Located right in the middle of the Philippines, Romblon consists of three major islands, namely Romblon, Tablas, and Sibuyan along with 17 other smaller islands. With its diverse environment, from sandy white beaches to steep peaks, Romblon still remains an underrated local destination. This is the right time to explore and see what Romblon has to offer, so check out these highly recommended activities to do while in Romblon.
1. Conquer the summit of Mount Guiting-Guiting
If there is something that Romblon is most proud of when it comes to tourist attraction, it’s the fact that they have Mount Guiting-Guiting. More popularly called “ G2”, its 90-degree cliffside, camel back trails, and most of all, steep knife-like edges, make it one of the most technically challenging mountains in the Philippines. Only advanced mountaineers try to reach its summit and its always at the top of their bucklet list. Serving as an imposing backdrop of Sibuyan Island, Mt. Guiting-Guiting challenges the climber’s mental stamina above their physical endurance.
Trail AdvenTours Mt. Guiting Guiting
Address: Sibuyan Island, Romblon
Price: from 178 USD
Duration: 6 days
Contact: +632 8023401
Website: Trail AdvenTours Mt. Guiting Guiting
2. Have the beach to yourself
You’ll never run out of beaches on the Romblon islands. On every island, there are different beaches to try. On Romblon proper, there is Bonbon beach with its sandbar, as well as the local favorite, Tiamban Beach. Tablas Island has Binucat Beach, that is highly suited for couples or for those who prefer kayaking. Tablas also has secluded coves with dramatic limestone formations like Lapus-Lapus and Calatrava Cove.
In Sibuyan, one must never skip Cresta de Gallo Islet, hailed as Romblon’s most beautiful beach. Carabao Island is also frequently visited due to its proximity to Boracay Island.
3. Discover Sibuyan Island
Those who possess extreme physical and mental strength should explore Sibuyan Island. Nicknamed the “Galapagos of Asia”, Sibuyan has always existed on its own and never been a part of any other islands or land mass. The island is 33 percent forested - in fact, Sibuyan has five forest formations. It is gifted with rich biodiversity and endemic flora and fauna – truly a nature lover’s paradise! Explore the national park of Mt. Guiting-Guiting, chase its numerous waterfalls and swim in the Cantingas River - the cleanest river in the country.
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4. Wander around Tablas Island
The largest island in the province, Tablas serves as an entry-point to the majority of travelers visiting Romblon. Tablas is also a nice place to acclimate before exploring the rest of the off-the-beaten spots of Romblon. Walk around the main square, people watch by the pier and see the ancestral homes in the town center. There are beaches on the island and some of them have ample amenities and facilities. Top attractions in Tablas are Mainit Falls, Gainit Falls, Tinagong Dagat saltwater lagoon, and Binucot Beach.
5. See the view from Fort San Andres
On a hilltop lies the Spanish fort of San Andres, built way back in the 18th century, thus making it the oldest structure on Romblon Island. The fort and watchtower gave a vantage point against raiding Moros as well as the Dutch who tried to conquer the islands. Newly restored, this is a good activity as a break from the beach or from visiting the nature-related attractions of Romblon. Depending on which side of the fort you are standing, you’ll get an unobstructed view of the bay, the town, or even a glimpse of a marble quarry.
Address: Fort San Andres Rd, Romblon, Philippines
6. Meditate at Romblon Cathedral
A lovely downtown activity on Romblon is to head to St. Joseph Cathedral. Like other parts of the country, the Catholic church is located in the heart of the town, next to the town square. Bearing baroque architecture, built on bricks and coral stones, Romblon’s St. Joseph Cathedral is a heritage structure with its bell tower still housing its original bell. Inside Romblon’s oldest church, see its Byzantine-style altar and stained glass windows.
7. Learn about marble carving
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Romblon is most famous for being the “Marble Capital of the Philippines” and Romblon’s marble is said to be on par with Italian marble. As the strongest rock on earth, marble takes a highly skilled artisan to carve it into artistic pieces like dolphins, statues, vases or tables. Visit the marble carving shops on Romblon and watch how locals create giant structures or souvenir items. Manually carved, it is impressive to see how locals have kept the art for many generations.
8. Spelunking at Guyangan Cave
In one of the cliffs of Banton Island is an archeological site, significant not just to Philippine history, but to the rest of Southeast Asia. Inside the cliff is a burial cave where in 1935, a local farmer chanced upon artifacts like ancient artwork and centuries-old coffins, all of these now displayed in the National Museum of the Philippines. The most important artifact is a burial cloth known as a “Banton ikat”, dating from the Sung Dynasty, and therefore, the oldest burial cloth discovered in Southeast Asia.
9. Shop for souvenirs
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Romblon is not an easy place to get to and not a place you can easily go for a weekend trip. Thus, remember your trip with souvenir items for yourself or for your family and friends. If you love to cook or know someone who does, buy a marble mortar and pestle – one of the first products of Romblon. If you want to carry light, a marble keychain or a T-shirt will suffice. Or perhaps one of the local delicacies or handicrafts. Get these items in various Pasalubong Centers in the different towns of Romblon.
10. Explore Cresta de Gallo island
Cresta de Gallo island in Romblon is a wonderful place to explore. Take a half a day or so and take someone special to the gorgeous place. You may even have it all to yourself! Hire a boat, pack a picnic and head for paradise with your camera and sun cream. You will want to pick a shady spot and enjoy watching the surf across the sandbar. Stroll the beach and enjoy the pristine clear waters. As there are no permanent inhabitants, it’s as if you have entered the world before humankind stole the beauty through development. You may see flying fish and even starfish on the beach. Ask about a boat transfer for private hire in Sibuyan.
11. Explore the caves, corals and lanscapes of Cobrador Island
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Take a trip out! Cobrador Island has a small fishing settlement on it, a few houses, and apart from that, is totally unspoiled. The island is ideal for a day trip, so take along some refreshments and a picnic and relax on the white beaches. Explore the caves, look at corals, swim, and wander around the lush landscape. There is a very small environmental fee to pay, which helps to support the community. You must take along your camera as the place is unpolluted and pristine. Lucky visitors may get to see some turtles. Wander along the beach and look out for many attractive shells. The island is about a one-hour boat ride from Romblon Port.
12. Carabao Island
Carabao Island is one of the pristine islands in Romblon that offers different activities for the adventurers. If you would like to enjoy the sea, then you may do some beach activities while on the island. Expect to see, a field of seaweeds, sea urchins, starfishes and sea anemones farther along the beach as the clear water recedes. Also, since the side of the beach is lined with coconut trees, this spot is also perfect for picnics and picture taking. Aside from the beach, there are also other attractions you can visit on the island that is accessible via habal-habal or boat. Some of these are Tagaytay Point which overlooks Boracay, Cave in Koding-Koding Point and Ngiriton Bat Cave.
The best ecotourism destination
It is only on Romblon where travelers can get the rare opportunity to experience the authentic meaning of the word “unplugged”. With its untouched natural attractions, Romblon is the best destination for those looking for the ultimate outdoor and nature adventure in the Philippines.
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