The Filipino town of Odiongan boasts a charming mixture of Mother Nature and modern developments and it is located on Tablas Island in the Romblon archipelago, an area popular with divers.
The Tablas Strait runs for 17,400 meters, which makes the stretch of water great for water-skiers as well as other water sports fans. Tablas Island is also home to lots of waterfalls that draw many visitors to cool off in the pools at the bottom of the falls.
The local marine life fills the sea with a whole range of different species of fish and crustaceans and thanks to the area not falling foul to the pressure of over development, the seas remain good for diving and snorkeling.
The town itself is hilly, with dense forest in the heart of the area, and there are just enough amenities and accommodation choices to make a visit here comfortable. The beaches on Tablas Island are clean and at weekends get busy with locals, but during the week you may well be the only person enjoying the soft gray sands.
Getting There & Away
Odiongan is a 1-hour, 30-minute drive from Tablas Airport, which welcomes daily flights to and from Manila that take 45 minutes. Manila is the main gateway into the Philippines and has the nearest international airport. A 10-hour boat journey from Manila leaves from Pier 8 in the capital twice a week, and Batangas to Odiongan by boat will take 8 hours and the service runs five times a week.
Things to Do
Odiongan Attractions
- Mainit Falls
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Surrounded by fertile greenery and barangay pato-o, this waterfall boasts three tiers and deep pools suitable for bathing.
- Garing Falls
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Have formed two lakes, one of which has deep water great for swimming and the other is suitable for children as it is shallow.
- Tuburan Falls
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An area made up of an impressive seven falls and limestone caves as well as fresh mineral springs and a river that creates cool breezes.
- Poctoy Beach
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A perfect spot for catching a sunset with its smooth sands and broad shoreline.
Side trips from Odiongan
- Mount Guiting-Guting
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Located on neighboring island sibuyan, the peak is a tough climb and suitable only for experienced hikers.