It was the 9th day of our backpacking trip around the province of Romblon and we decided to spend the day to rest as we’ve been travelling for 8 days straight! But at the afternoon of that day I still had itchy feet and since I wasn’t able to join Dazl, Marky and Pam when they went up Fort San Andres on the first day of our trip. I was asleep because I didn’t get much sleep from the boat ride to Romblon Island!
So I decided to visit the Fort of San Andres, I told Jessica (a friend of Dazl) about my plan to go up the fort and she was kind enough to have someone accompany me to get to there by motorcycle. (Sorry! I forgot his name.) I first thought that the fort is only reachable by foot as Dazl told me that that’s what they did when they went up but apparently there’s a road going there.
I was also accompanied by Basti, Dazl’s son, on our way up the fort. So we cramped up the motorcycle and begin the smooth and later-super-bumpy ride to the fort.
After about 10 minutes we arrived at the base of Fort San Andres. Feeling the cool wind, seeing the slowly descending sky and my ass aching from the bumpy ride I was ready to go forth into the fort.
Fort San Andres is an old spanish fortress and according to the banners that were posted inside “Built by the people of Romblon under the supervision of Father Agustin de San Pedro.”
The view of the sea from the island while the sun was setting was awesome.
One can go inside the structure and see how old it was.
You can see the town center of Romblon Island and their port from a different perspective.
View of the town center of Romblon Island
View of the Port of Romblon Island
Though old the fort has a high possibility for Heritage Tourism as it is part of the rich history that Romblon has. But slowly when something is not done to maintain the fort it will soon fall.
Metal frames made to support the falling structure of Fort San Andres
Fort San Andres details
How to get there
From the town center of Romblon Island. Ask around and ask how to get to the Fort of San Andres. You’ll be going to climb up the stairs a steep set of stairs. I estimate if you’re coming from the Pier of Romblon to Fort San Andres it would take about 15-20 minutes.
Basti trying the stairs to Fort San Andres
How to get out of there
Just go back the same way you went there.
Additional Notes
- Bring flashlights when you plan to visit there during the sunset.
- There are no stores nearby so be sure to buy water, some snacks and candies from the town.
- Since Romblon is famous for their marble carvings, some carvers had carved the two images below. Try to look for them when you go to Fort San Andres.
Carvings inside the vicinity of Fort San Andres
Follow my Romblon Island, Romblon Series
- 14 Things to do in Romblon Island, Romblon (Summary)
- How to get to Romblon Island
- Where to stay in Romblon Island
- Boat Ride to Romblon Island from Batangas Port
- Motorcycle Tour Around Romblon Island
- Tiamban Beach, ITT Tower and Agbaliga Waterfalls
- Fort San Andres
Follow my Romblon Province Series