10/08/2018 10:04:00 AM
ROMBLON: HOW I SPENT P500 FOR 4 DAYS/3 NIGHTS
10/08/2018 10:04:00 AMAs much as you thoroughly planned a vacation, you always leave a minuscule of percentage that things may not go as planned. What's eve...
As much as you thoroughly planned a vacation, you always leave a minuscule of percentage that things may not go as planned. What's even great is if you travel with friends who are flexible and don't stress out when things don't go as planned.
Rainy season has started but every glimpse of sunshine is an opportunity to enjoy the beach and discover another island that you can tick off from your bucket list.
How to get there:
There’s an option for you to fly going there but it would be a little pricey as there are only a few number of flights, if not once daily, in flying to the island of Romblon. It’s consists of 3 main islands and our goal is to visit the sandbar of Cresta de Gallo.
We chose to go there by braving the seas and 9 hours of sailing the waters from Batangas Port to Romblon City, Romblon. We booked online through 2GO days prior for a one-way ticket. Book ahead of time through online for convenience. You can also proceed to the port in Lucena coz there’s another shipping line you can ride (StarHorse); whichever is more convenient for you.
Unfortunately, there’s a typhoon coming in hitting the north of Luzon which greatly affected our itineraries and schedules. We arrived on time at the island of Romblon but we still need to catch another ferry which will cross us to the other main island of Sibuya where Cresta de Gallo is located. Unfortunately, Montenegro Shipping was cancelled as advised by the coast guard due to the bad weather condition.
No choice. We have to stay at the main island and wait for the next day when the seas would calm down. First thing that worried us is the place to stay. Luckily, we traveled with newly introduced friends by our office colleague that has connections in the island. Tada! Just one call and we get to have a free accommodation for a day, free food, and 2 vehicles we can use for free to roam the island.
Yes, it might be a little embarrassing but the family friend of our newly introduced friend shouldered all the expenses while we were there. And, it was not just only for one day. It was for the whole 3 days coz Montenegro was not able to sail the entire time we were there.
It took us 2 days to finally realize and crash out Cresta de Gallo from our itineraries. There were small outrigger boats offering us to cross the islands but we decided to not be a little irresponsible travelers due to the unpredictable weather conditions. If Montenegro which is a large shipping vessel won’t cross the seas, what guarantees us that we’re safe riding the small, wooden, outrigger boats?
Fortunately, the island has enough reasons for us to stay and enjoy what it can offer.
Bonbon Beach
Tiamban Beach
Great for its waves and has a few accommodations and huts for a more comfortable beach experience. The shores though (some parts) have sharp rocks underneath that’s not safe if you’re barefooted. Still, it’s beautiful and it’s our venue for our ‘5 Shots Only – Challenge’. It was a fun game as we’re only limited to 5 shots and you have to work it with your photographer to capture your best photos. Then we uploaded it and the winner is based on who got the most number of likes (reactions). Sadly (Thankfully), we’re not able to monitor it religiously.
A sample photo of me for our ‘5 Shots Only – Challenge’.
San Pedro Beach Resort
This beach is a little far from the city proper but not that far if you have a car with you. I find the beach area perfect for snorkeling due to the corals that’s kinda near from it shores. The resort also serves good and sumptuous food and the owner is very friendly and accommodating.
Lastly, never leave the island without paying a visit to the Fuerza San Andres.
To sum it up all, I was able to experience the Island of Romblon for 4 days with a comfy accommodation, non-stop eating, and whole day beach experience without spending a fortune. Great thanks to the family who’s hospitality and thoughtfulness is superb and beyond what I ever expected to be.
