About Concepcion, Romblon
Another hidden gem in the province of Romblon, Concepcion or Sibale Island, is a great summer destination for those who want to escape city life. This island is perfect if you’re craving country living, offering secluded spots from unspoiled white beaches to hills with picturesque views.
So if you’re intrigued by what this beautiful island has to offer, keep reading as we share facts and the best things to do in Concepcion, Romblon!
Concepcion (Sibale Island)
Concepcion or locally referred as Sibale is an island officially part of the province of Romblon despite being 20 kilometers away from Mindoro. It’s located in Maestro de Ocampo and divided into 9 barangays, including Bachawan, Calabasahan, Dalajican, Masudsud, Poblacion, Sampong, San Pedro (Agbatang), San Vicente, and Masadya.
It was established by the Spaniards in 1570 and was formerly part of Banton Island in the Spanish era. Today, Concepcion is part of the province of Romblon. But there was a proposed plan in 1924 to re-annex Concepcion to Oriental Mindoro since it’s the farthest island from the provincial capital of Romblon.
In addition, it was backed by Mayor Lemuel Cipriano in 2014 as Concepcion residents trade at Oriental Mindoro due to its proximity, hence the re-annex proposal. Concepcion also has few establishments, so tourists are advised to pack their supplies and bring enough cash when visiting the island.
The spoken dialect in Concepcion is Asi and locals speak English and Tagalog. Moreover, each barangay in Concepcion has its own cove, featuring palm-fringed white sand beach fronts like a paradise taken out of a postcard!
Aside from white sand beaches, Concepcion or Sibale Island has a rough and forested landscape, featuring enchanting rivers, caves, impressive rock formations, and great views uphill. So if you’re in for some fun and island adventure, Concepcion is the place to be!
Best Things To Do in Concepcion, Romblon
Beach Camping & Watersports
Enjoy one of the best summers of your life in Concepcion, offering plenty of unspoiled and beautiful white sand beaches, such as Guiwanon Beach, Tonggo Beach, and Tabunan Beach. If you love outdoor adventure, your summer gets even better at Concepcion by camping at the beach!
Also, if you love watersports, it’s one of the best things to do in Concepcion, from swimming and cliff diving to snorkeling and scuba diving. Visit Concepcion and witness its beautiful marine life! But note that there are plenty of sea urchins and oysters on the island, so wearing slippers while swimming is ideal.
Hiking
Another best thing to do in Concepcion is to hike uphill, the perfect activity for adrenaline junkies! You can go to the Buyo and Hamtik Peak and enjoy the breathtaking view uphill. Also, don’t forget to visit the impressive rock formation, Lambirongan Stone Arch!
If you want to reconnect your faith while exploring nature, visit the Immaculate Concepcion Grotto at Mount Batareya. Quick fact: Concepcion or Sibale Island was named after the Immaculate Concepcion. So the Grotto at Mount Batareya is a must in Concepcion.
Explore Mini-Batanes
Lastly, exploring Bagulayag or the Mini-Batanes of Sibale should not be missed when on the island! It’s one of the best things to do in Concepcion, where you can catch sight of the breathtaking beauty of Romblon and its surrounding provinces. So whether you’re into hiking or not, Bagulayag is the perfect spot to wrap up your visit in Concepcion, Romblon!