In search of the white carabao... Carabao Island Adventure

Where is Carabao Island? Is there such an island named like that?

A big YES! And I was there with some friends just months ago. It is the island not so far from the famous Boracay Island and part of the Province of Romblom. Locals call it Hambil.

Carabao Island's tourism markets itself as the next Boracay with white sand and pristine waters. Curious, though I am not a Boracay fan, and aiming to step on a new island in the Philippines, we headed there.

How to get there from Bacolod:

• Take the ferry, RORO or swim to Iloilo;
• In Iloilo there will be buses, vans and even taxis that can bring you to Caticlan;
• From Caticlan, just walk to the left of the port building where you can see motorboats... that will be your ride to Carabao Island (Lanas) - we paid Php100.00 one way.

... from Manila:

• Either fly straight to Kalibo or Iloilo... then just follow the above instructions fitting for you.

There will be a number of accommodations in Carabao Island... and if you fancy to have coffee with the Mayor, you can stay at his place in Poblacion (of course, for a fee).

We stayed at Ivy's Vine in Lanas, just some meters from where the motorboats dock. It is fine but the beach on that part is not the best. I prefer the beach in Poblacion.

From Lanas, you can take the Habal-Habal (which is almost the only mode of transport) to Poblacion. It costs Php50-60 one way. An island tour is also possible - Php300 for 2 hours. That would be enough unless you want to take much time at some points. Walking around the island is possible too BUT the merciless El Nino sun will make you forget about it.

Important note:

Electricity in the island is not yet 24 hours available. So before you wake up in the middle of the night complaining, here is the schedule of electricity: 4am-6am and 1pm to 11pm.

And about food, if you are staying in Lanas then there are limited sources if you are on a budget - there is only one store where you can buy processed food, meat, vegetable, water and etc which is also near where the motorboats dock and where the motorcycles park. And the usual option will be to just eat at the resort where you are staying. We ate one dinner at the Nipahauz, another resort along Lanas Beach. AND also, don't expect to have fish... it is quite rare in the island.

*More about accommodation on my next entry. I got contacts for the boat, motorcycle and tourism office.