Summary of Carabao Island Exploration
Carabao Island in Romblon, Philippines, is comparable to its neighbor, the chart-topping Boracay Island, in terms of powdery white sand beach and turquoise blue sea.
However, this tropical island offers a contrasting experience to Boracay with its serene atmosphere devoid of large crowds and a luxurious party vibe.
If you appreciate simple pleasures in nature, then Carabao Island awaits your visit.
Things to do on Carabao Island
Investing a full day in the 8.51 square mile Carabao Island, locally known as Hambil, ensures an array of activities and exploration opportunities.
Here are some options to enjoy the island in a single day.
Hambil Beach
Situated on the island’s eastern shore, this is where boats arrive from Romblon, the provincial capital, via Santa Fe Port in Tablas Island. Boats from Boracay Island also dock here.
Upon our arrival, the sight of Hambil Beach with its powdery white sand and awe-inspiring turquoise waters filled me with excitement.
Take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, cool off in the clear waters, snorkel to greet the local fish, or simply spend your day relaxing on the beach.
Regrettably, I missed taking more photos of Hambil Beach during the daytime when its waters appeared most vibrant.
Nonetheless, I cherished my evening walks along the beach at sunset.
Kuding Kuding Point
Kuding-Kuding Point is a newly recognized destination on Carabao Island, now famous for its cliff diving opportunities.
Accessing this location requires navigating a narrow road with rocky slopes, making it somewhat challenging. Consider asking your motorcycle driver to walk this stretch, which is less than a kilometer from the site.
The site features stunning rock formations and beautiful blue waters.
Things to do at Kuding Point
In addition to cliff diving, there’s a small cave with a refreshing mini pool for swimming.
If cliff diving isn’t for you, enjoy the magnificent view from Kuding-Kuding Point or relax on the raft below the cliff, accessible via a bamboo ladder.
- Getting There: Travel from Hambil Beach in about 30 minutes by renting a motorcycle.
Lanas Beach
Lanas Beach, located on the western side of Carabao Island, can be accessed via a chartered boat from Boracay.
Alternatively, you can ride a motorcycle from Hambil Beach to Lanas Beach. Renting a motorcycle for the day allows you to visit various points of interest around the island.
From this part of the island, you can spot Puka Beach, located at Boracay’s northern tip. The local motorcycle driver informed us that Lanas Beach provides a fantastic launch point for diving adventures.
Boracay Viewpoint
Our motorcycle driver also led us to a viewpoint offering stunning views of Boracay and Panay Island from an elevated hill.
After a brief 5-minute uphill walk through grasslands from the main road, we arrived at the viewpoint.
The breeze and shade from the hut at this viewpoint offered a refreshing escape from the heat.
In the distance, you can see Boracay Island on the left and the northern portion of Panay Island situated behind it.
How to Get to Carabao, Philippines
From Aklan or Boracay Island
The nearest airport to Carabao Island is Caticlan International Airport in Aklan. Here’s how to get there:
- From the airport, ride a tricycle to Tabon Baybay port.
- From the port, take a passenger boat bound for Hambil, which leaves at 9 AM and takes approximately one hour.
- For those arriving at Kalibo International Airport in Aklan, take a one-hour van trip to Caticlan and ask to be dropped at Tabon Baybay port.
- If you are already in Boracay, a chartered boat ride to Hambil will take about 40 to 45 minutes, docking at Hambil Beach.
From Tablas Island, Romblon
Fly into Tugdan Airport in Alcantara, Romblon. Then, take a jeepney to Sta. Fe and get off at the port where passenger boats await.
Boats leave at 9:30 AM, and the ride lasts about an hour.
If you’re looking for a longer journey, you can catch ferries from the Batangas Port to Tablas Island, which take 8-10 hours.
Once in Tablas Island, take a jeepney from Odiongan to Sta. Fe, which takes around one hour.
Going back from Carabao Island
Passenger boats depart from Hambil for Caticlan at 5:30 AM, and the boat for Sta. Fe also leaves at the same time.
Carabao Island as an Emerging Destination
Carabao Island’s proximity to Boracay has established it as an emerging destination, worthy of recognition in its own right.
One of my favorite aspects of Carabao Island is its serene environment, which remains largely untouched.
Accommodations and dining options are basic compared to the opulence of Boracay; nevertheless, resorts and lodging options are gradually increasing.
Interestingly, there have been plans for an international airport on the island to connect it with other regions in the Philippines and Asia, though this initiative has faced delays under two successive national administrations.
Responsible Travel Tips to Carabao Island
I support development; however, witnessing the transformation of stunning islands into commercial areas flooded with tourists is disheartening, sacrificing the peace and natural beauty they once held.
As travelers, we can do our part to protect these areas by being responsible visitors.
- Avoid littering plastic bottles, food wrappers, and other waste.
- Seek alternatives to reduce dependency on single-use plastics.
For additional insights, explore further on how to travel responsibly and minimize our environmental impact here.
