12 Best Romblon Island Tourist Spots – Complete Guide

Romblon Island is one of the most up and coming destinations in the Philippines and the many epic tourist spots in Romblon will prove exactly that!

Some of the best things to do in Romblon Island include beach hopping, awesome viewpoints, river canyons, old castle forts, and much more!

I recommend spending at least 3 days on Romblon Island to discover all of the top attractions.

I have put together this complete travel guide of the 12 Best Romblon Tourist Spots to help you craft together your own itinerary!

Also in this guide, I have included useful information on how to get to Romblon Island, where to stay, how to get around the island, and the best time to visit.

 

 

 

12 BEST ROMBLON TOURIST SPOTS

 

BONBON BEACH 

Bonbon Beach Romblon is arguably the most beautiful beach in the Philippines, boasting a unique sandbar that looks far too good to be true!

From the main town, it’s a 5-minute drive to reach Bonbon Beach Romblon or approximately a 45-minute walk along the coastal road.

At the jump-off point, Bonbon Beach isn’t visible, though it’s no more than a 5-minute walk along the coastline and around the corner to where the sandbar will reveal itself.

Bonbon Beach features a glistening white sandbar that stretches from the mainland over to the uninhabited island known as Bang-og. On either side of the Bonbon sandbar is waist-deep turquoise waters that are utterly inviting and the perfect opportunity to take a dip.

Bonbon Beach is, in fact, a privately owned beach by one of the locals, though tourists and local residents are free to roam around the area providing everyone respects the land by taking only photos and leaving only footprints.

At low tide, Bonbon Beach sandbar is completely exposed making it possible to walk across to Bang-og Island and explore the beach over there.

On high tide, however, Bonbon Beach is only partially exposed so make sure to be aware of the tides if you plan on crossing over the sandbar to Bang-og Island. You wouldn’t want to get stuck over there unless you are well equipped.

One of the best parts about Bonbon Beach is that there are no resorts or any signs of development which is a great thing, in my opinion. Just sugary white sands, azure waters, and incredible views of the island and the neighboring Tablas Island.

If you have the time, I recommend visiting Bonbon Beach for sunset with a beer in hand and also at sunrise with your early morning coffee. It’s hands down one of the most peaceful Romblon tourist spots!

If you have a DJI Mavic Drone Camera I highly recommend flying it at Bonbon Beach as it looks even better from the sky!

Full Blog Post: Bonbon Beach Romblon

Bonbon Beach Romblon

Bonbon Beach – Romblon Tourist Spots

Drone shot of Bonbon Beach

 

FORT SAN ANDRES

Fort San Andres is an iconic landmark and a popular Romblon Island tourist spot for people with an interest in history and Spanish architecture dating as far back as the 15th century.

Not only will you get a taste of history at Fort San Andres but you’ll also be treated to a panoramic viewpoint that overlooks the main town and the magnificent bay.

Fort San Andres is located smack bang in the middle of Romblon town on top of the hill and you can either drive right up to the top parking lot on a scooter or take the stairs that lead up the hillside from Freedom Park.

It’s not a very large fortress by any means but it is every bit impressive. Stone walls and statues welcome you at the entrance to the fort and once inside, you can roam around the grounds and step inside the fort itself.

Fort San Andres is divided into square sections within the walls that you can navigate your way through, marveling at the detailed stone architecture. It’s also possible to climb to the top of the watchtowers along the front wall which is the highest point of the fort.

From the top, you can enjoy extensive views of the bay, the township, and the neighboring islands in the Romblon Province.

A short visit to Fort San Andres is not to be missed on your Romblon tourist spots list!

Search All: Homestays / Hotels / Resorts in Romblon

Fort San Andres

The stairs to Fort San Andres

The view of the bay

Aerial shot of Fort San Andres

Fort San Andres Romblon Island

 

KIPOT RIVER

Kipot River is a fun-fuelled adventure to be had on Romblon Island and it’s a nice change away from the beaches and the township. This isn’t the everyday river that you might expect to see, it’s a slot canyon featuring a mini set of falls of fresh running water, a large natural swimming hole, and some cliff jumping spots!

Kipot River is located on the southeast corner of the island in the Sablayan region. It’s a little tricky to find but don’t be hesitant to ask the locals in the area for directions. I know for sure it’s along Romblon-Sawang-Sablayan Rd and the jump-off point is approximately 1.5 km inland from Sablayan Point.

When I visited, I was staying at Reggae Vibes Hostel and the owner, Rose, is always down for an adventure so she came along and showed us the way.

From the jump-off point, it’s a bit of a steep walk down the sides of the valley through some farmland and there are makeshift stairs to somewhat make it less sketchy going down.

At the end of the jungle trail it opens up to a large natural swimming hole and the Kipot River Canyon is in full sight. You can either swim up the river through the canyon to find the small set of falls or if you want an adrenalin rush you can climb the rocks on the left-hand side and take the leap off the 3-meter cliff into the river.

The water is crystal clear so you can easily see the depth of Kipot River making it easy to see exactly where to aim your jump. Once you’re in the water, it’s a short swim to the end of the canyon to a small waterfall and you can spend some time here exploring the area.

Kipot River

Kipot River Falls

The slot canyon

Inside the canyon

 

REGGAE VIBES BEACH

If you end up staying at Reggae Vibes Hostel you can’t miss the opportunity to go for a swim and a snorkel around the coral gardens just offshore. Rose said there are many turtles that frequent the waters here at Reggae Vibes Beach so it’s a good reason to grab a snorkel set and go on the hunt.

Even if you’re not a guest at Reggae Vibes the doors are always open for anyone who wants to hang out. There are also a few sets of snorkeling gear that you can use at the hostel.

It’s no more than a 30-meter swim from the shore to reach the coral gardens and there is so much underwater exploring to do here and hopefully, there will be turtles!

I was unfortunate and did not spot any turtles in the morning I went snorkeling at Reggae Vibes Beach but the size of the corals and the abundance of marine life made up for it.

Book Now → Reggae Vibes Hostel

Reggae Vibes Beach

Drone shot of the reef

Reggae Vibes Hostel

Coral gardens at Reggae Vibes Romblon

 

LIBTONG FALLS

Libtong Falls is one of the only waterfalls on Romblon Island and a worthy adventure to be added to your list of things to do in Romblon Island.

Libtong Falls can be found on the very southernmost tip of the island. From Reggae Vibes hostel, it’s exactly a 1.5km drive to the east and you’ll find the jump-off point which is a causeway where the river meets the ocean.

Before you make the effort to visit Libtong Falls it’s best to ask a local whether or not there will be any water flow. I say this because when I went there was not enough rainfall during that time and the waterfall was non-existent, just a few stagnant rock pools. So best to double-check with someone first.

From the jump-off point, it’s a short 10-minute walk along a jungle trail at the back of someone’s house to reach Libtong Falls. I don’t have much to write about this spot apart from what I saw, which was dry rock and stagnant rock pools…

I do hope that you will have better luck than I did at this attraction during your visit, just make sure the water is flowing before you go.

Must Read → 3 Weeks Philippines Itinerary

On the trail to Libtong Falls

Well, at least we tried

 

SAN PEDRO BEACH

San Pedro Beach, also known as Talipasak Beach, is yet another one of the best beaches in Romblon which is tucked away in a small cove and surrounded by lush rainforest. Trust me, San Pedro Beach cannot be missed on your itinerary!

Situated on the most western tip of the island, San Pedro Beach is the definition of paradise! From the main road, there is a smaller road that cuts down the hillside and comes to a dead-end which is the jump-off point.

San Pedro Beach (Talipasak Beach) is actually a private beach area attached to the San Pedro Beach Resort though the doors are always open for day-trippers. There is a small entrance fee of 50 pesos for outside visitors.

The stretch of sand down at Talipasak Beach is no more than 100 meters long and it’s fringed by a mix of coconut palms and lush green forest. It’s one of the dreamiest beaches I have come across and I’m sure the images below will prove that!

A coral reef wraps around this westernmost tip of the island which is a great opportunity to grab a snorkel set and see what you can find.

You could easily spend half a day beach bumming at San Pedro Beach if you have the time. It truly is one of the most peaceful Romblon tourist spots that you will find on the island.

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San Pedro Beach

Talipasak Beach

An aerial perspective

 

TIAMBAN BEACH

Tiamban Beach is an absolute dream location and I was surprised that its shores were almost completely empty during my visit!

Tiamban Beach is right around the corner from the more popular Bonbon Beach which is probably why it often gets overlooked. Do note that this is a secluded beach area attached to the Tiamban Beach Resort though outside guests are welcome to come and enjoy this stretch of sand for a small fee of 50 pesos.

Tiamban Beach lies in a cove protected from the winds and the water is super calm and there are no currents close to its shores.

The sand at Tiamban Beach is glistening white and the ocean is as crystalline as it could possibly get, all of which is fringed by swaying coconut palms over the water’s edge! I will now let the photos do the talking…

Azure waters at Tiamban Beach

Is this place even real?

Drone shot of Tiamban Beach

 

LIGHTHOUSE VIEWPOINT

There are a few lighthouses dotted around the coastlines but there is one in particular that I recommend checking out.

The Lighthouse Viewpoint that I am talking about can be found on the easternmost tip of the island along Lamao – Calabogo – Sablayan Road. As you are driving along the coastal road it’s hard to miss this tall white lighthouse on the side of the road.

From the jump-off point, you can traverse across the hillside to a rocky outcrop that sits out past the cliffs. This is the viewpoint that you want to get to that offers extensive views of Romblon’s east coast and the nearby Alfonso Island.

On a clear day, you’ll also be able to spot Sibuyan Island off in the distance which is another landmass that belongs to the archipelago of islands in the Romblon Province.

If you’re an early riser, the Lighthouse Viewpoint would be an epic spot to watch the sunrise due to its location facing east.

Romblon Lighthouse

The beautiful East Coast

Alfonso Island

An aerial perspective

 

MARBLE QUARRY & SHOPS

You may not yet know this about Romblon but it happens to be the ‘Marble Capital of the Philippines’ and is home to a number of small quarries and souvenir shops selling hand-crafted marble goods.

The majority of the Romblon marble quarries are found in the northeastern areas of the island and you can visit at any time of the day to see what it’s all about.

At first, I didn’t plan on visiting the Marble Quarry during my visit but I happened to stumble across it on my lap around the island. Furthermore, I am glad I did get the chance to check it out as it was more interesting than I intended.

I spotted one of the Romblon marble quarries on the side of the road and stopped to see what was going on. There were men hard at work excavating the marble rocks and loading them into the back of small dump trucks, A little further down the road there are marble workshops where the rocks are dumped and sorted into piles.

Local craftsmen can be found along the roadside, sculpting away at the marble rocks that come in an array of colors such as white, green, pink, red, and black. They are seriously talented at what they can do, carving such fine detailed statues, tables, vases, and all other sorts of marble ornaments.

There is no shortage of Marble Shops to buy yourself a souvenir or a gift for someone else and knowing that it was handmade right here on the island.

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Romblon Marble Quarry

Sculpting a marble table

Marble workshops in Romblon 

Some finished marble products

 

SAINT JOSEPH CATHEDRAL ROMBLON

The Saint Joseph Cathedral is a notable religious site in the center of the town. It’s considered to be the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Romblon Province and one of the colonial churches declared as a National Cultural Treasure in 2001.

Built sometime in the 15th century, the Saint Joseph Cathedral Romblon is well preserved boasting beautiful architectural elements such as stained glass windows, religious paintings, antique ornaments, and a large bell inside the tower made from copper.

Be sure to add this Romblon tourist spot to your itinerary, even if it’s just for a short visit to take a couple of happy snaps.

Must Read → 3 Weeks Philippines Itinerary

Saint Joseph Cathedral Romblon

St. Joseph Cathedral

 

COBRADOR ISLAND SEA TURTLE SANCTUARY

Cobrador Island boasts half a dozen white sand beaches and is home to a protected Sea Turtle Sanctuary. It’s quite easy to reach Cobrador Island by boat and you can either head over for a few hours or spend an entire day beach hopping around Cobrador Island.

From Romblon, you can find a friendly local who owns a boat to take you over to Cobrador Island for the day. Depending on how good your bartering skills are, you can expect to pay anywhere between 1000 – 1500 pesos total for the boat trip over to Cobrador Island. Best to gather a small group of people to join in on the adventure so you can split the cost of the boat between you.

The boat journey to Cobrador Island takes around 30 to 40 minutes and it will drop you off directly in the cove where the Cobrador Sea Turtle Sanctuary is located.

If you don’t have your own snorkeling gear you can rent them in Romblon town or perhaps from one of the local residents who live on Cobrador Island.

Within seconds of jumping headfirst into the ocean, we spotted a turtle feeding on seagrass in the shallows. It was a little bit startled by us and decided to take off into deeper waters so it’s best to make minimal movement when you come across a turtle as to not scare it away.

Although the first turtle we saw got away, we encountered another 4 or 5 turtles cruising around while snorkeling at the Sea Turtle Sanctuary in Cobrador Island.

There is just something so majestic about sea turtles that fascinates me so whenever there is an opportunity to swim with them I can’t say no!

You definitely won’t regret this awesome adventure so make sure to note it down as a must-do activity on your list of things to do in Romblon Island.

Cobrador Island Sea Turtle Sanctuary

Hey, squirt

 

TITANIC BEACH

Last but not least on this itinerary is Titanic Beach, which is the unofficial name that I have given it. I think the name is fitting because at this location you will find a much smaller scale recreation of the Titanic.

Titanic Beach is a stone’s throw away from Tiamban Beach along the same stretch of coastline. In fact, the easiest way to get here is by walking along the beach from Tiamban for a few minutes till you reach Titanic Beach.

Alternatively, there is another entry point to Titanic Beach from the road which is down a set of concrete steps beside Nonok Beach Resort. Again, this is a secluded beach area attached to the resort but outside guests are welcome to visit.

I found it kind of comical to see a concrete version of the Titanic down by the shoreline but it is also a beautiful beach area to go for a swim or chill out under one of the straw umbrellas.

And of course, you must get a picture on the bow of the boat to recreate the famous scene from the Titanic film.

Read More: 10 Things To Do In Tablas

Titanic Beach

The RMS Titanic

 

 

AIRBNB ROMBLON

Another option for accommodation on Romblon Island is to stay at an Airbnb, which generally has some great deals.

Use the search box below to find all available Airbnb’s in Romblon.

 

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ROMBLON ISLAND MAP

 

HOW TO GET TO ROMBLON ISLAND

To be honest, it’s a little bit tricky and time-consuming figuring out how to get to Romblon but that’s all part of the adventure! On that note, it confirms the fact even more as to why it is one of the best-kept island paradises in the Philippines!

The only way to reach the island is by boat and the most common route is from San Augustin Pier on the east coast of Tablas Island.

BY BOAT: 

The pump boat from Tablas Island to Romblon Island departs daily from San Augustin Port on Tablas Island at 8:00 am and 1:00 pm. The journey over to the island takes around 1 to 2 hours depending on the sea conditions.

The cost of the boat trip from Tablas to Romblon is 100 pesos and an additional 10 pesos terminal fee.

If you are heading back to Tablas Island from Romblon Island, the daily departures are the same, leaving at 8 am and 1 pm from the Romblon Motorboat Terminal, not the main port of Romblon.

BY PLANE & BOAT: 

There are only a few flights per week to Tablas Island arriving at Romblon Airport (TBH) in Alcantra, connecting domestic travelers from Manila.

From Tablas Airport, you can ride in the back of a jeepney to San Augustin Pier and take the boat over to Romblon from here.

The journey from Tablas Airport to San Augustin Pier is around 1-hour and the cost for the jeepney is approximately 100 pesos.

Click here to search all flights to Tablas on CheapOair

 

HOW TO GET AROUND

There’s a couple of options for getting around Romblon Island and they are by scooter, habal habal, tricycle, or jeepney.

You can rent a scooter for as little as 300 pesos per day and make your own way around to all of the Romblon tourist spots at your own pace. The best place to rent a scooter is via your accommodation, or in Romblon town.

If you are not confident driving a scooter, the other option is to hail down a tricycle or habal habal (motorbike taxi) along the main roads on the island. For a 15-minute drive, you can expect to pay around 50-100 pesos.

Exploring the island by scooter

 

BEST TIME TO VISIT ROMBLON ISLAND

The best time to visit Romblon Island, weather-wise, is between April and July when temperatures are hot and there is barely any rainfall. This is also high season in Romblon, so expect to see more tourists during these months.

I recommend planning your Romblon itinerary on the shoulder months of the high season between November and March which sees a bit of rainfall but usually only lasts for a couple of hours and the rest of the day is sunny.

Try to avoid the typhoon season which is typically between August and October.

 

LONELY PLANET PHILIPPINES

One of the best books to take on your trip is the Lonely Planet Philippines Guide!

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MORE PHILIPPINES TRAVEL GUIDES

• Philippines Guide: 3 Weeks Philippines Itinerary
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• Siquijor: 3 Day Siquijor Itinerary
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• Camiguin: 13 Best Camiguin Tourist Spots
• Tablas: 10 Things To Do In Tablas
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• Dumaguete: Best Dumaguete Tourist Spots
• Sumilon Island: Sumilon Island Itinerary

 

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MY SHOP

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FINAL THOUGHTS

I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions at all about Romblon Tourist Spots, please leave me a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Happy Travels!

 

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