TABLAS IS CALLING: 6 Reasons Why You Should Go
+ details on the grub and things you should bring!
Words by: Zyllah Gatchalian | Photos by: Taryn Navarro
TABLAS is one of the 3 major islands that comprise the province of Romblon, known as the Marble Capital of the Philippines.
Watch the full Tablas, Romblon webisode:
Drone shot by Mark Wu and Waltz Siy
Romblon may be known for their marble but it has so much more to offer that tourists often overlook. Shot with a Sony A7R II with FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS
Tablas is an amazing island that needs to be explored and we’re here to share you what we loved about the island and why you should go there soon.
Drone shot by Mark Wu and Waltz Siy
But first, How to get there:
- Cebu Pacific Air is now offering hassle-free direct flights from Manila to Tablas! Fares are around P3,500 – P5,000 one way but fares can go as low as P799 one way during promo period.
- Book flights via @cebupacificair #CEBTravels
- You can also choose to travel by sea but it takes around 10 hours from Manila Port and 8 hours from Batangas Port.
- Aglicay Beach Resort
Drone shot by Mark Wu and Waltz Siy
This is one of the first resorts in Tablas Island and is located at the heart of Alcantara. With a scenic view of the coastline and a stretch of white sand and turquoise waters, this resort is on the top of our list to visit when in Tablas Island.
Shot with a Sony A7R II with FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS
Shot with a Sony A7R II with FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS
Besides the super laid back sense of the place, the resort also has amenities for different fun activities you can do like Beach Volleyball, Tennis, Badminton, Snorkeling, Paddle Boat Sailing and so much more. There’s no dull moment here for sure! Don’t forget to drink a Buko Juice or 2 to complete your Aglicay Beach Resort island life experience.
Shot with a Sony A7R II with FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS
Tip: If you’re interested in Scuba diving, the resort can assist you with a special tour package.
Admission Fee: P50/Person for Day Tour and P100/Person with Tent, Cottage Rentals at P300 for the whole day.
For more information: www.aglicaybeachresort.com
- Trangkalan Falls
Shot with a Sony A7R II with FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS
Trangkalan Falls is fairly small with a modest sized basin where you can take a cool dip to fight the summer heat. Unlike some falls where a hike is required to reach it, this one can be accessed by a short tricycle ride or a car. Planning to stay here for a while? There are red huts beside the falls where you can set-up a picnic for you and your friends.
Shot with a Sony A7R II with FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS
Tip: Do note that the falls can dry up during the summer but we were lucky that the water was still flowing when we went there.
Admission Fee: FREE
- Looc Marine Bay Fish Sanctuary
Shot with a Sony A7R II with FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS
A 10-minute boat ride from the Looc fish port, there’s a floating shack made with bamboo in the middle of the bay. Once your boat docks, you’ll immediately notice the school of fishes swarming around near the boat as fellow tourists throw pieces of bread. Make sure you bring your snorkeling gear too so you can explore the vivid marine life underwater.
Shot with a Sony A7R II with FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS
Tip: Don’t swim too far from the floating shack, the water is not too deep in some areas and you could injure yourself from the sharp corals and rocks.
Admission Fee: P100/Person
Location: Looc, Romblon – Wildlife sanctuary
Contact number: 09355902204
- Bantigue Resort
Who would’ve thought you’d find Europe nestled in the tropics of Tablas? Bantigue Resort, which used to be a residential property, gained popularity from tourists when their Eiffel Tower Replica was built a few years ago. Now the resort is open to the public and you can either book a room here or just go for a day trip and take some touristy snaps.
Tip: The Eiffel Tower and Big Ben Replica lights up at night!
Bantigue Resort
Location: Punta, Looc, Romblon
Contact number: 0927627614
- Villa M, My Exclusive Resort
Shot with a Sony A7R II with FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS
Shot with a Sony A7R II with FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS
Villa M is an exclusive resort designed with Mediterranean-inspired terracotta structures. It’s surrounded by lush tropical gardens filled with Coconut trees and bougainvilleas. Our favorite spot here is the luxurious infinity pool fit for a senyorita with the soothing view of Looc’s Buenavista Bay. Totally ig-worthy!
Drone shot by Mark Wu and Waltz Siy
Perched at the east side of the resort is a small curtained temple ideal for relaxing. Ask for their refreshing pandan juice and savor the cool sea breeze as you read your favorite book. Villa M is a perfect match for travellers who appreciate nature with a little bit of luxury.
Shot with a Sony A7R II with FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS
Location: Bgy. Camandag, Looc,Romblon
E-mail: villa_mresorttablas@hotmail.com
Contact number: 09178863178
For more information: http://www.villam-resort.com/
- Agpudlos Farm and Beach Resort & Bamboo Farm
Shot with a Sony A7R II with FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS
Shot with a Sony A7R II with FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS
Agpudlos Farm and Beach Resort was originally a private resort built by the owner for his family and friends but later on opened the resort to the public. The sand here is not white but it’s very fine and the water is calm with a clear view of the sea.
Shot with a Sony A7R II with FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS
The resort also owns a Bamboo farm located a few minutes away from the resort, which was inspired by the owner’s fascination with Kyoto and Japanese culture. Once you arrive here, you’ll be welcomed by hundreds of towering bamboos reminiscent of Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Shot with a Sony A7R II with FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS
In the late afternoon, watch the glorious sunset at the resort and as it gets dark, it gets even better. Prepare yourself to be awed by the most stunning starry night sky. You can just lie there by the beach stare at the stars with a cold beer in hand as you listen to Coldplay’s “Yellow”, oh what a lovely way to cap off your Tablas Adventure.
Entrance Fee: P100/person but we recommend camping or staying here overnight.
Location: Agpudlos, San Andres, Romblon
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Agpudlos/
So those are just some of the amazing highlights of our trip but…
How about the FOOD?
Here are just some of the restaurants that we went to which serves your simple and classic Filipino favorites!
- Harbour Chateau Hotel and Restaurant
Location: Odiongan, Romblon
Contact number: 09089406771
2. Angelique Inn and Restaurant
Shot with a Sony A7R II with FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS
Shot with a Sony A7R II with FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS
Location: Looc, Romblon
Contact numbers: 09392513571 & 09163446346
3. Agpudlos Farm and Resort
Shot with a Sony A7R II with FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS
Shot with a Sony A7R II with FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS
Location: Agpudlos, San Andres, Romblon
Website: www.facebook.com/agpudlos
4. Patok sa Bagto Seafood Restaurant
Shot with a Sony A7R II with FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS
Location: Guinhayaan, Looc,Romblon
Contact number: 09199815120
So WHAT DID WE PACK for this amazing Tablas trip?
- A trusty hat and a cover-up to protect you from the heat
- Swimwear of course!
- Camera & Phone for taking snaps
- Waterproof Case
- Your favorite playlist and a speaker
- Outdoor friendly backpack to carry everything
Shot with a Sony A7R II with FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS
What’s in the photo:
- Beach Hat
- White Denim Shorts and Floral Cover-up from H&M
- Black Maillot
- Sony A6500 mirrorless digital camera
- Lifeproof Nuud case for iPhone7
- Bluetooth Speaker
- Outdoor Products Backpack | #EverydayOutdoor
Find out more about the cameras here:
Sony Philippines
- Website: http://www.sony.com.ph/
- Facebook: /SonyPhilippines
- Instagram: @sonyphinc
- Twitter: @sonyphinc
So now you’re equipped with everything you need to know firsthand! With all these breathtaking spots, we can definitely see Tablas Island fast becoming a tourist destination especially now that it’s made more accessible by Cebu Pacific.
WATCH OUR DISCOVER TABLAS TRAVEL FILM:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHkypQocc1k
So book those tickets soon while it’s not yet overcrowded! Tablas Island will be waiting for you.
Special thanks to Geortravel Tours and Services:
for our tours and activities!
Check them out at: www.facebook.com/geortravel |http://www.geortravel.com/
Ms. Maria Carina Fondevilla, Mr. George Stanley Serrano and Cong. Emmanuel Madrona for the unforgettable Tablas experience!
The DiscoverMNL team with the amazing people who made our Tablas experience possible!
Cong. Emmanuel Madrona and wife | Shot with a Sony A7R II with FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS
The DiscoverMNL team with the amazing people who made our Tablas experience possible!
#SonyxDiscoverMNL
#DelseyPH
#OutdoorProductsPH | #OutdoorWeekend #EverydayWeekend
#GrindPhilippines
Check out more of our travel photos at #DMTravelSeriesxCebuPacific & DiscoverMNL on Facebook and Instagram!
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