Carabao Island: The Future Boracay

The Philippines is an archipelago composed of over 7,000 islands. Quite interestingly, of these many islands, there are those that bear the names (either officially or otherwise) of certain animal species, that is why, we have "Babuyan Islands" (from the Filipino word baboy=pig), "Turtle Island", even "Crocodile Island" but I was not aware that there is in fact a "Carabao Island" (Carabao is another term for water buffalo). The first time I heard of it was when we visited Boracay in January of 1998. While we were "island-hopping", a colleague of mine pointed to the island and said that it is called Carabao Island. I was quite amused, and asked the obvious question: "Why is it called as such?" Well, the obvious answer I got was "Perhaps there are many carabaos (water buffaloes) in the island".

Carabao Island (or La Isla de Carabao) is actually an island-municipality of Romblon called San Jose. While it is part of Romblon, the easiest way to reach the island is via Sitio Caticlan in Malay, Aklan (the same take off point when one goes to Boracay). From Caticlan, you need to ride a motorized pump boat for about 45 minutes to finally get to the island.

My first impression of the island is that it is like looking at Boracay (minus its vacationing tourists, numerous resorts and souvenir shops) with its white sand beach, surrounding crystal-clear water, and coconut trees along the shore. The thing is, Boracay is more accessible from Caticlan (around 15 minutes boat ride) that is why Carabao Island is not yet fully exploited as an island getaway.

The Carabao Island (or the municipality of San Jose) is about three times the size of Boracay, measuring about 2,980 sq. ha (of which 87 ha are cogonal, government lands), composed of five barangays (or sitios), and some 10,731 inhabitants. Farming and fishing are the main sources of income of the island folks. Some are also working in the resorts or commercial centers at Boracay.

Years back, the island was indeed known for its inventory of native carabaos. For some reasons, the animals are becoming fewer and smaller. Nonetheless, during the town festival in May, the island folks regularly conduct Carabao Festival (sort of a "beauty contest" for carabaos), wherein carabaos numbering to about a hundred vie for the prize money of around 5,000 pesos. Now, this is another potential tourist attraction.

If by chance you plan on visiting the more famous Boracay, why not go an extra 30 minutes boat ride to visit the Carabao Island, instead? If you like a more quiet getaway but with an equally stunning white-sand beach and crystal clear waters along the shore, the island is just perfect! And don't worry, the last time I went there, there were already a few resorts/hotels to accommodate your stay. I learned that they are also currently selling properties in the island. If I have the money, I will surely invest in the area because of its vast potentials.