We left Romblon,Romblon at around 8 in the morning. The sun just started to spread its warmth when our Roro (roll on/roll off) left the port of Romblon. We are heading to another paradise. A paradise that is not fully explored. A paradise that is still holds so many mysteries in its mountains and seas. After 2 hours in the middle of the ocean, we are welcomed by the majestically beautiful Mt. Guiting-Guiting. The naturally formed jagged peak is an astonishing view to Ponder. I was in silent for about 2 minutes just by looking in its magnificent structure. I was in total awe and amazement; I felt the connection in my heart. Mt. Guiting-Guitiing was considered as scared and enigmatic; it is the “mountain king” in the picturesque island of Sibuyan. Standing 2 058 meter above sea level, Mt. Guiting-Guiting is the most famous landmark in Sibuyan Island.
The majestic Mt. Guiting- Guiting.
Sibuyan Island in the province of Romblon, Philippines was hailed as “The Galapagos of Asia”. Different species of flora and fauna are endemic to this island. It is blessed with rich biodiversity and natural resources. The tropical ocean that surrounds the island is a diver’s haven because of the vibrant and rich marine life. It is well known as one of the most bio-diverse island in whole Asia.
On our way to Sibuyan Island.
Sibuyan Island offers different types of thrill for adventurers. Aside from mountain climbing, travelers can also visit different waterfalls such as Cawa-cawa falls, kweba falls, Dagubdob falls, Lambingan falls and Catingas river. The island is also surrounded with pristine beaches. Sibuyan Island is perfect for those who wants to experience a laid-back and relax atmosphere and for those who wants to experience an off the beaten path destination.
LAMBINGAN FALLS
Hidden in lush jungle, this waterfall can be reach by a 10 to 15 minutes trek from the main road. The clear and cool pool is suitable for swimming. Lambingan Falls is enclosed with trees and mountain plants that create a refreshing ambiance and a relaxing vibe. The cold mountain water is ideal for a hot afternoon dip. The waterfalls is a popular attraction among locals and travelers since it’s an hour away from the town of Magdiwang. To reach Lambingan Falls you rent a tricycle from Magdiwang port, it will cost around Php 300 – 500. Also, there is a Php 20 entrance fee.
The refreshing pool at Lambingan Falls.
Lambinagn Falls and Forest Park.
CANTINGAS RIVER
Cantingas River is another must visit spot in the island of Sibuyan. The river is known as the country’s cleanest inland body of water. The invigorating cool water came all the way up from the peaks of Mt. Guiting-guiting. The river is shallow in most part but it is 20 feet deep in the middle. A 30 feet high platform was built for cliff divers and for those who wants to experience an exciting thrill. If you’re traveling in a group the best and the cheapest way to get there is to hire a tricycle for Php 500-1000. It will take almost 2 hours to reach Cantingas River from the port of Magdiwang. The river is located in the town of San Fernando. A php 20 entrance fee is collected upon entering the Cantingas River resort.
The crystal clear water of Cantingas River.
Cascading water from the Mountain.
CRESTA de GALLO
Cresta de Gallo is a paradise island. The island is not highly developed so you can totally experience its unique charm with fewer crowds. This piece of gem offers unforgettable tropical atmosphere. Cresta de Gallo is surrounded with powdery white sand matched with azure crystal clear water. Electricity and fresh water are not available in the island. Comfort rooms and cottages are not yet available in the island as well. The lack of these necessities adds excitement and fun for a total island life experience. From the town of San Fernando you can rent an outrigger boat to reach this island. Please contact Kagawad Boy “pasik” Suicon for boat rentals. Contact details: 0926 456 0588
Cresta de Gallo is the most beautiful island in Romblon.
A tropical paradise.
GETTING THERE: LAMBINGAN FALLS
- Take the bus from Buendia to Batangas port. Fare Php 177
- From Batangas Port take the ferry bound for Magdiwang Port in Sibuyan Island. Navios Navigation Shipping lines and Montenegro shipping lines offer direct route to Sibuyan. Fare is Php 1,100. Terminal Fee is Php 30. It will take 14 to 15 hours from Batangas Port to Magdiwang port in Sibuyan Island. Make sure to book your tickets early to avoid hassles and delays.
- From Magdiwang Port there are tricycles that you can hire for Php 300 to 500. Travel time is around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Entrance fee in Lambingan falls is Php 20.
GETTING THERE: CANTINGAS RIVER
- Take the bus from Buendia to Batangas port. Fare Php 177
- From Batangas Port take the ferry bound for Magdiwang Port in Sibuyan Island. Navios Navigation Shipping lines and Montenegro shipping lines offer direct route to Sibuyan. Fare is Php 1,100. Terminal Fee is Php 30. It will take 14 to 15 hours from Batangas Port to Magdiwang port in Sibuyan Island. Make sure to book your tickets early to avoid hassles and delays.
- From Magdiwang Port you can rent a tricycle going to Cantingas River Resort. Travel time is around 2 hours. Fare is Php 500-1000. This is the best and cheapest option to go around Sibuyan.
Entrance fee is Php 20.
GETTING THERE: CRESTA DE GALLO
- Take the bus from Buendia to Batangas port. Fare Php 177
- From Batangas Port take the ferry bound for Magdiwang Port in Sibuyan Island. Navios Navigation Shipping lines and Montenegro shipping lines offer direct route to Sibuyan. Fare is Php 1,100. Terminal Fee is Php 30. It will take 14 to 15 hours from Batangas Port to Magdiwang port in Sibuyan Island. Make sure to book your tickets early to avoid hassles and delays.
- From Magdiwang Port there are Jeepneys going to the town of San Fernando. Travel time is 2 hours. Fare is Php 200. You can also hire tricycle for Php 1,000 – 1,200 with stopover in LAMBINGAN FALLS and CANTINGAS RIVER.
From the town of San Fernando rent a boat going to Cresta de Gallo Island. The island is 1 hour and 30 minutes boat ride from the mainland.
WHERE TO STAY:
- Sanctuary Garden Resort
Barangay Tampayan, Magdiwang Sibuyan Island
Contact numbers: 0939 917 1635/0917 829 8722
- Magdiwang Nature’s Lodge
Rizal Street, Sibuyan Island, Romblon Philippines
Contact number: 0921 463 9422
- The Boathouse
Olango Bay, San Fernando Sibuyan Island, Romblon Philippines
Contact number: 0917 936 6223
SAMPLE ITINERARY:
*From Romblon ,Romblon to Sibuyan Island.
DAY 1:
7:00 AM – Breakfast
8:00 AM- ETD from Romblon,Romblon port
10:00 AM- ETA in Sibuyan Island
11: 00 AM- Early Lunch (we decided to have an early lunch and just brought some foods and snack for our journey)
12: 00 NN- Start of adventure ( Lambingan Falls,Cantingas River and going to the town of San Fernando)
1:30 PM- Arrival in Lambingan Falls
2:30 to 4:00 PM- Travel to Cantingas River (it will take approximately 1 to 2 hours to reach Cantingas River.
4:00 to 6:30 PM- Travel to Sam Fernando (to meet our contact person going to Cresta de Gallo)
6:30 to 7:30 PM- Set up our camp in the beach
7:30 to 8:30- PM Dinner
DAY 2:
4:00 to 5:00 AM- Breakfast and Preparation going to Cresta de Gallo
5:00 to 6:30 AM- Boat ride to Cresta de Gallo
7:00 AM- Arrival in Cresta de Gallo Island
7:00 to 11: 00 AM- Explore the island, take pictures, and swimming.
11:00 to 12:00 NN- Preparation for lunch
12:00 to 1:00 PM- Lunch time
1:00 to 4:00 PM- Swimming, relax and siesta time.
4:00 to 6:00 PM- Travel back to the mainland
6:00 to 7:00 PM- Set up our camps on the beach
7:00 to 8:00 PM- Preparation for dinner
8:00 to 9:00 PM- Dinner time
9:00 PM- onward rest
DAY 3:
3:00 AM- ETD from San Fernando to Magdiwang Port
6:00 AM- ETA Magdiwang Port
6:00 to 7:00 AM- Breakfast
7:00 to 10:00 AM- Waiting for departure (Sibuyan to Batangas Port)
10:00 AM- ETD Magdiwag port to Batangas Port
12 Midnight- ETA Batangas port
12:30 AM Onward- Travel from Batangas port to Manila
3:00 AM- ETA Manila (Buendia)
BUDGET BREAKDOWN:
Estimated Budget per person- Php 4,500
*This budget breakdown was based on our trip in Romblon, Romblon to Sibuyan Island. We are 3 travelers and we share Php 400 for tricycle, Php 834 for boat and Php 500 for food.
Fare from Buendia to Batangas Port – Php 177
Fare from Batangas Port to Magdiwang Port (Sibuyan Island)- Php 1,100 (one way)
Batangas port to Sibuyan (vice versa)- Php 2,200 (back and forth)
Terminal Fee- Php 30
Tricycle from Magdiwang Port to Lambingan falls, Cantinags River and to the Town of San Fernando – Php 1,200 (good for 4 persons)
*We share Php 400 each
Lambingan Falls Entrance Fee- Php 20
Cantingas River Resort Entrance fee- Php 20
Beach Camping – FREE
Boat to Cresta de Gallo Island (good for 4 persons) – Php 2,500 (back and forth)
*we share Php 834 each.
Cresta de Gallo entrance Fee- Php 20
Jeep fare for San Fernando to Magdiwang port – Php 200
Food- Php 500 each for 2 days.
TOTAL: Php 4,401
*Bring extra cash.
TRAVEL REMINDERS: LEAVE NO TRACE
- Plan ahead and prepare.
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
- Dispose of waste properly.
- Leave what you find.
- Minimize campfire impacts (be careful with fire).
- Respect wildlife.
- Be considerate of other visitors.
About the Author:
Edss Tolentino is an aspiring travel writer, an adventure junkie and a seeker of the unknown. His goal is to explore the 7, 641 islands of the Philippines and share its beauty to the world.
A Gay in a Backpack 