Romblon – A Peaceful Alternative to Boracay

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The Philippines, being an archipelago, has captured the hearts of both locals and foreign tourists for the beauty of its islands. With 7,107 to choose from, a wide array of island terrain meets the beauty-hungry eye.

In the heart of the country lies a series of islands famed for their unparalleled beauty. In the Visayas are quite a few tourist favorites. Foremost is Boracay with its powder-fine sands, and after that, it’s a debate between the islands of Guimaras, Cebu, Bohol, and Romblon.

The minor islands barely catch attention as they lack the promotional clout that has been established by the likes of Boracay and Cebu’s famed beaches, like Bantayan Island. However, this does not mean that these minor islands are any less charming or beautiful.

A neighbor to Boracay, Romblon’s islands have light-colored sands in some parts of its shores. Though not as pristine and fine as Boracay, there is a serene sanctuary that could become your newfound getaway: Tablas Island.

Tablas Island is the biggest of the islands that comprise the province of Romblon. It is home to waterfalls, lakes, beaches, and even mountain ranges.

One charming place to visit would be “Mainit Falls.” While it is located on private property, it is open to the public. Locals and foreign visitors alike enjoy the waters of the falls.

Calatrava is home to “Tinagong Dagat,” an inland saltwater lake. A beautiful circular pool, it is home to several species of saltwater fish and seashells. It is but 10 meters away from the sea itself. This inland saltwater lake is located in the northernmost part of Tablas Island.

Most tourists who visit Tablas Island rave about its pristine, unspoiled beauty. A far cry from its commercialized neighbor Boracay, Tablas Island and most parts of Romblon are so unspoiled as yet, that if you’re a shopaholic tourist, you will be able to make your therapist happy: there isn’t much to buy in terms of souvenirs, just yet.

Though the Romblon Islands have much to offer, commercialization has been slow, compared to its cosmopolitan neighbor, the famed Boracay Island. Maybe it’s because the focus has been Boracay for so long, or maybe it’s the fact that it’s a bigger challenge to travel to Romblon, given the limited incoming transportation to the area. Though there are ports and even an airport serving Romblon, only minor airways serve the area, like ZestAir or SEAIR. The only airport is also in Tablas Island.

Romblon is also home to an innovative eco-lifestyle retirement community, Sunset Beach Villas. It is a retirement community for foreigners, built by foreigners. The developers are Chris Bech and Will Irwin, who have created not only the structures suited for an eco-centric sustainable lifestyle, they’ve also partnered with Tablas Highlands Organic Farm in order to supply Sunset Beach Villas’ residents with healthy, chemical-free food. Indeed, Chris Bech, Will Irwin and the developers of Sunset Beach Villas are forward-thinking and sustainability minded.

Chris Bech and team also made sure that Sunset Beach Villas’ residents will be well-taken care of, as the community has maids, guards, as well as transportation to and from the Airport, including to and from the Tablas commercial area.

These are the things that Romblon and Tablas Island have to offer. So whether you’re staying for a spell or for good, live it up and soak it up here!

This is a guest post from Gaius Carbonell.

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