What to Do in Tablas Island (Romblon): A Practical Guide for Curious Travelers

Tablas is remote, quiet, and blissfully underdeveloped. It's perfect for travelers who want something more than just sunbathing—those looking to explore, move, and discover a version of the Philippines that feels real, raw, and local.

🏛️ How to Get to Tablas (https://maps.app.goo.gl/cvUJfdxdvhR9xga78)

From Caticlan Port:

• Morning boats to Looc (https://maps.app.goo.gl/cRocitiPx6tAHXBU7) (usually 2-3 trips/day) Bellow is one boat contact https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552177324019
  

  
  
  

  Boat to Tablas from Caticlan

  

  Schedule boat to Tablas

  

  Trips to Tablas Caticlan and back
  
  

• 3PM boat to Santa Fe (https://maps.app.goo.gl/4t3wDSznv83y1GBy5) Go at least one hour in advance to add your name on the list, to secure your spot on the boat.

  
  

Confirm schedules in advance, especially during bad weather.

🧭 What to Do in Caticlan While Waiting for the Boat

If you’re catching a ferry to Tablas or Boracay and have time to spare at Caticlan Jetty Port, here’s how to stay comfortable, well-fed, and prepared.

🍽️ Food & Snacks Nearby

• Mang Inasal🔥 Local favorite for grilled chicken and unlimited rice. Budget-friendly and quick service.
  

• Mister Donut🍩 Grab a few donuts, hot dogs, or iced coffee while waiting.
  

• Sotera Café☕️ Chill café just outside the terminal. Good for coffee, light meals, and escaping the crowd.Sotera Café Facebook
  

• Café Liberica🍝 Serves meals, pastries, and strong coffee. Located along Jetty Port Exit Road.
  

• Shenzi's Café🇮🇹 Small café ~300m away. Great pasta, sandwiches, and cozy atmosphere.
  

• Palay Kitchen-Lounge🥢 Filipino-Asian fusion menu with comfy seating. A short ride or trike away.
  

🛒 Convenience & Essentials

• 7-Eleven (Inside Port Area)🧃 Cold drinks, snacks, instant noodles, and power banks.
  

• Local Sari-Sari Stores🛍️ Right outside the port, handy for buying fruit, water, and affordable snacks.
  

💊 Pharmacy

• Watsons (Right outside the terminal)💊 Best place to buy seasickness pills, sunblock, and toiletries.Watsons Philippines
  

💳 ATMs at the Port

• BPI ATM💸 The only ATM in the area that allows PHP 20,000 max per withdrawal.

• Landbank, Metrobank, RCBC ATMs💰 Available but often have lower withdrawal limits (PHP 10,000) and queues.
  

⚠️ Tips for Travelers:

• Stock up on water, cash, and medicine before boarding. Options are limited on Tablas.

• Always carry small bills — many vendors can’t change large notes.

• Download offline maps and travel apps in case mobile data is spotty later.

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The Riding:

Arrival Tip: Looc and Santa Fe ports are about an hour apart by scooter. Both offer nearby transport, but you’ll want to rent a motorbike to truly explore. Prices range from PHP 800–1000/day.

Bring your international driving license and diving license if relevant.

ARRIVING IN SANTA FE

🏡 Where to Stay

All options below are on or near the beach with easy access to nature:

1. Tablas Point (Santa Fe)Quiet, beachfront, and minimalist. Great for disconnecting.Tablas Point Facebook https://maps.app.goo.gl/BewLoU5fPZBdvb3h9

2. Tablas Seaview Resort (Ferrol)More hotel-style. Great sunsets and solid Western food.Seaview Facebook https://maps.app.goo.gl/FAk5PsPiXnQT77ej9

3. Aglicay Beach Resort (Alcantara)Remote and peaceful with jungle surroundings. Good for hiking and swimming.Aglicay Facebook https://maps.app.goo.gl/NGQo2vP4dHBmvspi7

Motorcycle rentals: Ask us for local contacts. Contact ilawilawvilla@gmail.com

🌊 What to Do: Day by Day

🌄 Day 1: Settle in and Relax

• Unplug, breathe, and enjoy the stars at night.

• No nightlife, no McDonald's—just nature and quiet.

  
  

  

  
  

🚗 Day 2: Full Island Loop (6–8 hours by bike)

Stops & Highlights:

• Agmanic: White deserted beaches (https://maps.app.goo.gl/1CSctTUnond1ZUqw7)

  

  
  

• Guintigbasan: Ride and hike to mountain viewpoint (https://maps.app.goo.gl/5sLAYZhphR7rn5peA)

  
  
  

  

  
  
  

• San Agustin: Lunch stop + resupply (https://maps.app.goo.gl/uo9ye975QzoDdVt7A)

  

  
  

• Gorda Point Lighthouse: Park and hike down to beach and lighthouse (great workout) Bring lots of water https://maps.app.goo.gl/oWAcsz5GgwYyCTje7

  
  
  

  

  

  

  

  Walk all the way down the stairs to the amazing beach https://maps.app.goo.gl/UbSbzXryVqVjJpNW7

  
  
  
  

• Mahabang Baybay: Walk to the causeway to Biaringan Island (feels like Tahiti) (https://maps.app.goo.gl/FUyQvtd6Y3c8C29GA)
  

  
  
  

  

  
  
  
  
  

• Binucot Beach: Swim and enjoy the sunset — calm water, perfect for photos

(https://maps.app.goo.gl/PbXEbAAJRzEo2aVQ9)

Estimated distance: 120 km round trip about 6 to 9 hours (leave early morning)

🏝️ Puro Island Mini-Adventure https://maps.app.goo.gl/VRtMUo98RVu17Tsk6

Base: Guintigbasan village (https://maps.app.goo.gl/t4ULsCtmFkc4g9xX7)

• Ride there, then ask local fishermen for a boat to Puro Island (10 mins) (https://maps.app.goo.gl/MPcTdSr77YamVUP66)
  

Activities:

• Snorkel (bring your own snorkel) or swim

• Hike to the viewpoint (https://maps.app.goo.gl/47TYmZDDKyZf2D4E7)

• Chat with locals (only ~100 people live there)

• Buy fresh coconuts before heading back
  

End your day with a quiet beach like Pili Beach or Tablas Point.

🤿 Diving and Snorkeling

Kiwi Dive Resort (San Agustin)

• Well-known dive center on the island

• Offers fun dives, intro dives, and night dives

• Also great snorkeling nearby

Kiwi Dive Resort Facebook

Rates: PHP 1,800–2,200 per diveBest Season: November to May

🌿 Bonus Stops

• Looc Bay Marine Refuge: Snorkeling sanctuary

• Busay Falls: Great for a freshwater break

• Local eateries: Try anything with coconut, fish, or banana. Simple, fresh, and real.
  

🌟 Final Tips

• Always carry water, sun protection, and cash (few ATMs)

• Download maps offline before arriving

• Don’t expect perfect Wi-Fi or nightlife—expect raw beauty and local hospitality
  

Tablas isn’t for everyone. But if you’re up for the ride, it might be your favorite island yet.