Tablas Island
Remote, quiet, and blissfully underdeveloped. 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.
Discover Tablas Island
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.
Why Visit Tablas?
- •Escape the tourist crowds of Boracay
- •Discover pristine, empty beaches
- •Experience authentic island culture
- •Enjoy adventure without the tourist markup
- •Perfect for motorbike exploration
What to Expect
- •Limited tourist infrastructure
- •Spotty internet and mobile service
- •Simple accommodations with friendly service
- •Fresh, local food without fancy presentation
- •No nightlife, no McDonald's—just nature and quiet
How to Get to Tablas
Where is Tablas Island? Tablas is the largest island in Romblon Province, Philippines, just across the water from Caticlan (Boracay). It sits between Mindoro and Romblon Island, with main ports at Looc and Santa Fe.
How do you get to Tablas from Caticlan? Go to Caticlan Jetty Port → buy a ticket to Looc or Santa Fe → ride the ferry (≈60–90 mins) → take an e‑trike or van to your stay. Total DIY cost is usually ₱350–₱500 per person.
From Caticlan Port:
- Reach Caticlan Jetty Port. From the airport, take an e‑trike (₱50–₱100) or walk 7–10 minutes.
- Buy ferry ticket to Looc or Santa Fe. 2–3 departures daily; arrive 1 hour early, weather dependent.
- Board the ferry. Crossing takes ~60–90 minutes.
- Disembark on Tablas. Take an e‑trike/van to your accommodation or rent a motorbike.
Ferry Details
3PM boat to Santa Fe
Go at least one hour in advance to add your name on the list, to secure your spot on the boat.
Confirm schedules in advance, especially during bad weather.
The Riding
Arrival Tip: 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. Prices range from PHP 800–1000/day.
Bring your international driving license and diving license if relevant.
Arriving in Santa Fe
What to Do in Caticlan While Waiting for the Boat
If you're catching a ferry to Tablas or Boracay 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. Budget-friendly and quick service.
Mister Donut🍩
Grab a few donuts, hot dogs, or iced coffee while waiting.
Sotera Café☕️
Chill café just outside the terminal. Good for coffee, light meals, and escaping the crowd.
Café Liberica🍝
Serves meals, pastries, and strong coffee. Located along Jetty Port Exit Road.
Convenience & Essentials
7-Eleven (Inside Port Area)🧃
Cold drinks, snacks, instant noodles, and power banks.
Local Sari-Sari Stores🛍️
Right outside the port, handy for buying fruit, water, and affordable snacks.
Pharmacy
Watsons (Right outside the terminal)💊
Best place to buy seasickness pills, sunblock, and toiletries.
Watsons Philippines
ATMs at the Port
BPI ATM💸
The only ATM in the area that allows PHP 20,000 max per withdrawal.
Landbank, Metrobank, RCBC ATMs💰
Available but often have lower withdrawal limits (PHP 10,000) and queues.
Tips for Travelers:
- •Stock up on water, cash, and medicine before boarding. Options are limited on Tablas.
- •Always carry small bills — many vendors can't change large notes.
- •Download offline maps and travel apps in case mobile data is spotty later.
Where to Stay
All options below are on or near the beach with easy access to nature. Continuing to Boracay? Check Where to stay in Boracay: Station 1 vs 2 vs 3 vs Bulabog.
1. Tablas Point (Santa Fe)
Quiet, beachfront, and minimalist. Great for disconnecting.
2. Tablas Seaview Resort (Ferrol)
More hotel-style. Great sunsets and solid Western food.
3. Aglicay Beach Resort (Alcantara)
Remote and peaceful with jungle surroundings. Good for hiking and swimming.
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:
Gorda Point Lighthouse: Park and hike down to beach
Great workout! Bring lots of water.
Estimated distance: 120 km round trip, about 6 to 9 hours (leave early morning)
Puro Island Mini-Adventure
Base: Guintigbasan village
View on MapRide there, then ask local fishermen for a boat to Puro Island (10 mins)
Puro Island on MapActivities:
- •Snorkel (bring your own snorkel) or swim
- •Hike to the viewpoint
- •Chat with locals (only ~100 people live there)
- •Buy fresh coconuts before heading back
End your day with a quiet beach like Pili Beach or Tablas Point.
Diving and Snorkeling
Kiwi Dive Resort (San Agustin)
- •Well-known dive center on the island
- •Offers fun dives, intro dives, and night dives
- •Also great snorkeling nearby
Rates: PHP 1,800–2,200 per dive
Best Season: November to May
Bonus Stops
- •Looc Bay Marine Refuge: Snorkeling sanctuary
- •Busay Falls: Great for a freshwater break
- •Local eateries: Try anything with coconut, fish, or banana. Simple, fresh, and real.
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 and local hospitality
Tablas isn't for everyone. But if you're up for the ride, it might be your favorite island yet.
Tablas Island FAQs
What is the boat schedule from Caticlan to Tablas?
Expect 2–3 departures daily to Looc or Santa Fe. Arrive at least one hour early; schedules can change with weather.
How much is the boat to Tablas Island?
Plan ₱250–₱400 for the boat fare. If coming from the airport, add an e‑trike (₱50–₱100) to the port.
What is the best month to visit Tablas?
December–May offers calmer seas and best visibility for diving. June–November has more rain and occasional weather delays.
Is Tablas good for first‑timers?
Yes if you like quiet beaches, motorbike loops, and fewer crowds. It’s more rustic than Boracay—bring cash and offline maps.
Where is Tablas Island located?
Tablas is in Romblon Province, Philippines, across the water from Caticlan (Boracay). The main entry points are Looc and Santa Fe ports.
Is Tablas part of Boracay?
No. Tablas is a separate island in Romblon. It’s reached by ferry from Caticlan, the same gateway used for Boracay.
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