If you’re looking for a unique nature escape, you should explore Sibuyan, Philippines. Covered in lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, clear rivers, picturesque island views, and majestic mountain peaks, this island is one of Romblon’s most impressive tourist destinations. Many natural scientists and researchers have dubbed it the Galapagos of Asia, thanks to its lively marine and terrestrial biodiversity.

Get to know why Sibuyan Island is a haven waiting to be discovered. This article outlines interesting facts, tourist spots, and how to travel there.

Where is Sibuyan, Philippines?

It is an island located in the province of Romblon. It is one of the three main islands (the other two being Tablas and Romblon) and is located on the westernmost side. It has become a premier tourist destination in the MIMAROPA region due to its rich biodiversity, breathtaking landscape, and exciting nature thrills. It can mainly be reached by ferry from nearby provinces as there are no airports in the area. Batangas Port to Sibuyan Island is one of the most traveled routes going there.

5 Reasons Why Sibuyan Island is the Philippines’ Very Own “Galapagos of Asia”

• It is home to a huge number of endemic flora and fauna.

Dynamic biodiversity is the very reason why Sibuyan in the Philippines is likened to Galapagos. Thanks to the geographical positioning and isolation of the island from the rest of the archipelago, it was able to preserve the biodiversity present since the late Pleistocene geological period.

Several studies were done over the years to identify the number of endemic/native and endangered species found there. A 2023 report from Rappler summarized the following: 

• 700 vascular plant species
• 144 species of trees
  • 33 species endemic to the Philippines
  • 2 species endemic to the island
  • 10 species that appear on the Red List of Threatened Species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
• 54 plant species endemic to the island
• 83 fauna species endemic to the Philippines
  • 4 species endemic to the island
  • 18 species that appear on the IUCN Red List 
• 130 bird species
• 9 native terrestrial mammal species

Why Galapagos? It refers to the volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, controlled and owned by Ecuador. It has a unique landscape teeming with lively biodiversity. It also inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection way back in 1835. Similar to Sibuyan Island, Galapagos is geographically isolated from neighboring lands, allowing certain species to survive with minimal exposure to threats.

• Sibuyan Island is the home of Mt. Guiting-Guiting.

Mt. Guiting-Guiting, or G2 as the locals call it, is the highest point of Romblon. It stands at 2,058 meters above sea level, and is rated by local mountaineers at 9/9 difficulty. This means trails can get slippery, steep, and very technical. This challenging climb is the locals’ greatest pride, and not just because it’s a unique mountain to conquer, but also because of its expansive ecosystem.

• The Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park sprawls approximately 15,265.48 hectares.

The island is covered in dense forests, which take up almost 13% of the entire island. To protect these forests, the Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park was established in 1996 under Proclamation No. 746 by former President Fidel V. Ramos. The park is also the natural habitat of various endemic animal and plant species, ranging from lowland forests, mangrove forests, caves, peat swamps, and beach forests.

• Sibuyan Island also has a 348.6-hectare marine protected landscape.

In addition to land-dwelling animals and plants, the island also houses 47 species of amphibians and reptiles, as found by a 2022 study by Meneses et. al. Many marine scholars have observed the presence of vibrant coral formations, mollusks, and fish (barracuda, trevally, grouper, stingray). Predators like the whale shark, hammerhead shark, whitetip reef shark, and mammals like sea turtles, manatees, and dugongs also thrive here.

• It is also the ancestral domain of the indigenous people.

The indigenous people of the island are known as the Sibuyan Mangyan Tagabukid. This community is legally entitled to their ancestral domains, which covers approximately 8,408 hectares of the island, according to the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997. They play a significant role in conserving the culture and ecosystem of Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park, as well as their domains. Practicing respectful and sustainable tourism is a major way to honor the tradition and lifestyle of the Mangyan people. 

Sibuyan Island Tourist Spots

There is no doubt that Sibuyan is a true paradise for nature lovers, and there are many tourist spots where you can appreciate this beauty in its finest.

• Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park – Non-hikers can do sightseeing around the vicinity of the park complex. You can take a nature trip, do bird watching, river trekking, and swim in the cooling waters of the upper and lower Gaong River. As of May 2025, rates are as follows:

• Sightseeing within the vicinity of the PAMO Complex:
  • Students: Php 15
  • Adults: Php 30 
  • Tourists: Php 100
  • PWD, Senior Citizen, and Children: FREE
• Sightseeing and General Recreation (Gaong River)
  • Local Residents: Php 30
  • Romblon Residents: Php 100
  • Non-Romblon Residents/Tourists: Php 300
  • Foreigners: Php 500
  • Students: Php 15

NOTE: To stay updated, kindly refer to the official Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park – PAMO Facebook Page.

• Catingas River Resort – A clear river that flows from Mt. Guiting-Guiting down to the lowlands. It is known as the Cleanest Inland Body of Water in the Philippines, particularly with its crystal-clear appearance and its hydro power that supplies the entire island.
• Lamao Lake – A hidden nature spot near an emergency airstrip in the town of San Fernando. You can enjoy kayaking, fishing, and dining by the lake. It is also a flocking and foraging spot for certain species of birds.
• Cresta de Gallo Island Sandbar – Two islands connected by an immaculately white sandbar. It is one of the most popular tourist spots in the Island. You can swim, snorkel, and take Instagram-worthy photos here.
• Waterfalls – Their most famous waterfalls are Lambingan and Cawa-cawa, but there are many other falls nestled in the forests, such as Busay, Cataja, Kabitubi, Panas, and Dagudob Falls.

How to Go to Sibuyan Island by Ferry?

The best way to travel there is via ferry from Batangas, Romblon, and Capiz. Starlite Ferries offers regular ferry trips (passenger and vehicle/RoRo) from the mentioned provinces as follows: 

Batangas Port to Sibuyan Island

• Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
• Time: 1:00 PM

Romblon, Romblon to Sibuyan Island

• Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday
• Time: 2:00 AM

Roxas City, Capiz to Sibuyan Island

• Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday
• Time: 1:00 PM

View the rates for Sibuyan (Magdiwang Port) here and click on your origin port. You can conveniently book your ferry tickets online via the Chelsea Travel website (chelseatravel.ph) or by visiting any accredited Starlite Ferries ticket outlets.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, hiker, or just a traveler seeking new experiences, add Sibuyan to your bucket list. Be sure to choose spots where you can bask in its protected natural beauty, which is sure to leave a meaningful mark in your heart and mind. 

ALSO READ: Things to Do and Sights to Explore in Sibuyan Island, Philippines

Starlite Ferries provides regular weekly trips to the province of Romblon. We accommodate business travelers, RoRo passengers, and tourists. Stay comfortable and worry-free throughout your journey with our comprehensive passenger accommodation and facilities. Starlite also offers port-to-port document and parcel delivery through Starlite Express, our courier service. Don’t hesitate to send us a message for more information.