Destinations · Masbate

Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary and Sandbar

Last updated 2019-01-26 05:13:56

Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary and Sandbar

Off the coasts of Masbate City lies one of its amazing destinations, the Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary and Sandbar. It is a unique beach destination in the city that tourists and locals love to visit.

A post shared by The Philippines 🇵🇭 (@the_philippines) on

View this Instagram post

The Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary and Sandbar actually occupies 20 hectares of core zone and 100 hectares of buffer zone. It is teeming with different kinds of marine life and vibrant corals. It's one of the reasons why its a perfect spot for scuba diving and snorkeling.

But this place is actually more of a quick weekend get-away destination for local families and foreign tourists. The main attraction of this protected sanctuary is the long stretch of white sandbar surrounded with turquoise crystal clear waters!

A post shared by Warren Camitan (@warrencamitan) on

View this Instagram post

At one end of the sandbar, you'll find verdant mangroves. Some part of the waters here are cold while some areas are warm. Most visitors also loves to explore these areas.

In Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary and Sandbar, you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling and have some quality time with your loved one's. The gentle sea breeze and a perfect view of the nearby mainland gives this place a "quick-escape" ambiance away from the busy life.

A post shared by Warren Camitan (@warrencamitan) on

View this Instagram post

To make your visit more enjoyable, you can go kayaking and boating!

Tourists and locals just love to have some picnics in Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary and Sandbar. There's a ranger station on the sandbar with several tables you can use to eat your lunch. You can also rent cabanas and cottages for a more comfortable visit.

You can bring your own food on your way to the sandbar. However, you can also make arrangements for your meal beforehand and coordinate with a staff or someone in the place (paluto).

A post shared by Gerard Ryan T. Mercadal (@grtm_21) on

View this Instagram post

You can arrange an overnight stay but usually, people leave the sandbar in the afternoon and prefer to stay at the mainland.

How to Get to Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary and Sandbar

  1. First off, take a flight bound to Masbate City.
  2. From Masbate City, take a tricycle to Rendezvous Hotel, the jump-off point to the sandbar. The fare is just 10 Pesos per person.
  3. From the wharf in Rendezvous Hotel, aboard a boat that takes you to Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary and Sandbar. The boat ride costs 500 Pesos good for 1 to 4 persons while 800 Pesos for 5 to 14 persons back and forth (two-way trip).

Price Lists

Entrance for ChildrenPHP 10
Entrance for AdultsPHP 20
Boat Rental (1 - 4 Persons)PHP 500
Boat Rental (5 - 14 Persons)PHP 800
Table Rental (Small)PHP 50
Table Rental (Big)PHP 100
KayakingPHP 200 per hour
Pedal BoatPHP 300 per hour
Scuba Diving (set)PHP 1,500
Snorkeling (set)PHP 100
Reef Guide (per person)PHP 100 per hour
PalutoPHP 50
Island HoppingPHP 8,000

Contact the Tourism Office of Masbate City to arrange your trip in Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary and Sandbar.