Masbate: A Taste of Country III Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary

When I was surfing over the net on the places to visit in Masbate, Buntod Reef, Pawa Mangrove Park and Bituon Beach were among the top searches. Based on the photos available on the net, Buntod Reef seemed to be an interesting place to go.

It was Sunday, my last day to spend in Masbate. I had watched cowboys bring the bulls down during the Rodeo Masbateno, I was able to see how their lives are in the ranch, I had a sight of the beautiful Palani beach, and now I could not just miss one of the province’s prides, Buntod Reef.

From Balud, we took a jeepney going to Masbate city. Since it was Sunday, lesser were the trips. It was near eleven in the morning when we finally left the municipality of Balud reaching Masbate city terminal three and half hours after. Fare from Balud to the city is Php100. From there we took a tricycle going to Rendezvous Hotel, a hotel I learned from searching the net. Tricycle fares are usually Php7, but drivers charged as much as Php10 for tourists.

Rendezvous Hotel is owned by Mr. Cookie Media. Their room rates are Php800 for the ones on the ground floor and Php1,000 for the rooms on the upper floor. Since there’s not much difference on the rooms, we took the one on the ground floor.

The owner of the hotel, Mr. Medina, made the necessary arrangements for our Buntod Reef tour. While we’re waiting for the boat that would fetch us, we had a roam around the hotel. The front lobby is very welcoming with table and chairs set for incoming guests. Autographs of some guests are hanged on the wall.

At the back of the hotel is where the restaurant is. There are small cottages overlooking the sea. From the back of the hotel you could already have a sight of Buntod Reef.

Buntod Reef is the first established marine sanctuary of the city and one of the most resilient marine sanctuaries in the country.

After minutes of waiting, our boat already came to fetch us. It’s a 10 to 15 minutes boat ride from the hotel to the reef. The boat costs from Php400-Php500, two-way, good for up to 4 persons.

We got more excited at the sight of the sand bar and mangroves. We felt like jumping right then and there and swim towards the reef.

The boatman directed us to the hut where we left our things. Most of the guests here bring their own food and eat it in the hut which is complete with tables, chairs and grilling area. You can ask the staff in Rendezvous hotel, if they can prepare your food to bring in Buntod Reef.

I heard that there was a snorkeling site on the other side of the reef, behind the rows of mangrove.

Buntod Reef is a good place to relax, swim in clear water, walk on fine white sands, talk about life while you’re feet are being massaged by the waves.

In the evening, we've decided to have our dinner in 7AR Garden Beach Resort located beside Rendezvous Hotel. 7AR Hotel is a much cozy hotel with room rates starting from Php 2,500.

7AR Hotel is equipped with swimming pools, jacuzzi and cottages. There's an entrance fee of Php150 for day trippers.

For our dinner, we had ensaladang talong and their bestseller Red Hot Chili Crab which is priced for Php350. Quite pricey.

Like this shell, Masbate is a rare find. It is a place where time ticks slow letting you enjoy the serenity of simple living.

“Anong meron sa Masbate?’, this was the common reaction I got when my friends learned that I was going to Masbate. I used to answer them with a shrug or “ewan”, but now after my fun-filled three day stay, I can confidently say, “Madami”.