Masbate

Day Trips

Touch down at Moises R. Espinosa Airport and unwind with a local coffee at a nearby café. Stroll around the town plaza to admire the Spanish-era church and meet friendly vendors. Pick up fresh coconut water from a roadside stand before heading to your hotel to settle in.

Enjoy a hearty lunch of grilled seafood at a seaside eatery along Baywalk. Visit the Masbate City Heritage District for its ancestral homes and museums that showcase local history. Take a short tricycle ride to Plaza Rizal and explore artisan shops selling woven mats and jewelry.

Dine at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the bay as the sun sets in fiery hues. Chat with fellow travelers and locals over traditional dulong and rice cakes. End the night with a leisurely stroll along the illuminated beachfront promenade.

Board a pumpboat at Barangay Pawa for the crossing to Ticao Island at first light. Keep your camera ready for glimpses of dolphins or flying fish leaping beside the boat. Fuel up with rice porridge and fresh fruit sold by island vendors upon arrival.

Embark on a guided trek to the hillside rock formations of Magroo Cave for a light spelunking experience. Cool off with a picnic lunch on a white-sand beach at Monreal. Snorkel just off the shore to spot colorful corals and small reef fish.

Return to Masbate City and freshen up at your hotel. Relish a dinner of grilled chicken inasal and local vegetables at a homestyle eatery. Unwind with live acoustic music and sample craft beers at a cozy bar.

Hop on an early fastcraft heading to Burias Island and soak in panoramic ocean views. Upon landing, enjoy a breakfast of fish sinigang and warm pandesal at a seaside canteen. Prepare for a day of island discovery with sunscreen and a daypack.

Visit secluded coves along the eastern coast for a private beach experience and swimming in crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a picnic lunch of kinilaw and seasonal fruits under the shade of coconut palms. Head to Mount Engañoso for a short hike to its cliffside viewpoint, offering sweeping vistas of the archipelago.

Boat back to Masbate City as the sky turns to shades of pink and orange. Savor a seafood feast—lambanog-infused kinunot and grilled squid—at a popular waterfront grill. Relax with a mango shake while watching the city lights reflect on the water.

Set off before dawn for a boat trip to the famed whale shark sanctuary near Ticao Island. Arrive as the sun rises and don snorkeling gear to get up close (but respectful) to gentle whale sharks. Listen to your guide’s briefing on safety and marine conservation etiquette.

Return to shore for a beachside barbecue lunch of skewered shrimp and grilled corn. Spend the early afternoon swimming and sunbathing at a pristine sandbar. Engage with marine biologists to learn about local conservation efforts and community-based tourism.

Head back to your base in Masbate City, enjoying a scenic sunset from the boat deck. Grab a casual dinner of steaming batchoy and puto maya at a street-side food stall. Cap off the night with a local dessert of latik and strong barako coffee.

Catch the first pumpboat to Calagutay Island and admire its untouched white sands and vibrant reef. Unpack on the beach and start your morning with snorkeling right off the shore. Spot parrotfish, butterflyfish, and occasional sea turtles grazing on seagrass.

Delight in a picnic of grilled fish, rice, and fresh coconut straight from the tree. Hike inland to find hidden freshwater springs, perfect for a refreshing dip. Join a beach volleyball game or simply lounge in a hammock between palm trees.

Return to Masbate for a late afternoon rest at your lodging. Dine on creamy coconut-based dishes such as ginataan with seafood and vegetables. Enjoy a peaceful evening walk along the quiet streets lined with twinkling lanterns.

Head to a nearby fishing village for an authentic look at daily life on the coast. Accompany fishermen on their early net-hauling routine and learn traditional knot-tying techniques. Share a simple breakfast of rice cakes and salty dried fish.

Join local women in a weaving workshop to craft straw hats or mats using age-old methods. Feast on a home-cooked lunch of laing and freshwater tilapia. Spend time playing with local children and practicing Tagalog phrases with friendly residents.

Return to Masbate City and clean up at your hotel. Treat yourself to a fusion dinner blending Filipino and Spanish flavors—think adobo croquetas and garlic gambas. Top off the night with a stroll through a lively night market full of snacks and handicrafts.

Visit the Balantay Hill and Cemetery chapel for panoramic views and to reflect on local heritage. Sample pandesal from a heritage bakery that’s been operating for generations. Explore the Museo ng Masbate for exhibits on indigenous peoples and colonial legacies.

Savor a traditional boodle fight lunch featuring grilled pork belly, salted eggs, and seasonal veggies. Walk to the century-old Immaculada Concepcion Cathedral and admire its intricate stained glass. Drop by a pottery workshop to try molding clay under expert guidance.

Enjoy a sunset cruise along Masbate Bay with local storytellers narrating legends of the island. Have dinner on board featuring freshly caught fish and tropical fruit desserts. Cap the evening with stargazing on deck, listening to gentle waves against the hull.

Stroll along the Pawa Mangrove Boardwalk at sunrise, observing herons, kingfishers, and fiddler crabs. Participate in a mangrove-planting activity with a community conservation group. Cool off with mango and banana smoothies sold by local vendors.

Continue inland for a hike through rolling hills dotted with grazing cattle and wildflowers. Pause for a picnic lunch beside a bubbling creek, savoring homemade sandwiches and local breads. Spot butterflies and dragonflies as you traverse shaded trails.

Return to town and freshen up at your hotel. Dine on a fusion menu at a boutique restaurant, pairing Filipino flavors with international techniques. Unwind with a live folk music performance and sample local delicacies like ube cheesecake.

Depart early for a private boat charter to explore small islets off San Pascual’s coast. Swim through underwater caves and marvel at stalactite formations shimmering in sunlight. Enjoy a beachside breakfast of pan de sal, cheese, and tropical fruits.

Snorkel above vibrant reef gardens teeming with angelfish and clownfish. Grill fresh catch on a secluded beach for lunch, pairing it with tangy pickled veggies. Kayak through quiet coves and hidden lagoons, soaking in the serene environment.

Return to Masbate City as dusk sets in and reflect on your day at a waterfront café. Indulge in a hearty tanigue steak taco or seafood paella. Wind down with live acoustic folk songs and a glass of local wine.

Enjoy a leisurely Filipino breakfast of tapsilog at your hotel, savoring every bite before you leave. Take a final stroll through the town plaza to pick up last-minute souvenirs. Pack your bags and check out, with time for one more coconut shake by the bay.

Head to the airport with treasured memories and newfound friends. Grab a quick lunch of pork barbecue skewers and corn on the cob from a local eatery near the terminal. Reflect on your immersive Masbate experience while waiting to board.

Depart Masbate as the sun dips below the horizon, promising return. Relish a light inflight meal while reviewing photos of pristine beaches and vibrant culture. Arrive home inspired by Masbate’s natural wonders and warm hospitality.