Carabao Island is untouched and has the same treasures Boracay Island boasts; the crystal-clear blue waters and the powdery-white sands, minus the hustle and bustle of its famous counterpart.
It is the perfect tourist destination for beach lovers who seek peace and tranquility Carabao Island.
Part of Romblon province in the MIMAROPA region—which consists of Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan—Carabao Island was initially inhabited by the Aetas and was called Hambil by the locals. It was later renamed Carabao Island by the Spanish conquistadores Miguel Lopez de Loarca because it resembles a water buffalo’s back.
What To Expect On Carabao Island
The streets outside the town are still bumpy, but the main road is paved. Although there are no jeeps or tricycles on the island, guests can get around with motorcycles, referred to as the habal-habal. Electricity runs only from 1 pm to 11 pm, and 4 am to 6 am, which maintains its status as an undeveloped island.
Like Boracay Island, Carabao Island has many beach resorts and hotels that tourists can choose from. Visitors who would like to swim in turquoise waters can visit Hinulugan beach and Lanas beach. For guests who prefer powder-white sands over the pebbly kind may visit Tinap-an or San Jose beach.
Other major beach resorts in the area include the White Beach (formerly known as Ivy’s Vine Resort), the Nipa Hauz Resort and Restaurant, the Beach House, and the Boracay Outlook Resort. Most of these resorts also have restaurants that provide a wide range of delicious dishes.
What To Do On Carabao Island
Carabao Island is also famous for its water sport activities that are unavailable at many Boracay resorts. For less than $100, adrenaline enthusiasts will love the 30-minute Flyboard. Exclusively offered by the Boracay Outlook Resort, it is a new and innovative sport wherein a tube is connected to the main jet exit. A thick, flexible 9-meter hose from this tube connects to the jet boots, which allow the rider to perform desired wild aerial tricks. Kiteboarding and windsurfing sites are also found on the island.
Because of its various marine sanctuaries, Carabao island is also an excellent site for snorkeling and scuba diving. The dive shops here are fully equipped and managed by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). Tourists can marvel at the colorful species of fish and kaleidoscopic corals at the Village Reef and Village Mountain. Some of the dive sites that lure underwater photographers include Cathedral Cave (known for its massive underwater cave), Lobster Wall, West Wall I and II, and Devil’s Shoulder.
Carabao Island also features outdoor adventures such as exploring Ngiriton Cave in Sitio Lindero or Bunayag Cave in Sitio Sugod.
How To Get To Carabao Island
Located in San Jose, Romblon, Carabao Island is just a 25-minute boat ride from Boracay. Visitors have the option of chartering a boat to enjoy an island-hopping activity in Carabao Island or taking the daily trips from Station 1 of Boracay’s White Beach. In less than 10 minutes, guests can also take a speedboat to enjoy more time on the island.
View Carabao Island from the air
Enjoy the spectacular views of Boracay and outlying islands like Carabao and Crocodile Island on this fantastic helicopter tour.