Melo Villareal
The Ultimate Travel Guide to Sibuyan Island in Romblon
It is true when they say that the hardest destinations to reach are worth visiting – and one of the places I was fortunate enough to see was Sibuyan Island – a crescent-shaped island which some of the tourists shared – as the most challenging island to reach out of the three main islands on Romblon. Sibuyan Island is surrounded by the islands of Marinduque in the north, Panay in the south, Masbate in the east, and Romblon and Tablas in the west.
Sibuyan Island Travel Guide
It is dubbed the “Galapagos of Asia” because of its isolation from the other islands. It’s surrounded by two prominent peaks, scenic landscapes, forest formations, waterfalls, and a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, making this destination a site to behold.
To further give you an idea of what to do, what to eat, and where to stay on Sibuyan Island, Team Out of Town created a comprehensive travel guide for your future reference. Read along!
Where is Sibuyan Island?
Sibuyan is a crescent-shaped island, the second-largest island in Romblon Province. Sibuyan Island is part of the MIMAROPA Region in Luzon. It is surrounded by the islands of Marinduque Island in the north, Panay in the south, Masbate in the east, and Romblon Island and Tablas Island in the west. Located in the namesake Sibuyan Sea, it has an area of 445 square kilometers (172 sq mi).
How To Get to Sibuyan
There are two ways to get to Sibuyan: take the ferry or catch a flight to Tablas in Romblon.
By Air
If you want to fly to Romblon, book a flight to Tablas (Tugdan Airport) via Airswift, which takes about 1 hour to travel. From Tugdan Airport take a jeepney to the town of San Agustin. Stay overnight at San Agustin. Take the Starhorse ferry, which leaves at 4:00 AM from the Port of San Agustin to the Port of Ambulong in Magdiwang, Sibuyan Island. Arrive at the Port of Ambulong at 8:00 AM.
By Sea
Lucena to Sibuyan Island via Starhorse Shipping
- From Manila, take a bus to Dalahican Port in Lucena City (about 3-4 hours)
- Take Starhorse Shippint lines to Port of Ambulong in Magdiwang. Departure time every 4PM daily.
- Arrival at Ambulong Port in Magdiwang, Sibuyan Island is 8:30AM
- Take a van from Ambulong Port to your destination.
Batangas City to Sibuyan Island via Starlite Ferries
- From Manila, take a bus to Batangas City International Port. (Travel time is about 2-3 hours)
- Take the Starlite Ferries to Port of Ambulong in Magdiwang, Romblon. (Daily Trip)
- The ship departs at 4:00PM daily.
- Arrival at Ambulong Port is 5:00AM
- Take a van from Ambulong Port to the desired destination.
Roxas City, Capiz to Sibuyan Island via Starlite Ferries
- From Roxas, take Starlite Ferries for port of Ambulong in Magdiwang, Sibuyan Island. (daily trips).
- Daily departure at Port of Culasi at 1:00PM
- Arrival at Ambulong Port at 6:00PM
- Take a van from Ambulong Port to the desired destination.
Manila to Tablas to Sibuyan Island via Airswift and Starhorse Shipping Lines
- From Manila, take an Airswift flight at NAIA Terminal 4 to Tugdan Airport in Alcantara, Tablas Island (1 hour and 15 minutes travel time). Flights every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
- Take a van from Tugdan Airport to Port of San Agustin (40 minutes Travel)
- Take Starhorse Shipping Lines (daily) or Starlite Ferry (MWF) from San Agustin Port for Ambulong Port in Magdiwang, Sibuyan Island, Romblon.
How to Get Around
Rent a Motorbike
There are motorbike rentals available in Magdiwang and other nearby towns. The fastest way to rent is to ask your hotel or hostel manager, and they will give you contact details. Rentals would usually cost P500 or USD10 per day.
Use Public Transport
Tricycles and Jeepneys are available If you transfer from one town to another. We recommend tricycles for shorter trips because they are widely available compared to jeepneys, but Jeepneys are cheaper than tricycles for longer trips.
Best Time to Visit Sibuyan Island
The best time to visit Sibuyan Island is generally from February to May, during the dry season, when the weather is more predictable and suitable for outdoor activities such as trekking, exploring waterfalls, and island hopping. These months typically offer clear skies and less rainfall, providing optimal conditions for enjoying the natural beauty and outdoor adventures that Sibuyan Island has to offer.
For those planning to hike Mount Guiting Guiting, the best time to schedule your hiking adventure would be from March until the end of June.
What to do on Sibuyan Island
Since Sibuyan Island is surrounded by endless greenery with endemic flora & fauna, expect to enjoy the best of nature and enjoy the following activities:
Hike Mt. Guiting Guiting
Located 6,750 above sea level, Mt. Guiting Guiting, or “G2,” is considered one of the country’s tallest peaks and a favorite outdoor activity on Sibuyan Island. It was proclaimed a natural park in 1996 and is the most famous landmark on the island. However, be careful if you plan on hiking this mountain because it’s surrounded by rocky ridges and, thus, hailed as one of the country’s most challenging mountains to climb.
Take a Refreshing Dip at Cantingas River
One of the most laidback activities while in Sibuyan is chilling at Catingas River. It is said to be the cleanest river in the Philippines, and one of the most enjoyed activities here is cliff jumping. The river, located in Olango, San Fernando, is also the source of 90% of the water for the island of Sibuyan.
Visit Cresta de Gallo
Nestled in the main island is Cresta de Gallo, a crescent-shaped islet known for its charming beach surrounded by soft white sands, turquoise waters, and shifting sandbar. To go here, you must ride an outrigger boat, which takes about an hour from San Fernando. Read our Cresta De Gallo Island Guide to learn more about the island.
Dive at Sibuyan
Many seasoned divers consider Sibuyan a great spot to snorkel and dive. You can head over at Olango Bay and discover the rich corals and fishes. If you want to see the MV Mactan wreck, visit the Maestre de Campo Island coast.
Go Mangrove Planting
Besides enjoying the scenery and taking a dip in the river and beaches, one of the best activities here is immersing and planting mangrove trees. In this way, you’ll be able to help the local community and provide a home to many dishes, shrimp, and mollusk species.
Visit Lambingan Falls
Located in the town of Magdiwang, this place is a famous dating spot among the locals, so the place was named “Lambingan.” The trail to the waterfall is easy to follow, and it’s just about a 10-15-minute short hike. Apart from the two-story high waterfall, you will also find two shorter falls with natural pools filled with cold spring water from the high mountains of Mt. Guiting-Guiting. Shrubs such as rattan and a few endangered trees such as narra surround the area too.
Visit Ruins of San Fernando
An abandoned towering edifice called the Ruins of San Fernando is a stone’s throw away from the San Fernando Town Plaza. It was not guarded when we visited the place, but the area is well maintained. Our local guide shared that the place was a ruin of a Spanish Casa built before World War II. The Casa became a residence of various Spanish and Filipino Elites until it was totally abandoned. The structure looks like a typical ruin of an old temple or castle, and although it was old, dilapidated, and weak, it somehow gives a beautiful reminder of how grand it was back in the day.
Visit Dagubdob Falls
Located in San Fernando, Sibuyan, this place is famous for its 4 tiered waterfalls with several natural pools where everyone can enjoy swimming. The trek leading to the waterfall involves a river crossing. As you head to each waterfall, you will see a variety of pitcher plants (nepenthes sibuyanensis) and some wild orchids.
Busay Falls
Busay Falls is the most popular picnic spot for the locals of San Fernando. Located just 2.5 kilometers from the town center, this area is also the drinking water source for the entire town. Unlike our previous visit, the trek is much easier, and the trail is less slippery since it’s not rainy. There’s also a cliff jumping spot on the waterfall’s right side for those brave enough to take the challenge.
Visit Cawa Cawa Falls
Cawa Cawa Falls is approximately seven kilometers from the Poblacion of Cajidiocan town. It got its name from the oversized wok of Spanish origin, which Filipinos used. The waterfall landing resembles a cauldron about 10 yards deep with a small circumference. Cawa Cawa Falls consists of three levels with formations of solid rock created from the force of water over the centuries. Located deep within the forest, swimmers can catch native shrimp called “Uyang.”
Where To Stay
Here are four of the most recommended accommodations in Sibuyan Island for your reference:
Sanctuary Garden Resort
Address: Baranggay Tampayan Magdiwang, Sibuyan Island, Magdiwang 5511
Contact Numbers: +639399171635 Smart/ +639178298722 Globe/ +639285504531 Smart
This 3-star hotel at Magdiwang, Romblon, is a perfect accommodation for visiting Cresta de Gallo and getting a nice view of Mt. Guiting-Guiting. It’s clean, the staff are very welcoming, and the food menu is commendable. The resort is also close to a freshwater river, so you can take a dip anytime you like it.
The Boathouse
Address: Sibuyan Circumferential Rd, San Fernando, Romblon
Contact: Laarni R.Hellwig Mobile phone# 09179366223 / 09050353127
Email: lrrepilsibuyan@yahoo.com. / Facebook Page
Opened its doors in 2014, the Boathouse is now considered one of the most sought-after accommodations in Sibuyan Island. The construction of their beach resort is made from wood, bamboo, and nipa. They offer rooms perfect for friends or backpackers with a small budget. It’s also ideal if you’re on the island to wander through the rainforest and nearby waterfalls. Make sure to try out some incredible Filipino and European food menu at their restaurant called “The Bamboo Terrace.”
MC Town Centre
Address: Poblacion, San Fernando, Sibuyan Island
Contact Number: 0915 903 2511
Facebook Page
Located in the center of the town proper in front of the San Fernando Municipal Hall, this hotel has fully airconditioned rooms. It is also near the market, plaza, church, school, and beach. The hotel also has a money remittance center and a restaurant on the ground floor.
Where to Eat in Sibuyan Island
Sanctuary Garden Resort
Address: Baranggay Tampayan Magdiwang, Sibuyan Island, Magdiwang 5511
Contact Numbers: +639399171635 Smart/ +639178298722 Globe/ +639285504531 Smart
Undoubtedly the best bar and restaurant in Sibuyan Island. If you are with your family or friends, try to request breakfast at the view deck area. You will see a clear view of the majestic Mount Guiting Guiting if you are lucky. After a heavy meal, don’t forget to try their famous Halo-Halo.
MC Town Centre
Address: Poblacion, San Fernando, Sibuyan Island
Contact Number: 0915 903 2511
Facebook Page
Bash Cafe
Address: E Aguinaldo St, Cajidiocan, Sibuyan, Romblon
This Artsy Cafe serves freshly brewed Philippine-grown coffee. They also serve pasta, pastries, and their best-selling Blueberry Cheesecake.
Chai Tea Cafe Bubble Tea House
Address: Brgy. Sugod, Cajidiocan, Sibuyan, Romblon
Craving for Milk Tea? This garden-style Cafe serves bubble tea, Iced Coffee, and other beverages. They also serve hamburgers, pasta, and their famous Pancit Sibuyan.
Rancher’s Place Bed & Breakfast
Address: Rizal St, Magdiwang, Romblon
Phone: 0947 208 1135
A popular hangout place in Magdiwang, it offers billiards, cold drinks, and Videoke if you love to sing (who doesn’t?). Must-Try: Chicken Inasal and Tacos.
Pasalubong Shopping
Balitsaw
An appetizer or dip made from alamang or Baby Shrimp cooked in Coconut Milk mixed with sugar, salt, garlic, and chili. You can buy one at several souvenir shops at the port.
Buy Handloom Woven Fabric
In Cajidiocan, you can support a community of traditional handloom weavers by visiting the Handloom Weaving Center. You can buy a shawl, table runner and blankets.
Money Matters
There are several ATMs, Money Changers, and Money Remittance Centers in Cajidiocan, Magdiwang, and San Fernando, so getting money won’t be a problem.
Our Sibuyan Island, Romblon Fam trip was made possible by the Department of Tourism (DOT) MIMAROPA, The Provincial Government of Romblon, and the municipalities of San Fernando, Cajidiocan and Magdiwang in Sibuyan Island.
Many thanks to Dream Favor Travel and Tours, Domenic Contreras of DOT MIMAROPA, and our Sibuyan Island expert guides Rodne Galicha and Ronnie Royo for making our trip memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sibuyan known for?
Sibuyan Island is an oasis of untouched beauty, boasting one of the most pristine ecosystems in the Philippines and beyond. Its rivers, including the Cantingas, are renowned for having some of the highest water quality ratings in the world – perfect for human consumption!
How do you get to Sibuyan Island?
There are several ways to get to Sibuyan Island. The most common way is to take a car or bus to Batangas Pier and then take a ferry to Cajidiocan or Magdiwang Port on Sibuyan Island. Another option is to fly from Manila to Tablas Island and then take a ferry to Sibuyan Island. There are also pump boats available from Port of Culasi in Roxas City that travel to San Fernando, Sibuyan Island.
How do I get from Romblon to Sibuyan Island?
There are several ways to get from Romblon to Sibuyan Island. One way is to take a car ferry from Romblon to Magdiwang, which takes approximately 2 hours. Another option is to take a bus and ferry, then another bus, and finally a car ferry, which takes around 28 hours.
Where is Sibuyan Island located?
Sibuyan Island is located in the Sibuyan Sea and is part of Romblon Province in the Philippines. It is the second-largest island in an archipelago comprising Romblon Province.
Why is Sibuyan Island the Galápagos of Asia?
Sibuyan Island has been called the “Galápagos of Asia” because it has remained in isolation from the rest of the world since its formation, and never in its geological history has it ever been connected with any part of the Philippine archipelago. The island is home to several hundreds of species, some of which are on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List of endangered species. Its unique and pristine remoteness from all the mainlands has also attracted attention, and former President Ramos proclaimed the “Mount Guiting Guiting Natural Park” as one of the officially protected areas of the country.
Searching for the best Romblon hotels and affordable flights? Check out our complete list of affordable hotels and resorts via Agoda, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
Want more updates about Sibuyan Island in Romblon? Please follow #TeamOutofTown on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.
Other Romblon Related Stories:
- Carabao Island Travel Guide: Romblon’s ‘Hidden Gem’ No More
- Visiting Fort San Andres In Romblon
- Cruising Romblon: An 8 Day Adventure Trip
- Cruising Romblon: Sibuyan Island In 48 Hours
- Biniray Festival Of Romblon
