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. With empty beaches, winding coastal roads, and friendly villages, Tablas offers an authentic island experience far from the crowds.

🏛️ How to Get to Tablas

From Caticlan Port:

• Morning boats to Looc: Usually 2-3 trips/day (Looc Port location)
• Boat contact: Facebook Page
• 3PM boat to Santa Fe: (Santa Fe Port location)
• Pro tip: Arrive at least one hour early to secure your spot on the passenger list

⚠️ Always confirm schedules in advance, especially during bad weather

🧭 What to Do in Caticlan While Waiting

If you're catching a ferry to Tablas 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
• Mister Donut: Quick snacks, hot dogs, and iced coffee
• Sotera Café: Chill spot just outside the terminal (Facebook)
• Café Liberica: Strong coffee and meals along Jetty Port Road
• Shenzi's Café: Cozy atmosphere with great pasta and sandwiches
• Palay Kitchen-Lounge: Filipino-Asian fusion a short trike ride away

🛒 Convenience & Essentials

• 7-Eleven: Inside port area for drinks, snacks, and power banks
• Sari-Sari Stores: Outside the port for fruit, water, and local snacks
• Watsons Pharmacy: Right outside terminal for seasickness pills and sunblock

💳 ATMs at the Port

• BPI ATM: PHP 20,000 max withdrawal
• Other ATMs: Landbank, Metrobank, RCBC (PHP 10,000 limit)

🏍️ The Riding Experience

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 (PHP 800-1000/day).

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. Facebook | Map

2. Tablas Seaview Resort (Ferrol)

More hotel-style with great sunsets and solid Western food. Facebook | Map

3. Aglicay Beach Resort (Alcantara)

Remote and peaceful with jungle surroundings. Good for hiking and swimming. Facebook | Map

🏍️ Motorcycle rentals: Ask us for local contacts or email 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 (Map)
• Guintigbasan: Mountain viewpoint (Map)
• San Agustin: Lunch stop + resupply (Map)
• Gorda Point Lighthouse: Hike down to beach and lighthouse (Map)
• Mahabang Baybay: Causeway to Biaringan Island (Map)
• Binucot Beach: Sunset swim spot (Map)

Gorda Point Beach

🏝️ Puro Island Mini-Adventure

Base: Guintigbasan village (Map)

• Ask local fishermen for a boat to Puro Island (10 mins)
• Snorkel (bring your own gear) or swim
• Hike to the viewpoint
• Chat with locals (only ~100 people live there)

🤿 Diving and Snorkeling

Kiwi Dive Resort (San Agustin) offers fun dives, intro dives, and night dives. Best season: November to May (PHP 1,800-2,200 per dive). Facebook

🌿 Bonus Stops

• Looc Bay Marine Refuge: Snorkeling sanctuary
• Busay Falls: Freshwater break
• Local eateries: Try anything with coconut, fish, or banana

🌟 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

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

📍 Caticlan Port Location