Gakut Island: A Hidden Gem in Banton, Romblon

Before diving into my personal experience, here’s some essential travel information for anyone planning a trip to this serene paradise. You’ll also find additional travel details at the end of this post.

Destination:
Bantoncillo / Gakut Island, a pristine and secluded destination located in Banton, Romblon, Philippines.

Transportation:

Bus: A 3-4 hour bus ride from Buendia to Lucena Port.
Ship: From Lucena, an approximately 7-8 hour sea journey to the Municipality of Banton. The ship’s schedule is not daily, so be sure to check in advance (usually every other day).
Boat: From Banton’s main municipality, the island is a 15-20 minute boat ride. The best departure point is Barangay Balogo.

Fare and Fees:

Bus fare: Around Php320, but it won’t exceed Php400.
Ship fare: Php900, plus a terminal fee of Php30.
Motorized boat: Costs about Php2,000 from Brgy. Balogo, but we negotiated a Php1,500 round-trip deal.
On the island: The environmental fee is collected by the municipal guard.

Things to Remember:

• Remote setting: The island is undeveloped for commercial use.

• No electricity: Bring power banks or solar chargers.

• Weak mobile reception: Signal spots are limited.

• No accommodations: Bring your own tent and camping gear.

• No potable water: Carry sufficient drinking water.

• No stores: Pack all essentials, including food and toiletries.

• Trash disposal: Bring garbage bags, as you must take your trash home.

Gakut Island is privately owned by the Pedro-Virginia Festin Clan but is open to visitors seeking a peaceful retreat. Its remoteness keeps it uncrowded, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers. The island comprises one main island and a small islet. While the beach is mostly rocky, there are pockets of white sand that make it perfect for camping and exploring.

Our Experience

Getting There

We left Buendia around 10 AM, boarding a Jac Liner bus to Lucena Port. By 2 PM, we arrived in Lucena—early for the ship scheduled to depart at 5 PM. Since the ship doesn’t run daily, we couldn’t take any chances.

True to form, the ship left an hour late at 6 PM. Surprisingly, the sea journey was faster than expected, taking only about seven hours instead of eight. We reached the Municipality of Banton shortly after 1 AM. The ship itself was comfortable, equipped with beds for passengers to rest. However, we chose to hang out at the ship’s rear, enjoying snacks, beers, and views of Marinduque province along the way.

Upon arrival in Banton, we skipped waking my cousin—who also happens to be part of the Festin Clan—and instead headed straight to Brgy. Balogo. Some of my friends were locals of Balogo, and we decided to wait there until sunrise.

After breakfast and some haggling, we secured a motorized boat for Php1,500 to take us to Gakut Island. The arrangement included ferrying us to the island that morning and picking us up the next day.

Shots of the Gakut Island while we were in Brgy Balogo

We left Brgy. Balogo at around 9 AM and arrived at the island, greeted by its rustic beauty. Our day was spent camping, trekking, paddle-boarding, and diving. We even dedicated time to cleaning the designated camping area, ensuring we left the place better than we found it.

My brother explored the underwater tunnels around the island—an unforgettable highlight of the trip.

Shots I Took During Our Stay

Reaching the Peak of the Island

Reaching the island’s peak rewarded us with breathtaking views, including a clear sight of Banton’s main island.

We spent the night with some tuba and had some campfires on the designated area for these activities. Our service fetched us at around 8am early the next morning and went back to Balogo. I will be covering our stay in Brgy Balogo which also boasts white beaches and inexpensive accommodations.

Reminders from the owners of the island:

1. *Respect Nature*: Please treat our island's natural environment with care and respect. Avoid littering and follow designated trails to minimize impact on the ecosystem.
2. *Stay on Designated Paths*: For your safety and to preserve the island's natural beauty, please stay on marked trails and avoid venturing into restricted areas.
3. *No Damage to Flora and Fauna*: Do not disturb or harm any plants or wildlife on the island. Take only photographs and leave only footprints.
4. *Dispose of Waste Properly*: Use designated trash bins to dispose of any waste. Help us keep GAKUT Island clean by properly disposing of garbage and recyclables.
5. *Follow Safety Guidelines*: Adhere to all safety guidelines and regulations while on the island. Be cautious near cliffs, beaches, and rocky areas, and supervise children at all times.
6. *Respect the Island*: . Avoid disruptive behavior and loud noises that may disturb others or wildlife
7. *No Open Fires*: To prevent wildfires and protect the environment, open fires are strictly prohibited. Please use designated cooking areas or portable stoves (suggested to bring).
8. *Keep Pets Leashed*: If bringing pets to the island, ensure they are kept on a leash at all times and clean up after them to maintain hygiene and prevent disturbance to wildlife.
9. *Be Mindful of Wildlife*: Observe wildlife from a safe distance and refrain from feeding or approaching animals. Respect their habitats and behavior.
10. *Plan Ahead*: Before visiting GAKUT Island, familiarize yourself with its rules and regulations. Plan your visit accordingly and be prepared for varying weather conditions.

By following these reminders and rules, you can help preserve the beauty and tranquility of GAKUT Island for future generations to enjoy.

Thank you for your cooperation!

BASURA KO, BITBIT KO PAUWI!

~ By: CLAN DE FESTIN