Pages

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO?

Romblon - An Awesome Overnight Stay in Carabao Island


To many, it is known as Carabao Island, but to the locals, they call it Hambil. Having heard a lot of beautiful things and seeing those breath-taking photos of the beach in this island, makes me want to see it for myself. Located at the southern tip of Tablas Island, Romblon, it boasts to be a perfect antidote to the party scene of "Boracay". There are two main beaches in the island, San Jose beach on the eastern side and the Lanas beach on the west.


I went there on the 2nd day of my Panay Island Adventure. I just planned to stay there for a night. I contacted Kuya Sherwin, a boatman who lives on the island. He goes home everyday to the island along with other locals who works in Boracay. I called and asked if I could just tag along so I could save on expenses. He charged me 100 pesos for a trip to the island.


It was already past 5:00 PM when we sailed to Carabao island. The ride wasn't really good that time. It rained and the waves are forceful. Good thing that they really know how to control the boat and after about an hour, we safely reached Carabao island.


At the port, I was fetched by Kuya Larry, the habal-habal driver that Kuya Sherwin had contacted for me. I asked him to bring me to a resort nearby since I just want to spend a night in the island.


He brought me to The Beach House Resort, just a few minutes away from the port. I was accommodated very well by the owner, Ate Sharon. She made me feel like I am a relative who just came for a visit. Extraordinary hospitality indeed!


While waiting for the dinner to be ready, Ate Sharon showed me my room. She charges PHP 1,000 for an overnight stay, but since I was alone she gave me quite good deal.


Kuya Larry and I had dinner that Ate Sharon prepared. After which, we had some bottles of beer with Ate Sharon while sharing some stories about ourselves. I learned a lot about the island and how the locals live their daily lives. Their unique hospitality made me feel like I was home. I felt like I'm with my long lost relatives that I haven't seen for quite some time. Salamat po!


After consuming the booze, Kuya Larry bid goodbye. I reminded him to fetch me at the resort the following morning as I'm going back to Boracay. I went to the beach at the back of the resort and enjoyed the cool breeze of the air, the sound of the waves and the stars hovering in the sky. It was lovely! I've never seen such a huge number of stars like that.


It was an overwhelming experience that you just lay on the beach and just have time for yourself --- to reflect, to reminisce and to just enjoy.


At around 10:00 PM, I went back to the resort, took a shower and slept. My room is very cozy and the bed is so nice that after a few minutes I quickly fell asleep. Even if the electricity in the island shuts down at 11:00 PM, I didn't feel the heat as the wind coming from the outside is blowing nicely. Electricity in the island goes back at 4:00 AM and shuts down again at 6:00 AM, I'm not sure what time it goes back.


I woke up at around 5:00 AM, just took some more photos and prepared my things.


At 6:00 AM, Kuya Larry arrived and brought me to the port. Boats that the locals use to go to work in Boracay leaves at 7:00 AM. I hopped into Kuya Sherwin's boat and left Carabao island with a smile and an awesome experience to bring home.


It was a remarkable overnight stay. The island is so peaceful and lovely. Hopefully, next time, I could explore more.


Contact Numbers:
Kuya Sherwin - 09129044342
Kuya Larry - 09295132146
The Beach House Resort - 09194845640 / 09283399086 (Ate Sharon)
Website:www.thebeachhouse.com.ph

[ Click here to search other hotels and resorts Romblon ]


SEE MORE: How to Get to Romblon, Romblon (with RORO Schedules and Fares)


This is my quick overnight trip to Carabao Island in Romblon that happened last February 9-10, 2012. Romblon is the 52nd province on my list and these activities happend on days 2 and 3 of my "5-day Panay Island adventure". Join me as I explore the unassuming Carabao island!
Map By: Wikipedia
SEE ALSO: Lovely and Uncrowded Beaches of Romblon Island

27 comments :

  1. I never taught that some workers in Bora are from other places!

    ReplyDelete
  2. anlapit lang pala talaga sa Boracay nito. eto ba ung island na tanaw sa Puka beach?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yup... actually yung 1st photo was taken at Puka Beach...

      Delete
  3. Carabao Island seems to be good option when you want to be alone to emote. lol.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yeah.. perfect cya kung ayaw mo na ng party party sa Boracay and if gusto mo mag-isa... :)

      Delete
  4. Nice place to do Emo mode... hehehe! ang galing ang lapit sa Boracay lang pala...

    ReplyDelete
  5. parang sarap dito haha parang presko sa battangas dang init haha
    sarap ng food

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. sarap nga nung food that Ate Sharon prepared... fresh yung fish! :)

      Delete
  6. Dito raw ipapatayo ang Boracay International Airport kasi malapit sa Boracay na rin ito :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. hmmm i've been wanting to go to romblon via the transcentral nautical highway. seems like a great island to explore!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Perfect for an island get-away. I just wish the electricity is 24/7

    ReplyDelete
  9. last yr ko pa gs2 puntahan to. nde ma2loy 2loy.. sana ma2loy na hahaha. THanks sa info at sa number Mervs! Saved!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. i attempted going here thrice, palaging tinatamad dahil napapasarap sa bora. nice account mervs!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Very helpful post, Mervz. Am surely bookmarking. But I will not stay there for one night only. Feeling ko napaka peaceful ng lugar!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. very peaceful indeed! babalikan ko 'to... hehehe! thanks Aleah... :)

      Delete
  12. You should have stayed longer! demanding! hehe!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Swerte naman! You found good people.. And the room looks nice an decent. kahit magisa ka lang, you enjoyed it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yup yup! i enjoyed the quick overnight trip... and the good people i met is what matters to me most... thanks mitch.. :)

      Delete
  14. this is the best time to enjoy a vacation while the island is not busy.

    ReplyDelete

Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries?
Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!"

Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.