Carabao Island may be a small, unassuming piece of land in the Philippine archipelago, but for us, it turned out to be home to some of the most beautiful beaches we’ve encountered during our journey across the Philippines.
Carabao is a modest island nestled between the well-known and highly popular Tablas Island and Boracay. The latter is famous as a paradise, bustling with tourists almost all year round.
Similarly, Tablas Island is also widely recognized, featured in numerous travel agency brochures. In contrast, Carabao remains off the beaten tourist path. The island’s residents have lived here for centuries with little change, and only the presence of modern clothing and a few small resorts reminds us that we are indeed in the 21st century.
The Famous and Empty Beaches of Carabao Island in the Philippines
I previously mentioned the beautiful beaches, which are the island’s main attraction. The white sand kissed by turquoise waters is sure to appeal to anyone. Life here moves at an entirely different pace compared to the other islands in the archipelago. Fishermen head out to sea, while farmers tend to fields carved out from the jungle inland. However, even here, modernity is making its inevitable appearance, forcing locals to adapt to a new way of life. Just a few years ago, a modern electrical grid was installed on the island, and the residents proudly showcase their new refrigerators and televisions.
Access to the internet and mobile phones is similarly improving. Connecting to the global network is no longer an issue, almost anywhere on the island. It’s a bit sad to see the simple, makeshift huts along the way, with people sitting in front of them, staring at their smartphones. Unfortunately, the world is changing, and these changes are most visible in places like Carabao Island, hidden among the other Philippine islands.
Carabao Island and the Beautiful Shell Found on Its Beach
The shell featured in the photograph above was washed ashore on Said Beach, located on the western side of the island. It’s a nearly kilometre-long stretch of sand, as white as flour. Walking along the shore in the early morning, you can find all sorts of treasures brought in by the waves overnight. Carabao Island is surrounded by warm ocean currents, which bring objects from hundreds of kilometres away to its shores.
Unfortunately, the island’s location and the presence of these currents also bring dangers. Just a few years ago, powerful tornadoes struck the shores of Carabao, destroying almost the entire coastline. The scale of the damage caused by these forces of nature is still evident today. This wasn’t an isolated incident; similar storms and high waves occur occasionally, but those happening recently have been far more violent and destructive. These changes are likely a result of climate change, to which we all must adapt.
Carabao Island’s Attractions
Aside from its stunning beaches, the island offers fantastic but perilous rocks and caves. Almost the entire eastern part of Carabao consists of rocky cliffs that drop steeply into the sea. However, the waters around the island are so clear and beautifully coloured that even these dangerous parts of the coast have been put to use for tourists visiting the island.
There is a strong cultural preference for fair skin in the Philippines. Locals find it difficult to understand why someone would want to tan, especially when they already have the highly coveted fair skin that Europeans have. The photo above shows young Filipinas from Carabao Island watching in astonishment as a couple sunbathes.
On the island, there are many activities and plenty of opportunities for adventure, such as jumping off sharp cliffs straight into the blue sea—a great pastime if you have the courage. We have already written about these rocks and caves in our travel stories and curiosities on “Our Trails.”
So, if you’re searching for a place on Earth where tourist trails have not yet been marked, visit Carabao Island—but hurry, there isn’t much time left before this somewhat forgotten paradise in the Pacific transforms into another popular resort.
Carabao information, and interesting facts
- Carabao Island is a true gem, located right next to Boracay in the Romblon province.
- The island is almost entirely unknown to tourists, who tend to choose other, more popular destinations.
- Carabao is named after the water buffalo, which, according to legend, originated from Carabao Island in the Philippines. These are strong animals suitable for working in wetlands, often used in the cultivation of sugar cane and rice. In the past, the skin of the carabao was used to make valuable armour for the most distinguished warriors.
- The Carabao buffalo has become a symbol of hard work and the entrepreneurial spirit of the Filipino people.
- You can reach Carabao Island by boat from various surrounding islands. The easiest routes are from Tablas, Boracay, Caticlan, or Roxas. If you’re coming from more distant parts of the Philippines, you must fly to Caticlan Island and then transfer to a ferry.
- Carabao is a tiny island, and you can essentially explore it on foot. Moreover, there is no public transport. The only way to get around the island is to rent a scooter or motorbike with a driver who, for a small fee, will take you wherever you want.
- On the beaches of Carabao, you can find beautiful, large shells. Unfortunately, it is forbidden to take them or anything else that the sea brings to shore.
You must be logged in to post a comment.