My motorbike ride roared through the narrow ascending road hugging the side of the hills. It’s always exciting to step on a new island. In this case, my feet, are finally grounded on Tablas Island, the largest of the three major islands in Romblon province. I flew into the island via PAL and landed at Tugdon airport. My motorbike is taking me to Aglicay Beach Resort in the neighboring town of Alcantara. My eyes were constantly peeled as I absorbed the idyllic landscape of this island countryside. We got off the main road and saw a sign “4km to Aglicay Resort”. I’m glad where I’m staying is only less than half an hour from the airport. As the motorbike took its twist and turns entering the distant barangay of Comod-on, my senses were captivated by the roadside view. The ocean vista opens up its glorious view and the cove just ahead. Stunning white sand beach before us hugged by verdant hills. This is going to be an exciting escape, I thought. Aglicay Beach Resort, my home for a couple of nights in Tablas, Romblon.
Aglicay Beach Resort
The sprawling 20-hectare Aglicay Beach Resort is owned by amiable couple Guillermo and Glenda Martinez. A property they purchased from their relative while they were working for 36 years in the USA. The lush and quiet cove with waters rich in marine life was originally planned as a retirement home. But after clearing the area, building access roads, and adding facilities, they decided to share the place by initially opening it to friends. More resort facilities were built by 2004 and it quietly opened to the public by 2006. By 2007, it became a full-service resort having been accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT).
Home at the Serene Cove
Almost a decade since it opened to the public, Aglicay Beach Resort didn’t seem to have lost a bit of its charm. The whole area, already vast in itself, is clean and impeccably maintained. The beach area has little to no sign of litter, and the manicured garden and Bermuda grass areas were healthy green, and flourishing. I was welcomed warmly by Jean, the person in charge at that time at their small open-air restaurant which doubles as the reception and also a small store.
Aglicay Beach Resort has 10 rooms divided into two sections – the beachside rooms and the hillside rooms. I had a beachside room and boy was it big. It can fit at least 3–5 people inside. The rooms are concrete but airy. It is nothing fancy but comfortable and well-kept through the years. There may be room for upgrades but I had a good night’s sleep during my three-day stay here which is an important factor for me in any stay. Airconditioning was working fine and water pressure was quite strong. I like that I could already see the beach when I left the room and conveniently a few steps away from the restaurant.
Wondrous Hills and Beaches
What attracted me to the resort was its natural beauty. It’s the combination of everything a nature lover would enjoy. The beach is not as fine as I expected but it’s white and finely grained and inviting against its clear blue waters. The area is vast with a variety of beaches. On the other side of the hill facing the sunset is a rocky beach facing a bay. Further off the main beach is a rocky coast with beautiful rock formations jutting out the sea. Pick your choice.
The surrounding hills were a pleasant surprise for me. I was just expecting a scenic view of the cove when I climbed the nearby hills. It turns out there was more area to explore. There’s a trail that leads to the edge of the ridge where I got a stunning view of the bay and nearby coves. In the morning there were plenty of birds, especially on one tree on the beach behind the hill. I’m betting plenty of kingfishers, swiftlets, egrets, and sunbirds there. In the evening, I came when the moon was hiding and the stars were at its brightest. Woke up early to catch what was left of the Milky Way before the sunrise took over.
Nature Getaway
Aglicay Beach Resort is a secluded nature escape. I was simply expecting a nice white sand beach but got more than I expected. Nature abounds in this resort cove but also has facilities friends and families can enjoy. From beach volleyball, pool, or simply find a spot at the beach. The staff were also quite helpful like Jean making sure to the habal-habal driver I hired that I get to where I’m supposed to go. Restaurant food is quite tasty too. At first, the price may seem high but the serving equivalent is really good for sharing. My first venture to Romblon was off to a good start. Aglicay Beach Resort gave a sweet lasting first impression of Romblon. I’ve only been to Tablas and yet there is still more places to visit. I wouldn’t be surprised to be back here whether by plane or sea.
Essential Info
Aglicay Beach Resort
Alcantara, Tablas Island, Romblon, Philippines 5509
Visit: www.aglicaybeachresort.com
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
