First Stop in Romblon: Carabao Island

Our trip to Romblon was not very easy. Since the province is composed of a number of islands, we needed to cross wavy seas. We traveled from San Agustin in Tablas Island to Romblon Island on a very small boat. With small, I mean there are only three of us and we can hardly fit in the boat with the boatman and his assistant. We never had a life vest if our boat capsized that day, I am not sure if I'll make it (waves are huge and swimming is not in my list of skills). With that, I promised that if I make it alive after that boat ride, I will write something about Romblon. 

The first island we visited in Romblon is Carabao Island, locally called Hambil. The first time that I heard about the island is in a documentary in I-Witness about people living in the island who cross the seas everyday to work at it's famous neighbor, Boracay.

It was around 10:30 when we reached the island because the boat did not leave Sta. Fe on time, the waves were quite strong as we approached the shore because it's almost mid-day.

Carabao Island

The primary mode of transportation to go around the island is the habal-habal (motorcycle). So we hailed two to look for a place where we can stay for the night. We found Kameo Lodge, it was still under construction during our stay and the owner solely builds the place up. Amazing. Our room is at the second floor where it is very windy. We paid 750php for our overnight stay, unfortunately, I was not able to note down the name of the owner and their contact number. But if you will be going to visit Hambil, just tell the driver to bring you there, the owner is very accomodating.

Kameo Lodge

Electricity supply during that the time that we were there is from 6pm to 11pm only. However, normally, it's until 1am but since the town fiesta just finished and they received more than the usual supply, they have to turn off the lights earlier. After a quick change, and lunch at a nearby eatery, we're off to explore the island.

Tourism Center at Hambil

First stop: Tagaytay Point. The highest point in the island, a perfect view deck to see Boracay's Puka Beach from afar.

Boracay as seen from Hambil

 After this, we started beach hopping. We went to a resort where we met a married couple from the UK. They went to Carabao Island because they found Boracay noisy. Yes, because it's summer plus it's the Holy Week. They are enjoying the place so much, which they had to themselves. 

waiting for the extreme heat to subside

When the heat started to become bearable, we went around Lanas Beach.

Lanas Beach

The water is oh so clear, it's good to take a nap with the sound of the waves. The place was very relaxing, it was just us there and a few other people. We left the beach to go to another one, San Jose beach.

San Jose Beach

This beach is at the west so we did not see the sunset, but nonetheless, we enjoyed taking lots of pictures during the golden hour. I must say that the first day of our Romblon adventure went out well. For this day tour, we paid 200 php for each habal-habal.

The next day, it was Good Friday, there were no regular trips that will leave the island to go to Sta. Fe port, we hired one boat for 1500php and we left the island at around 6am. I was cheered up by the sunrise welcoming us into another day.

spectacular sunrise

about to leave Carabao Island, this is our boat