2018 • 08 • 13

Sombrero Island is one of the places you’ll visit when you go island hopping in Burias. Sombrero Island got its name because of its shape when you see it from a certain distance. The clear turquoise water will entice you to swim, and the beautiful beachscape will encourage you to take several photos. The idyllic background enables you to forget the worries of work and city life.

How to Get There

Nearest Airport: Naga Airport (Camarines Sur)

By Air

1. To cut the travel time, book flight tickets from Manila to Naga City. Travel time is one hour 15 minutes.
2. Once in the city, look for the terminal that has jeep trips bound for Pasacao; the fare is around P30 per way.
3. After arriving at the port, you can board public boats traveling to San Pascual, the jump-off point to island hopping. The fare for the boat ride is around P130; the trip may take up to three hours.

By Land

1. If you were unable to get cheap flight tickets, there are regular buses plying the Manila-Naga route that travel overnight. The fare for this varies from P600 to P1000, depending on the bus company and class of the seat.
2. Once in Naga, look for the terminal that has jeep trips bound for Pasacao; the fare is around P30 per way.
3. After arriving at the port, you can board public boats traveling to San Pascual, the jump-off point to island hopping. The fare for the boat ride is around P130; the trip may take up to three hours.

 

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Entrance Fee and Other Charges

• Entrance Fee: As of writing, there’s P20 entrance fee.
• Camping Fee: P150 – P300
• Cottage Rental Fee: P300 – P400
• Island Hopping Rate: P1500 – P3000 (good for 6 pax)

  You can also book tours from Manila to the islands; packages cost around P3000 per person and include some meals, transportation, fees, and accommodation. Check the inclusions before booking.

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Don’t Miss

• Take pictures of the iconic sombrero-looking rock formation while on the island. The crystal clear waters and fine white sand create an idyllic and relaxing backdrop for your trip.
• Laze on the shore and get a tan, wade in the waters, and take several photos of the beautiful beachscape.
• You can easily explore and go around the island because of its small size.
• This island is also a camping stop for those who want to spend a night on it.

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Don’t Forget

• Bring cash with you before leaving for the island as you might not be able to withdraw after you leave the big towns and cities.
• Bring a power bank and/or extra batteries for your gadgets to keep them charged throughout your trip,
  especially for those who plan to spend the night on the island.
• Bring your own trash bag to gather your garbage after your trip.
• Put your cameras and phones in a dry bag to keep them from getting wet during the boat ride.
• Bring your own tent, sleeping bag, and camping gear if you plan to spend the night or two on the island.
• If you are staying for the night on the island, buy food from the public market to lessen your expenses. Bring enough supply of water as there’s a limited supply of fresh water on the island.

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If You Have More Time and Budget

• After visiting Sombrero Island and the other islands in Burias, return to Naga to see the nearby attractions in the city or go to Legazpi, Albay.
• You can also go to Caramoan for another round of island hopping or visit Bagasbas Beach to learn how to surf.

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Where to Stay

If you are not camping on the island because you are also planning to explore the island province of Masbate aside from Burias, here are the recommended accommodations according to Agoda users, in no particular order.

• Ticao Island Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Ticao Altamar Boutique Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Francjoreen Beach Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• GV Hotel Masbate. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY

For more options, search here: Masbate Hotels