Getting ready for summer vacation? Masbate is a great place to visit.
Masbate is a largely rural island province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region. It consists of three major islands: Masbate, Ticao and Burias. Its capital and largest city is Masbate City.
Masbate is relatively inaccessible compared to other destinations with direct flights only from Manila. Some tourists have to travel by bus and then by boat to get to Masbate. Still, this doesn’t stop people from discovering this underrated destination and appeals to those who like visiting off-the-beaten path places.
Read on and see what awaits you in Masbate province.
DAY 1
1.Wander around the city
Travelers who are based in the capital city can take some downtime acquainting with the local scene. Masbate remains a developing province in the Philippines and spending time even at its capital provides a glimpse of small-town life. Stroll around the streets, passing by key buildings like the capitol, ancestral buildings, and Masbate Cathedral.
2.Mayong-Payong Peak in Mobo, Masbate
Mayong Payong is one of the newer tourist spots in Masbate. The hilltop area about 20 minutes from the city proper is a popular spot for locals and visitors who want to enjoy the view overlooking the city. The best time to visit is late afternoon to watch the sunset. You can also camp out overnight here (bring your own tent). Entrance fee: P30, Cottages for overnight stays cost P300.
3.Be a cowgirl and cowboy for a day
Experience being a haciendero for a day at Sese Brahman’s Ranch, a cattle farm and ranch located at San Juan, Mandaon in Masbate. They are open for ranch tours and visits horseback riding pictorial and camping at the hilltop. From Mobo, Masbate to Mandaon in barangay of San Juan in Masbate ride a habal habal for 1 hour and 58 minutes.
4.Discover a hidden paradise at Palani White Beach
The beach is undiscover beach and its popular because of white fine sand and crystal clear the beach was improving and starting to build resorts but still has its natural beauty.The best part of this beach is its stunning sunset.
From Mandaon in barangay of San Juan, Masbate ride a car or jeep going to Balud travel time is 1 hour and 42 minutes if you’re already in Balud, ride a habal habal going to Palani Beach that takes 30 mins.
DAY 2
In Masbate City, take a tricycle to Masbate City Port and ride the ferry/boat to Lagundi in Ticao Island. Travel time is about 30 minutes. At Lagundi, you can hire a motorcycle to take you to Monreal for about PHP 300 – PHP 500 depending on your haggling skill. At Monreal Port, you can rent a boat for island hopping in Ticao Island for PHP 2,000 – PHP 2,500, good for 5 persons. Tour guide fee is PHP 500.
5.Feel the solitude at Ticao Island
Ticao is home to Manta Bowl, where divers can freely swim with Manta Rays. This is the reason why international divers flock to Ticao, to experience this one-of-a-kind dive. In Ticao, whale sharks as well as sharks can be spotted. The island is also home to secluded beaches, Halea National Park, and the famous Catandayagan Falls.
6.Be amazed by Catandayagan Falls
Falls naturally attract travelers with their cold water, giving the perfect remedy to the humid weather in the Philippines.
Also located in the town of Monreal in Ticao Island, these breathtaking waterfalls drops from 60 feet to its base into a pool of cool, clear water directly to the sea.Swim around the falls or be brave enough to check out the cave beside it.
7.Have the best adventure at Halea National Park
Masbate’s pride and one of the main attractions in Ticao Island is Halea National Park. It is beautiful beyond words. Crystal clear waters with fish of different types and colors, which fill its shores and coves, soft sand and lush vegetation, complete with colorful flowers.
Halea Nature Park the waters turned from a deep blue color to crystal- clear turquoise. The highlight for halea nature park is the reach marine life that could easily spotted beneath the water you can see coral reefs and colorful reef fishes and also Baby sharks are reported to be sheltering here you can also feed the fishes here.
Boats may be rented at Masbate Port for Island hopping the destinations are the Buntod Marie Sanctuary, Catandayagan Falls, Burubancaso Rock Formation and the Halea Nature Park.
Suggested 2 Days Masbate Itinerary:
DAY1
10:30
Arrive at the sunny Masbate Airport and head straight to your accommodation. Tricycle from the airport to the city proper is PHP10 but you need to pay for all the seats if you’re alone. If your hotel is near the airport, walking is a cheaper alternative.
12:00
Kaykay’s Sinangag Lunch
After dropping your stuff at your accommodation, time to explore the city and look for a place to have lunch. Masbate City’s food options are plainly simple; you can find silog houses on Quezon Street, the main avenue of the city. One of the famous places to grab the famous tapsilog is Kaykay’s Sinangag. Though it’s known for its tapsilog
1300 Hotel
1400 Wander the city
1430 Mayong Payong Peak
1500 Sese Ranch
1600 Palani Beach
1800 Hotel
DAY 2
6:00 Breakfast
8:00 Masbate City Port
8:30 Depart from Lagundi in Ticao Island
9:00 Lagundi to Monreal in Ticao Island
10:00 Check in
12:00 Lunch
1300 Island hopping
How to get to Masbate City
Option 1
By land
From Cubao to Masbate by bus (Isarog Lines) Travel Time: 16 to 18 hours
Option 2
By land and sea
From Cubao to Pilar Port, Sorsogon by bus (Penafrancia) Travel time: 10-12 hours
Sea
Pilar Port to Masbate City Port ride a RORO or Fast craft ferry
Travel time of RORO: 4 ½ hours
Fast craft Ferry: 2 ½ hours
From Masbate City port ride a tricycle going to the city. Travel time 5-10 minutes
Option 3
By air
PAL and CEBU PACIFIC offers direct flights to Masbate Travel Time: 1 hr 15m
Where to stay in Masbate
Affordable Hotels in Masbate City
1.GV Hotel Masbate
When visiting Masbate City whether for leisure, work, or just for adventure, GV hotels is a great choice of hotel to stay to. It is one of the most popular hotels amongst traveller. The hotel offers remarkable amenities and services that give utmost comfort and convenience to their visitors. Its staffs are trained to offer exceptional services for the benefit of their guests.
Address: Danao Street, Masbate City, Mastbate 5400 Philippines
2.Team Centrum Seaman’s Hotel
Team Centrum Seaman’s Hotel was formerly formed by a Seaman and it is where it derived its name. It is conveniently located right in the heart of Masbate City. It has all the basic amenities that the guests are looking for to give comfort and convenience.
Address: 28 Danao Street, Barangay Bapor, Masbate City, Masbate 5400 Philippines
3.Chona and Christophe Guesthouse – Masbate
Chona and Christophe Guesthouse is located primely in the heart of Masbate. It offers its guests with a range of services and amenities that is designed to provide great comfort and convenience. One thing that this guesthouse offers is a Casino and facilities for disabled guests.
Address: Mangrove Park, Masbate 5400 Philippines
4.Francjoreen Beach Resort
Francjoreen Beach Resort has a unique feature that is different from others. Be mesmerized by the relaxing sea breeze and be pleased with the resort’s uncommon service. They offer grocery deliveries for their guests. Their rooms are designed to offer comfort for their guests.
Address: Purok 5, Barangay Pasiagon, Placer, Masbate Philippines
5.Ticao Island Resort
Ticao Island Resort offers a native flair combined with class and spiced with the tranquility of nature. This resort has a high standard service and amenities that will suit any travellers precise needs. In this resort, one will be brought to an amazement with what mother nature has to offer.
Address: Sitio Tacdugan, San Jacinto, Ticao Island, Masbate 5400 Philippines
Expenses
Fares
Land(Bus)
Cubao to Masbate City by Isarog Lines (Economy Non-AC PHP. 1,111
Regular AC PHP. 1,455)
Cubao to Pilar port Sorsogon by (Penafrancia tours) fare is Php.1,225
By air
Cebu Pacific fare Php. 3,533
Pal fare Php. 9,539.01
By Sea
By Masbate Montenegro Shipping Lines
Passenger fare
RORO Fastcraft
Regular Php.360 Php.540
Student Php.306 Php.459
Senior Php.257 Php.386
Children Php.180 Php.270
Masbate Port to city – tricycle Php. 10
DAY 2
Masbate City to Masbate port tricycle fare Php. 10
Motorcycle hire from Lagundi to Monreal in Ticao Island Php. 300 to 500
Rent for boat for Island hopping Php. 2,000 to Php. 2,500 good for 5 persons
Mayong Payong Peak
Mayong Payong entrance fee Php. 30
Cottages For overnight stays Php. 300
Sese ranch
Php. 50.00/head Entrance fee
Php. 50.00/head Picture with the horse
Php. 100.00/head Ranch Tour while riding a horse
Palani Beach
Php.50.00 Van from San Juan, Mandaon to Balud Town Proper
Php. 15.00/head/way Balud town proper-Palani Beach
Tour Guide fee for Island hopping Php. 500
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