As my previous article suggests, everything is badass in Sibuyan. A long weekend is all you need to visit!
Sibuyan Island in 48 hours is possible. Sans the downtime from the boat ride, your day will be jam packed with activities your head will spin! Here’s how we did it…
We left the Batangas port via Grand Unity (Navios Shipping Lines) for Cajidiocan (Sibuyan) at 5PM. We had deluxe accommodations at P1200 each.
Clocking in at 15 hours as the ship made a stop at Romblon City first. We finally made it to Cajidiocan by 9AM.
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Were here – Ajie Masuba
At 11AM we have checked in at Sanctuary Garden resort. It’s a perfect place to unwind and disconnect — literally. The mobile and data signal in the area is next to nil. From billiards, kayaking, nature walks (i.e. hunting for different kinds of Hibiscus flower then animal viewing), river trailing, swimming, bird watching and dinner by the bon fire—there’s a myriad of activities to keep you busy.
The picturesque Pawala river damSo clear, you can almost see the bottom!3 ducklings kayakingMeet Kat-Kat, the adorbs parrot!
The resort has a convenience store which carries a variety of local and imported goods. Don’t forget to buy Teresing’s Balitsaw – Ginataang Alamang (Shrimp paste in coconut milk) as pasalubong! It’s addicting, believe me.
Group pic courtesy of PHILTOA and #govisitphilippinesRoom for the night – Ramon Figurasin Mariñas. Their villas have fan and a/c rooms available!
The next 24 hours were focused on the waterways and falls of Sibuyan. We headed out to Lambingan Falls at 7:30AM to take a brief 10-15 mins. stroll to the falls. It’s a quaint area, great for picnics or alone time.
Alone but not lonely in Lambingan Falls – Ajie Masuba
We then met with mayor Nicasio ’Nick’ M. Ramos of Cajidiocan to get our Cruising Romblon ‘passports’ stamped.
Mayor of Cajidiongan – Faith Democer
At 9AM, we’ve gone to Sugod beach where we saw some town festivities.
Sugod beach shoreline – Ajie Masuba
I got to speak with the LGUs who were attending the affair and they’ve shared exciting news that there’s another trail — a shorter but more treacherous one in Mt. Guiting –Guiting which will soon open. This may have already been the case since our visit to Sibuyan was more than a month ago. The mountaineer inside me flipped.
We had some refreshments, specifically Halo-Halo at this quaint place called Hayahay Point. It’s one of the best I’ve tried! At just P35 per serving, it’s an original recipe from the owners. There are several huts at their yard which you can lounge in while you beat the heat with your Halo-Halo, or two!
Halo-halo – Jenny Picara
On top load, we went on an exciting ride to Cantingas River Resort. The Cantingas River has the cleanest river in the country and it’s evident. I guess my excitement stopped there as I didn’t go cliff diving because I left my ear plugs *boo*. It looks to be an exhilarating experience for sure! See for yourself here.
Top load view going to Cantingas RiverEntrance info
We were served lunch and I cannot forget how delectable the Sarsang hipon was! It’s pounded fresh river shrimps with coconut meat, coconut milk and chilies. That’s another reason for you to explore Sibuyan!
Look at this spread! – Ajie Masuba. The sarsang hipon are on right hand side.
Last on our list is Dagubdob Falls. It requires a 20 minute hike but it’s all worth it. You can see the falls in ‘layers’ like a cake. It’s especially nice that there are sections of the falls where you can dip in position yourself for a free nature massage from the cascading waters. Who can beat that?
Dagubdob Falls – Jenny Picara
We made a side trip at the home of our very gracious host, Mr. Ronnie Royo, Community Coordinator of Sibuyan. We were served fresh coconut and Cagabcab, a local delicacy made of cassava and brown sugar. It’s thin so it’s crisp and very crunchy. You can get this packed and ready to be fried so you can bring it home too!
Cagabcab with Nutella – Ryan MeimbanPerfect Combo – Ajie Masuba
We ended the tour at 5pm and went back to the Sanctuary Resort. 48 hours of discoveries in Sibuyan. I’m definitely going back!
Simple Living in the Island of Sibuyan
If you are ready to visit too, I’ve listed some information below to get you started. Be sure to attend the 27th Philippine Travel Mart this weekend at the SMX Convention Center to grab the best deals for your visit to Sibuyan and the rest of the Romblon islands. See yah!
How to get to Sibuyan Island
By Ferry
From Batangas and Manila
2Go Ferry, Romblon Shipping Lines and Navios Shipping Lines
From Romblon Island
to San Agustin via Montenegro Lines
to Odiongan via Montenegro Lines
Ferry Schedules and Booking details:
2Go Travel: Travel.2go.com.ph
Montenegro Lines: Montenegrolines.com.ph
Romblon Shipping Lines: http://www.romblonshippinglines.com/
By Public Pump Boat
From Caticlan Jetty Port (Boracay Aklan)
Leaves daily at 9am
This Cruising Romblon Validation Tour was made possible by Department of Tourism Region 4B MIMAROPA headed by Director Rebecca Labit, 2Go Shipping Lines, PHILTOA, Romblon Provincial Tourism Office and the local government units.
Nine's sort of a weekend warrior if you count Thursdays and Fridays as such. What's keeping her sane from her desk job is her family, her violet hair and her penchant for all things green -- in nature or otherwise.
Nine Andres
