Romblon Island | DIY Travel Guide

Romblon is a province located south of Luzon near Visayas region. It consists of 3 major islands namely: Romblon, Tablas and Sibuyan. I Grew up knowing that is it the Marble Capital of the Philippines and that’s it.  In recent years, it became a tourist destination. Thanks to social media, we’ve seen Romblon’s hidden beauty. 

During our visit to Romblon, a super typhoon was expected to make landfall in the Philippines. It was the worst possible time to explore Romblon. We still pushed through our 3 days 2 nights trip and hoped for a good weather in Romblon.

Our plan was to visit both Romblon and Tablas Island. Here’s the first part of the Romblon Island adventure.

The ferry (RORO) docked Romblon Port early morning. The weather was gloomy with little drizzles. Local kids were already in the cold sea beside the RORO eagerly waiting for tourists to throw coins.

We ate breakfast in a carinderia just outside the port. Afterwards, we did the Romblon land tour.

Part of the town tour is Fort San Andres - Half of the Twin fort of Romblon. A 17th century Spanish fort built to protect the town against pirates.

From Fort San Andres, we passed through a marble quarry before heading out to the beaches of Romblon.

First stop is just along the highway - Nonok beach. This beach has a fine white sand, calm and clear water and coral rocks scattered along the shore.

A short trike drive from Nonok Beach, is Bonbon Beach. A long stretch of creamy shore with a sandbar that stretches out to the other island. Bonbon beach is the most photographed beach in Romblon.

Aside from the beautiful scenery, the water is crystal clear. It made the snorkeling experience even better. But be careful since there's a strong wind and water current in the area. 

That afternoon, we wanted to do the island hopping tour. But due to a bad weather forecast, had a hard time looking for a boat. The boat we found was too small to fit us all.

Even with bumps on our plan, we still manage to have fun... 😎👌

A few minutes from the pier, the calm sea turned choppy. The small bangka made the ride uncomfortable and dangerous.

Due to rough sea, scratched out Cobrador Island and Marakay Marakay Cliff Jump and Tinagong Dagat on the list.

Our first stop is a beach in Alad Island.

After a few drinks, we went to check the underwater scene. Clear waters and a healthy underwater environment made the freediving experience great.

Closed our Romblon island hopping tour with a beautiful sunset.

For day 2, we woke up early to try our luck if we can transfer to Tablas Island.

When we arrived at the terminal, locals were already gathered in the office. While everybody’s trying to reserve a seat, panic is slowly building up. Then after an hour, the coast guard allowed a passenger boat to travel. We squeezed through the mob and got in the boat.

As soon as we’ve settled down, I was already looking forward to our Tablas Island adventure.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ROMBLON

The best time to visit Romblon is during dry season. This is from December to May. I recommend visiting during the cooler months from December to February. This is to avoid the tourist boom during summer.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO ROMBLON

• Beachwear

• Swimwear

• Sandals / Slippers

• Snorkeling Gear

• Fins

• Protection from the sun

• Beach mat

• Towel

• Dry bag

• Tumbler

• Trash bag

• Camera / Action Cam

• Batteries /Memory Cards

• Laptop

• Universal Adaptor

• Powerbank

• Charger

HOW TO GET TO ROMBLON FROM MANILA

The most affordable way to get to Romblon Island from Manila is via a ferry ride (RORO). In Manila, go to Buendia corner Taft and ride a bus going to Batangas Pier via CALABARZON Expressway. Travel time is around 2-3 hours.

In Batangas Pier, ride a ferry (RORO) to Romblon. Travel time is approximately 8 hours.

ROMBLON BUDGET AND ITINERARY

Sharing 2 budget for your reference. Both are computed based on a group of 5. You can still lower the cost on food and accommodation.

 The estimated budget for an overnight trip in Romblon Island is Php5,700.00. Computation is based on a group of 5. See breakdown below:

The estimated budget for a 3 days 2 nights trip to Romblon is Php8,000.00. Computation is based on a group of 5. See breakdown of expense below:

NOTE: Prices indicated above may change.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING ROMBLON

• There are plenty of bus companies with hourly trip to Batangas Pier. Fastest way is taking the route via CALABARZON expressway.

• Rombon is still under developed. Do not expect big malls, fast food restaurants and high-end resorts in this island.

• Transportation

  • Tricycle is the mode of transportation going around the island.

• Tours

  • Tricycle also offers land tours.

  • It is important to agree first on the tour details before the tour.

  • We did a DIY for both Land Tour and Island Hopping tour. Food is not included in tours.

•  Food

  • There are plenty of carinderias and eateries in the area that are affordable

  • We’ve tried the following restaurants:

    • JD&G Italian Food

      • An Italian Restaurant near Romblon Port.

    • Good Guys Restaurant

      • Local Bar and Grill restaurant near Romblon Port.

• Accommodation

  • LCF Bed and Breakfast

    • A budget friendly accommodation perfect for groups.

• Cash basis.

• No sure if there’s an ATM in Romblon Island. Bring enough cash before going to Romblon.

• Signal is weak in remote places.

ROMBLON TRAVEL TIPS

• Check the weather

• For convenience don’t bring luggage. Travelling around Romblon is easier in bags.

• You should be on your way to Batangas around 5PM. This way you have enough time to buy tickets and catch the ferry (RORO). Ferry will depart at 9PM.

• Ferry schedule is not daily.

• In Batangas Pier, go straight to ticketing counters. Do not talk to scalpers to avoid scam.

• There are plenty of tricycle outside of Romblon Port. Ask around to know the rate for tours.

• Before proceeding with the tours, make sure to confirm the activities / itinerary and the rates from the tour guide.

• For big groups, tricycles can only accommodate 5 pax plus bags and that’s already pushing it. If you prefer convenience, just hire another trike.

• For Island Hopping Tour, look for a medium to large boat. It will cost you more but will make the boat ride comfortable.

• Food is not included in tours, bring snacks and drinks. Also, bring some for your tour guide.

• Do not leave trash behind.

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See you on my next adventure…. Peace!