Aside from Bonbon Beach, the main island of Romblon has some island hopping activities too with its fare share of equally stunning islands and beaches. Since we’re covering the Biniray Festival and Tonton ng Sto Niño that day, we only have the morning to visit one of the three islands at the northwestern side of Romblon island, the Cobrador Island. The island is the farthest of the three and a 45 minute boat ride away from the poblacion.
Island Hop
Accompanied by the Romblon Tour Guides Association, we took an outrigger boat from poblacion and to Cobrador Island. We passed by the other two islands, Logbon island which is nearer the mainland and Alad island, the middle island. Once we passed by the 2nd island, it was open sea and the waves became rougher.
Cobrador Island
We docked at the shores of Sitio Cabugaan on the west side of the island. This is the calmer part of the island and has most of the nice stretches of beach. The island has a community of a thousand in population who relies on fishing, tourism and also sourcing black marble.
We arrived on the beach near the school and traces of Typhoon Ursula still lingers. Some huts deformed and leaning from the force of the wind. Trees bent, if not broken. A primary and secondary school was in the vicinity. Some of the children were still playing some sport either basketball or volleyball. We rented one of the cottages and took time to enjoy the beach and some food. It was a short but sweet escape.
More Island Wanders
If I had my way, I would stay longer on the island or even overnight. There are now home stays for at least P 200/head or air-conditioned rooms for P800 a night available. It would give enough time to visit the famed Tinagong Dagat on the eastern side of the island, a beach hidden behind limestone rocks. Do spelunking on the any of the three caves, Dingle, Nagiritan, and Angas Caves. Or simply enjoy cliff diving at Marakay Marakay island.
Going to Cobrador Island
For a hassle free tour of Cobrador Island, contact Romblon Tour Guides Association on their FB page /RomblonTGA/.
Island Hopping prices vary depending on the size of the boat. For a 2 person outrigger boat, it would be around P1,500. For a bigger boat that can fit 4-5 persons it is around P3,000 for a day of island hopping.
There is also a public passenger two-way boat to Cobrador Island plying every Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The boat leaves Cobrador at 6AM to Romblon Port and returns from Romblon mainland at 12 NN to Cobrador. Fare is Php 30/ person.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
