The Philippines, an archipelago of 7,107 islands, is known for its beautiful beaches. Its coastline, stretching at 37,653 kilometers, is the fourth longest in the world, longer than Australia and even the United States of America. But more than Boracay, Cebu or El Nido, there are other beaches perched in less touristy islands of the country. Unspoiled and unspoiled hidden jewels that guarantee the same sun, sea and sand of the tropical Philippines such as in the Province of Romblon. Home to the famed Bonbon Beach and other equally beautiful beaches.

Located at the center of the Philippine archipelago, the Province of Romblon is a cluster of 20 islands and islets scattered in Sibuyan Sea and Tablas Strait. Its capital is the island municipality of the same name, Romblon Island, home to some of the country’s pristine beaches, without the usual crowd and with the serenity that everyone dreams of. Let’s check out some!

Bonbon Beach

Just five kilometers from the downtown, Bonbon Beach is perhaps the most beautiful and popular beach in the island. Located in Barangay Lonos, Bonbon is a privately owned white sandy beach on a gradually sloping seafront that stretches up to approximately two kilometers. It is linked to an uninhabited Bang-og Island by a sandbar that is submerged on a knee to chest deep water during high tide.

It is a bare beach – no resort nor other commercial amenities. Just pure sand, turquoise water, fantastic view of the Tablas Island, beautiful sunset and the typical rural beach life. Since it is a private property, you need to ask permission if you have plan of camping in the area.

Margie’s Beach

Also in Barangay Lonos and situated just beside Bonbon Beach is a small yet equally beautiful strip of white sand that locals call Margie’s Beach. Generally speaking, it is still part of Bonbon Beach, separated only by huge rocks and owned by different person.

Like Bonbon Beach, there is no resort nor cottages in Margie’s Beach. If you prefer to set your camp here,  just approach the locals residing in the beach to ask for permission.

Tiamban Beach

Tiamban is another popular beach in Barangay Lonos. Famed for its white sand and crystal clear blue water specially during high tide, Tiamban Beach offers the same beautiful view of Tablas Island.

It is a child friendly beach for its gradually sloping seabed and clean fine sand. But unlike Bonbon and Margie, Tiamban Beach has basic facilities for tourists who prefer to stay overnight, camping is also allowed for a minimal fee.

San Pedro Beach (Talipasak Beach)

Tucked in the coastline of Barangay Talipasak, some thirty minutes ride from the downtown, is the privately owned San Pedro Beach Resort or commonly known as Talipasak Beach.

With eight room cottages, a restaurant and a secluded beach, this resort offers a quiet and serene beach accommodation for as low as P800 per night on a fan room. The the resort, owned by Ms. Mina Mingowa, contact number 639282730515, is popular for foreign backpackers.

That’s just four beaches in mainland Romblon Island and there are probably more on the north and eastern seaboard and the neighboring islands such as Sabang Beach in Cajimos and other beaches in Agbudia Beach and Agtongo. But I hope those photos and descriptions are enough to convince you to visit Romblon. I guarantee you that it is a worthy trip!

How to Get to Romblon

By Air

Tablas Airport is the gateway to the province by plane. Cebu Pacific flies to and from Tablas, Romblon everyday. From the airport, catch a ride to Odiongan Port and hop on to ferries going to Romblon Island or travel by land to San Agustin where there’s a regular twice daily boat trips (10AM and 3PM) to Romblon, Romblon. Meanwhile, the Romblon, Romblon to San Agustin boats departs at 8AM and 1PM everyday.

By Ferry

With the rough waters especially during the “ber” months, Romblon is an adventure.

From Batangas: Several shipping lines serve Batangas – Romblon (Odiongan, Romblon, San Agustin and Sibuyan) everyday.

Montenegro Ferry – (043) 723-6980 / (043) 723-8294
Departs Batangas to Odiongan, Rombon and Sibuyan every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 5PM. Economy fare is P584.00 for Odiongan, P634.00 for Romblon and P834 for Sibuyan, inclusive of travel insurance. Return trip is every next day after departure Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

CSGA Ferry Corporation (M/V Princess Annavell)
Departs Batangas to Odiongan every Tuesday at 4PM and San Agustin, Rombon and Sibuyan (Azagra and San Fernando) every Thursday and Saturday at 4PM. Economy fare is P550.00 for Odiongan and San Agustin, P575.00 for Romblon and P680.00 for Sibuyan. De Luxe fare is P675.00 for Odiongan and San Agustin, P700.00 for Romblon and P800.00 for Sibuyan. Return trip is every next day after departure Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Romblon Tablas Sibuyan Lines Inc. (M/V Miss Romblon)
Departs Batangas to Odiongan, Rombon and Sibuyan. Economy fare is P550.00 for Odiongan and Romblon and P600.00 for Sibuyan. Tourist fare is P600.00 for Odiongan and Romblon and P900.00 for Sibuyan. De luxe fare is P700.00 for Odiongan and Romblon and P1000.00 for Sibuyan.

Rapal Inter Island Shipping (M/V Ma. Angelica Grace)
Departs Batangas to Odiongan, Romblon and Sibuyan (Magdiwang) every Wednesday at 430PM and to San Agustin, Rombon and Sibuyan (Magdiwang) every Sunday at 430PM.

Super Shuttle Ferry
Departs Batangas to Odiongan every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 3PM.

Prices and schedules are subject to change; please contact the shipping lines for inquiries.

From Roxas, Oriental Mindoro: A motorboat departs daily at 10AM to Odiongan and returns on the same day at 1PM. Travel time is two hours. Ferries from Batangas stop at Odiongan, you may catch these ferries to take you to Romblon, Romblon or travel by land (approximately one hour)  from Odiongan Port to San Agustin Port also in Tablas Island, that connects to Romblon, Romblon via twice daily boat trips  that depart 10AM and 3PM. Romblon, Romblon to San Agustin boats depart at 8AM and 1PM everyday.

For more information on how to go, where to stay, what to do and other tips on going to Romblon Island, check out my Romblon Island Travel Guide.

Boom Your Hotel in Romblon, Romblon