planning and researching.
I planned to do the Sibuyan- Romblon- Tablas route
instead of Tablas- Romblon- Sibuyan.
instead of Tablas- Romblon- Sibuyan.
I invited some friends but only one showed up.
Travelling alone is possible, though.
The Romblon province has 3 major islands:
Romblon Island- the capital town of this province.
Tablas is the nearest island to Batangas pier.
It has a direct fast craft schedule,
including a boat schedule from Boracay to Tablas
and vice versa.
There are 2 ways to reach this paradise.
1: A direct flight from Manila to Tugdan, Tablas Island via Philippine Airlines
Flight schedules:
Every Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays
with Philippine Airlines.
or
2: Follow my travel itinerary.
Day 1: Thursday
Travelling alone is possible, though.
The Romblon province has 3 major islands:
Romblon Island- the capital town of this province.
Tablas island whose major town is Odiongan.
Sibuyan island whose major towns are Magdiwang, Cajidiocan, and San Fernando.
It has a direct fast craft schedule,
including a boat schedule from Boracay to Tablas
and vice versa.
Sibuyan in the other hand can be reach
through a connecting boat transfer
from Batangas to Tablas and Romblon.
There is also a boat schedule to Sibuyan
from Roxas City, Capiz
Because of strong winds; giant roaring waves,
tourist are advised NOT to travel
during the rainy season.
But, I think we cannot discover new oceans
if we fear a lot of things.
through a connecting boat transfer
from Batangas to Tablas and Romblon.
There is also a boat schedule to Sibuyan
from Roxas City, Capiz
Because of strong winds; giant roaring waves,
tourist are advised NOT to travel
during the rainy season.
But, I think we cannot discover new oceans
if we fear a lot of things.
1: A direct flight from Manila to Tugdan, Tablas Island via Philippine Airlines
Flight schedules:
Every Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays
with Philippine Airlines.
or
2: Follow my travel itinerary.
Day 1: Thursday
We met in SM Cubao at 11 am for our grocery
of our packed dinner, food and water.
of our packed dinner, food and water.
Then, had lunch.
We took the Alps Bus in Alimall terminal to Batangas pier.
The bus interval departs every 30 minutes.
We left Manila around 12 pm
and, arrived Batangas pier at 4 pm.
P175 each one way.
We left Manila around 12 pm
and, arrived Batangas pier at 4 pm.
P175 each one way.
It should take 3 hours from Manila to Batangas
but it was heavy traffic.
We did not buy or reserve our tickets in advance.
(It was not the peak season or summer)
but it was heavy traffic.
We did not buy or reserve our tickets in advance.
(It was not the peak season or summer)
We boarded the Montenegro Line
which departs at 5 pm.
P954 boat fee and P30 terminal fee.
Manila to Romblon Island only.
(sunset while leaving Batangas port)
These are the vessels bound to Romblon:which departs at 5 pm.
P954 boat fee and P30 terminal fee.
Manila to Romblon Island only.
(sunset while leaving Batangas port)
Navios, Montenegro and 2GO.
The Navios Lines sails to Sibuyan every Friday
at 4 or 5 pm.
We arrived in Odiongan of Tablas Island at 2 am.
Then,
departs Odiongan at 3 am arriving Romblon Island at 6 am.
It was 13 hours travel time on board.
Day 2: Friday
Welcome to Romblon Island.
The marble capital of the Philippines.
We alight the ship and strolled around to find a breakfast place.
We found this local food stall near the port.
Had breakfast for P80, good for 2.
The marble craft stalls are just within this area.
We waited for the vessel that will take us to Sibuyan.
As usual, we did not buy tickets in advance or made reservations.
It departs Romblon island around 7 am daily.
The fare is P190.
The travel time is 3 hours.
We arrived in Magdiwang port of Sibuyan Island
at 10 am.
Instead of taking the jeepney, P150.
We joined some locals in a van on our way to San Fernando.
We meet them during the sailing as they were so curious of our travel adventure.
One of them is a barangay captain of San Fernando.
It was the same fare of P150 each.
But, instead of taking the 3 hours travel, we arrived earlier than expected.
They drop us in Azagra port around 11:30 am.
If you will be taking the jeepney,
you can just tell the driver to drop you in Azagra.
The port is walking distance from the street.
The simple beach of Azagra.
They also contacted a boatman for us.
The boat fare is P1500, good for 2-4 people.
There is a sari-sari store (convenient store) in the port
where we bought our lunch for P42.
It was for the canned fish and ripe mango.
With the cooked rice (they don't sell it).
They just gave it to us for free though we insist on paying.
We left the port around 12:30 pm arriving 1:15 pm.
The boat ride takes 45 minutes.
The water is so calm and clear.
It should have been a good place to do snorkelling, but the corals were destroyed.
We docked at the far end near this beach hut under this beautiful tree.
The entrance fee is P20.
There was no one around so we didn't pay anything.
We were the only people on this island.
The view from our small hut.
Our simple lunch delight.
We even have left over that we shared with the island dogs.
It's time to explore the island.
Though there is nothing much to see except this pure white sand bar beach,
and this tree at the far end.
So, I just indulged myself in swimming.
My friend Gracey contentedly swim for a bit then chill at the hut.
We decided to leave this island around 3 pm.
The mountain range of Guiting-guiting.
I dream of climbing this mountain, however, the difficulty is 9/9.
So, I will just keep on dreaming for a while.
We then had a cheeseburger for snack
in the sari-sari store for P25 each
Rent a trike to go to Cantinggas river forP100 each.
I read good reviews of accommodation here.
It is 15-20 minutes away from Azagra passing the town of San Fernando.
It is believed that this is an enchanted river leading to the city of spiritual realms
of Guiting-guiting.
At that time, there was no one around and it is not yet fully functional
due to the damage of the previous storm.
We asked the trike driver to wait for us a little bit so we can dip and enjoy the cold spring.
We proceed to Sea Breeze Hotel, which is within the San Fernando town.
We just added P50 each for the trike.
It is pure stone and marble beach.
Our room for P1000; AC and good for 2.
They do not have a fan room.
We haggle it for P600.
They do not have any other guest that day except us.
Actually, a storm left our country a few days ago.
I guess, most people want to stay at home.
It was a beautiful day.
We had our dinner take-out from a nearby restaurant. P170 for 2.
Our hotel owner called the jeepney driver to pick us up the next day at 5 am.
Day 3: Saturday
We did the top load on the jeepney and it was awesome!
We arrived in Magdiwang port at 8 am.
The fare is P150 each.
We had our breakfast at the pier for P70 each.
Then, waited for the ship that will take us to Tablas Island connecting in Romblon.
Waiting is quite boring.. but with this view.
It makes it a little worthwhile.
That boat submerged from last year's storm.
The vessel arrived 10 am and departs after 30 minutes.
The fee was P324 and P15 terminal fee.
As usual, we did not buy tickets in advance.. travel like a pro.
The view going back to Romblon of the the marble mining.
This island has a lot of white sand beaches, too.
We arrived 1 pm.
The travel was 3 hours, it left the port after 30 minutes.
The famous sand bar that connects to an island near the port of Romblon.
This was once featured on national TV.
Welcome to San Agustin, Tablas Island.
I thought the boat will take us to Odiongan,
but the route of the ship was in a different part of Tablas.
Romblon to San Agustin will take an hour.
There is a jeepney that departs San Agustin to Odiongan,
and another jeepney to Alcantara.
Most of these jeepneys are waiting for the boat to arrive every day.
But, the jeepney route that should take us to Alcantara decided to have a rest day.
We rented a motorbike, instead for P400 each.
It was an hour ride.
Finally!
We had our late lunch in this nice little garden, seeing and feeling the beach.
Our lunch for P270 good for 2.
I just enjoyed my afternoon swimming while making friends with a child,
while Gracey slept after the sun sets.
All too tired to get up for dinner.
The hillside view accommodation is P1300; AC and good for 2.. actually 4.
The beach side room rate is for P1600.
Our view from our room.
I asked one of their staff to accompany me the next day to watch the sunrise
at the other side of the hill.
Day 4: Sunday
I woke up at 4 am and had Kuya J to accompany me.
The view at the top of the hill.
I was cheerfully waiting for the sunrise.
However, I witnessed the Apocalypse, instead.
It rained a little bit.
So, we went to the other side of the resort.
We stayed here for a while enjoying the pouring of the rain.
An old man came here, too with his banca to get some wood.
They speak about the weather and our new president.
I understand and speak their local dialect as it is similar to Iloilo.
The Panay island is just 3 to 4 hours away from this province.
Then, after the rain.. here comes the promise.
This time, they are promises.
It's really wonderful.
We went back as Kuya J have some work to do and Gracey is up for breakfast.
Yes, I was right!
She just walked in the reception area.
The rainbow is still at the back drop.
We have our simple breakfast, P150 each.
With a good coffee.
My share of table for my morning chill.
I did swim after some time while Gracey had her own table, too.
Everyone is taking their own space and peace.
We prepared our stuff and check out at 11 am.
We hired a motorbike to take us to the main road.
P100 for 2.
Everyday, the jeepney schedules to pass the junction every 11:30 am.
It was the same jeepney should have taken us to this place yesterday.
The fare is P80 for 30 minutes travel.
We did the top- load.
We arrived in Odiongan port around 12 pm.
We had a simple lunch for P50 each.
We planned to take the Montenegro that departs at 5 pm.
We boarded the 2Go fast craft, instead, as the ship was delayed.
It was supposed to arrived and leave at 11 am,
however, it arrived around 2 pm and left Odiongan at 3 pm.
The fare is P830 and P15 terminal fee.
The facility is cleaner compared to other vessels,
though the fare is higher.
They serve free dinner.
We had showered then rest.
We arrived Batangas port at 11 pm.
Take the bus to Manila for P175, arriving 2 am.
It was quite a short time to enjoy everything and see every place,
but worth it!
The locals are kind and warm.
Total expenses: P6000 each
All in.
Companion: Sleeping Beauty.. I mean 1: Gracie
The Navios Lines sails to Sibuyan every Friday
at 4 or 5 pm.
We arrived in Odiongan of Tablas Island at 2 am.
Then,
departs Odiongan at 3 am arriving Romblon Island at 6 am.
It was 13 hours travel time on board.
Day 2: Friday
Welcome to Romblon Island.
The marble capital of the Philippines.
We alight the ship and strolled around to find a breakfast place.
We found this local food stall near the port.
Had breakfast for P80, good for 2.
The marble craft stalls are just within this area.
We waited for the vessel that will take us to Sibuyan.
As usual, we did not buy tickets in advance or made reservations.
It departs Romblon island around 7 am daily.
The fare is P190.
The travel time is 3 hours.
We arrived in Magdiwang port of Sibuyan Island
at 10 am.
Instead of taking the jeepney, P150.
We joined some locals in a van on our way to San Fernando.
We meet them during the sailing as they were so curious of our travel adventure.
One of them is a barangay captain of San Fernando.
It was the same fare of P150 each.
But, instead of taking the 3 hours travel, we arrived earlier than expected.
They drop us in Azagra port around 11:30 am.
If you will be taking the jeepney,
you can just tell the driver to drop you in Azagra.
The port is walking distance from the street.
The simple beach of Azagra.
They also contacted a boatman for us.
The boat fare is P1500, good for 2-4 people.
There is a sari-sari store (convenient store) in the port
where we bought our lunch for P42.
It was for the canned fish and ripe mango.
With the cooked rice (they don't sell it).
They just gave it to us for free though we insist on paying.
We left the port around 12:30 pm arriving 1:15 pm.
The boat ride takes 45 minutes.
The water is so calm and clear.
It should have been a good place to do snorkelling, but the corals were destroyed.
We docked at the far end near this beach hut under this beautiful tree.
The entrance fee is P20.
There was no one around so we didn't pay anything.
We were the only people on this island.
The view from our small hut.
Our simple lunch delight.
We even have left over that we shared with the island dogs.
It's time to explore the island.
Though there is nothing much to see except this pure white sand bar beach,
and this tree at the far end.
So, I just indulged myself in swimming.
My friend Gracey contentedly swim for a bit then chill at the hut.
We decided to leave this island around 3 pm.
The mountain range of Guiting-guiting.
I dream of climbing this mountain, however, the difficulty is 9/9.
So, I will just keep on dreaming for a while.
We then had a cheeseburger for snack
in the sari-sari store for P25 each
Rent a trike to go to Cantinggas river forP100 each.
I read good reviews of accommodation here.
It is 15-20 minutes away from Azagra passing the town of San Fernando.
It is believed that this is an enchanted river leading to the city of spiritual realms
of Guiting-guiting.
due to the damage of the previous storm.
We asked the trike driver to wait for us a little bit so we can dip and enjoy the cold spring.
We proceed to Sea Breeze Hotel, which is within the San Fernando town.
We just added P50 each for the trike.
It is pure stone and marble beach.
Our room for P1000; AC and good for 2.
They do not have a fan room.
We haggle it for P600.
They do not have any other guest that day except us.
Actually, a storm left our country a few days ago.
I guess, most people want to stay at home.
It was a beautiful day.
We had our dinner take-out from a nearby restaurant. P170 for 2.
Our hotel owner called the jeepney driver to pick us up the next day at 5 am.
Day 3: Saturday
We did the top load on the jeepney and it was awesome!
We arrived in Magdiwang port at 8 am.
The fare is P150 each.
We had our breakfast at the pier for P70 each.
Then, waited for the ship that will take us to Tablas Island connecting in Romblon.
Waiting is quite boring.. but with this view.
It makes it a little worthwhile.
That boat submerged from last year's storm.
The vessel arrived 10 am and departs after 30 minutes.
The fee was P324 and P15 terminal fee.
As usual, we did not buy tickets in advance.. travel like a pro.
The view going back to Romblon of the the marble mining.
This island has a lot of white sand beaches, too.
We arrived 1 pm.
The travel was 3 hours, it left the port after 30 minutes.
The famous sand bar that connects to an island near the port of Romblon.
This was once featured on national TV.
Welcome to San Agustin, Tablas Island.
I thought the boat will take us to Odiongan,
but the route of the ship was in a different part of Tablas.
Romblon to San Agustin will take an hour.
There is a jeepney that departs San Agustin to Odiongan,
and another jeepney to Alcantara.
Most of these jeepneys are waiting for the boat to arrive every day.
But, the jeepney route that should take us to Alcantara decided to have a rest day.
We rented a motorbike, instead for P400 each.
It was an hour ride.
Finally!
We had our late lunch in this nice little garden, seeing and feeling the beach.
Our lunch for P270 good for 2.
I just enjoyed my afternoon swimming while making friends with a child,
while Gracey slept after the sun sets.
All too tired to get up for dinner.
The hillside view accommodation is P1300; AC and good for 2.. actually 4.
The beach side room rate is for P1600.
Our view from our room.
I asked one of their staff to accompany me the next day to watch the sunrise
at the other side of the hill.
Day 4: Sunday
I woke up at 4 am and had Kuya J to accompany me.
The view at the top of the hill.
I was cheerfully waiting for the sunrise.
However, I witnessed the Apocalypse, instead.
It rained a little bit.
So, we went to the other side of the resort.
We stayed here for a while enjoying the pouring of the rain.
An old man came here, too with his banca to get some wood.
They speak about the weather and our new president.
I understand and speak their local dialect as it is similar to Iloilo.
The Panay island is just 3 to 4 hours away from this province.
Then, after the rain.. here comes the promise.
This time, they are promises.
It's really wonderful.
We went back as Kuya J have some work to do and Gracey is up for breakfast.
Yes, I was right!
She just walked in the reception area.
The rainbow is still at the back drop.
We have our simple breakfast, P150 each.
With a good coffee.
My share of table for my morning chill.
I did swim after some time while Gracey had her own table, too.
Everyone is taking their own space and peace.
We prepared our stuff and check out at 11 am.
We hired a motorbike to take us to the main road.
P100 for 2.
Everyday, the jeepney schedules to pass the junction every 11:30 am.
It was the same jeepney should have taken us to this place yesterday.
The fare is P80 for 30 minutes travel.
We did the top- load.
We arrived in Odiongan port around 12 pm.
We had a simple lunch for P50 each.
We planned to take the Montenegro that departs at 5 pm.
We boarded the 2Go fast craft, instead, as the ship was delayed.
It was supposed to arrived and leave at 11 am,
however, it arrived around 2 pm and left Odiongan at 3 pm.
The fare is P830 and P15 terminal fee.
The facility is cleaner compared to other vessels,
though the fare is higher.
They serve free dinner.
We had showered then rest.
We arrived Batangas port at 11 pm.
Take the bus to Manila for P175, arriving 2 am.
It was quite a short time to enjoy everything and see every place,
but worth it!
The locals are kind and warm.
Total expenses: P6000 each
All in.
Companion: Sleeping Beauty.. I mean 1: Gracie
