The Masbate guide
Everything worth knowing about Masbate Province: the three islands, the diving, the beaches, the food and the festivals. Written from real, current information and updated as things change.
The map
Every place worth the trip: filter by type, tap a pin to open its guide.
The three islands
Masbate, Ticao and Burias: start here to work out where to go.
IslandsMasbate Island
Rodeo country, empty beaches and the province's beating heart.
IslandsTicao Island
Manta rays, a waterfall that falls into the sea, and baby sharks.
IslandsBurias Island
Sandbars, sculpted islets and the quietest corner of Masbate.
CityMasbate City
Port town, cowboy capital, gateway to the islands.
Diving, beaches & the sea
Where to get in the water, and what it costs.
Eating in Masbate
From the lechon stalls to the tables locals actually book.
Culture & festivals
The rodeo, the boat races, and the history behind them.
CultureRodeo Masbateño
Inside the Philippines' only real rodeo, every April.
EventsBagat-Dagat Festival
Dragon boats and fireworks on the Cataingan lagoon, every June.
EventsFestivals & events calendar
Rodeo, crab feasts and the seagull dance: month by month.
CultureHistory, language & culture
Baybayin stones, galleons, gold rushes, and why locals speak Bisaya.
Masbate, in short
The questions people ask before booking.
Is Masbate worth visiting?+
Yes, if you want the Philippines without the crowds. Masbate has the Manta Bowl (one of the few places on earth with year-round manta rays), the white sandbars of Burias, Palani Beach, and the country's only genuine rodeo. There is almost no mass tourism, so prices stay local and beaches stay empty.
How do you get to Masbate?+
By air, Cebu Pacific flies Manila, Masbate City in about an hour. By sea, ferries and RoRos connect Masbate to Pilar (Sorsogon), Bulan, Cebu and Roxas City. Ticao and Burias are reached by boat from Bulan or from Masbate City.
When is the best time to visit Masbate?+
The dry months from March to May are the most reliable, and April brings the Rodeo Masbateño. Manta rays are in Ticao Pass most of the year, with December to May generally the calmest for diving. Typhoon season runs roughly July to November.
How many days do you need in Masbate?+
Three days covers Masbate City, Buntod Reef and one beach. Five to seven lets you add Ticao for diving or Burias for island-hopping, which both need at least one overnight.
Planning the trip?
Flights, ferries and buses, with schedules we actually keep up to date.