Romblon Island is one of the three main islands of Romblon province. The others being Tablas and Sibuyan islands. With an area of 33.54 sq mi, it is the smallest of the three island groups. The town is the capital of the province and is widely known for its marble industry, minerals, Spanish heritage and beautiful beaches.
Where is Romblon Island
The small island of Romblon including the three islands under its municipality, Cobrador, Alad and Logbon islands are sandwiched between the two bigger islands of Tablas and Sibuyan island. Romblon pass on the left side of the island and Sibuyan seas on the right.
How to Get to Sibuyan Island
Visiting Romblon itself takes an adventurous spirit and a sense of flexibility as ferry schedules (and sometimes even flights) aren’t always on time. So bring extra patience along with items to pass time when traveling to Romblon Province. Romblon Bay is the main gateway to the province and the port of Romblon in poblacion is the jump off in exploring the islands of Tablas and Sibuyan. If flying, Tablas is the main entry point.
Fastest (Recommended) Way
By Air via Tablas: The fastest way to Romblon is via a flight from Manila to Tablas Airport, Tugdan (TBH). Cebu Pacific Air is offering flights every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
- From Tugdan Airport, take a jeepney or tricycle to San Agustin. Travel time 1.5 hours. Fare is P250
- Take a pump boat to Romblon Island. Departs daily at 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Travel time is 40 minutes. Fare P200. Heading back to Tablas, from San Agustin, a pump-boat leaves the pier at 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM. If missed boat schedules, local fishermen can be hired for P1,500 one way.
Recommended Way by Sea
2Go Travel Ferry from Batangas to Romblon Island
Fare is P1,639.86 per passenger economy class. Travel time is 9 hours overnight.
Batangas to Romblon
ETD Tuesday 9 PM > ETA Wednesday 6 AM
ETD Thursday 9 PM > ETA Friday 6 AM
ETD Saturday 9 PM > ETA Sunday 6 AM
Romblon to Batangas
ETD Wednesday 8 PM > ETA Thursday 5 AM
ETD Friday 8 PM > ETA Saturday 5 AM
ETD Sunday 8 PM > ETA Monday 5 AM
*Schedule may change from the time of writing. For updated schedule and booking tickets visit their website
Montenegro Lines Ferry from Batangas to Romblon Island
Batangas to Romblon
ETD Monday 5 PM > ETA Tuesday 7 AM
ETD Thursday 5 PM > ETA Friday 7 AM
ETD Saturday 5 PM > ETA Sunday 7 AM
Romblon to Batangas
ETD Tuesday 1 PM > ETA Wednesday 3 AM
ETD Friday 1 PM > ETA Saturday 3 AM
ETD Sunday 1 PM > ETA Monday 3 AM
*Schedule may change from the time of writing.
Navios Lines Ferry from Batangas to Romblon Island
Batangas to Romblon
ETD Sunday 3 PM > ETA Monday 2 AM
ETD Wednesday 3 PM > ETA Friday 2 AM
ETD Friday 3 PM > ETA Saturday 2 AM
Romblon to Batangas
ETD Monday 3 PM > ETA Tuesday 2 AM
ETD Thursday 3 PM > ETA Friday 2 AM
ETD Friday 3 PM > ETA Sunday 3 AM
*Schedule may change from the time of writing.
Getting around
Romblon island is relatively small with a 50-km circumferential road. The main transportation on the island are tricycles which are plenty from the poblacion. Jeeps also ply regular routes around the island .Going around town by tricycle is Php 10. For special trips around the island, tricycles can be chartered for Php500 for up to 6 pax.
Things to do
Being a small island, Romblon is a municipality by itself. It has a balanced mix of attractions from stunning beaches, heritage structures, culture and even opportunity for a food trip. For organized tours around the island, I recommend connecting with the Romblon Tour Guides Association.
Island Hopping
As mentioned earlier, there are 3 islands that can be visited at the northwest side of the municipality. Cobrador island has six beaches, caves and islet with facilities for overnight stay.
Alad island is a popular snorkeling site with scenic coves and caves. Accommodations are available at the fishing village.
Logbon island, the closest of the three islands has a 2km white sand beach among its other six beaches. Notable rock formations and a sandbar.
Mainland Beach Hopping
Back on the mainland there are equally majestic beaches as well. Bonbon beach is only 5km from poblacion but has a picturesque white sand beach sandbar and an islet. Just separated by a rock is the nearby Tiamban Beach as another venue for sunset viewing. Both are located in barangay Lonos
In barangay Ginablan there’s also the laid-back Talimpasak beach.
Heritage Walks
From the town itself, its easy to visit some significant heritage icons in town:
- The St Joseph’s Cathedral and Belfry is one of the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the country built between 1640 and 1726.
- The Old Municipal Hall is a Spanish colonial era structure made with coral limestones.
- Across the municipal hall is the Fuente de Belen, a fountain with an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary on top built in 1864.
- Up on a hill are the twin Spanish Forts of San Andres and Santiago. Constructed with coral blocks and bricks between 1573 and 1644.
- In barangay Lonos is Villa del Mar also known as the Bishop’s Palace as this clay brick constructed residence was the home of the first bishop of Romblon, Msgr. Nicolas Mondejar
Join the Festivals
Every second of January, the town becomes lively with at least a week-long Biniray Festival. Kicking off with a Ton Ton ng Sto Niño de Romblon then a street dance the next day.
Shop Marble Handicrafts
Romblon is rich in marbles and minerals. The marble variety ranges from good to excellent. The many sellers at the stalls in Marble Shopping Center near the plaza can tell you the distinction on the quality based on the color and sheen. Price of course is dependent on the kind of marble and craftsmanship. There are workshops on the fringes of the town anyone can visit to observe how they quarry and create the handicrafts.
Food Trip
Being the capital of the province, a lot of migrants have settled on this city, probably attracted by its laid-back and unhurried vibe. This lent to an array of flavors that can be found in town. Check out the “where to eat” section below.
Where to Eat
The triangle block bounded by the Wharf road, Magallanes Drive and Highway 305 near the Freedom Park has most concentration of food establishments, from home grown comfort food, Italian, gelato shops and coffee shops.
- We had most of our meals at our partner restaurant for the trip, Seaport Bar & Grill. There are smoothies, shakes, hearty bowls and comfort foods here like chicken wings, tuna with Rosemary, pesto pasta and shrimps. My favorite though were their chicharon bulaklak.
- Nearby is JD & G Italian Food and Pizza. We had a chance to try different flavors from pepperoni to meaty and all-cheese. Love the thin crust. Also try Big Chef Pizza nearby.
- Coffee aficionados will enjoy quality coffee from Coffee Time with beans from Sagada and Kalinga.
- For desserts, try the multiple flavors of gelato at Monaco Ice Cream.
Where to Stay
We only had a couple of days stay in Romblon Island and we’re glad to spend most of it at Dream Paradise Mountain Resort.
Dream Paradise Mountain Resort
Around 9km south from poblacion proper, Dream Paradise Mountain Resort is tucked in beside the hill slopes in Barangay Mapula. Visitors can enjoy the soothing view of rice fields and Romblon Pass seas from the resort. Rooms are large and clean, an adult and kiddie pool, conference rooms, restaurant and a little marble park.
I enjoyed staying here a lot since the place was so serene. There are private verandas just to relax, bond with friends or family or simply find solace. If you’re a birding enthusiast, this would make a good base. Even from the resort, I spotted a few lifers for me here. One can even take a leisurely walk for 15 minutes to the nearby beach.
Book here for Dream Paradise Mountain Resort.
Travel Tips & Info
- Ferry schedules to and fro Romblon island are not strictly implemented. Be flexible. Delays can take up to hours and may also be cancelled depending on the weather conditions.
- There are Globe and Smart data on the island. Internet data is intermittent and are reliably accessible only in town.
- Bring enough cash. ATMs are available in some times and city halls but cash is not always guaranteed.
- If you like snorkelling or free diving, it is better to bring your own gear (snorkel and fins)
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.
