About Sombrero Island
Sombrero Island in Masbate is a hidden paradise shaped like a wide-brimmed hat—hence its name. This small yet stunning island boasts powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a vibrant marine ecosystem, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and beach camping. Surrounded by calm seas and framed by the beauty of Burias Pass, Sombrero Island is a serene destination for those who want to escape the city and experience the raw charm of the Bicol Region’s coastal wonders.
Sombrero is one of the islets of the Burias Group of Islands. Crossing the waters from Tinalisayan to this island was a heart-pounding experience. Not only that, as we drew nearer to the shoreline, coral ecosystems and underwater flora and fauna became visible due to the clear waters. I took off my pink sando while on the boat because my skin hurt, a sign that, for sure, I would have sun-kissed skin due to sunburn, but it's fine; I'm optimistic that my skin will still recover after a week. Instead of covering ourselves or applying Belo sunblock before jumping off the boat into the shallow water, we just grabbed our cameras and started walking by the shore.
The sun's rays made the sand really hot, so we made sure to have our sleepers with us while walking on the sand. In fairness, there's a relaxing ambiance on this island, and the number of tourists and visitors is countless. Trees and coconuts provide shade to certain parts of the islet, creating a beautiful landscape. At the same time, the small, colorful shells and pebbles were mixed in with the fine white sand.
What's different about Sombrero from Animasola and Tinalisayan is the smell of the seawater. It's tough to explain, but imagine this: when you open your sense of smell to the sea breeze, you will definitely notice it. It is like the smell of a watermelon or a cucumber. Again, the waters are insanely crystal clear!!!!!
The name of this island was derived from a Filipino word, "Sombrero," meaning "hat." At the rear side of the island, there's an islet that looks like a sombrero, and I thought that it was the source. The fine white sand is limited only at the front side; on the other side, pebbles, stones, and boulders can be found. This is where the relaxing sound of the waves can be heard loudly as they crash against the rocks. The best time to visit Sombrero Island is before the high tide. Toilet and bath are available—entrance fee: 30 pesos. Cottages and tents are available.
Sombrero Island may be small, but its beauty leaves a lasting impression. From its unique hat-shaped landscape to its tranquil beachside ambiance, this Masbate gem perfectly captures the untouched allure of the Philippine islands. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, diving into its crystal waters, or simply relaxing by the shore, Sombrero Island offers a slice of paradise worth every journey.
Would you be interested in travel ideas across the country? Read my complete guide to visiting all 82 provinces in the Philippines — based on my actual travels.
