Fed up with Metro traffic? If you’re craving a refreshing adventure away from the crowds, pack your bags and head to Romblon.
Romblon Province vs Romblon, Romblon
Now, don’t be confused. When we say “Romblon,” it can refer to two different things: the island of Romblon or the province of Romblon. While they share the same name and are intrinsically connected, they refer to different things.
Before you plan your itinerary, you must first understand the difference between these two. Otherwise, you might find yourself lost!
Romblon Province is an main province in the Mimaropa region. There are three main islands here—Tablas, Sibuyan, and Romblon—along with several smaller islands, including Carabao. It is located north of Panay Island and southeast of Mindoro, which means it is surrounded by pristine beaches.
Romblon Island, on the other hand, is the capital and cultural heart of Romblon Province. It is called Romblon, Romblon or Romblon2 by locals. The island is best known for its marble industry, often dubbed the “Marble Capital of the Philippines,” as well as its historical landmarks, including St. Joseph Cathedral, Fort San Andres, and Fort Santiago.
Romblon Island may not be the largest, nor as developed as Tablas, but its charm lies in its untouched beauty. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by stunning beaches like Bonbon Beach and Tiamban Beach, which offer a peaceful escape. As the administrative hub of the province, it still maintains an idyllic, tranquil atmosphere—making it a perfect spot for travelers seeking a mix of culture and relaxation.
How to Get to Romblon Island
Getting to Romblon, Romblon, might feel like a bit of an adventure, but that’s part of its charm. The island doesn’t have its own airport, which helps it retain its unspoiled beauty and keeps the crowds at bay. Depending on where you’re starting your journey, here are the main ways to reach this stunning destination:
Via Airplane
- From Tablas Airport (Tugdan Airport): The most convenient option is flying to Tablas Island, the largest island in the province. From Tablas, you can travel to the port of San Agustin by jeepney or tricycle and catch a Starlite Ferry to Romblon Island, arriving in less than an hour. The ferry service offers private cabins for added comfort during the journey. It’s a straightforward route, but always check ferry schedules in advance, as they can vary by season and day.
- From Caticlan (Gateway to Boracay): Flying into Caticlan Airport is a popular choice for travelers heading to Romblon. From there, you’ll need to hop on a ferry to Tablas Island or Carabao Island as your first stop. Take a ferry to Carabao Island, then another to Tablas Island (Santa Fe Port). From there, you’ll travel by jeepney or tricycle to San Agustin Port, where ferries depart for Romblon. Or you can head straight from Caticlan to Odiongan on Tablas Island via ferry. Once in Odiongan, take a jeepney to San Agustin for your final ferry ride to Romblon Island.
Via Ferry
- Overnight Ferry from Batangas: If you prefer to skip the flights, there are overnight ferry services from Batangas port to Romblon Island. There are currently two ferry companies that offer ferry services to Romblon, Romblon: Starlite and Montenegro Shipping Lines. Departing from Batangas City Pier, Starlite Ferry operates four days a week—Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday—with a scheduled departure time of 4:00 PM. Montenegro Shipping Lines, on the other hand, has daily trips at 5 PM. The journey typically lasts for 9 hours, providing passengers with an overnight trip to Romblon, arriving in the early morning hours. All you need to do is sleep in your comfy bed or private cabin, and wake up in Romblon.
- Starhorse Ferry via Lucena: Travelers from southern Luzon can take the Starhorse Ferry from Lucena, Quezon Province, directly to Romblon Island. This option is convenient for those closer to this region and avoids the need for additional island transfers.
- Starlite Ferry via San Agustin: For the most hassle-free travel, consider the Starlite Ferry, which provides direct transfers from San Agustin on Tablas Island to Romblon Island. Their private cabins are an excellent option for travelers seeking a more relaxing journey.
- From Sibuyan Island: If you’re already in Sibuyan, getting to Romblon is relatively simple. Ferries depart daily, typically in the morning. Check the schedules and head to Ambulong Port for the most direct route.
Tips to Enjoy Your Adventure
- Check ferry schedules. Ferry services can be unpredictable, with schedules sometimes limited to certain days or times. It’s best to verify details with locals or your accommodation.
- Book private cabins for comfort. Whether you’re on a Starlite, Starhorse, or 2GO ferry, private cabins offer a quiet and comfortable experience, especially for longer trips. You may want to bring warmer clothes or a blanket as the rooms are typically kept quite cold.
- Plan for delays. If ferry connections don’t align perfectly, you might need to spend a night on Tablas Island or another stopover.
- Consider weather conditions. Ferries in the region are subject to weather conditions, so plan with flexibility to accommodate possible delays.
- Ask locals for help. Locals are a great source of real-time information about routes and schedules.
While getting to this unspoiled province requires a bit of effort, the reward is worth it to see everything you can in Romblon. The journey itself becomes part of the adventure, giving you a chance to explore the beauty of the surrounding islands before arriving at your final destination.
