Top 10 Masbate Tourist Attractions That Made it The Rodeo Capital Of The Philippines
The province of Masbate is known by its moniker “The Rodeo Capital of the Philippines”. It pays homage to its rich cattle farming culture and the sport that made it iconic. Tourists also visit the province to experience diverse Masbate attractions, such as the Buntod Sandbar and Reef, Catandayagan Falls, or Mangrovetum. Of course, every April, the Rodeo Masbateño Grand Arena transforms into a lively, must-visit destination for cowboys and cowboys-at-heart.
Whether you’re looking for a postcard-worthy Masbate tourist attraction by the sea, or lush green escapes in the city, you can find it all in this fun travel guide.
How to Go to Masbate via Ferry
The easiest way to travel from Cebu to Masbate is via ferry. Trans-Asia Shipping Lines operates this route every Wednesday, weekly at 6:00 PM. Return trips to Cebu, meanwhile, depart every Thursday, weekly, at 6:00 PM. Follow the steps below to book your trip:
- Book a Trans-Asia ferry through the Chelsea Travel website or app. You can also visit the nearest accredited ticketing outlet.
- Present your e-ticket voucher and valid photo ID at the Port of Cebu to claim your actual ticket.
- Wait for your designated vessel at the boarding area.
- Board the vessel at the assigned time and enjoy a safe journey to Masbate.
*NOTE: Rolling cargo is also available for the Cebu to Masbate route and vice versa. Check Trans-Asia’s rates here.
10 Masbate Attractions: The Philippines’ Rodeo Capital and Beyond
Masbate Attractions for Rodeo Lovers
1. Rodeo Masbateño Grand Arena (Masbate City)
Location: Masbate Grandstand, Airport Road, Masbate City
Fee: None
The history of Rodeo in Masbate began when local cattle farmers and merchants created a festival to promote the cattle-ranching sector. Since the first Rodeo Masbateño in 1993, it grew in popularity well into the 2000s, drawing in participants from other provinces like Cebu, Laguna, Bicol, and Batangas.
The Masbate Rodeo Grand Arena became the annual festival’s home in recent years, as well as a prime Masbate tourist destination. The festival happens every second week of April, and if you visit during this period, you can expect live rodeo competitions, parades, livestock showcases, and an agricultural trade fair.
2.Masbate Capitol Grounds and Rodeo Monument (Masbate City)
Location: Medina St., Capitol Grounds, Masbate City
Fee: Free
Rodeo has become an important cultural element of the province, which is why this monument is a must-visit. This Masbate attraction is a vibrant statue located just outside the provincial capitol grounds. This is a perfect photo-op spot to mark your visit to the iconic Rodeo Capital of the Philippines.
3. Sese Brahmans Ranch (Mandaon)
Location: San Juan, Mandaon
If you want to immerse in the cattle farming industry and rodeo feel of Masbate, visit Sese Brahmans Ranch and Farm at San Juan, Mandaon. It takes about an hour’s ride from the city center to reach the idyllic, sprawling ranch covered in lush green grass. Here, you can see cattle and farmers in action, get up close and personal with the animals, and even dine at their picturesque rooftop viewdeck and restaurant. If you are exploring other municipalities, you can also check out any of the multiple ranches scattered throughout the province.
Island Escapes in Masbate
4.Burubangkaso Islet and Rock Formation (Ticao Island)
Location: Togoron, Monreal, Ticao Island
Fee: Included in island hopping tours
Hop on a boat tour to Ticao Island and marvel at the stunning Burubangkaso Islet. This Masbate tourist attraction is a rock formation situated on a small islet off the coast of Monreal. One side is lined with a short white sand beach while the opposite side boasts tall, ‘stacked’ rocks shaped by the current of the Masbate Pass.
4.Buntod Sandbar and Reef Marine Sanctuary (Mobo)
Location: Mobo Bay, Mobo
Roundtrip Boat Rental: Php 600 (1-4 pax) / Php 1,000 (5-14 pax)
Head out during low tide to picnic at Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary. The long, white sandbar stretches across the sea. This Masbate destination also has an elevated hut where you can chill and hang out. Don’t miss out on the group of mangrove trees along the sandbar, as well. The local government offers a 10 to 15 minute boat ride to the sandbar for a budget-friendly rate.
5.Catandayagan Falls (Ticao Island)
Location: Bartolabac, Monreal, Ticao Island
Fee: Php 50-100 (included in island hopping tours)
Water from this one-of-a-kind Masbate tourist attraction flows from the side of a mountain directly into the sea. Prepare your balance game when you take photos at this instagram-worthy spot, because it is only reachable via boat from Punta Pier. You will need to register through an accredited boat tour to reach the falls. Visit Catangayagan Falls before summer to witness the majestic flow of water.
5.Tinalisayan Island and Sandbar (Burias Island)
Location: Tinalisayan Islets, San Pascual, Burias Island
Fee: Php 50-100 (included in island hopping tours)
The Burias group of islands is home to some of the most underrated beach destinations in Masbate. Tinalisayan Island boasts crystal clear water and a curving stretch of sand. It is the best island to swim and snorkel, especially for boat tourists in the area. Check out other nearby attractions like Sombrero Island, Templo/Ambulong Island, and Busing.
Masbate Attractions with Flora and Fauna
6.Bongsanglay Natural Park (Ticao Island)
Location: Batuan, Ticao Island
Fee: Php 30
The Bongsanglay Natural Park is a 500-hectare protected landscape composed of mangrove trees, beach forests, coral reefs, and dynamic marine biodiversity. The park is also the only place you can find all three species of the Sonnerariaceae mangrove family. It is also the natural habitat of endangered wildlife like the Asian palm civet, Philippine duck, Philippine sailfin lizard, and the Visayan fanged frog. This Masbate tourist destination can be visited via boat ride from Punta Pier to Bongsanglay, or to Lagundi port continuing on a habal-habal to the site.
7.Mangrovetum (Masbate City)
Location: Nursery Road, Masbate City
Fee: Free
Along the perimeter of the city, you’ll find a scenic, refreshing Masbate tourist attraction. The Mangrovetum is a natural park, surrounded by thriving mangrove trees and a rich marine ecosystem. Its clean, rustic walkways lead you through a canopy of trees to a spiral pavilion in the middle of the park, where you can watch the sea. It certainly is a romantic ecotourism destination worth checking out.
8.Valle Justina & Perspectiva Cafe, Mt. Mayong Payong (Mobo)
Location: Pinamarbuhan, Mobo
Fee: Php 30 (environmental fee excluded)
Mountain lovers will appreciate this rising Masbate tourist destination in the municipality of Mobo. Mayong Payong is a prime destination for locals, offering a 360-degree view of the city as far as Buntod Sandbar and Reef. In recent years, the Valle Justina Mountain Resort and Perspectiva Cafe were developed on top of the hill, offering elevated comfort and relaxation. You can rent a cottage, swim in their outdoor pool, or stay overnight in one of Valle Justina’s rustic hotel rooms.
Although Masbate is recognized nationwide for its rodeo culture, many idyllic escapes are still yet to be discovered by visitors to the province. This is your sign to book that ferry trip and explore Masbate attractions today!
ALSO READ: The Cebu to Masbate Travel Guide that You Must Check Out
Trans-Asia Shipping Lines operates weekly ferry trips between Cebu and Masbate. Experience comfortable, convenient, and smooth sailing aboard our tourist accommodations. We also accept rolling cargoes on this route, making it easier for you to travel to Masbate attractions with your vehicle. View our updated schedule here and buy your tickets online.
