Sibuyan Island Travel Guide: DIY Itinerary, Places to Stay, Things to Do, and more


The Ultimate Travel Guide to Sibuyan Island in Romblon

It is true when they say that the hardest destinations to reach is worth visiting – and one of the places I was fortunate enough to visit was Sibuyan Island – a crescent-shaped island which by some of the tourists shared – as the hardest island to reach out of the three main islands on Romblon. Sibuyan Island is surrounded by the islands of Marinduque in the north, Panay in the south, Masbate in the east, and Romblon and Tablas in the west.

Sibuyan Island Travel Guide
Sibuyan Island Travel Guide

It is dubbed as the “Galapagos of Asia” because of its isolation from the other islands. It’s surrounded by two prominent peaks, scenic landscape, forest formations, waterfalls, and rich biodiversity of flora and fauna which makes this destination a site to behold.

To further give you an idea of what to do, what to eat, and where to stay in Sibuyan Island, Team Out of Town created a comprehensive travel guide for your future reference. Read along!

Where is Sibuyan Island?

Sibuyan is a crescent-shaped island, the second-largest island in Romblon Province. Sibuyan Island is part of the MIMAROPA Region in Luzon and is surrounded by the islands of Marinduque Island in the north, Panay in the south, Masbate in the east, and Romblon Island and Tablas Island in the west. Located in the namesake Sibuyan Sea, it has an area of 445 square kilometers (172 sq mi).

How To Get to Sibuyan

There are two ways to get to Sibuyan, either taking the ferry or catching a flight to Tablas in Romblon.

If you want to fly to Romblon, book a flight to Tablas (Tugdan Airport) via Cebu Pacific with a travel time of about 1 hour. From Tugdan Airport take a jeepney to the town of San Agustin. Stay overnight at San Agustin. Take Starhorse ferry leaving at 4:00 AM from Port of San Agustin to Port of Ambulong in Magdiwan, Sibuyan Island. Arrival at Port of Ambulong at 8:00 AM.

Port of Romblon
Port of Romblon

If you’re taking the ferry, from Manila, take a bus headed to the Batangas City International Port. From there, take a ferry either straight to Sibuyan or else connect in Romblon Town, or in Odiongan on Tablas Island.

From Roxas City by Pump boat
  • Take shuttle bus/van to Roxas City, Capiz.
  • Go to Port of Culasi in Roxas City and take pump boat to San Fernando, Sibuyan Island, Romblon.
  • Boat leaves at 7:30 AM every Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday.
From Roxas City by Ship
  • From Roxas City, 2GO Travel leaves for Romblon at 2:00 PM every Wednesday and Sunday and arrives at Port of Romblon at 7:00 PM of the same day.
  • Take Starhorse ferry leaving at 6:00 AM from Port of Romblon to Port of Ambulong Magdiwang, Sibuyan Island.
From Sta. Fe (or Looc), Tablas by Pump boat
  • Take Starhorse ferry at 6:00 AM from Port of San Agustin to Port of Ambulong.
Via Port of Batangas City by Ship:
Starlite Ferries for Port of Ambulong, Magdiwang, Sibuyan Island
  • Departure at Port of Batangas: Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:00 PM. Arrival at Port of Ambulong at 5:00 AM.
2GO Travel for Port of Romblon
  • Departure at Port of Batangas: Every Tuesday and Saturday at 9:00 PM. Arrival at Port of Romblon at 6:00 AM.
  • Take Starhorse ferry leaving at 6:00 AM from Port of Romblon to Port of Ambulong, Magdiwang, Sibuyan Island. Arrival at Port of Ambulong at 8:00 AM.
Montenegro Shipping Lines for Port of Romblon
  • Departure at Port of Batangas: Every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday at 5:00 PM.
  • Stopover at Port of Poctoy, Odiongan at 2:00 AM. Arrival at Port of Romblon at 6:00 AM.
  • Take Starhorse ferry leaving at 6:00 AM from Port of Romblon to Port of Ambulong, Magdiwang, Sibuyan Island. Arrival at Ambulong Port at 8:00 AM.
Navios Shipping Lines for Port of Cajidiocan, Sibuyan
  • Departure at Port of Batangas: Every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 3:00 PM. Arrival at Port of Cajidiocan at 6:00 AM, the 2nd port of call.
  • For advanced ticket reservations for Navios Shipping Lines, please call Mobile Number +639081462243.
From Port of Dalahican, Lucena City by Ship:
  • From Manila, take a bus (via Calabarzon Express Way) to Port of Dalahican in Lucena City.
  • Starhorse Shipping Lines for Port of Ambulong, Magdiwang, Sibuyan departs at Port of Dalahican: Every Saturday to Thursday at 4:00 PM. Arrival at Port of Ambulong next day at 8:00AM.

How to Get Around

Rent a Motorbike 

There are motorbike rentals available in Magdiwang and other nearby towns. The fastest way to rent is to ask your hotel or hostel manager and they will give you contact details. Rentals would normally cost P500 or USD10 per day.

Sibuyan Island Tricycles
Sibuyan Island Tricycles

Use Public Transport

Tricycles and Jeepneys are available If you are transferring from one town to another. For shorter trips, we recommend tricycles because they are widely available compare to jeepneys but for longer trips, Jeepneys are cheaper compare to tricycles.

Best Time to Visit Sibuyan Island

The best time to visit Sibuyan Island is during Dry and Summer season from November to June. For those how are planning to hike Mount Guiting Guiting, the best time to schedule your hiking adventure would be from March until the end of June.

What to do in Sibuyan Island

Since Sibuyan Island is surrounded by endless greenery with endemic flora & fauna, expect to enjoy the best of nature and enjoy the following activities:

Hike Mt. Guiting Guiting

The jagged peaks that give Mt. Guiting-Guiting its name photo by Androkoy via Wikipedia CC
The jagged peaks that give Mt. Guiting-Guiting its name By Androkoy – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0 CC

Located 6,750 above sea level, Mt. Guiting Guiting or “G2” is considered to be one of the tallest peaks in the country and a favorite outdoor activity Sibuyan Island. It was proclaimed a natural park in 1996 and the most famous landmark on the island. However, be careful if you plan on hiking this mountain because it’s surrounded by rocky ridges, thus, hailed as one of the most difficult mountains to climb in the country.

Take a Refreshing Dip at Cantingas River

Cantingas River in Sibuyan Romblon
Cantingas River in Sibuyan Romblon

Some of the most laidback activities to do while in Sibuyan is chilling at Catingas River. It is said to be the cleanest river in the Philippines and one of the most enjoyed activities here is cliff jumping. The river which is located in Olango, San Fernando is also the source of 90% of the water for the island of Sibuyan.

Visit Cresta de Gallo

Cresta de Gallo in Sibuyan
Cresta de Gallo in Sibuyan
Cresta de Gallo Island
Cresta de Gallo Island
Cresta de Gallo Sandbar
Cresta de Gallo Sandbar

Nestled in the main island is Cresta de Gallo, a crescent-shaped islet known for its This charming beach surrounded with soft white sands, turquoise waters, and shifting sandbar. To go here, you need to ride an outrigger boat which takes about an hour from San Fernando. Read our Cresta De Gallo Island Guide to learn more about the island.

Dive at Sibuyan

A lot of seasoned divers consider Sibuyan a great spot to snorkel and dive. You can head over at Olango Bay and discover the rich corals and fishes. If you want to see the wreck of the MV Mactan, visit the coast of Maestre de Campo Island.

Go Mangrove Planting

Other than enjoying the scenery and taking a dip in the river and beaches, one of the best activities to do here is immerse and plant mangrove trees. In this way, you’ll be able to help the local community and help provide a home to many dishes, shrimp, and mollusk species.

Visit Lambingan Falls

Lambingan Falls Forest Park in Sibuyan
Lambingan Falls Forest Park in Sibuyan
Lambingan Falls in Magdiwang Romblon
Lambingan Falls in Magdiwang Romblon

Located in the town of Magdiwang, this place is a famous dating spot by the locals that is why the place was named “Lambingan”. The trail to the waterfall is easy to follow and it’s just about 10-15 minute short hike. Apart from the two-storey high waterfall, you will also find two shorter falls with natural pools filled with cold spring water from the high mountains of Mt. Guiting-Guiting. Shrubs such as rattan and a few endangered trees such as narra surround the area too.

Visit Ruins of San Fernando

A stone throw away from the San Fernando Town plaza is an abandoned towering edifice. It was not guarded when we visited the place. Our local guide shared that the place was actually a ruin of a Spanish Casa that was built before World War II. The Casa became a residence of various Spanish and Filipino Elites until it was totally abandoned. The structure looks like a typical ruin of an old temple or castle, and although it was old, dilapidated and weak, it somehow gives a beautiful reminder of how grand it was back in the days.

Visit Dagubdob Falls

Dagubdob Falls in Sibuyan
Dagubdob Falls in Sibuyan
Dagubdob Falls in San Fernando Romblon
Dagubdob Falls in San Fernando Romblon
Dagubdob Falls in San Fernando Sibuyan Island
Dagubdob Falls in San Fernando Sibuyan Island
Dagubdob Falls
Dagubdob Falls

Located in San Fernando, Sibuyan, this place is famous for its 4 tiered waterfalls with several natural pools where everyone can enjoy swimming. The trek leading to the waterfall involves river crossing and as you head to each waterfall, you will see a variety of pitcher plant (nepenthes sibuyanensis) and some wild orchids.

Busay Falls

Busay Falls is the most popular picnic spot for the locals of San Fernando. Located just 2.5 kilometers from the town center, this area is also the drinking water source for the entire town of San Fernando. Unlike our previous visit, the trek is now much easier and since its not rainy, the trail is less slippery. There’s also a cliff jumping spot on the right side of the waterfall for those who are brave enough to take the challenge.

Visit Cawa Cawa Falls

Cawa Cawa Falls is approximately seven kilometers away from the Poblacion of Cajidiocan town. It got its name from the oversized wok of Spanish origin which were used by Filipinos. The waterfall landing resembles a cauldron that’s about 10 yards deep with a small circumference. Cawa Cawa Falls consists of three levels with formations of solid rock created from the force of waters over the centuries. Located deep within the forest, swimmers can even catch here native shrimp called “Uyang”.

Where To Stay

Here are four of the most recommended accommodation in Sibuyan Island for your reference:

Sanctuary Garden Resort

Native Cottage at Sanctuary Garden Resort in Magdiwang Romblon
Native Cottage at Sanctuary Garden Resort in Magdiwang Romblon
Sanctuary Garden Resort
Sanctuary Garden Resort

Address: Baranggay Tampayan Magdiwang, Sibuyan Island, Magdiwang 5511
Contact Numbers: +639399171635 Smart/ +639178298722 Globe/ +639285504531 Smart

Check Rates and Availability

This 3-star hotel located at Magdiwang, Romblon is a perfect choice of accommodation if you want you’re visiting Cresta de Gallo and want to get a nice view of the Mt. Guiting-Guiting. It’s clean, the staffs are very welcoming, and the food menu is commendable as well. The resort is also close to a freshwater river so you can take a dip anytime you like it.

The Boathouse

The BoatHouse - Sibuyan Island
The BoatHouse – Sibuyan Island

Address: Sibuyan Circumferential Rd, San Fernando, Romblon
Contact: Laarni R.Hellwig Mobile phone# 09179366223 / 09050353127
Email: [email protected]. / Facebook Page

Opened its doors in 2014, the Boathouse is now considered as one of the most sought after accommodation in Sibuyan Island. The construction of their beach resort is made from wood, bamboo, and nipa. They offer room perfect for a group of friends, or backpacker with a small budget. It’s also a perfect place if you’re on the island for wandering through the rainforest and nearby waterfalls. Make sure to try out some incredible Filipino and European food menu at their restaurant called “The Bamboo Terrace.”

MC Town Centre

MC Town Centre in San Fernando Sibuyan
MC Town Centre in San Fernando Sibuyan

Address: Poblacion, San Fernando, Sibuyan Island
Contact Number: 0915 903 2511
Facebook Page

Located in the center of the town proper right in front of the San Fernando Municipal Hall. This hotel fully airconditioned rooms. The hotel is also close to the market, plaza, church, school, and beach. The hotel also has a money remittance center and a restaurant on the ground floor.

Where to Eat in Sibuyan Island

Sanctuary Garden Resort

Address: Baranggay Tampayan Magdiwang, Sibuyan Island, Magdiwang 5511
Contact Numbers: +639399171635 Smart/ +639178298722 Globe/ +639285504531 Smart

Breakfast at the Sanctuary Garden Resort View Deck
Breakfast at the Sanctuary Garden Resort View Deck
View from the Sanctuary Garden Resort View Deck
View from the Sanctuary Garden Resort View Deck

Undoubtedly the best bar and restaurant in Sibuyan Island. If you are with your family or friends, try to request to have your breakfast served at the view deck area. If you are lucky, you will see a clear view of the majestic Mount Guiting Guiting. After a heavy meal, don’t forget to try their famous Halo-Halo.

MC Town Centre

Address: Poblacion, San Fernando, Sibuyan Island
Contact Number: 0915 903 2511
Facebook Page

Bash Cafe

Address: E Aguinaldo St, Cajidiocan, Sibuyan, Romblon

This Artsy Cafe serves freshly brewed Philippine grown coffee. They also serve pasta, pastries, and their best selling Blueberry Cheesecake.

Chai Tea Cafe Bubble Tea House

Address: Brgy. Sugod, Cajidiocan, Sibuyan, Romblon

Craving for Milk Tea? This garden-style Cafe serves milk tea, Iced Coffee, and other beverages. They also serve hamburgers, pasta, and their famous Pancit Sibuyan.

Rancher’s Place Bed & Breakfast

Address: Rizal St, Magdiwang, Romblon
Phone: 0947 208 1135

Chicken Inasal at Ranchers Bed and Breakfast Sibuyan
Chicken Inasal at Ranchers Bed and Breakfast Sibuyan
Tacos at Ranchers Bed and Breakfast Sibuyan
Tacos at Ranchers Bed and Breakfast Sibuyan

A popular hangout place in Magdiwang where you can enjoy billiard, cold drinks, and Videoke if you love to sing (who doesn’t?) Must-Try: Chicken Inasal and Tacos.

Pasalubong Shopping

Balitsaw

An appetizer or dip made from alamang or Baby Shrimp cooked in Coconut Milk mixed with sugar, salt, garlic, and chili. You can buy one at several souvenir shops at the port.

Buy Handloom Woven Fabric

Sibuyan Island Handloom Weavers
Sibuyan Island Handloom Weavers
Cajidiocan Handloom Weaving Center
Cajidiocan Handloom Weaving Center

In the town of Cajidiocan, you can support a community of traditional handloom weavers by visiting the Handloom Weaving Center. You can buy a shawl, table runner and blankets.

Money Matters

There are several ATM’s, Money Changers and Money Remittance Centers located in Cajidiocan, Magdiwang and San Fernando so getting money won’t be a problem.

Pinoy Travel Bloggers in Sibuyan Island
Pinoy Travel Bloggers in Sibuyan Island — Aleah Taboclaon of Solitary Wanderer, Melo of Team Out of Town, Ferdz Decena of Ironwulf, Kara Santos of Traveling-up.com, and Michael Angelo Angelo the Explorer

Our Sibuyan Island, Romblon Fam trip was made possible by the Department of Tourism (DOT) MIMAROPA, The Provincial Government of Romblon and the municipalities of San Fernando, Cajidiocan and Magdiwang in Sibuyan Island.

Many thanks also to Dream Favor Travel and Tours, Domenic Contreras of DOT MIMAROPA, and to our Sibuyan Island expert guides Rodne Galicha and Ronnie Royo for making our trip memorable.

Searching for the best Romblon hotels and affordable flights? Check out our complete list of affordable hotels and resorts via Agoda or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.

Want more updates about Sibuyan Island in Romblon? Please follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, and Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.

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