Tablas Island is the largest of the three major islands that make up Romblon Province. While many visitors travel via sea to Odiongan, a major port on the west central coast of the island, that can be very time-consuming. It can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours from the Batangas Port to get to the main islands of Romblon. Thankfully, there are now direct flights from Manila to Tablas. The only airport in the entire province is located in Barangay Tugdan in the municipality of Alcantara on the eastern coast of Tablas Island.
If you’re planning to spend a few days on Tablas, one of the good beachfront resorts you can stay in is Aglicay Beach Resort. If you just want to disconnect from the outside world and enjoy some peace and quiet near the beach and rolling hills, this is the perfect place for you. Last March 2018, I booked a last-minute ticket to Romblon for a solo backpacking trip and stayed in Aglicay Beach Resort the first night. I didn’t encounter a lot of other guests and felt like I had the whole place to myself.
Table of Contents
Location
Aglicay Beach Resort is located in Barangay Comod-om in Alcantara, one of the nine municipalities around Tablas Island. Bounded on the north by the municipality of Sta. Maria, in the west by Looc, in the south by Sta. Fe, and in the east by Romblon Pass, the resort is minutes away from other important landmarks like the Looc Marine Sanctuary; the “enchanted” Kalatong Hill in Guimbirayan and the marker in Alcantara commemorating the “Battle of Sibuyan Sea,” a World War II event.
How to get to Romblon
Fly via Cebu Pacific from Manila to Tablas Airport on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 11:30 A.M. and return during the same days at 1:00 P.M. For flight bookings, visit https://www.cebupacificair.com.
Land transfers to Aglicay Beach Resort by tricycle, covered van or habal-habal (single motorcycle) may be availed at the airport terminal. Chartered tricycles from the Tablas airport cost about P500/one way. Rides on motorcycles cost P150/person to Aglicay Beach.
For those traveling with their own vehicles (ex. bicycle, cars, motorcycles), Aglicay Beach Resort is reachable by land travel from the main road/highway. While the highway is fully paved, you will need to pass a section of rough road going in through the mountains.
Activities in Aglicay Beach Resort
The rooms at Aglicay Beach Resort are pretty basic and not that fancy, but the main draw of the place for me is its secluded location, uncrowded beach and accessibility to outdoor activities and scenic hillside views you can easily hike and explore. Don’t expect fancy rooms, WiFi or cable TV, but that’s actually a good thing because it’ll force you to appreciate the things this resort can offer and spend more time outdoors.
The resort’s greenish-blue water is a perfect venue for snorkeling and swimming. Fishing trips can be arranged for fishing enthusiasts. During December to March, northeast monsoon winds favor are ideal for surfers and kiteboarders (bring your own equipment). It’s also ideal for paddle boat sailing and rocky shoreline trekking. Groups will enjoy the uncrowded beachfront area for activities like beach volleyball, Badminton, Trekking, Jogging and Tennis.
But perhaps the best draw here is the picturesque view of the resort atop the steep hillsides you can trek on an established trail. The entire province or Romblon feels so laid-back, offbeat and uncrowded. It was a bit overcast during my visit, but aside from just hanging out by the beach, I enjoyed trekking at the nearby hills and the stunning views of the coast.
Accommodations
Aglicay Beach Resort has several accommodation options from Deluxe, Family and Hillside Bungalows and open-air cottages. The beachfront also serves as camping grounds where those who would prefer to pitch tents can just set them up on the beach.
They have 2 Deluxe bungalows (good for a max. of 3 guests) with wide windows that open to a panoramic view of the beach and its own attached porch. Rooms are airconditioned with queen and single beds, and large private hot and cold shower and toilet.
The 4 Family bungalows can fit 8 people inside. Rooms have wide windows that open to a panoramic view of the beach as well as an attached porch, double beds, large single beds, and private hot and cold shower and toilet.
The attached bungalows still give you a view of the beach but require a bit of a walk on the hillside. Rooms (good for 4) have their own attached porch, 2 double beds, and large private hot and cold shower and toilet.
The 3 large native huts or kiosks used by day-trippers can also double as open-air sleeping area for party groups, campers or backpackers at night. Cushions and bedmats are available for your comfort and guests may bring sleeping bags.
Campers can also pitch their tents (bring your own because there are none for rent) in designated areas near the kiosks. The cottages, which can accommodate up to 25 pax, have attached benches and tables. I didn’t have a tent, but I brought a hammock with me and ended up just hanging up a hammock here and falling asleep to the sound of the waves on the shore. Word of warning, it can get very cold and windy at night.
Dining
Aglicay Beach Resort has its own in-house restaurant, a tropical outdoor terrace that serves a variety of continental and Filipino fare and beverages. Food is basic, but the servings are pretty big (good for 2-3 pax). I could barely finish the inihaw na liempo I ordered for lunch so I just had the leftovers put in the ref and heated for dinner.
Depending on the availability, you can enjoy fresh catch from the sea as you binge on their grilled seafood specialties. For corporate events, wedding receptions, or private parties, their banquet hall can cater to groups of 25 to 250 persons.
Who should check in?
Aglicay Beach Resort offers a great beach getaway for families and friends as well as a private retreat for solo travelers. While the resort has set itself as a place for rest and relaxation, they also have the facilities for groups who want to have meetings, seminars, family reunions and even weddings in the province. Their rooms can be turned into vacation room rentals available for those who wish to stay for longer periods of time.
Because of its secluded location, the resort is ideal for those who have their own form of transport including bikepackers and motorcycle riders who want to just enjoy nature or camp out by the beach. They have a spacious and secure parking area and 24-hour security. Just expect a bit of off-road action getting in and out of the resort, but the place is worth it.
Rates & Fees
- Entrance Fee: P50 (for day-trippers)
- Camping Fee: Free to minimal fee of around P100. Bring your own tent and camping equipment. There’s a public restroom.
- Cottage Rental Fee: P300 (kiosk); P1000 – P3100 (overnight cottage)
- Boat Rental: P3, 000 (for the first two hours)
- Others: P50 (table rental); P100 (snorkeling gear for the first two hours)
- Room rates: For those staying overnight, room rates range from P1,300 – P3,700 / night depending on type of room and number of guests. All rooms are air-conditioned rooms with private bathroom, hot/cold showers.
Travel tips & useful information
- Aglicay Beach Resort is located in a secluded area and cove. It’s best for families, couples and solo travelers who want to spend some quiet time.
- The best thing to do here is just relax by the beach and do nothing. If you’re traveling alone, bring a hammock and a book.
- Make sure to hike up the hill beside the resort to get the best view of the cove. It’s a very easy 10-15 minute hike.
- If you’re traveling solo, you’ll want to have a tripod so you can get shots of yourself.
- Prepare to disconnect from internet connectivity in the entire province during the duration of your trip. There’s no WiFi at the resort though. I was able to connect to a (very weak) data signal on top of the hill.
- Campers should bring a fully charged power bank. You can also charge gadgets at sockets in the restaurant area and cottages when you’re staying there.
- Bring enough cash. The resort is remote and far from the town proper. It may be very hard to find an ATM.
- Day trippers can bring their own snacks and drinks for beach picnics. You can also order food from their restaurant, but it’s more expensive and serving sizes are pretty big.
Video
Address & contact information
Aglicay Beach Resort. Brgy. Comod-om, Tablas Island, Alcantara, Tablas Island, Romblon, Philippines
- Website: www.aglicaybeachresort.com
- Facebook: Aglicay Beach Resort
- Tel. No: (+632) 5775386
- Mobile Nos: (+63917) 5314067; (+63915) 4256898; (+63927) 8864085
- Email: aglicay_beach@yahoo.com; info@aglicaybeachresort.com
One thought on “Aglicay Beach Resort, Romblon”