Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary & Sandbar. The Pride of Masbate City

by @ManrossAlsagon - April 10, 2020

"Masbate, Ticao, Burias, where the deep, blue , summer skies.."

I remember this hymn singing in school. A long time ago already. But back then and now, Masbate is one of the underrated travel destinations in the country. In fact, when you search over Google or other search engines and hit some keyword related to best destinations or top destinations in the Philippines, you would hardly get or see the name Masbate. But that’s not our subject for today, it’s all about the hidden gem and pride of Masbate City, the Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary & Sandbar.

So, I’ve got the chance to visit the province after 15 years since we left in 2004. Yes! You read it right! I stayed in Masbate for quite some time and spent my early childhood there. I actually finished my primary education right in this city but again, this is not our topic.

So going back to where I am, I was able to visit this area because of the influence of the locals. When you asked them about place or any recommendation to visit with, it will always be the Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary & Sandbar on top of the lists. This place is quite famous and became an instant tourist attraction in the city. For over 10 years of stay in Masbate, I haven’t actually heard of this place until summer of April 2019. It was unexpected to see such beauty half an hour away from the city.

Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary & Sandbar is just 25-30 minutes away off the coast of the capital, Masbate City. A perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle city life. This small islet has a total of 250-hectare rests in the middle of the ocean as part of barangay Nursery and Tugbo. This is a silent sanctuary for some marine species and mangroves.

Thankful that after the rampant illegal dynamite fishing and other massive destruction and disturbances down under its seabed, this area has become one of the protected marine sanctuary in the province after it was established in 2001. And in 2012, it was hailed as the “Second Most Resilient Marine Sanctuaries in Central Philippines” by marine biologists from the Siliman University’s Angelo King Center for Research and Environment Management (SU-AKCREM) after showing more signs of stability.

This restoration program was made possible under the Masbate City Government and two NGO’s, Pawa Women’s Mangrove Guardians Association Inc. (PWMGA) and Samahang Mangingisda ng Puro-Sinalikway (SAMAPUSI). Since the program has kicked-off, planting of mangrove trees has started, strict implementation and safeguarding on illegal fishing and raising awareness that empowered Masbateños to support the success of this project. To date, this eco-tourism based livelihood provides, supports and offers sustainability to the communities.

How to get to Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary & Sandbar in Masbate City

From the airport or hotels in the downtown, ride a tricycle going to Brgy. Nursery
You will reach the Rendezvous Hotel. A wharf or the port is at the back with boats departing going to Buntod Reef
Boat rental costs Php 500 (1-4 persons) up to Php 800 (5-14 persons) for the two way trip
Travel time is as fast as 20-25 minutes up to 30 minutes depending on the seawaters condition

In our case, we rented the big one since it is a family tour. Consist of my siblings and nephews. Cottage is limited in the island, in fact, there is only one cottage sitting around and it’s huge enough to accommodate a bunch of people. Just settle the table fee from Php 50 – 100 and you’re ready to go.

You can bring your own food or you can make an arrangement from the wharf before going into the island. They will cooked and deliver instantly. But it will be more economical and more budget friendly to bring one especially if it’s a family gathering. Bring drinking water as well since there is no potable water in the island. Make sure to bring your own trash bags and collect all your trash before you leave.

For the beach lover, nature wanderer and a swimmer like me, you will surely love the place. We stayed from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM and so we were able to catch the high tide and draws more on swimming. No shower area so you’ll need to get-off wet. No worries, you will surely high and dry along the way.

Other Activities To Enjoy

Kayaking: P200/hour
Scuba diving gear rental: P1,500
Snorkeling gear rental: P100
Reef guide: P100/hour
Pedal boat: P300/hour

A friendly reminder that the site is a marine protected area hence, following rules and regulations is a must. Mangroves, sands, corals and other marine life from the sea has to be respected and take good care. Be a responsible visitors who understand his or her responsibility and disposing the garbage properly is as easy as A,B,C.

Masbate City is the capital of Masbate, a province located in midsection of the Philippines, part of Bicol Region. Consists of three major island, Masbate, Ticao and Burias, it is considered as the crossroads of Visayas and Luzon island. Having said that, it has unique spoken language which is of Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) and Bikolano mixture called “Masbateño”. The best time to travel in Masbate is April because they are celebrating the Rodeo Masbateño Festival.

Hoping to explore more of Masbate. I bet this province has more story to tell, story to share, and wonders waiting to discover.

Below are some of my favorite shots and spots at Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary & Sandbar, Masbate City.