Discovering Paradise: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Cresta de Gallo Island, Romblon

Welcome to Cresta de Gallo Island, a hidden paradise tucked away in the serene waters of Romblon Province, Philippines. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime as we explore this untouched gem surrounded by pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking vistas. Whether you're a beach lover, an adventure seeker, or simply craving some peace and tranquility, Cresta de Gallo has something for everyone.

VISITING ROMBLON

As a kid, I already know that Romblon is the marble capital of the Philippines. I have an uncle who is a resident of Romblon and every time he would visit us in Manila, he always brings us pen holders made from marble. In one of my Boracay visits, I discovered Romblon by chance. We were doing this ATV ride and upon reaching the view deck, we had a glimpse of a long island stretch. I asked our tour guide if that's still Boracay and he said that it is already part of Romblon. I immediately knew then that I had to go there, and I asked if he could arrange us a boat to get there. Post lunch, we were on our way to Hambil or Carabao Island. We stayed there for 3 hours, and I knew I had to come back and discover more of Romblon.

CRESTA DE GALLO

Cresta de Gallo Island

Cresta de Gallo is a stunningly beautiful, yet relatively undiscovered island located off the coast of Sibuyan Island in Romblon Province, Philippines. The name "Cresta de Gallo" is Spanish, which translates to "Rooster's Crest" or "Cock's Comb" in English. It is believed that the island got its name due to its distinctive shape resembling the crest of a rooster or the comb of a chicken when viewed from a distance. In my recent trip to Romblon through the invitation of the Romblon LGU and Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines, we had the chance to visit this unspoiled island.

THINGS TO KNOW

Sand bar and boats at Cresta de Gallo

Untouched Beauty

One of the most remarkable aspects of Cresta de Gallo is its untouched natural beauty. Unlike more popular tourist spots, Cresta de Gallo remains pristine and unspoiled, with no commercial developments or resorts. This makes it an ideal destination for travelers seeking tranquility and a genuine connection with nature.

White Sand Beaches

The island is renowned for its powdery white sand beaches that stretch for miles along its coastline. The soft sands are perfect for sunbathing, beachcombing, or simply taking a leisurely stroll while enjoying the panoramic views of the surrounding turquoise waters.

Crystal-Clear Waters

Cresta de Gallo boasts some of the clearest waters in the Philippines, making it a paradise for snorkelers and divers. Beneath the surface, colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and other marine creatures thrive in the rich underwater ecosystem. Snorkeling or diving here offers a mesmerizing glimpse into an underwater world teeming with life.

Remote and Secluded

Due to its remote location and limited accessibility, Cresta de Gallo remains off the beaten path for most travelers. This isolation adds to its allure, offering visitors a sense of exclusivity and adventure as they explore its pristine shores and hidden coves.

Lack of Accommodations

Unlike other tourist destinations, Cresta de Gallo does not have any accommodations or tourist facilities on the island. Visitors typically come for day trips, bringing their own food, water, and supplies for the day. While this may deter some travelers, it also ensures that the island retains its natural charm and authenticity.

Conservation Efforts

Recognizing the importance of preserving Cresta de Gallo's fragile ecosystem, local authorities and environmental groups have initiated conservation efforts to protect the island's flora and fauna. Responsible tourism practices, such as proper waste disposal and reef conservation, are encouraged to safeguard the island's natural resources for future generations to enjoy.

Limited Infrastructure

Travelers should be prepared for the lack of amenities and infrastructure on Cresta de Gallo. There are no stores, restaurants, or accommodations on the island, so visitors need to come prepared with everything they might need for the day. It's also advisable to arrange transportation to and from the island in advance, as boats may not always be readily available.

ACTIVITIES TO DO

Enjoying the clear waters of Cresta de Gallo

Beach Bumming: Settle down on the powdery white sands of Cresta de Gallo's beaches and soak up the sun. With no crowds or commercial establishments in sight, you'll feel like you've discovered your own private paradise.

Snorkeling and Diving: Dive into the crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral reefs and marine life. Grab your snorkel gear or scuba equipment and explore the underwater wonders surrounding the island.

Explore the sandbar: Take a leisurely walk to the island's sandbar. I don't know about you, but I have this fascination with sandbars. Our boat docked on the end stretch of the sandbar and I fell in love with the place in a heartbeat.

Hiking to the Lighthouse: Take a leisurely hike to the island's highest point where a charming lighthouse awaits. Enjoy panoramic views of the sparkling sea and lush greenery stretching as far as the eye can see.

Picnic by the Shore: Pack a delicious picnic and enjoy a meal with a view. Whether you're with family or friends, there's nothing quite like dining al fresco with the sound of waves lapping against the shore.

Photography: Capture the beauty of Cresta de Gallo through your lens. From stunning sunsets to picturesque landscapes, every corner of the island is a photographer's dream.

SUGGESTED SIDE TRIPS

While Cresta de Gallo is the main attraction, consider exploring other nearby destinations for a well-rounded experience:

Sibuyan Island: Known as the "Galapagos of Asia," Sibuyan offers lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and challenging hiking trails, including the famous Mount Guiting-Guiting.

Romblon Island: Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Romblon's capital. Visit historical sites, taste local delicacies, and shop for souvenirs crafted from Romblon's famous marble. Check my travel guide to Romblon, Romblon.

GETTING THERE

I conquered Cresta de Gallo

From Tugdan Airport, ride a van going to San Agustin Port (1hour travel; 200-250.00 fare), then stay in San Agustin and wait for a ferry (StarHorse Shipping Lines, ETA in San Agustin from Lucena is 4AM) the next morning. ETD to Sibuyan Island is 5AM but it will have a stopover first in Romblon, Romblon. ETA in Ambulong Port, Municipality of Magdiwang, Sibuyan Island, Romblon is around 9-10AM (ferry fare is 320-380.00). 

From Ambulong Port ride a van going to Poblacion, San Fernando, Romblon (1hour;250.00 fare). Book an accommodation in Poblacion. Ride a tricycle going to Azagra Port (5-minute ride; 30.00 regular fare/100-120.00 for hire) and register at the Cresta de Gallo ticketing office there, the staff will look for an available tourist boat for you of your preferred size or carrying capacity. 

RECOMMENDED ROUTE

Manila to Roxas City, Capiz Airport 

Catch up the 1PM ETD of Starlite Ferry going to Sibuyan Island at Culasi Port, Roxas City, Capiz (just near the airport). Ferry Fare for Tourist Accom is 920.00. Roxas City, Capiz to Sibuyan Island is 5hours travel time via ferry. Starlite ferry schedule is 6x weekly (only Monday is no trip schedule going to Sibuyan as of now due to ship’s maintenance/ I think they will resume their daily trip soon.) 

Batangas to Sibuyan Island via Starlite Ferry

Trip schedule: 6x weekly (only Sunday, no trip going to Sibuyan as of now due to ship’s maintenance) ETD in Batangas is 4PM, ETA in Sibuyan Island in Ambulong Port is 5AM. Ferry Fare: Tourist accommodation is 2,000.00 regular

Cresta de Gallo entrance fee: 

DayTour-70.00/Overnight-100.00 

 

Tourist Boat rates: 

21-27 pax capacity: 7,000

16-20 pax capacity: 5,500- 6000 

11-15 pax capacity: 4,500-5,000 

6-10 pax capacity: 3,500-4,000

 

TRAVEL TIPS

 

Pack Light: Since there are no accommodations or stores on Cresta de Gallo, be sure to pack everything you'll need for the day, including food, water, sunscreen, and snorkeling gear.

Respect the Environment: Help preserve the natural beauty of Cresta de Gallo by practicing responsible tourism. Leave no trace, avoid disturbing wildlife, and dispose of trash properly.

Plan: Coordinate your trip with local tour operators or boatmen in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey. You can inquire on the Facebook page of San Fernando Romblon Tourism so they can refer you to a local tour operator in the municipality. You can also check Sibuyan Travel & Tours for travel packages in Cresta de Gallo and other attractions in Sibuyan Island.

Stay Hydrated: With the tropical heat, it's essential to stay hydrated throughout your visit. Bring plenty of water and drink regularly to avoid dehydration.

Embrace the Island Life: Relax, unwind, and embrace the laid-back vibe of Cresta de Gallo. Disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and let the beauty of the island captivate your senses.

 

LOVE CRESTA DE GALLO. LOVE ROMBLON.

Drone shot of Cresta de Gallo

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure to Cresta de Gallo Island, where paradise awaits at every turn. Whether you're lounging on pristine beaches, exploring underwater wonders, or hiking to scenic viewpoints, this hidden gem promises an experience like no other. So, pack your bags, leave your worries behind, and let Cresta de Gallo Island steal your heart.

And if the pictures weren't enough, here's a short video I made on my trip here at Cresta de Gallo.