Epic Masbate Adventure: Island Hopping in Cawayan to Guinlubngan, Namatyan, and Kurukabayo

The Guinlubngan Island in Cawayan, Masbate Island After a restful night in Masbate City , our j...

The Guinlubngan Island in Cawayan, Masbate Island

After a restful night in Masbate City, our journey continued to the eastern coast of the boomerang-shaped Masbate Island. We drove for about an hour and a half, heading south to the tranquil coastal municipality of Cawayan. Known for its pristine waters and secluded beaches, Cawayan boasts seven islands and islets, and today, we're set to explore three of them.

Bitlig Beach Resort, our jump-off to island hopping in Cawayan

Discovering Cawayan, Masbate

Cawayan is located approximately 64 kilometers from Masbate City, bordered by the Asid Gulf to the east, with Milagros to the north, Placer to the south, and the municipalities of Uson, Dimasalang, and Palanas to the north-northeast. Despite its quiet facade, Cawayan has a vibrant community thriving on its major islands: Chico, Tagauayan, Guilutugan, and Peña. The municipality is a hub for fishing, with an abundance of scallops and a unique trade-in of smoked and dried sea cucumbers.

The beach at Guinlubngan Island

A Striated Heron (left) and a couple of White-breasted Woodswallows (right)

Guinlubngan Island: Our First Stop

We launched our island hopping adventure from Bitlig Beach Resort, with our first destination being the small islet of Guinlubngan, nestled between Guilutugan and Tagauayan islands. Guinlubngan Island boasts a serene tropical setting with coconut trees, a white sand beach, a short sandbar, and clear turquoise waters. While there are no resorts on the island, traces of unfinished structures hint at past attempts to develop the area. We enjoyed a hearty lunch under the breezy canopy of palms, while the sight of a striated heron and a flock of White-breasted Woodswallows soaring against the wind added a touch of wildlife.

Approaching Namatyan Island

The little sandbar at Namatyan Island

Namatyan Island: A Private Retreat

Our next stop was Namatyan Island, also known as Isla Florencia. This private island offers a lovely white sand beach fringed by lush tropical vegetation. Several repurposed shipping containers have been converted into basic accommodations, blending rustic charm with the island's natural beauty. As we explored, a sudden squall passed through, but thankfully, we found shelter and waited it out, adding a touch of adventure to our visit.

A cluster of trees at Kurukabayo Sandbar

Kurukabayo Sandbar: A Hidden Gem

Our last destination was the much-anticipated Kurukabayo Sandbar, reputed to be the longest sandbar in Masbate province, stretching approximately 1.45 kilometers. Kurukabayo got its name from a "seahorse" which has a similar shape to the sandbar. Unfortunately, the weather remained overcast, dampening our experience. Still, we waded through the shallow waters to explore the sandbar, reaching a cluster of picturesque trees at one end. Though we missed the sandbar's full splendor under the sun, the visit left us longing to return on a brighter day.

Group photo with Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), Masbate Tourism, travel agents and fellow travel content creators.

Island Hopping in Cawayan: A Thrilling Escape

Exploring Cawayan's islands was an exhilarating experience, offering a glimpse of Masbate’s untouched beauty. With its hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path charm, this destination is perfect for adventurous travelers seeking tranquility and natural wonders.

For tour bookings, contact Masbate Provincial Tourism Culture and Arts Office.

Outrigger boat used for island hopping in Cawayan.