But Hambil can hold its own against its more popular neighbor. Carabao Island has its own powdery white-sand beaches, coral reefs and spectacular cliffs. Adventurous travelers looking for an adrenaline fix can try its numerous cliff diving sites, while those looking to simply relax can swim in the calm waters of its beaches or sit back and watch the waves crash on the jagged cliffs.

The island supposedly got its name because during the Spanish colonial period, it had lots of carabaos and cattle. But during our short trip around the island, we spotted just one carabao and a handful of cows. Though it seems to be now bereft of bovines, the association with the Philippines’ supposed national animal stuck.

HOW TO GET THERE

The easiest way to get to Carabao Island is to book a flight to Caticlan. From there it’s just 1 to 1.5 hours away by boat.

But since airlines have cut back on flights to Caticlan and Kalibo since Boracay’s closure in April, going to Carabao Island has become a bit more complicated as the nearest airport is in Roxas City, which is 145 kms. away. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have daily flights to Roxas City.

From the Roxas airport, you can get a taxi (standard fare is P300) to the UV Express terminal going to Kalibo. The van fare from Roxas to Kalibo is P120, while the van fare from Kalibo to Caticlan Jetty Port is P100. Travel time from Roxas to Caticlan can take anywhere from 4-5 hours. Vans also don’t depart until they are full.

From the jetty port, you will need to ride a tricycle to Sambiray port, where the boats going to Carabao Island dock. The 10-15 minute ride will cost around P50 to P70.

There are 2 daily boat trips from Caticlan to Carabao Island. The first trip is at 9 a.m. with at least 2 boats taking on passengers. The second trip is at 3 p.m. with just one boat. If the boats fill up with passengers before the scheduled departure time they will leave early, so it’s best to get there an hour earlier.

From Tablas Island, Romblon

You can also get to Carabao Island from Tablas Island in Romblon. Cebu Pacific flies thrice a week to Tablas. From the airport, you will need to ride a jeepney to Sta. Fe port where a boat departs at 9 a.m. for Carabao Island.

WHAT TO DO

Enjoy the powdery white sand

The town center or Poblacion has a white sand beach where visitors could swim or just chill out. However, a lot of boats that are used to ferry tourists in Boracay are also anchored there, which sadly cuts into the beach space. If you want a bit more room, you can go to Sea Garden Beach Resort which is just a 5-minute walk from the pier. Entrance is just P20.

There are also beach resorts in Brgy. Lanas, although the sand here is not as fine as that along the Poblacion. There are several other smaller beaches with fine white sand scattered across the island, but you will also need to rent a motorcycle to get to them.

Dive off a cliff

The island is blessed with numerous cliffs where you can jump to your heart’s content. One of the first things people see while approaching Carabao Island are the Kumpel and Angas caves and cliffs in Brgy. Pinamihagan where a cliff diving platform juts out from the jagged rocks. You have to careful though if you jump here as the waves can be quite rough.

You will need to ride a motorcycle or habal-habal to get there. Motorcycle fares for tourists range from P70 to P150 depending on where you are going or if you’re a solo passenger. Other more popular cliff diving sites are Koding Koding Point and Cathedral Cave in Brgy. Lanas.