Banton Island Philippines

Banton Island is an island in the Philippines which is located specifically in the province of Romblon.  The municipality of this island consists of only one and is named Banton.

Geographically, these 2,820 hectares area of the island is located in the northern part of the province. Most parts of the area are rugged except in the southeast part of the island; here the soil is barren where only a few crops can be raised.

The Island

You wouldn’t expect the paradise that is hidden in Banton Island. Here, you will be overwhelmed with virgin forests, immaculate beaches with rich marine life, a very colorful yet much laid back kind of culture and traditions that comes from a very rich history.

Basically, Banton Island is a rocky volcanic kind of island that is found in the Maghali Island group in the province of Romblon. 

Romblon is 7 to 12 hours south from Manila. Around 6,000 people inhabit its municipality. The island is surrounded by the Sibuyan Sea which is home for very rich and well preserved marine life.

The History

Originally, Baton Island was named “Batoon” which means rocky; this is due to literally its rocky coastline and geography.

In 1936, it has been proven that there has been a more ancient civilization that existed in the island because of the artifacts recovered in the islands caves. This was before the arrival of the Spanish.

The island’s municipality, Banton is one of the oldest in the Philippines. It has been established as a town in the year 1622 under the Spanish rule. In this island you will see what the Spanish has left behind, like the fort they have built called the Fuerza de San Jose and a church in honor of San Nicolas de Tolentino. These fortifications were made to act as a defense of the town. This protected them from recurring raids from Muslim pirates that plagued the island.  All of these known establishments were under the administration of the Spanish Captain and Priest, Padre Agustin San Pedro.

The Industry

Presently, the island municipality thrives with its livelihood for fishing, cottage industries and copra farming. If by chance, there are many possibilities for good tourism and the development of the island.

With the help of the new expanded ferry port and seawall, motorized boats and interisland ferries have increased the municipality’s industry.

The Language

Banton Island and its municipality have its own language called Asi or Bantoanon. Most of the locals use these as their main language but also know Filipino and English.

The Tourism

Banton Island is known for its white sand and coral beaches. They also boast caves richly filled with cultures and history of long ago making your vacation a surely enjoyable one with a spelunking adventure. Since it is indeed a rich island, it has been known to be one of the best diving sites in the Philippines.

The island of Banton is also home for two popular festivals namely the Sanrokan Festival during the Lenten Season and the Biniray Festival that is held on September 10.

If you are a kind of tourists who expect luxury and comforts of a hotel or beach resort then you may be disappointed. The Banton Island has no electricity in most parts and in most times of the day. And since there are no hotels or resorts to accommodate you, you need to be comfortable to live in someone else’s home. Adventure seekers and tourists who would love to experience something new then you would love the island for the simplicity it has to offer.

bookitnow Philippines Banton Island, island in the Philippines