A Slow Trip to Romblon: Delays, Rough Seas, and Beach Days at Bon Bon Beach

I’m 40-ish, I travel light, and I’ve learned that island trips in the Philippines don’t reward rigid itineraries -- Specially if Bagyong Wilma can help it. This trip proved that lesson again, in the best possible way.

Cebu Pacific Delay and an Overnight in Caticlan

Caticlan at sunset.

The trip started with a Cebu Pacific flight delay, just enough to miss my intended connection and force an overnight stay in Caticlan.

Nothing dramatic. Just one of those moments where travel asks you to adjust.

Caticlan at night is quiet once the Boracay traffic thins out. I checked into a simple hotel, grabbed dinner nearby, charged my phone, and slept early.

Rough Sea Crossing to Santa Fe, Tablas Island

The next morning, I boarded a boat bound for Santa Fe, Tablas Island.

The sea was rough and uncomfortable enough to silence everyone onboard. The boat pushed through waves, every rocking second reminding us that this wasn’t going to be a smooth ride.

After a couple of hours, Santa Fe came into view. Calm, green, and solid.

Scenic Habal-Habal Ride from Santa Fe to San Agustin

From Santa Fe, I took the habal-habal route across Tablas Island to San Agustin.

Wind in your face. Narrow roads. Sudden coastal views. Hills opening up to long stretches of blue water.

No windows. No filters. Just island scenery unfolding in real time.

By late afternoon, I arrived in San Agustin, tired but satisfied, and turned in early while regretting that I wasn't able to muster enough energy to take pictures along the way.

Early Morning Boat to Romblon Town

Before sunrise, I was back at the port.

The sea had calmed overnight. The early morning boat to Romblon town was smooth and uneventful.

We docked as the town slowly woke up.

Staying at Lonos Circle in Romblon Town

Waiting to be fed.

I stayed at Lonos Circle, a comfortable and relaxed base in Romblon town.

The original plan was island hopping, but weather conditions cancelled most tours.

Instead of forcing a backup plan, I leaned into slower days.

Tricycle Tour and Marble Souvenirs

I took a tricycle tour around Romblon with no tight schedule.

Quiet streets. Local viewpoints. Marble workshops.

I bought a few marble souvenirs. Heavy, compact, and meaningful.

Morning Walks to Bon Bon Beach

Most mornings started with a walk to Bon Bon Beach, passing nearby beaches from Lonos Circle.

Some days the sandbar appeared. Some days it didn’t.

Either way, the walk was the point.

Meals at Kawayan Café

Late mornings usually led me to Kawayan Café.

Good food. Relaxed service. No pressure to leave.

It matched the rhythm of the trip perfectly.

Afternoon Beach Time at Bon Bon Beach

Afternoons were slower.

Sometimes swimming. Sometimes just sitting and watching the light change.

Beach bumming became the plan.

Dinner at Horizon Hotel

Evenings often ended with dinner at Horizon Hotel.

Solid meals. Calm atmosphere. A good way to wind down.

Final Thoughts on Slow Travel in Romblon

This wasn’t a checklist trip.

It had delays, rough seas, cancelled tours, and detours.

But it also had quiet mornings, long beach walks, slow meals, and space to breathe.

Romblon didn’t rush me.

It slowed me down.

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