Things To Do
in Romblon
Romblon is an archipelagic province in the central Philippines made up of several islands—Tablas, Sibuyan and Romblon (town) among them—known for clear waters, white-sand beaches and a long tradition of marble carving. The islands combine low-key coastal life, Spanish-era churches and a rugged interior highlighted by Mount Guiting-Guiting on Sibuyan, a renowned peak for serious hikers. Marine biodiversity and coral gardens make Romblon a great destination for snorkeling and diving, while small towns and markets offer a taste of provincial Filipino culture.
Travel here feels off-the-beaten-track: services are basic outside main towns, transport depends on ferries and small planes, and days are best planned around weather-dependent boat schedules.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic San Jose Church, famous for its beautiful architecture and rich history. After exploring the church, take a leisurely walk to the nearby Romblon Museum, where you'll learn about the island's vibrant culture and heritage. Don't forget to grab a local breakfast at a nearby eatery, enjoying traditional dishes like 'sinigang' and 'longganisa'.
In the afternoon, head over to the town plaza where you can admire the iconic Romblon Bell Tower, a symbol of the town's resilience and history. Enjoy a casual lunch at a local restaurant, sampling fresh seafood caught from the surrounding waters. Take a stroll through the local markets, where you can shop for handmade crafts and local delicacies.
As the sun sets, make your way to a waterfront café to enjoy a relaxing dinner while overlooking the beautiful sea. Indulge in local specialties, including grilled fish and 'buko' juice, as you soak in the tranquil ambiance. After dinner, take a peaceful walk along the shoreline, feeling the gentle breeze and listening to the soothing sounds of the waves.
Kick off your day at Bon Bon Beach, known for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. Spend your morning swimming and sunbathing, or try your hand at paddleboarding to explore the serene coastline. The stunning views of distant islands make it a perfect backdrop for some memorable photos.
After a morning of relaxation, enjoy a beachside lunch at one of the local shacks, where you can savor grilled seafood and fresh fruits. In the afternoon, participate in exciting water sports like jet skiing or banana boat rides, providing an adrenaline rush and a chance to bond with fellow travelers. The vibrant atmosphere of the beach will keep your spirits high as you soak in the sun.
As the day winds down, join a beach bonfire organized by locals, where you can meet new friends and share stories. Enjoy grilled snacks and refreshing drinks while watching the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and pink. End your day with a relaxing dip in the warm waters as the stars begin to twinkle overhead.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| ☕Coffee or local drink | $1-3 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse / homestay (per night) | $15-40 |
| ⛴️Inter-island ferry ride (short) | $2-10 |
| 🚤Private island-hopping boat (per group/half day) | $30-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unspoiled beaches, clear water and excellent snorkeling/diving
- Rich marble-craft tradition and unique local culture
- Low tourist density — quiet, authentic provincial experience
- Outstanding hiking options (Mount Guiting-Guiting) and diverse nature
- Limited transportation and irregular ferry schedules, especially in bad weather
- Basic infrastructure and fewer services/amenities outside main towns
- Medical facilities are limited on smaller islands
- Some remote spots require time-consuming transfers
- "Kamusta" - Hello / How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Magkano ito?" - How much is this?
- "Saan ang pantalan?" - Where is the port?
- "Paki-ulit po" - Please repeat (polite)
- "Oo / Hindi" - Yes / No
Places to Visit in Romblon
Visit one of these nice places.
Photos of artisans carving marble, detailed sculptures and the colonial plaza with church bell tower—great for portrait and cultural shots.
Sandbar formations and turquoise shallows near small islands provide classic tropical beach photos at low tide and sunrise/sunset.
Snorkeling spots with clear water and coral gardens—underwater photography and colorful reef scenes are highlights.
Dramatic mountain landscapes, misty ridgelines and forest panoramas—best for experienced hikers with early-morning light.
Traditional boats, nets and early fishing activity create authentic, atmospheric shots with warm morning light.
Food in Romblon
Romblon Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Filipino-style ceviche using fresh local fish or shellfish cured in vinegar or kalamansi, often mixed with onions, chili and coconut milk; commonly found at seaside stalls and small restaurants.
Must-Try!
Whole fresh-caught fish simply seasoned and grilled over charcoal—ubiquitous and best at beachfront eateries and market stalls.
Vegetables, taro leaves or local greens cooked in coconut milk and spices—available at home-style restaurants and recommended for trying local flavors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Morning markets sell fresh fish, produce and dried goods; great for sampling grilled street-side snacks, fresh fruits and barbecued sea food—bargain-friendly and lively.
Small roadside or seaside eateries offering set meals (rice + viand), grilled snacks and local desserts—ideal for casual, inexpensive meals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use polite phrases like 'po' and 'opo' when speaking with elders; a friendly greeting and smile go a long way. Formal respect is culturally valued.
Romblon has many Spanish-era churches; dress modestly when visiting religious sites and remove hats inside church premises.
Ask before photographing people, homes or artisans at work. Small communities appreciate courtesy—knock or call before entering private property.
Bargaining is common at markets for souvenirs but keep it friendly and reasonable; avoid low offers that could offend small vendors.
Safety
Tipping in Romblon
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated. Leave small change for good service at restaurants (around 5–10% in tourist spots) and a few pesos for porters, guides and boat crews. For informal eateries and sari-sari stalls, tipping is not expected.
Cash in Philippine pesos is king—carry enough cash, especially on smaller islands. ATMs are available in larger towns (Tablas and Romblon town) but can be limited; credit cards are accepted at a few hotels and restaurants but not widely elsewhere. Prepare small bills and coins for tolls, tricycles and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Generally the best time to visit: calmer seas, more predictable boat schedules, clearer skies and better conditions for diving, snorkeling and hiking. Peak beach season is March to May; book accommodation and transport early during Holy Week and summer holidays.
Higher rainfall, rougher seas and the main Philippine typhoon season—inter-island ferries can be canceled or delayed and hiking conditions become slippery and hazardous; travel plans should be flexible.
April –June and November offer transitional weather—occasional storms but still many dry days. Expect fewer tourists and slightly lower prices but monitor forecasts closely.
Romblon at Night
Hiking in Romblon
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
The province's most famous and challenging climb: steep, rugged terrain with cloud forests and dramatic ridgelines. Recommended for experienced climbers with guides and permits; offers spectacular views and high biodiversity.
Less technical trails lead to waterfalls, river pools and viewpoints—good for day hikes and nature walks with local guides.
Shorter hikes and viewpoints accessible from towns—great for sunrise/sunset panoramas and gentle trekking; many are informal trails linking villages and beaches.
Airports
How to reach Romblon by plane.
The main regional airport serving Romblon province with scheduled flights to/from Manila and other regional hubs when available; small terminal with limited services—ground transfers by van or tricycle to major towns.
Larger tourist airport used as a transfer point for travelers combining Romblon with Visayas itineraries; requires additional ferry or land travel to reach Romblon islands.
Regional airports with more frequent connections; reaching Romblon from here involves a combination of land travel and ferry services—useful backup options for complex itineraries or medical transfers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Indigenous and long-standing local communities speaking Romblomanon, Onhan or Asi dialects alongside Tagalog—many families have deep roots in the islands and practice local traditions.
People from nearby Visayan regions and Luzon who moved for work or trade—these groups add linguistic and cultural variety.
Most residents are Roman Catholic and community life often centers on parish activities and town fiestas.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Romblon—community courts are common and local leagues or pickup games are frequent in towns.
Widely played in schools and barangays (villages), especially during festivals and community events.
Traditional and recreational fishing are important locally; occasional boat races and maritime events occur during fiestas.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Romblon.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited—ask for vegetable stews, coconut-based dishes and rice with side vegetable dishes; clarify no fish sauce or shrimp paste if strictly vegetarian.
Vegan choices are more challenging outside main towns; focus on fresh fruits, rice, vegetable stews and request cooking without fish sauce or dairy—carry snacks for remote trips.
Many Filipino dishes are rice-based and naturally gluten-free, but watch for soy sauce and breaded items; communicate restrictions clearly in Tagalog/English and bring a translator note if needed.
Seafood is central to local cuisine; inform cooks about allergies and prefer vegetable or meat-only dishes—bring antihistamines and any emergency medication.