About Carabao Island
Carabao Island, also known as Hambil Island, is a small island municipality of San Jose in Romblon Province, Philippines, located south of Tablas Island and near Boracay. Known for its white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, limestone cliffs and caves, the island offers a quieter alternative to nearby Boracay. It is notable for its fishing communities, scenic coastline, and natural attractions such as Cathedral Cave and expansive beaches.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a quiet island setting with white sand beaches, clear waters, limestone cliffs and cave formations. The island has small barangays, fishing villages, beachfront resorts and guesthouses, and undeveloped coastal areas. Visitors can explore beaches for swimming and snorkeling, walk along coastal cliffs, visit Cathedral Cave and other caves, and enjoy views of Tablas Strait and nearby Boracay. Access is by boat and local transport is by habal-habal and tricycle.
Key highlights
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White sand beaches with clear turquoise water
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Cathedral Cave - large sea cave with natural light openings
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Limestone cliffs and coastal viewpoints such as Koding-Koding Point
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Quieter, less crowded alternative to Boracay
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Snorkeling and swimming along the coastline
History of Carabao Island
Carabao Island was historically known as Hambil Island and forms the municipality of San Jose, established as a separate municipality in Romblon. The name Carabao is attributed to the island's shape resembling a carabao when viewed from a distance.
Culture & Context
The island is home to fishing and farming communities with a rural island culture. Local livelihoods center on fishing, copra and tourism-related services, reflecting traditional island community life in Romblon Province.
Route
| By air | Fly to Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (Caticlan Airport) in Aklan, then transfer by land to Caticlan Jetty Port and take a boat to Carabao Island |
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