This travel guide to Romblon details all the necessary information a tourist usually seeks before visiting the island. Travel requirements and information on getting there, where to stay, activities, sample itinerary, budget, and other tips are provided and updated regularly.
About Romblon
The province of Romblon is a cluster of 20 islands and islets, and of 17 municipalities and 17 dialects. Its capital town, also named Romblon in the island of the same name is the heart of the province, geographically and politically, and also dubbed as the Philippines’ Marble Capital.
This island capital is situated in between the bigger islands of Sibuyan and Tablas. Sibuyan Island is known for its white sand beaches and for Mt. Guiting-Guiting, a favorite trek for mountaineers. While Tablas Island also harbors great beaches apart from being the gateway to the province by air.
But Romblon Island beckons everyone with its own beauty – numerous unspoiled dive sites, white sand island beaches and caves, lovely people and its inland treasures of historical and religious significance. Go island and beach hopping to best experience the sand, sea and sun of one of the most overlooked destinations in the country.
How to Get to Romblon
By Air
Tugdan Airport in Tablas is the gateway to the province by plane. Cebu Pacific regularly fly to and from Romblon. 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 are regular boat trips (10AM and 3PM) to Romblon. Meanwhile, Romblon to San Agustin boats departs at 8AM and 1PM everyday.
By Sea
With the rough waters especially during the “ber” months, Romblon is an adventure.
Batangas to Romblon
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.
Roxas (Mindoro) to Romblon
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.
Where to Stay in Romblon
In my short stint in Romblon, I stayed in Parc Bay Mansion (Contact No: +639215757760). A big fan room with queen sized bed and colored television costs P800 per night. Facilities are basic but the location is great, conveniently located near the port with a good view of the bay.
Another good option is the San Pedro Beach Resort (Talipasak Beach Resort) in Barangay Talipasak that offers a quiet and relaxing exclusive beach accommodation for as low as P600 per night on a fan room. The resort, owned by Ate Mina Mingowa (Contact No: +639282730515), has eight room cottages, a restaurant and offers a secluded and private beach. It is approximately an hour away from the town center.
Other accommodations in the island are Romblon Plaza Hotel (Contact No: +639193977924/(63-042)5072269), Blue Ridge Hotel (Contact No: +639193819393), Buena Suerte Resort, Diwata Resort (Contact No: +639207843522), D’Maestro Inn, Muravian Hotel, Falmar Pension House, Marbel Hotel, Feast Inn, Cabanbanan Dive and Beach Resort (+639102837612), Palm Beach Garden Resort, Punta Corazon Beach Resort (Contact No: 63-042-5072269), S & L Beach Resort (Contact No: +639194477862), The Three P Holiday & Dive Resort (Contact No: +639194470713), Tiamban Aqua Club Beach Resort (Contact No: +639208094881) and Blue Hole Diver’s Beach Resort.
What to Do in Romblon
- Explore the unspoiled and virgin beaches of Romblon. The beaches of Bonbon, Margie’s, Tiamban and Talipasak among others.
- Visit St. Joseph Cathedral, the oldest church in the province originally built in 15th century but is now reconstructed with its facade made of marbles. The collection of antique icons and religious paintings still remain inside.
- Check out the old fortresses of San Andres and Santiago on the two adjacent hills fronting the bay. The twin forts made of coral blocks and bricks were erected during the Spanish era to guard the town against the Moro raiders and Dutch pirates. The Fort of San Andress now houses PAGASA Romblon Observatory while only the ruins of Santiago Fort is existing. The two are on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Hop from island to island and enjoy their fine white sand beaches. Go to Alad, Logbon and Cobrador all under the municipality of Romblon, Romblon.
- Check out also other beaches, waterfalls, caves and other attractions in the neighboring islands of Odiongan, Concepcion (Maestro de Campo Island), Banton, Corcuera (Sumara Island), Sibuyan and San Jose or Carabao Island, regarded as twin beach of Boracay.
- Scuba diving in more than 20 known dive spots across the province: Agnay Sanctuary, Agpanabat Caves & Canyons and Sanctuary, Alad Island, Bangug Island, Bonbon Beach, Cobrador Island, Tinang Island, Coral Garden, Giant Clam Sanctuary, Logbon Island, Naguso’s Wall, Phil’s Fan Coral Collection, Salvar Beach, San Pedro Cliff and Sanctuary, Sasaigang Point, Sunken Island, Telsie’s Garden and Turtles’ Feeding Place in Romblon Island; Blue Hole, Bonbon Sea Grass Valley, Carmen’s Cliff, Guindauahan Island, Origon Rocks, Peter’s Pinnacles and Times Square in Tablas Island; and Cresta de Gallo in Sibuyan. Expect to see wrecks, sharks, rays, tuna, barracuda, and other pelagics and tropical marine species, corals and crinoids. Dive shops in Romblon Island include: Cabanbanan Dive and Beach Resort and The Three P Holiday & Dive Resort / Ducks Diving Romblon
- Snorkeling and other water sports
- Trek Mt. Guiting-Guiting in Sibuyan Island
- Buy marble products
Welcome on Sibuyan Island who has lived in isolation from the rest of the world since its birth. Never in its geological history has it ever been connected with any part of the Philippine archipelago. The Island of Sibuyan is also known for its unique intact chain of ecosystems with his endemic flora & fauna, dominated by the 2.058m high Mount Guiting Guiting. This natural landmark of Sibuyan Island is considered as one of the most demanding climbing goals (Level III) worldwide.
Most of our guests like Biologists, Mountaineers, Snorkeler and Scuba Divers, Backpackers or pure Nature Lovers are staying at the Olango Bay. This Bay is best starting point for your activities by land & sea. Located here in between of Mount Guiting Guiting and the sea, the well known Boathouse offers affordable Accommodations with hot & cold showers. We speak Tagalog, English and German.
Grab some more information about Sibuyan Island, How to get there, Where you can stay and about Sibuyan Adventures on http://isledreams.com
Mabuhay… Sibuyan Island the Galapagos of Asia
Laarni & Tom
i live in Mindoro. what ferry companies operate ferrys from oriental Mindoro to romblon province ?
Romblon Province has 4 languages: Romblomanon/Ini; Cajidiocanon, Asi/Bantoanon, and Unhan. Romblon/Ini and its dialects are spoken in the municipalities of Romblon, Magdiwang,(Sibuyan Island) San Fernando (Sibuyan island), and San Agustin (Tablas Island). Cajidiocanon is spoken in the Municipality of Cajidiocan (Sibuyan Island) Asi/Bantoanon, Odiongan and Calatrava (Tablas Island) Simar, Sibale and Banton islands; Unhan in the municipalities of Ferrol, San Andres, Sta. Maria,Looc, Alcantara, Sta. Fe, and San Jose (Carabao Island.
The info here are very handy. Thanks for sharing, Sir. will be checking Romblon soon.
[…] With eight room cottages, a restaurant and a secluded beach, this resort offers a quiet and serene beach accommodation for as low as P600 per night on a fan room. The the resort, owned by Ms. Mina Mingowa (+639282730515), is popular for foreign backpackers. That’s just four beaches in mainland Romblon Island and there’s probably more on the eastern seaboards and the neighboring islands. But I hope those photos and descriptions are enough to convince you to visit Romblon. I guarantee you that it is a worthy trip! 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. […]
why not include information about inter island distance or port to port distance. Like distance from Romblon port to San Agustin, Romblon Port to Ambulong, Romblon Port to Odiongan port, etc. Also it would be more informative if distance from one municipality to other municipality be also included. For example, San Agustin to Odiongan, San Agustin to Looc, Looc to Odiongan, Odiongan to Sta. Fe and many more. So that travellers could get more idea on their travel along the province of Romblon.
I’m looking for this info also. Hehe hopefully, I could find one.
Thanks for providing us informations on hotels….Romblon is one of the destinations I would like to visit in the future via Boracay..thanks again.
ask ko lang po?
may diretso po bang romblon ? from san jose mindoro..
alam ko merong galing ng mindoro deretso ng Odiongan, romblon via malaking bangka; pero kung deretsong romblon, romblon, not so sure about that.
Hello,
Here you can find detailed information on how to get to Romblon, Romblon from Mindoro and other places:
http://www.ducks-diving.com/index.php?kat=235&lang=en
ROMBLON is one of the best provinces around the archeapelago that I’ve been with. This province has everything, from cultures, mountains, falls, diving sites, beaches, forest and etc. And also, you will really enjoy the fiesta’s every year in every municipality like KANIDUGAN FIESTIVAL from Odiongan: http://www.darwinfdalisay.com/2012/04/kanidugan-festival-2012.html.
Romblon at first was not included on the list of places that i luv to visit in the Philippines. My friend asked me to tsek Romblon as our next destination and after seeing this site, I agreed and now just checking our schedule and how to get to Romblon. I am excited and thrilled….Romblon, we’ll be there…..
Visit also Banton – one of the islands in Romblon.Great beaches and culture.
medyo mahirap maghanap ng blog about sa romblon ha..
parang may something sa lugar na to na gusto ko talaga puntahan…
nice one!
Thanks a lot for sharing the Link to our website, but it is leading to on old part that shouldn’t be accessible anymore.
It would be great if you could exchange it to this link:
http://www.ducks-diving.com/index.php?kat=255
Where or what is “Blue Hole Diver’s Beach Resort”?
We have a couple of resorts on Romblon Island, but from what I know a resort with that name does not exist.
Sheesh, I was born and raised in Romblon but I’ve never been to any of these place. 🙁
[…] https://www.lakwatsero.com/destinations/travel-guide-romblon-island/ […]
We discovered more than 50 dive sites until know – all rich in marine life.
You can find detailed information on Romblon and its dive sites at our website: http://www.ducks-diving.com/index.php?kat=255&lang=en
At our photo gallery at Flickr you can find up-to-date photos of the island, beaches, scuba diving…:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/the_three_p_romblon/sets/
Phil
Ducks Diving Romblon
The Three P Holiday & Dive Resort
Hi Philipp, I and my dive buddy from cagayan de Oro are going to Romblon this May for some dive expedition. I hope to dive with your dive shop 🙂
We discovered more than 50 dive sites until know – all rich in marine life.
You can find detailed information on Romblon and its dive sites at our website: http://www.ducks-diving.com/index.php?kat=255&lang=en
At our photo gallery at Flickr you can find up-to-date photos of the island, beaches, scuba diving…:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/the_three_p_romblon/sets/
Philipp
Ducks Diving Romblon
The Three P Holiday & Dive Resort
“Europhil” beachlodge and Restaurant, a small familiar beachresort owned by a German with his phil . Wife. You will come as a stranger and live as a friend,
on the island of Sibuyan/Romblon, also called as the Galapagos of Asia. A Natural Park with species, you never find in other places in the world in a protected Rainforrest.
The third highest moutain, in the Philippines, will invite you for mountain-climbing up on Mount Guitinguiting 2053 m high.
A boat-trip will bring you to our fish-sanctuary for snorkling.
Renting a motorbike you can go around the island to see its beauty.
Wow. Haven’t been here but it sure looks beautiful most esp with the beach photos! And I’ll say another WOW sa detailed lists of how to go there and where to stay! Galing 🙂
Romblon Province has a 20 Islands cluster, all filled with adventure and their own Unique offerings, hosted by the Filipino Culture. The Islands have great Filipino Cuisine on offer, an abundance of Fresh Fish, Sea Foods, Organic Fruits and Vegetables, Historic Churches and Buildings, A Bio-Diversity of nature, Fish and Marine Sanctuary’s Turtles Sanctuary’s, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Family Adventure, White Beaches, Airport, Ports, the list just goes on, but for sure experiencing Romblon is an experience not to be missed.
Tablas Island is neighboring San Jose Island and the World Famous Boracay Island.
Email: [email protected]
Int: 0063 919 483 8591 Local: 0919 483 8591
Romblons Province of 20 Islands has a lot to offer, visit our web site for more Information, http://www.romblonlifestyles.com
Picture Albums:
https://picasaweb.google.com/eurodesignsinc
http://www.flickr.com/photos/philippines-tourism-and-investments/sets/
Video Albums:
http://www.youtube.com/user/BeachLandEstate
http://vimeo.com/beachlandestate/videos