The Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary is a small islet and mangrove area that can be found just off the coast of Masbate City, the capital of the province of Masbate. Located in the middle of seawaters of two barangays – Nursery and Tugbo, this 250-hectare marine sanctuary offers an easy and refreshing getaway very near the city. I didn’t expect to find such a beautiful destination just 15 minutes away by boat from the mainland.

The area was previously abused and neglected because of illegal fishing activities. Thankfully, the 250-hectare marine sanctuary was established in 2001 and has been established as a protected area, with vibrant coral reefs for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Today, Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary has been ranked the second in the “Most Resilient Marine Sanctuaries in Central Philippines” by marine biologists from the Siliman University’s Angelo King Center for Research and Environment Management (SU-AKCREM) following an evaluation conducted on 18 marine life sanctuaries in Central Philippines.

The Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary Adventure is a joint venture of the City Government of Masbate and the people’s organization, Samahang Mangingisda ng Puro-Sinalikway (SAMAPUSI) and is supported by DENR. This ecotourism-based livelihood now supports the communities that were once dependent on the area for their sustenance through fishing.

For a minimum fee, tourists can visit the marine protected area, enjoy the rich marine life their natural habitat and engage in low impact beach activities like swimming, snorkeling, boating, and trekking into the mangrove forest. If you’re looking for a quick day trip in Masbate City, this is a beautiful spot where you can just enjoy a refreshing getaway.

I kind of wish I had brought a drone to capture the beauty of the sandbar. Thankfully a fellow tourist, Gil de los Santos, who was taking drone shots of his family was nice enough to let us copy his footage.

Location

Buntod Sandbar and Reef Marine Sanctuary is located just off the shore of Masbate City in the middle of seawaters of two barangays – Nursery and Tugbo in Masbate City, Bicol Region, Philippines.

How to get to Buntod Reef in Masbate City

• Masbate City in the the province of Masbate is the main jump-off point for Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary.
• From anywhere in Masbate City, take a tricycle to Rendezvous Beach Resort where boats departing for Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary dock.
• The boat rental costs Php 500 (1 to 4 persons) to Php 800 (5 to 14 persons) for the two-way trip.
• Travel time by boat is 15-20 minutes.

READ MORE: Travel Guide: Masbate City

Where to stay and eat

There’s a large ranger station which contains the registration area, several tables and the sari-sari store. There are also several floating cottages you can rent out for day trips and a few cabanas on the beach. While overnight stays can be arranged in the cottages for P500/night, there’s no electricity and you will have to bring all your provisions. Most visitors usually only stay until 6:00 pm.

There’s no restaurant there either, but you make arrangements to order food (which will be brought from the city) or have food cooked ahead of time if you want to have lunch there. You can also you can buy light snacks, chips and drinks from the sari-sari store at the main registration area. Locals usually just pack picnics for a day of beach bonding with family and friends.

What to wear

Swimming and beach activities are the main draws here, so wear swimwear and don’t wait to change once you get there. Just wear the clothes you don’t mind getting wet during the boat ride. There’s no shower area on the reef so you will have to wait to rinse and change into dry clothes once you get back to the city.

What to bring

• Dry bag for your gadgets & valuables
• Towel
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Enough drinking water
• Food and snacks

Rates & fees to visit Buntod Reef

• Boat rental: P500 (good for 1 to 4 persons) to P800 (5 to 14 persons)
• Table rental: P50 (small) – P100 (big)
• Kayaking: P200/hour
• Pedal boat: P300/hour
• Scuba diving gear rental: P1,500
• Snorkeling gear rental: P100
• Reef guide: P100/hour
• Paluto: P50
• Island-hopping (whole day): Catandayagan Falls, Burobancaso and Halea Nature Park

Travel tips & useful info

• The best time to go to Buntod Reef is during low tide as white sand submerges into water during high tide.
• It’s also very nice there around sunset.
• If you’re staying the whole day, bring enough food and water supplies.
• There is no source of fresh water in the area, so wait until you get back to the city to rinse or take a shower.
• The site is a marine protected area. Visitors are asked to follow the rules of responsible traveling and ecological conservation. Dispose of your garbage properly.
• Do not cut twigs off the mangroves and do not take home sand, corals and other marine life from the area.

CREDITS: Additional drone shots by Gil de los Santos courtesy of Motour Pilipinas

Check out the video vlog of Motour Pilipinas in Buntod Reef & Sandbar where I make a few cameos!