Just beyond Boracay’s iconic beaches lie three epic destinations: Carabao Island, Tablas Island, and Romblon Island. Each one offers a unique adventure filled with secluded beaches, vibrant marine life, and lush greenery. This ultimate guide covers where to stay, what to do, and how to island hop through Romblon province at your own pace, allowing you to experience these hidden gems beyond the typical tourist trail.
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Carabao Island: Discovering the Untamed Beauty
Carabao Island is a true hidden gem of the Visayas, offering visitors a raw, unspoiled experience away from the crowds. With stunning white sand beaches, serene mangrove forests, and incredible cliff-jumping spots, Carabao is perfect for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Where to Stay
Options here are limited but charming, with a few small beach resorts and rustic cottages lining the coast. Hanohano Beach Front Cottages and Carabao Cove Resort are ideal for those wanting a quiet, beachfront stay.
Things to Do on Carabao Island
Cliff Jumping: Try cliff jumping at epic locations around the island’s limestone cliffs.
Mangrove Paddling: Rent a kayak and explore the calm, mangrove-lined waters of the east coast.
Snorkeling and Diving: Discover vibrant sea creatures and coral reefs in the Sibuyan Sea, with plenty of secluded spots to explore.
Getting There
A 30-minute boat ride from Boracay’s Caticlan Jetty Port makes Carabao easily accessible, ideal for a day trip or an extended stay.
Visit Tablas Island: The Diverse Heart of Romblon Province
As the largest island in Romblon province, Tablas Island offers diverse attractions, from lush inland forests to scenic coastlines with both private beach and lively village. Visit Tablas Island to experience a perfect mix of relaxation, local culture, and adventure.
Where to Stay
Tablas Island offers a variety of resorts and hotels, from mid-range spots like Footprints Beach Resort on the west coast to cozy beach resorts near Looc and Odiongan. For those visiting the marine sanctuary in Looc, there is an entrance fee of 100 pesos per person, which includes the boat fee, making it an affordable way to enjoy the island’s underwater beauty.
Top Things to Do on Tablas Island
Explore Beaches: The island’s east coast has beautiful, quiet beaches, while the west coast offers the best sunsets. Beach hop to find your favorite secluded spot.
Marine Sanctuary: Snorkel or dive at Looc Marine Sanctuary and enjoy stunning views of diverse sea creatures.
Tablas Point and Southern Tip: Perfect for an adventure through beautiful coconut and palm tree-lined paths.
Water Sports: Try kayaking or paddleboarding at one of the island’s calm bays.
Hidden Gems and Must-See Spots
Calatrava Island Hopping: Explore nearby islands on a day trip, where you’ll encounter scenic limestone cliffs and charming small villages.
Waterfall Treks: Find a beautiful waterfall hidden in the island’s lush greenery, ideal for a refreshing swim.
Getting There
There are currently no Cebu Pacific flights operating from Manila to Tugdan Airport on Tablas Island. Instead, AirSWIFT offers direct flights from Manila to Tugdan Airport (TBH), though these are not daily and may vary seasonally. For those coming from nearby islands, ferry services are available, including routes from Boracay to Tablas. Ferries operate from Caticlan Jetty Port near Boracay, connecting to Odiongan Port on Tablas through providers like Montenegro Lines and 2Go Travel
Romblon Island: Marble Capital and Coastal Haven
Known as the “Marble Capital of the Philippines,” Romblon Island is the cultural and administrative center of the region. With marble quarries, charming villages, and pristine beaches, Romblon offers an enriching experience for travelers looking to delve deeper into the province’s heritage.
Where to Stay
From budget-friendly inns to beachfront resorts, Romblon offers a range of accommodation options. Romblon Island Resort and Lualhati Beach Resort offer a comfortable stay near the town proper, perfect for exploring nearby attractions.
Top Things to Do on Romblon Island
Marble Quarries: Tour the island’s famous marble quarries to witness artisans at work.
Cobrador Island: A quick boat ride from Romblon, this island offers pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Historic Town Proper: Explore Romblon’s historic churches and charming architecture.
Hidden Gems: For a unique experience, visit Talipasak Beach on the northern tip, a remote beach with quiet waves and great snorkeling.
Getting There
To reach Romblon Island, take a ferry from either Odiongan Port on Tablas Island or Caticlan Jetty Port near Boracay. These routes offer regular schedules, making it convenient for travelers to access Romblon and continue exploring nearby islands.
Understanding Tides: Planning Your Island Adventures
The tides around Carabao, Tablas, and Romblon Islands add a dynamic element to your travel experience. By understanding the ebb and flow of tides, you can plan for more memorable activities on these islands, whether it’s cliff jumping, beachcombing, or capturing scenic views at just the right time. Here’s what to keep in mind for each tide phase:
Low Tide Highlights
During low tide, typically occurring twice daily, you’ll have access to unique opportunities:
Walk along extended stretches of white sand beaches, uncovering more of the coastline.
Explore hidden caves and rock formations usually submerged, revealing secluded areas.
Discover marine life in tide pools and natural basins that form along the shore.
Access secret beaches and coves, especially around Tablas Point and the southern tip of Carabao Island.
Watch locals harvesting seashells and gathering small sea creatures in the exposed shallows.
High Tide Benefits
At high tide, you’ll find ideal conditions for several water activities:
Better swimming and snorkeling conditions with greater depth.
Easier boat access to remote beaches, making it simpler to reach secluded spots.
Perfect timing for cliff jumping, especially around Carabao’s cliff spots.
Improved accessibility to marine sanctuaries like the one in Looc, ideal for viewing diverse marine life.
Pro Tips for Tide Timing
Check local tide tables when scheduling your island-hopping and activities.
Select beach resorts knowledgeable about tide patterns to ensure easy access to the beaches you wish to visit.
Some remote island areas are accessible only during specific tide conditions, so plan accordingly.
Best sunset views are often at high tide, when boats can anchor at prime spots for that perfect shot.
Photography tip: Visit limestone cliffs during low tide for unique shots of exposed formations.
Weather on the Islands
The islands’ tropical climate means warm, sunny days year-round, with peak dry season from November to May, ideal for travel, as you’ll enjoy calm seas and clear skies. During the typhoon season (June to October), heavy rains and rough seas may affect travel plans, so always check local weather forecasts.
Suggested Itinerary: Exploring the Romblon Archipelago
Day 1: Start your journey in Boracay, then take a boat to Carabao Island for a day of exploration and relaxation.
Day 2: Depart Carabao Island and head to Tablas Island. Spend the day discovering the island’s natural wonders, historic sites, and local culture.
Day 3: Explore the marble quarries and other attractions on Romblon Island, the administrative center of the archipelago.
Day 4: Spend a final day island-hopping to nearby islands like Cobrador and Banton, or revisit any must-see sights you missed earlier in your trip.
Day 5: Depart the Romblon archipelago, either by boat back to Boracay or by air from Tugdan Airport on Tablas Island.
This itinerary allows you to experience the diverse natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unique attractions of the three main islands surrounding Boracay. By starting and ending your journey in Boracay, you can easily combine your exploration of the Romblon archipelago with a visit to the renowned Boracay Island.
Best Time to Visit and Travel Tips
The dry season (November to May) is ideal for visiting Carabao, Tablas, and Romblon, as the seas are calm and the skies are clear. Avoid the typhoon season (June to October) when heavy rains and strong winds make travel difficult. Each island offers low or no entrance fees to most attractions, making it affordable for extended exploration.
Whether you’re planning a quick trip or an entire day on each island, this guide ensures a seamless journey across the beautiful Romblon archipelago. Start your adventure in Boracay and discover some of the Philippines’ best-kept secrets, all at your own pace!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The key islands near Boracay are Carabao, Tablas, and Romblon.
The islands are accessible by boat from Boracay, with travel times ranging from 30 minutes to a few hours. Some islands also have small airports.
Activities include hiking, exploring nature and historic sites, beach hopping, and cultural immersion in local handicrafts.
The dry season from November to May is the ideal time, with sunny weather and calmer seas.
Yes, lesser-known highlights include the Romblon Caves, remote Sibale Island, and the Sibuyan Sea Marine Reserve.
The islands are known for fresh seafood, local specialties, and unique regional dishes.
It’s possible to visit multiple islands as part of a Boracay vacation, though some planning is required.
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