Carabao Island or Hambil to locals, is an island paradise in the town of San Jose in the Province of Romblon. Known for its pristine and uncrowded beaches with clear turquoise waters and fine white sand that can rival that of Boracay, Carabao Island is a must-visit destination in the Province of Romblon. There are many ways on how to get to Carabao Island. To help you plan your trip to Carabao Island, here's a travel guide on how to get there.
I've been to Carabao Island in 2012 during my 5-day solo backpacking adventure in Panay Island. But it was just a quick overnight stay on the island. Since then, I promised myself that I will come back.
It took me 5 years to visit Carabao Island again. Just last week, during our trip to Boracay, we made a side trip to Carabao Island.
AirAsia flies daily to Caticlan, the fastest way to Boracay. #AirAsiaInCaticlan
How to Get to Carabao Island, Romblon
OPTION #1: The easiest way to get there is via Boracay
- From Manila, take a direct flight to Caticlan. Travel time is about 40 minutes.
- Air Asia, one of the leading low-cost airlines in the Philippines and in Asia, has several daily flights from Manila to Caticlan - the fastest way to the island of Boracay. For the best fares and promos, you may visit their website www.airasia.com to book your flights to Caticlan for as low as 1,990 pesos.
- From Caticlan-Boracay Airport, make your way to the Caticlan Jetty Port and take a short boat ride to Boracay Island.
- If you're already in Boracay and just want to make a visit to Carabao Island as a side trip, the easiest and most convenient way to get there is to hire a boat from Boracay. You may contact Kuya Rey at 09096154962 for your boat services.
- We paid kuya Rey 3,000 pesos for a whole day of island adventure in Carabao Island from Boracay.
- Since Carabao Island is just 40 minutes away from Boracay Island, it makes an awesome side trip from Boracay.
OPTION #2 from Boracay (Cheaper Alternative)
A cheaper alternative is to find boats owned by locals of Carabao Island working in Boracay. This is what I did on my first visit to Carabao Island in 2012. Fare is around 100 to 150 pesos per person, one way. The problem with this option is that there is no fixed schedule. Usually, they go home to Carabao Island at around 5:00 to 6:00 PM. So, if you will take this route, it will be already dark in the island when you arrive and you will have to stay overnight. Going back to Boracay, you can also ride the same boat. They usually go back to Boracay in the early morning of the following day. This option ideal if you have plenty of time to spend.
OPTION #3 via passenger boat from Caticlan
Another alternative is by taking the passenger boat from Caticlan.
Fly from Manila to Caticlan. From Caticlan-Boracay Airport, take a tricycle and ask the driver to bring you to the port of the boat that goes to Hambil or Carabao Island. Locals popularly call Carabao Island as "Hambil," it is best to use this term when asking around. The passenger boat leaves at around 8:00 to 9:00 AM daily. Only one trip per day, so it would be best if you arrive at the port early. Travel time is around 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the sea condition and boat fare to Carabao Island from Caticlan is around 80-100 pesos. Upon arrival on the island, you could hire a single motorcycle or habal-habal to go to the beaches and other attractions in Carabao Island.
Going back to Caticlan, the passenger boat usually leaves Carabao Island at around 5:30 AM. Travel time is around 45 minutes to 1 hour and boat fare to Caticlan is around 80-100 pesos.
OPTION #4 via Sta. Fe, Romblon
Another option is via Sta. Fe, Romblon in the island of Tablas. Coming from Batangas Port, take a ferry to Odiongan, (Tablas Island) Romblon. Travel time is about 8-10 hours and fare is around 1,000 to 1,200 pesos. You may take Montenegro Shipping Lines which has a route of Batangas-Odiongan-Romblon Island. For a more detailed post with fares and RORO schedules, kindly read my previous post: How to get to Romblon.
Upon arrival in Odiongan, go to the public market and take a public jeepney to Sta. Fe, Romblon. Travel time is about an hour and fare is around 150 pesos.
Passenger boat from Sta. Fe to Hambil (Carabao Island) leaves daily at aroung 9:30 AM. Travel time is about an hour and fare is around 100 pesos.
Going back... Passenger boat leaves Carabao Island at around 5:30 AM daily. Upon arrival in Sta. Fe, you may take the passenger jeepneys that wait for passengers going to Odiongan. From Odiongan Port, take a ferry going back to Batangas Port in Batangas City.
OPTION #5 Fly directly to Tablas, Romblon
From Manila, you may fly directly to Tablas Airport in Tablas Island, Romblon. From there, follow Option #4 - make you way to Sta. Fe, then take a passenger boat to Carabao (Hambil) Islamd.
OPTION #6 Ferry to Caticlan from Batangas
From Batangas Port, you may take a Ferry to Caticlan via 2GO Travel. Upon arrival in Caticlan, follow option #3 or if you're in Boracay, follow option #1 or #2. For a more detailed post on how to get to Caticlan from Batangas by ferry, read:
Experience Traveling in Comfort from Batangas to Boracay with 2GO Travel.
Carabao Island is indeed an island paradise yet to be discovered! Make sure to add this on your bucket list! Plan now your trip to Carabao Island!
Hotels and Resorts in Carabao Island
If you want to stay for a night or two on Carabao Island, there are many hotels and resorts in San Jose Romblon to choose from. From affordable budget hotels, to nice hotels and resorts.
[ CLICK HERE TO SEARCH FOR HOTELS & RESORTS ON CARABAO ISLAND ]
ALSO READ: Romblon Budget Travel Guide (DIY Itinerary, Things To Do, Hotels and Resorts, Budget, Expenses and More!)
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Hi! Is the 3k Private boat rate two way from Bora to Carabao island then back?
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