Masbate Hotels

An island province located near the middle of the Philippine Archipelago is the city of Masbate. An underestimated beauty that most travelers have been missing out. Masbate is rich in history and has beautiful beaches, falls, historical structures, and caves to offer to satisfy your wanderlust.

Masbate is one of the oldest cities in the country. The Rodeo Capital of the Philippines is believed that the islands of the province were formed out of volcanic rocks since time immemorial. Did you know that historical accounts show that Christianity in Bicol region began in Masbate in 1596? Father Alonso Jimenez was the first missionary in Masbate, Samar, Leyte, and Burias. He then went to Bicol where he stayed for many years, and had religious incursions in Sorsogon and Albay. Locals speak Minasbate: a mix of Cebuano, Bicolano, Ilonggo, and Hiligaynon dialects.

How to Go

By plane

Zest Airlines offers daily flights from Manila to Masbate, and vice versa. From the airport, you can ride a tricycle and direct the driver to the center of the city.

By boat/ferry

This route will include land transportation. There are buses in Cubao and Pasay that depart daily to Legazpi, Albay. Travel time is about 11 hours. After that, take an hour of van trip to Pilar, Sorsogon. Lastly, ride a two-hour ferry trip from Pilar to reach Masbate City.

Getting Around

To go around the city of Masbate, you can ride jeepneys or buses. For shorter trips, you can take the tricycle.

Tourist Attractions

Masbate has majestic beaches for the vitamin sea you need. Porta Vega Beach for one has crystal clear waters and fine sand to enjoy. The place has nipa huts you can stay at. Also, look for the photogenic chapel hidden behind the coconut trees.  In the town of Balud lies another beach you shouldn’t miss out. Palani Beach has also azure waters on a powdery sand that you will surely also love.

Buntod Reef Sandbar is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Masbate. It can be easily reached directly from the city. Just take a tricycle and tell the driver to get you to the pier of Rendevouz Hotel. You can rent inner tubes, kayaks, and snorkeling gear. Ticao Island Beach is known for scuba diving with manta rays. So if you wanna see new sea creatures, you have to try this! On the tip of Ticao Island is a paradise waiting for you to discover. Halea Natural Park is a tropical getaway and a home to a large and vibrant underwater scene.

If you just want to chill out and wait for the sun to set and take nice photographs, Pawa Mangrove Park is a great place to visit. Meanwhile, Catandayagan Falls is a beauty you must also see. Located in the town of San Jacinto. This falls is unique as its water drops right into the sea. Minalayo is a cave that is known as the snake and bat sanctuary. If you have the guts to visit this wonderful creation, swim and snorkel through its azure water with the sea snakes. Just be careful you don’t step on them.

Lastly, don’t miss the chance to visit old lighthouses in Masbate. From Masbate Transport Terminal, take a van going to Aroroy and ride a boat to Punta Bugui to discover Aroroy Lighthouse. And if you’re already in the town of Balud, make sure to visit the Balud Lighthouse.

Top Things to Do

Go for some sightseeing. Visit the ranches and rolling hills and feel like you have visited Batanes. You can do island-hopping in Masbate. Start at Porta Vega Beach. You should also swim and snorkel at different beautiful beaches like Ticao Island Beach, Porta Vega Beach, and more.

If you want more fun than just island-hopping or sightseeing beautiful sceneries, visit the city of Masbate during its Rodeo Festival to witness a yearly fest of Cattle drive and live action.

Or you can also visit during its Lapay Bantigue Festival, celebrated every September. Watch colorful street dance competition that is based on a traditional folk dance imitating the movement of a seagull.

Where to Eat

An almost 15-hour trip to Masbate deserves a good food to fill your hungry tummy. Forget about the usual: Jolibee, Chowking, etc. Try these foods and learn more about the cuisines of
Masbate. Located along Ibañez Street is a hip and budget-friendly eatery with a cool ambience perfect for travelers seeking good food to eat. Ham’s Cup serves burgers, pasta, coffee, shakes, stuffed breads, finger foods, and more. They also offer free Wi-Fi too.

If you’re suddenly craving for pizza or pasta, D’ Captain’s Pizza is to the rescue! Located along Port Road, outside the main gate of Masbate Port. Also, they serve potato wedges, chips, shakes, Starbuck’s bottled coffee, and more. Bigg’s Diner is a known Bicolano fast food chain in Bicol. Check this out in Gaisano City Center. An American style diner serving shakes, burgers, pasta, and other quick eats.

For a taste of Masbate’s tapa, Tio Jose Café and Bar is the place to go! They offer lots of silog meals, sizzling dishes, dried noodles, sandwiches, and other short order meals. Located along Quezon Street near Rosero Street. Lastly, try Overtime Tapishop in Zurbito Street. You can dine here while waiting for your ferry ride as it’s close to the port and they also offer free Wi-Fi. They serve silog meals, some local dishes, coffee and other beverages.

Nightlife

There are not much bars around Masbate. But if you want to chill a bit at night and drink some beer, cocktails, or wines, visit Zero 8 along Ibanez Street. It opens daily from 10AM to 2AM.

Where to Stay

There are a lot of hotels in Masbate that you can stay at. For affordable rooms, check out Stairway Inn in Rosero St., Victoria DU Hotel in Tara Street, Monreal Lodging House in Ticao Island, and more. If you want more facilities and amenities, check MG Hotel and Greenview Hotel, Rendezvous Hotel, and 7 AR Hotel.

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