Jintotolo Island

Indeed a great island, Masbate City is a worthwhile place to visit. It is a slice of paradise that abounds with clear blue water and white sand beaches frequented by thousands of visitors throughout the year.

The island…

Located in the heart of Philippine archipelago, Masbate Island is a melting pot for culture and languages of the Filipino people. For almost 4,100 sq. km., the island is known for its spectacular scuba diving locations, cattle ranches, and festivals.

One of the largest annual events is the Masbate Rodeo known as "Rodeo Masbateno", the only rodeo show in Asia, which takes usually takes place every April. Highlighting this event is the difficult "figure of eight" competition where the cowboy crisscrosses around a group of barrels. Women participate in heartstopping events like calf wrestling, calf lassoing, and carambola.

Masbate Island is the leading exporter of native Crabs (Lawobon Crabs). Some of the many festivals here are Bulang, Pinya, Pagdayao, and Lapay in Bantigue.

The popular attractions…

The city offers ecotourism destinations conducive to a communion with nature.

• Pawa Mangrove Nature Park – the city's biggest area of natural mangrove growth where one can experience the dramatic scene of the 300 hectares of mangrove plantation along its 1.3 kilometer boardwalk.
• Buntod Sand Bar and Marine Sanctuary - the first established marine sanctuary of the city where the live hard and soft coral covers highlights the majestic underwater sceneries.
• Bugsayon Marine Sanctuary – is a 50-hectare marine sanctuary where you can experience to see the amazing live corals and its diverse marine animals.
• Coastal Resource Management Interpretative Center (CRMIC) – Being the first of its kind in the Philippines is a great staging point from which you can plan and begin your journey of discovery and exploration of the diverse and amazing natural and cultural wonders of Masbate.

Masbate’s stretch of pristine beaches is a perfect getaway to give visitors much pleasure that only nature can afford to give.

• Aroroy Beach – a fast-becoming attraction among excursionists. Its unspoiled natural beauty is the dominant feature.
• Colara Beach – neat and white sands ideal for weekend excursions and picnics.
• Ki-Albay River and Beach – this beach extends east-southeast from the town proper with an approximate length of one and a half kilometers of sandy and well-polished pebbles ending in Ki-albay River.
• San Isidro Beach – this beach is located in barangay San Isidro extending south to east from the barangay proper with an approximate and aggregate length of four (4) kilometers. Its fine and silvery white sand can easily accommodate over a thousand people. The bottom of the sea is clear and sandy extending some one hundred meters from the shoreline with a gradual (depth of 5 to 7 feet) during high tide. Further from the shoreline are beautiful and colorful coral reefs which are inhabited by a wide variety of fishes. The beach is lined by coconut trees.
• Talisay Beach – famous for the rocks which serve as natural diving board for swimmers. Smooth, shiny pebbles of various sizes abound.
• Dacu Beach – a favorite site for picnics during weekends.

The island has also its own shares of adventures that will definitely leave an impression to every traveler.

• Tatoo Island – Also called as Minalayo Island. It has a number of openings of various sizes that lead to an underground lagoon where sea snakes and bats reigns.
• Jintotolo Island – is an island stretch of white sand beaches and clear blue water.
• Underwater Cave – Masbate is a province filled not only with limitless potential for adventure, but it also offers a chance to experience history and ancient culture with a hint of mystery at the Underwater Cave in the town of Claveria. 
• Mataba-Tinigban to Napayuan Island – a five-kilometer stretch of glittering white sands. At Napayauan Island, the surrounding water is full of marine life. It is ideal for snorkel and scuba diving.
• Bat-ongan Caves – found in this mole-like mountain, famous for its numerous chambers and beautiful rock formation towering at about 150 feet. The caves offer tourists a thrilling experience in steep rock-climbing up to the highest peak.
• Batongan Underground River – for daring and adventurous visitors. It is approximately 10 kilometers to Mandaon.
• Cagpating Island – it is noted for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful pebbles on one side and a deep rocky side that provides a panoramic view of Masbate Island.
• Tinalisayan Island / Burias Island – an enchanting place ideal for sunbathing and swimming.
• Tacdogan Reef / San Jacinto, Ticao Island – One of only two areas where Manta Rays abound, the giant mantas come to the area to feed. The reef is a six hectare shoal of coral formation 60 feet below the surface. Proof positive of the thriving marine ecosystem in the area.

Be pleasure with the island system of waterfalls.

• Kalanay Falls – beautiful scenery, found in Brgy. Nabangig.
• Catandayagan Falls - one of the most beautiful falls in the province. It cascades from 60 feet to its base where multi-colored fishes cavort. It is one hour by motorboat from the capital.
• Ubo Falls - locally known as "Little Pagsanjan Falls".
• Tagoron Waterfalls - located along the sea, found in the barrio of Tagoron. A good place for picnics and excursion. Cascading at the height of 60 feet. Different species of varied-colored fishes swim at or close to the base of waterfalls

How to get to Masbate

By air: The city is served by Masbate Airport that is located at the city proper. It is served by Airphil Express, Zest Airways and South East Asian Airlines daily from Manila to Masbate vice versa. However, Cebu Pacific will be establishing flights to Masbate within this year due to increasing demand of tourism.

By land: Masbate can be reached from Manila by land through South Road to the Port of Pio Duran, Albay, Pilar, Sorsogon and Bulan, Sorsogon. From there, RORO ship and fastcraft can take you for two hours and fifteen minutes or motorized boat for a three-hour ride t the Port of Masbate.

By sea: Masbate can also be reached through the sea on board in a luxury shipping lines from the Port of Manila. The 18-hour trip is best spent on the ship's bar or in its all night disco. Other sea trips are via Dalahican, Lucena and to Allen, Northern Samar.

Accommodations: There are many hotels to choose from in the Masbate City area. Most hotels have their own restaurants and many are located near the water or beach.

• Greenview Hotel - Masbate City              
• Bituon Beach Resort - Mobo Masbate   
• Rendezvous Beach Hotel - Masbate City              
• MG Hotel - Masbate City             
• Baywalk Garden Hotel - Masbate City    
• Seamans Hotel - Masbate City  
• Sea Blick Hotel - Masbate City