Social media has a fascinating way of influencing travel choices, doesn’t it? You might have grown up knowing the popular spots in the Philippines, but somehow, Tablas Island never made it onto your radar.
As someone who is always up for an adventure, you pack your bags, hop on a bangka, and set off to travel across the unpredictable Philippine waters. Before you know it, Tablas Island might just become one of your favorite destinations.
Snorkel at Looc Marine Sanctuary
When you visit the Looc Marine Sanctuary on Tablas Island, Romblon, you’ll be amazed by its beauty. Established in 1999, this sanctuary is one of the island’s oldest attractions, home to over 100 species of fish and sea creatures. Despite the island’s low-key tourism, the sanctuary thrives within a 48-hectare protected coral reef area.
The wooden pontoon, equipped with a roof, tables, and a large hole in the floor, offers you a unique way to observe fish as they scramble for breadcrumbs. You can gear up and jump into the crystal-clear water, where clams, reef fish, and large schools await.
You can snorkel over to the WWII lighthouse, where you’ll encounter diverse marine life along the way. The variety of fish and coral makes this an unexpectedly great snorkeling spot. For just 100 pesos, the Looc Marine Sanctuary offers fantastic value and is one of the top activities on Tablas Island.
Dive into the Blue Hole
You can choose to scuba dive or free dive at the Blue Hole, and if you’re up for it, free diving with a guide is an unforgettable experience. Even if you’re a beginner, the Blue Hole’s shallow depth—only about 10 meters—lets you experience its eerie beauty up close.
Just a few meters down, you’ll get an incredible view into the dark, mysterious depths. If you’re as skilled as Deo, you might even reach the bottom and explore the deep blue.
For about 45 minutes, you’ll float above the hole, taking turns diving down into its surreal, seemingly endless abyss. The atmosphere is both thrilling and otherworldly. Here is also a fascinating fact: there’s a hidden tunnel extending from the hole that scuba divers have ventured into.
Go to Busay Falls
Busay Falls, just outside San Agustin on Tablas Island, offers an incredible multi-tiered waterfall experience. After paying a small entrance fee of 20 pesos (about 40 cents), you might not know what to expect. As you hike up, you’ll pass several small cascading waterfalls, each one making you wonder if you’ve reached the main attraction.
Finally, you’ll arrive at the top, where a beautiful waterfall flows down. It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for enjoying a picnic while the kids play in the shallow water. The area is serene, with no rope swings or big activities—just pure scenic beauty.
If you’re up for more, you can also discover a steep trail leading further up, where you’ll find an even more impressive waterfall. This hidden gem feels like your own private oasis, and you’ll likely want to spend nearly an hour soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. Busay Falls stands out as one of the best waterfalls on Tablas Island, thanks to its serene and secluded setting.
Climb to the Binucot Beach Viewpoint
Binucot Beach is a stunning cove with hill viewpoints at both ends, offering some of the best snorkeling on the island with its crystal-clear waters teeming with fish. You can follow a small path from the beach, eventually sliding under an old barbed wire fence. From there, it becomes a freestyle adventure as you climb through vines, battle ants, and navigate sharp rocks to find the perfect viewpoint.
After some effort, you’ll reach a rocky perch with a fantastic view of Escape Eco Resort and Binucot Beach. The jagged, dramatic rocks might remind you of El Nido in Palawan. As you continue your exploration, you might even find a spot for a low cliff jump and swim through epic slot caves, discovering hidden gems along the way. Binucot Beach is sure to become one of your favorite spots on Tablas Island.
Watch the Sunset at Tablas Point
Starting from Alcantara, you’ll drive down the east coast, wrap around the southern tip of Tablas, and reach the west coast just in time to catch a stunning sunset. Park near the point, and you’ll find a perfect little clearing with palm trees—a picturesque spot reminiscent of a Corona ad, with golden hour light on the beach, giant palms overhead, and not another soul in sight, just a few local kids playing.
The sunset here might be the best of your entire week on Tablas Island, with the still ocean creating breathtaking reflections. Take some time to explore the area—you’ll discover boats, huts, and netting, all perfect for photos. This coastline is a great place to explore, so it’s a good idea to arrive well before sunset to find the ideal spot as the sky lights up.
Experience Danao Norte Viewpoint
Danao Norte, located in southeast Tablas Island, Romblon, is accessible by gravel road and home to just a couple of resorts. While it may seem quiet on the ground, your real adventure begins from the sky—that’s the reason you came. You might discover an unnamed viewpoint, which you could dub the Danao Norte Viewpoint, as it seems to be untouched by other visitors.
Your strategy could involve scouting Google Earth for epic viewpoints and reefs. You might find a narrow stretch of deep water flanked by shallow reefs, perfect for capturing stunning aerial shots. Exploring these hidden spots on Tablas Island makes your adventure far more exciting than visiting the well-known locations you’ve seen in countless photos.
Uncover Tinagong Dagat
Tinagong Dagat on Tablas is a stunning saltwater lake located right at the tip of the coastline. When you dock your boat here, you’ll be ready to explore two incredible natural wonders. Tinagong Dagat, meaning ‘hidden sea,’ truly lives up to its name.
From the boat, the pools are hidden from view, making them a thrilling discovery as you approach the shore. The view from above is even more breathtaking—you’ll have the perfect opportunity to capture one of your favorite photos, showcasing the entire stretch of the coast during your Calatrava Island Hopping adventure!
Climb the Tiers of Trangkalan Falls
Trangkalan Falls on Tablas Island is a hidden gem not marked on Google Maps. To find it, head to the Barangay of Bachawan, south along the east coast. Once in Bachawan, take the last right turn on the main street, or ask locals for directions. When you arrive, you might find the falls empty, with a small, inactive tour office nearby.
The first thing you’ll see is a small emerald pool with a gentle waterfall. For more adventure, climb the rocks upstream, where you’ll discover tiered boulders, vines, and exotic plants. After some climbing, you’ll reach a stunning spot, the perfect way to end your day after exploring some of the best waterfalls on Tablas Island.
Visit Aglicay Beach Resort
Aglicay Beach Resort, nestled on a private beach below Alcantara on the southeast corner of Tablas Island, offers a serene escape with towering palm trees lining the white sand. For just 50 pesos per person, you can access the stunning beach and Aglicay Beach Viewpoint.
After paying the entrance fee, you’ll enjoy access to bathroom facilities, filtered water, benches, and tables. Spend time on the beach, maybe even join in a splash war with local kids, and explore the beautiful palms along the shore.
A short five-minute hike up the stairs at the far end of the beach takes you to a viewpoint with impressive views of the water and reef. On the backside, the scenery gets even better with a vast reef, small fishing boats, and untouched palm-crowned coves.
Enjoy the Sunset at Binucot Beach
Binucot Beach is the perfect spot for sunsets, with its west-facing view offering stunning colors and reflections, whether you’re on the shore or up at the viewpoint.
If you’re staying at a place like Escape Eco Resort, right on Binucot Beach, you’ll have front-row seats to an epic sunset. As the sun begins to set, grab your camera and capture the unique scene—the palm trees on the hill almost look like they’re melting into the ocean. Sunsets on Tablas linger for over an hour, giving you plenty of time to soak in the slow-fading beauty of nature.
Get to Experience Tablas Island Now!
Ready for an unforgettable adventure on Tablas Island? Dive into the top 10 must-do activities, from exploring hidden waterfalls to catching epic sunsets. Unveil the island’s best-kept secrets and create memories that will last a lifetime. Need help planning your perfect trip? With Sam SEO Philippines you can optimize your island experience!
Final Thoughts
Tablas Island is one of those rare places where you can still find unspoiled beauty and authentic culture—experiences that are becoming increasingly rare in today’s more popular destinations. Understanding what this island has to offer is key if you’re someone who craves genuine, off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Here, you won’t just be checking off tourist spots—you’ll be experiencing amazing things that allow you to connect with nature in a way that feels personal and profound. This island is a sanctuary for those who seek experiences that go beyond the ordinary. If you’re looking to experience the Philippines in its most genuine form, going to Tablas Island should be at the top of your list.
FAQs
Where is Tablas Island located?
Tablas is the largest island in the province of Romblon, Philippines. The island’s name has Spanish origins, but before the Philippines was colonized, Tablas was known as the Island of Osigan.
Where is Romblon Island located?
Island of Romblon is strategically situated at the center of the Philippine archipelago. It is composed of three major islands (Tablas, Sibuyan, and Romblon) and 17 smaller islands. Romblon is surrounded by deep waters, with Masbate to the east and Mindoro to the west. Marinduque lies to the north, while Panay is to the south.
What is Tablas Island known for?
The reefs surrounding the island are vast and expansive. The Tablas Island Blue Hole is the only known blue hole in the Philippines. It’s located off northwest Gorda Point in northeastern Tablas. It is beneath the Gorda Point Lighthouse.
How big is Tablas Island in Philippines?
Tablas Island covers an area of approximately 693.74 square kilometers and has a shoreline that stretches around 231.20 kilometers. As of 2022, the island is home to an estimated population of 174,500 people. They speak over four languages, including Asi, Visayan, Ohan, Romblomanon, with Tagalog as a second language.