Romblon Trip Part 3 (Romblon Island): October 27 to November 1, 2016

The town of Romblon

Arrival / Fort San Andres

We arrived in Romblon, Romblon at 7 in the morning, and allotted the whole day for island hopping.  We were able to visit Fort San Andres as side trip since it is only 20 minutes away from the port.  

The main entrance

Fort San Andres, together with Fort Santiago was built during the Spanish era.  Fr. Agustin "El Padre Capitan" De San Pedro (ORSA) initiated the construction of the 2 bulwarks, in order to protect the town against moro mauderers  (source: commemorative plate of Fr. Agustin in Fort San Andres).  Today, it is one of the popular landmarks in the place, where visitors can witness a 360 degrees view of Romblon Island.

Attack!!!

Group selfie 

Different Views at the fortress

We stayed in the place for an hour.  Afterward, we had our early lunch and bought carved marbles at the souvenir shops near the port.  It was already 10:45 when we commenced our island hopping.

Island Hopping

Cobradror Island

The Arc of Cobrador

The virgin island of Cobrador was the first place we explored.  The island has an extended white sand beach surrounded with crystal clear water.  Honestly, I'm grateful that this place is still underdeveloped.  All the things that we saw were the natural beauty of that place; away from the usual crowds of other well-known destinations.  The place is still alive! 

Cobrador Island

Cobrador Island

Under the Sea

Circle of what?

Mandatory solo shot :D

Alad Island

This is the island where we stayed a bit longer because we waited for the "right time (low tide)" to go to Bonbon Beach.  Some of us took a nap; others explored the area and captured moments. Dito na rin inabot si Aries (call of nature :P).  There are several sea urchins in this island, so I didn't dare to go at the distant parts.  

Pictures taken from Alad Island

Marbles

One of the mining sites of marbles can be found in Alad.  "Parang halaman dito ang marmol, tumutubo lang" (The marbles here are like plants, they are sprouting) - according to the local.  I took some raw marbles as my souvenir.

Bonbon Beach

Bonbon Beach was our last destination.  It has a long stretch of sandbars which connecting the beach to another island (Bangog) during low-tide.  We taught that low tide happens during the afternoon (around 4 to 5 pm onward).  It was a mistake!  We learned from the people, that the best time to explore the place is before and an hour after lunch.  This is the time when a full stretch of sandbar can be observed.  Anyway, the scenery was still great.  We waited for the sunset before leaving.  


Pictures Taken

Solo pics with Mr. Starfish

The selfie king

Bang-og Island

Photo Ops

Where are the sands?

Bonbon Island connecting Bang-og Taken By Joy dated November 18, 2016 :D

Day 3 Actual Itinerary

2:00 AM - Wake up call waiting for the dimple star bus going to San Agustin
3:30 AM - Departure San Andres to San Agustin
4:50 AM - Arrival San Agustin Port
5:00 AM - Buying of a ticket, early breakfast 
6:00 AM - Departure San Agustin to Romblon Island
7:00 AM - Arrival Romblon Island (short tour, visiting Port San Andres, etc.)
10:45 AM - Start of Island Hopping
11:40 AM - Arrival Cobrador Island 
1:20 PM - Departure Cobrador Island to Alad Island
3:25 PM - Departure Alad Island to Bonbon Beach
3:50 PM - Arrival Bonbon Beach
5:00 PM - Departure Bonbon Beach to Port
5:30 PM - Arrival Port (Wash up, socials, etc)

How we went there?

1. Take a dimple star bus going to San Agustin from Odiongan.  (In our case, we waited the bus in San Andres).  Fare is 150 pesos per head if coming from Odiongan, and 100 pesos per head if from San Andres.

2. Take the RORO boat in San Agustin going to Romblon Island.  Fare is 80 pesos per head and first trip is at 6:00 AM.  If you miss the first trip, you can still take a pump boat going to Romblon (100 pesos per head). 


Note:

1. There is an entrance fee of 20 pesos per head in Fort San Andres.

2. We paid 2500 pesos for the cost of boat rental in Island hopping (8 pax).  

3. Expect series of crashing waves.  They will rock the boat :P

4. Marble is cheaper in Romblon, Romblon, but differential cost of buying in Odiongan is minimal.  It is more practical to buy souvenirs at Odiongan Port, if you have other planned itinerary.  It will save you from carrying heavy load.

Marble Shops in Romblon

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*** I would like to thank Mr. Johnny (Dave's friend), for giving us free accommodation during our one night stay in the island.    

Romblon Trip Part 1 (Going There)
Romblon Trip Part 2 (Bosay and Looc Fish Santuary)
Romblon Trip Part 4 (Calatrava)
Romblon Trip Part 5 (Roaming around San Andres and going back)