Carabao Island is locally referred
to as “Hambil” by locals or its fancier Spanish-derived name Isla de Carabao.
It’s a small island under the province of Romblon.
There are various theories as to
why it’s called Carabao Island. Locals told us there used to be lots of
carabaos (water buffalos) in the island. Others say that the island topography
resembles a carabao, but there are others that say the shape resembles an
“anvil” hence the local name Hambil.
It’s possible to visit here on a
day tour, which is what most tourists prefer especially those who are staying
in Boracay. Other spend more days since Carabao Island offers a more
relaxing option compared to other nearby places.
'How to get there'
The island is accessible via a pump
boat from either Tablas or Caticlan where the nearest airports are located. In
early 2017, Cebu Pacific launched its Tablas flight, the only airline flying
directly from Manila to the area.
Carabao Island is also a perfect
side trip for those already in Boracay since the town is a mere 30-minute boat
ride from the world-famous island.
From Poblacion, San Jose, visitors
can take a habal-habal for a trip around the lush island or rent a
boat to visit its sprawling beach coves and cliff diving points.
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| Visitors to Carabao Island take a scheduled boat from Sambiray Port, near the Caticlan Jetty Port to Boracay |
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| Ocean's Edge Resort is one of the luxury resorts being developrd in Carabao Island on top a hill with a stunning ocean view |
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| Inside Muni-Muni Villa, Ocean Resort |
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| Ocean Resort |
The new luxury boutique resort, a destination by
itself, draws inspiration from the rawness of the island with its cogon-roofed
villas blending fittingly with its natural surroundings. The breathtaking site
accentuates a 180-degree panoramic view of the ocean.
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| Kalinaw Studio Villas, Ocean Edge Resort |
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| Sunset view at Ocean Edge Resort, Carabao Island, Romblon |
Tinagong
Dagat Wet Land has electricity and water as there are residents in the area. It
is said that when one is noisy, one won’t be able to catch sight of seashells
here. Amenities such as comfort rooms, cottages, paddle boats, etc., will be
provided in the future for travelers’ use
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| Tan-Agan Picnic Grove, Carabao Island, Romblon |
Guindawahan,
a drumstick-shaped island where dawa – a small-seeded cereal plant that is
delicious when cooked in coconut milk – has been planted by the first settler
named Bendoy, is home to various fishes and many corals. Guindawahan has
no electricity, water and cottages yet. While working on these, the
municipality also plans to build a tourism outpost for travelers’ concerns and
protection.
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| Bantigue Resort, Looc, Romblon |
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| Bantigue Resort, Looc, Romblon (Eiffel Tower & Big Ben |
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| Cliff diving is a popular activity at Cathedral Cave in Carabao Island |
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| The Cathedral Cave on Carabao Island |
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| Cliff diving is popular activity at Cathedral Cave in Carabao Island |
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| Cliff diving is apopular activity at Cave in Carabao Iland |
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| Looc Fish Sanctuary, Looc, Romblon |
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| Cove Aurelio Beach, Calatrava, Romblon |
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| Grotto De Banloc, Looc |
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| Grotto De Banloc, Looc, Romblon |
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| The Media Group |
One of
the most famous beaches on Carabao Island is Said beach which is only few
meters away from the main port of the island. The white sand beach stretches
for miles, so clean and quiet. There are also cottages, transient houses and
small restaurants around the area. If you love the sun and just want to sunbathe and enjoy the beach without too much of a crowd, this place is for you!
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| Lapus-Lapus Beach |
Lapus-Lapus Beach, hidden behind limestone cliffs,
is picturesque with its rocks looking like solitary islands during high tide.
Calatrava, Romblon
