Provinces

Masbate Province

Written by Patrick

ABOUT

Masbate is an island province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region. Its capital is Masbate City. The province of Masbate comprises the islands of Burias, Ticao and Masbate. Burias derived its name from the buri, a palm tree endemic on the island.

LOCATION

Masbate

Coordinates: 12°16′N 123°35′E

FAST FACTS

The following are a few useful and interesting details about this province.

Province:
Masbate
Location:
12°16′N 123°35′E | View Map
Year Founded:
1917
Capital:
Masbate City
Area:
4,151.78 km2 (1,603.01 sq mi)
Population:
909,000
Density:
210/km2 (560/sq mi)
Division:
Cities & Towns:
1 Component city, 20 Towns (Municipalities)
Demonym(s):
Masbateño/a
Elevation:
684 m (2,244 ft)
Time Zone:
PST (UTC+8)
Zip Code:
5400–5421
Area code:
+63 -(056)-XXX-XXXX
Electricity:
Standard voltage is 220V.
Plug commonly used is Type A but Types B and C are used as well.
Bring A to B adapter(s).
Currency:
Philippine Peso (PHP)
Exchange Rate:
Approximately 1 USD = 50 PHP | click for exact exchange rate
Income Class:
Fourth Class
Religion(s):
91% of the population are members of the Roman Catholic church.
Language(s):
Masbateño, Hiligaynon, Bikol, Filipino, English
Known For:
Ranches
Major Industries:
Livestock, Fishing, Agriculture (rice, corn, rootcrops and coconut), Mining (manganese, copper, silver, iron, chromite, limestone, guano, and carbon), Handicraft
Climate:
Tropical
Best Time to Visit:
June to August
Clothing:
Casual light clothing: shorts, t-shirt, sandals. Light jacket and pants at night, at higher elevations, and boating.
Airport(s):
None
Bus Terminal(s):
COMING SOON
Website:
None

CLIMATE

The climate in this province is tropical. The short dry season has little effect on the overall climate. This location is classified as Am by Köppen and Geiger. The temperature here averages 27.6 °C. Precipitation here averages 1955 mm.

The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are quite warm. These months see moderate precipitation with 9 to 14 days of precipitation per month. June – August is the busiest season for tourism in Masbate City, so lodging and other accommodations may cost more than usual.

The most appropriate clothing in this province is casual light clothing: shorts, t-shirt, sandals. Light jacket and pants at night, at higher elevations, and boating.

READ MORE: Climate & Weather in the Philippines

CITIES & TOWNS

Masbate Provincial Map

The Masbate province is divided into 20 Municipalities, 1 Component City:

  • Aroroy
  • Baleno
  • Balud
  • Batuan
  • Cataingan
  • Cawayan
  • Claveria
  • Dimasalang
  • Esperanza
  • Mandaon
  • Masbate City
  • Milagros
  • Mobo
  • Monreal
  • Palanas
  • Pio V. Corpuz
  • Placer
  • San Fernando
  • San Jacinto
  • San Pascual
  • Uson
 

ISLANDS

There are 18 outlying islands surrounding the mainland of Masbate which are under the jurisdiction of the province.

  • Ambulong Island
  • Bagababoy Island
  • Bugtong Island
  • Burias
  • Cagpating Island
  • Dakit Island
  • Deagan Island
  • Hamurawon Island
  • Magcaraguit Island
  • Masbate Island
  • Matabao Island
  • Bosaan
  • Buabuahan
  • San Miguel Island
  • Sombrero Island
  • Tatus Island
  • Ticao
  • Yeso Island
 

POINTS OF INTEREST

The following is a list of points of interest relating to the Masbate province:

  • Animasola Island
  • Aroroy Lighthouse
  • Bat-ongan Cave
  • Buntod Sandbar and Reef Marine Sanctuary
  • Burubancaso Rock Formation
  • Burubangkaso Island
  • Carogo Island
  • Catandayagan Falls
  • Deagan Island
  • Gaisano Capital
  • Guinawayan Island
  • Jintotolo Lighthouse
  • Kalanay Falls
  • Nabugtu Island
  • Nagarao Island
  • Paborito Island
  • Palani White Beach
  • Pawa Mangrove Park
  • Pulong Dapa Island
  • San Antonio de Padua Cathedral
  • San Isidro Beach
  • Sombrero Island
  • St Pascal Baylon Church
  • Stations of the Cross
  • Talisay Beach
  • Tinalisayan Islet and Sandbar
  • Tinigban Beach
  • Ubo Falls
 

If you plan to visit the province of Masbate, you can use the following links or use the search box below to determine the best places to stay:

FESTIVALS

The following is a list of festivals celebrated in Masbate throughout the year:

  • Rodeo Masbateño (April) – Masbate City

FAQs

The following are the most frequently asked questions about the Masbate province.

Where in the Philippines is Masbate located?
Masbate is at the crossroads between two island groups: Visayas and Luzon.

Is Masbate a city or province?
Masbate is a province.

What is the Capital of Masbate?
The capital of Masbate is Masbate City.

What is Masbate famous for?
Masbate is known for rodeo festival, Ticao Island manta bowl, beautiful beaches and islands.

How do I get to Masbate?
There are several ways to get to Masbate, the most common being from Manila:

  • Plane | 1.75 hours | $50-$180
  • Ferry | 19 hours | $24-$27

RESOURCE: Best Online Transportation Resource for the Philippines

How many islands are in Masbate?
There are 18 islands in Masbate province.

How Safe is Traveling in Masbate?
Masbate is generally safe for locals and tourists.

Is the climate in Masbate the same as the rest of the Philippines?
The Masbate province is considered tropical. It is similar to most provinces of the Philippines.

To learn more about the various climate types in the Philippines, and for a Climate Map, click the link below …

READ MORE: Climate & Weather of the Philippines

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About the Author

Patrick

Patrick is an entrepreneur, digital nomad, explorer, and photographer. Patrick is always in search of fun and adventure. He is well travelled throughout the world, and although location independent, his home base is Phoenix, Arizona in the USA. Patrick loves island lifestyle which is no wonder why he is so interested in spending time in the Philippines with it’s over 7,000 islands. Patrick created this site to share his knowledge of and experiences in the Philippines with Filipinos as well as other foreigners.

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