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Traveler and photographer.
I don’t travel just to see places. I travel because I want to know if there’s more than just everyday life. More about me
Romblon Island – The Untouristic Island With the Incredible Bon Bon Beach
Romblon Island is one of the less touristically developed islands in the Philippines. This is probably due to its more complicated journey, because when it comes to highlights such as Bon Bon Beach, the island certainly doesn’t disappoint.
Although only a small number of tourists visit Romblon, the island has surprisingly become a new home for many Western expats.
In the island’s main village, you’ll find a small community of German, Italian and British expatriates, many of whom run restaurants, cafés and accommodations on Romblon.
The local people are extremely welcoming and friendly towards foreign visitors. In fact, at times you may even become an attraction yourself, as encounters with Western tourists remain relatively uncommon.
The best beaches, attractions and travel tips can be found in the following Romblon Island travel guide.
Not in the mood to read? Then have a look at the photo gallery from Romblon Island instead.
What to Expect in This Romblon Island Travel Guide:
1. Bon Bon Beach Romblon – The Island’s Unbeatable Highlight
As someone passionate about travelling, I’ve been lucky enough to visit countless beaches. Some were spectacular, others average, and a few I’ve already forgotten.
But one thing upfront: Bon Bon Beach was an absolute WOW experience for me and belongs firmly in the category of places I’ll never forget.
Alright, I’ll stop praising it now and explain why this beach left such a lasting impression.
Bon Bon Beach is famous for its long sandbar stretching far into the ocean. During low tide, this sandbar transforms into something resembling a natural bridge across the sea, eventually connecting to neighbouring Bangug Island.
On both sides of the sandbar, you’ll find beautiful beaches with crystal-clear water and golden-white sand.
The surroundings are lush, tropical and covered in greenery, with several spots offering natural shade beneath the trees.
Stunning Scenery and Still Almost Empty
The southern side of Bon Bon Beach is especially suitable for swimming and relaxing in shallow turquoise water.
While floating in the sea, surrounded by views of Tablas Island, Lugbung Island and the spectacular sandbar, everyday life seems to disappear within seconds.
Guaranteed.
Your visit won’t simply be impressive, it may very well become one of those travel memories you never forget.
And perhaps the best thing about Bon Bon Beach?
Despite being one of the Philippines’ true hidden gems, there are still very few tourists here.
Tip 1: Choose the Right Side of the Beach
While the northern side of the divided Bon Bon Beach can become quite windy with rougher water, the southern side is often almost windless, offering calm conditions for swimming.
Tip 2: Visit on Weekdays
Visit Bon Bon Beach during the week, and there’s a good chance you’ll encounter very few people. On Sundays, however, the beach becomes a popular gathering place for locals, making it considerably busier.
Foreign visitors, especially Western tourists, often attract curiosity from the incredibly friendly Filipinos, who are usually happy to start conversations.I experienced this myself and ended up spending almost an entire day at Bon Bon Beach, largely because of the many spontaneous chats.
Since I genuinely enjoy connecting with locals while travelling, it turned into one of the most memorable parts of my visit.
At times, I almost felt like a superstar.
Useful Facts About Bon Bon Beach Romblon
2. Nonok Beach – The Creatively Designed Beach on Romblon Island
Nonok Beach is a private beach belonging to the resort of the same name. However, for an entrance fee of 50 Peso, the beach is open to all visitors.
(Although during my visit, nobody seemed interested in actually collecting the entrance fee.)
On the southern side of the relatively small beach, you’ll find a small wooden platform designed to resemble a ship.
This creative structure, combined with straw umbrellas and seating areas, invites you to relax and stay awhile. From the “ship’s bow”, you’ll also enjoy beautiful views over the picturesque bay and nearby Tiamban Beach.
The main beach area welcomes visitors with cute sculptures shaped like turtles, dolphins and even whales. The fine, snow-white sand at Nonok Beach feels almost like powdered sugar beneath your feet, making it an absolute pleasure to walk on.
Meanwhile, the crystal-clear turquoise water and shallow bay almost force you into the sea for a swim.
Shady Areas & Small Restaurant On-Site
At Nonok Beach, you can stop by the small restaurant within the resort for a snack or refreshing drink. The beach area also offers several shaded places to sit and relax, making it easy to spend a few peaceful hours by the ocean.
Among local Filipinos, Nonok Beach is particularly popular on Sundays.
Easy Access & Plenty of Parking
Nonok Beach is very easy to find, as it sits directly along Romblon Island’s main road. Since this road essentially circles the island, you’ll likely come across the beach naturally during your trip.
The resort is well signposted, offers ample parking for scooters, and is also well known among local tricycle drivers.
Useful Facts About Nonok Beach
3. Tiamban Beach – Powder-Soft Sand in a Stunning Tropical Setting
Tiamban Beach is the northern sister beach of Nonok Beach and, in my opinion, the more beautiful of the two. The main reason lies in its lush green surroundings, creating an incredibly picturesque tropical backdrop.
That said, both beaches still share several similarities.
One of them is the incredibly fine, sugar-white sand. Walking barefoot along Tiamban Beach feels almost mandatory, while wearing shoes or flip-flops would honestly seem like torture.
Even after returning to Switzerland, I could still remember how soft and pleasant the sand felt beneath my feet. Another similarity between Tiamban Beach and Nonok Beach is the crystal-clear, shallow turquoise water.
Whether you choose Tiamban or Nonok, both offer excellent swimming conditions and invite you to spend hours in the water. Although there is a small resort directly at Tiamban Beach, the atmosphere remains peaceful and relaxed, making it a perfect place to slow down and recharge.
Stunning Location With Incredible Views
The location of Tiamban Beach is among the most impressive on Romblon Island. The lush tropical scenery, combined with views towards Tablas Island and the nearby Bangug Island, almost looks like a painting.
Smaller rock formations divide the beach into two sections, adding even more character to this already spectacular landscape. Besides the island’s famous Bon Bon Beach, Tiamban Beach is one of my personal favourites on Romblon Island.
Useful Facts About Tiamban Beach
4. San Pedro Beach – Perfect Place to Relax on Romblon Island
San Pedro Beach lies within a beautiful bay and belongs to the resort of the same name.
The beach can only be accessed through the resort, with an entrance fee of 50 Peso. In return, you can spend your day relaxing in one of the many hammocks while enjoying a refreshing drink. Surrounded by lush tropical nature, the beach remains very peaceful and uncrowded, making San Pedro Beach an ideal spot for travellers seeking tranquillity.
Small but Beautiful Beach With Great Views
Although San Pedro Beach is relatively small, it offers crystal-clear water and stunning views stretching towards Tablas Island and even Bon Bon Beach. The unusual rock formations along the coastline, combined with the surrounding greenery, create an impressive natural panorama.
During my visit, there were slightly stronger waves, and the sea was less calm compared to beaches like Nonok or Tiamban. Even though Google Maps may not show the access road clearly, the beach can still be reached by road without much difficulty.
Useful Facts About San Pedro Beach
5. Reggae Vibes at Agpanabat Beach – Relaxed Stop Along Romblon’s West Coast
Reggae Vibes Resort is located at the rocky Agpanabat Beach. Along Romblon Island’s west coast, you’ll usually come across inviting beaches with fine sand, but Agpanabat Beach is quite different.
The coarse, rocky shoreline makes this beach less suitable for swimming, as there are many stones and rocky sections in the water.
Perfect Pit Stop During Your Romblon Road Trip
Despite this, the laid-back atmosphere and relaxed reggae vibe make the place a great stop for food and drinks during your island tour. Enjoy a meal or refreshing drink, recharge for a while, and continue exploring Romblon Island’s beautiful coastline.
Useful Facts About Agpanabat Beach
6. Lamao Beach Romblon – Relaxed Stop on the Untouched East Coast
At Lamao Beach, you’ll find the resort of the same name, featuring a surprisingly large swimming pool and even a jacuzzi. Lamao Beach Resort makes a great stopover, especially if you’re exploring Romblon Island’s east coast by scooter.
Here, you can enjoy a meal at the restaurant, take a break and recharge before continuing your road trip. The resort sits directly along a long beach near Calabogo Lighthouse.
However, the beach itself is less suitable for swimming, as parts of the shoreline are rocky and stony. Depending on the season, waves and sea conditions can also become relatively rough.
Beautiful Coastline Surrounded by Nature
Lamao Beach lies along Romblon’s untouched east coast and impresses with beautiful coastal scenery. From the beach, you’ll enjoy views of the lush green hills surrounding the coastline, as well as Alfonso Island, which adds even more charm to the panorama.
The area feels peaceful, remote and largely untouched by tourism.
Useful Facts About Lamao Beach
7. Calabogo Lighthouse – Spectacular Views Towards Alfonso Island
Along Romblon Island’s east coast, you’ll find what is, in my opinion, one of the island’s most impressive natural landscapes besides Bon Bon Beach.
One of the most beautiful spots is located around the small Calabogo Lighthouse. The lighthouse sits on top of a hill, offering stunning views over Romblon’s rugged east coast and Lamao Beach.
The combination of lush green scenery, the deep blue ocean and the almost deserted surroundings creates a truly magical place to pause and simply enjoy the panorama.
Perfect Viewpoint From the Cliff Edge
Around 100 metres north of Calabogo Lighthouse, you’ll discover a rock outcrop that serves as an incredible viewpoint. From here, you’ll enjoy spectacular views over the picturesque Lamao Bay, with its rocky beaches and the small offshore Alfonso Island.
For me personally, this paradise-like scenery and untouched nature ranked among Romblon Island’s biggest highlights alongside Bon Bon Beach.
Useful Facts About Calabogo Lighthouse
8. Fort San Andres – Remains of the Spanish Colonial Era
The historic Fort San Andres, originally built by the Spanish to protect Romblon from invaders, sits on a hill overlooking the island’s main village.
The fort is surrounded by a beautiful garden filled with colourful flowers and tropical greenery. It’s not uncommon to spot vibrant birds resting in the trees, which stretch from the hilltop all the way down into the valley. From the walls of the old fortress and the adjoining terrace, you’ll enjoy a spectacular 360-degree view over Romblon town.
From here, your gaze can wander across the picturesque bay all the way towards Lugbung Island.
Climb 200 Steps to Reach the Fortress
There are two ways to reach Fort San Andres.
The more adventurous option involves climbing around 200 steps, leading from the foot of the hill up to the fortress.
Especially in the heat, the climb can become quite exhausting, but it’s definitely manageable and worth the effort. Alternatively, there is a paved road, allowing you to reach the fortress comfortably by scooter.
Useful Facts About Fort San Andres
9. Suggested Scooter Routes for Exploring Romblon Island
The relatively small and manageable Romblon Island is best explored by scooter.
In terms of pure driving time, you can circle the entire island in around two hours.
However, since Romblon offers beautiful beaches, viewpoints and hidden spots worth stopping for, you’ll likely spend much longer exploring.
Travelling by scooter gives you the freedom to discover remote coastal areas, enjoy scenic viewpoints and experience the island at your own pace, making it the ideal way to explore Romblon Island.
Route Suggestion 1: Romblon’s Best Beaches & Main Highlights
Route 1 takes you along Romblon Island’s west coast, home to some of the island’s most beautiful beaches.
This route includes highlights such as Bon Bon Beach, Nonok Beach, Tiamban Beach, San Pedro Beach and Agpanabat Beach.
The roundtrip then continues through Romblon’s hilly interior, passing several marble workshops and factories, for which Romblon is famous throughout the Philippines and even internationally.
The route also leads through Romblon town, where you can visit Fort San Andres.
Route Suggestion 2: Complete Island Tour Including the Untouched East Coast
Route 2 includes all beaches and attractions from the first itinerary, but instead of turning inland in the south-east, you continue along Romblon’s remote east coast.
The east coast impresses with its untouched atmosphere and sparse settlements, offering beautiful scenery and dramatic coastal views. However, be aware that roads along the east coast can be challenging, especially for inexperienced scooter riders.
By Swiss standards, some sections would probably qualify more as hiking trails than proper roads. Along this route, you’ll discover additional beaches in beautiful settings, though many are rocky and less suitable for swimming.
For me personally, the highlight of the east coast is the area around Calabogo Lighthouse, with its spectacular panoramic views.
The route then continues towards Lamao Beach, before ending with a visit to Fort San Andres.
10. Island Hopping Around Romblon – Explore the Surrounding Islands
Romblon Island is surrounded by beautiful neighbouring islands such as Lugbung, Alad and Naguso.
Some travellers even claim that a few of the Philippines’ most stunning beaches can be found on these lesser-known islands.
Unfortunately, during my stay, island hopping tours were not operating, partly due to poor weather conditions and the impact of the COVID pandemic at the time.
Have you already experienced island hopping around Romblon Island?
If you have tips, recommendations or impressions, feel free to share them in the comments!
Your Romblon Island trip can also be perfectly combined with nearby destinations such as Tablas Island, Carabao Island and Boracay, allowing you to experience very different sides of the Philippines within one journey.
Hotel Recommendations for Romblon Island
Romblon Fun Divers & Inn
Accommodation options on Romblon Island are limited, especially those that can easily be booked online in advance.
For me, having a central location was important, allowing me to explore the island during the day and visit nearby restaurants in the evening.
Romblon Fun Divers & Inn fulfilled exactly these requirements.
A major advantage was the possibility to rent a scooter directly at the hotel, which is far from guaranteed on less touristy Philippine islands. The accommodation is also located close to Romblon town and the promenade area, making restaurants and attractions easily accessible.
The hotel itself does not have a full restaurant, although snacks and breakfast options may be available.
Only a few minutes away, you’ll find Romblon’s main village, with several restaurants, including Western food options, partly influenced by the small community of foreign expats living on the island.
For travellers who don’t need luxury but prefer a central base, this is an excellent choice.
If you’re looking for more comfort or prefer staying closer to Bon Bon Beach, Horizon Hotel Romblon* could be worth considering.
Another beachfront alternative is Lonos Beach Resort*
Romblon Island, Philippines – How to Get There
From Manila to Romblon Island
There are two main ways to reach Romblon from Manila.
The first option is to fly to Tablas Island and continue by ferry from San Agustin to Romblon Island.
The transfer from the airport to San Agustin takes around one hour by van.
(See the Tablas Island travel guide for more details.)
Alternatively, there is also a direct ferry connection from Manila to Romblon Island.
From Tablas Island to Romblon Island
Romblon is easy to reach from Tablas Island.
Ferries usually operate between San Agustin (Tablas) and Romblon town, with departures at approximately 8 AM and 1 PM.
The crossing takes around one hour and costs roughly 100 Peso per person.
From Caticlan to Romblon Island
Based on my information, there are no direct ferries from Caticlan to Romblon Island.
The most common option is to travel via Tablas Island before continuing to Romblon.
Please note that ferry schedules and prices may change over time. It’s always worth checking locally for the latest information before travelling.
Getting Around Romblon Island
As is often the case in Southeast Asia, the most flexible and affordable way to explore Romblon Island is by renting a scooter.
Based on my experience, most hotels offer scooter rentals directly on-site or can help arrange one for you.
Expect to pay around 500 Peso per day (approximately 8 Euro).
Exploring the island by scooter gives you the freedom to discover hidden beaches, viewpoints and remote coastal areas at your own pace.
Another option is to hire a local tricycle driver.
Prices are usually negotiable, but I’d estimate costs at roughly 500 Peso per hour, depending on distance and route.
This can be a convenient alternative if you don’t feel comfortable riding a scooter yourself.
Best Time to Visit Romblon Island
The best time to visit Romblon Island is during the dry season between December and April.
Planning your trip within these months generally offers the lowest chance of rainfall, making it the ideal period to explore beaches, viewpoints and the island’s natural attractions.
During the dry season, you can expect warm temperatures ranging between 25°C and 32°C, plenty of sunshine and better conditions for swimming, snorkelling, island hopping and scooter tours around Romblon.
Rainy Season: May to November
The rainy season on Romblon Island typically lasts from May to November.
During this period, short but intense tropical rain showers are common, and depending on weather conditions, ferry schedules and island hopping tours may occasionally be affected or cancelled.
That said, travelling during the rainy season can also have advantages:
You’ll encounter fewer tourists, enjoy greener landscapes, and often benefit from lower accommodation prices.
If your priority is sunny beach days and outdoor activities, however, the months between December and April remain the best choice.
Conclusion About Romblon Island’s Beaches & Attractions
With Bon Bon Beach, Romblon Island offers one truly spectacular highlight that left a lasting impression on me.
The untouched east coast, especially the stunning scenery around Calabogo Lighthouse, is another exceptional highlight and one of the island’s most beautiful natural areas.
The remaining beaches and attractions on Romblon Island, however, are pleasant to visit but generally not extraordinary must-see highlights.
Considering the more complicated journey to reach Romblon, there are arguably other destinations in Southeast Asia and even within the Philippines that offer a similar or greater wow factor with easier access.
That said, Romblon Island works incredibly well as part of a larger island-hopping itinerary through the Philippines.
For example, you could combine Boracay’s lively atmosphere, continue to the more untouched Carabao Island and Tablas Island, and finish your journey on Romblon Island.
Personally, I’d be less likely to recommend travelling exclusively to Romblon Island, as you’ll probably have explored most of the island’s main highlights within around three days.
As part of a multi-island adventure, however, Romblon adds a quieter, more authentic side of the Philippines that many travellers never experience.
Do You Have Questions About Romblon Island’s Beaches & Attractions?
Are you planning a trip to Romblon Island and still have questions about the island, its beaches or attractions? I’d be happy to help and answer them.
Simply use the contact form below to get in touch. Do you have additional tips or experiences that could be.
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