MASBATE CITY TOURIST SPOTS: Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary and Sandbar

As a country of more than 7,000 islands and islets, the Philippines is indeed blessed with so many lovely beaches surrounded with clear turquoise waters. In some of these beaches, there are also amazing and spectacular sandbars that tourists and visitors could enjoy. There's no shortage of these breathtakingly panoramic sandbars, and one of my favorites is the Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary and Sandbar in Masbate City.

Some quick facts Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary and Sandbar:

"Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary is ranked as the Philippines second most resilient coral reef area in terms of broad-scale and local-scale factors (Bucol et.al, 2011). It occupies 20 hectares of core zone and 100 hectares of buffer zone." -Masbate City Government's website

One of the most-visited and highly popular tourist attractions in Masbate City, Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary and Sandbar is located just a short 20-minute boat ride from the city. Getting here is so easy and convenient. Boatmen and guides from the group Bantay Dagat (SAMAPUSI members) will assist you in all your needs. I've enumerated the instructions on how to get here at the end of this post.

Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary and Sandbar is an ideal place to go for swimming, snorkeling, bird watching, sunset/sunrise watching, scuba diving, and a lot more. You can also go on a picnic with your family, friends or special someone in one of the cottages set up by the local government.

Not to be missed is the mangrove area. You can see it by following the stretch of fine white sandbar which will lead you to the mangrove sanctuary at the end of the sandbar. This is where we spent most of our time swimming and just enjoying the clear waters. What I like most is that some parts of it has warm water and some parts has cool water. Amazing!

How to get to Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary and Sandbar?

• Take flight to Masbate City. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines have flights from Manila and Cebu to Masbate City.
• From the Masbate City center, take a tricycle to Rendezvous Hotel. Fare is 10 pesos per person.
• From there, you could hire a boat going to the sandbar for 500 pesos per boat.

Notes, Tips and Reminders:

• This is part of our island hopping adventure in Masbate which includes Halea Nature Park, Borobangcaso Islet and Rock Formation, and Catandayagan Falls.
• The best time to visit Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary and Sandbar is during the summer months (from March to May) or during the dry months (from October to January). But as long as there is no typhoon or strong rains, you could visit Buntod Reef.
• Entrance fee to the reef and sandbar is 20 pesos for adults and 10 pesos for children.
• Tourist recreational cottage fee is 300 pesos. Beach umbrella with 2 chairs is 100 pesos.
• All types of fishing activities, recreational water sports, and collection of any items (whether living or non-living) from the marine sanctuary is prohibited.
• There's a mini store and souvenir shop in the area, but I recommend that you bring your food and all the things you need.
• Always practice "leave no trace" principle. Please take all your trash back to the main island.
• For assistance, visit the City Tourism Office of Masbate City in Masbate City Hall and they will gladly help you in arranging your your visit to the sandbar.

Where to Stay in Masbate City?

• Balay Valencia Hotel in Masbate City

[ CLICK HERE FOR THE LIST OF TOP-RATED HOTELS IN MASBATE ]

For more travel tips, tourist spots and attractions, and things to do in Masbate, click here.

FOLLOW MY ADVENTURES ON YOUTUBE @PinoyAdventurista

Thank You For Sharing!