Looc is located in a well-protected bay, which serve as a rich-fishing ground, making the Municipality a center of trade and commerce In Southern Tablas.
Endowed with a variety of picturesque land and seascapes, Looc continues to emerge as a tourist destination. The marine reserve and sancturaries, which gained national distinction as one of the country's best programs in 2000, makes it an ideal place for snorkeling, diving and fish feeding. All are invited to come and discover the unspoiled nature of this town which also serves as an entry and exit point to Boracay.
Culturally the people of Looc are warm, friendly and hospitable. Annually, the town celebrates its fiesta in honor of St. Joseph every 3 rd week of April. Our fiesta incorporates native music, dance, art and drama as we celebrate our founding myth and commemorate our legendary hero, Talabukon.
Looc has a total land area of 6,870 hectares. Its topography consists predominantly of slopes which are characterized as nearly level to slightly and strongly undulated rolling hills.
MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
BUNGAN-BUNGAN CAVE – Enjoy a 30 to 40 minute trek to this amazing work of nature, located in Limon Norte. The cave is home to hundreds of bats at swallows. Magnificent rock formation of stalactites, stalagmites and a natural pool are just some of its natural features. At the mouth of the cave, ecotourists can savor the wonderful scenery of the countryside, drink fresh buko juice, or grill corn while having fun! At this point, you can communicate to your love ones via Smart Communication.
EXPLORE THE HIDDEN CHAMBER CAVE – Located in Purok Sto. Niño, which is only a 15-20 minute hike away from the town!
LUMBIA WATERFALLS – Swim in the fresh water pools of Lumbia waterfalls, located one and a half kilometers away from the town. Enjoy its cool waters cascade over diverse species of ferns which grow from the cliffs beneath the natural springs. Then discover the amazing subterranean river 300 meters away from the waterfalls. Adventure travelers and Eco-tourist will enjoy the 25 to 45 minute breathtaking trek through green capped hills and mountains.
PRISRINE BEACHES – Western travelers who wish to avoid destinations which have begun to crack under pressure of mass tourism will surely enjoy the unspoiled beauty of Looc Bay seascape. Swimming, snorkeling, fishing and watching the sunset at the bay is an experience you will never forget.
LOOC BAY MARINE REFUGE AND SANCTUARY – Located at the center of Looc Bay, the fish sanctuary host, diverse species of tropical reef fishes, hard and soft corrals, sea grass beds, marine turtles, octopus, eels and seabirds. Close to the floating bamboo raft is over 500 pieces of multi-colored giant calms which are naturally regenerating. The bamboo raft serves as a home to fish wardens patrolling the bay and sanctuary and can accommodate 20 to 30 visitors per scheduled trip. This area has become the main tourist attraction of the town. Snorkeling, diving and fish feeding are allowed with supervision.
BUTTERFLY GARDEN – Enjoy the alluring fragrances of the flowering plants, the radiant colors of the petals, and the sight of flirting butterflies in this newly established garden. The garden is located in the lush hills overlooking Looc Bay.
BUENAVISTA MARINE RESERVE AND SANCTUARY – This 4 hectare fish sanctuary is located in the western portion of Bay. Travelers who love privacy and tranquility of a natural setting will take pleasure from visiting this islet which is 10-15 minutes hike from the seashore. Beach hopping to Agojo and Binukot in Ferrol is an awesome experience! A flat boat is available to take visitors to and from the sanctuary.
ECONOMIC PROFILE
Farming and fishing provide the main sources of livelihood for the people of Looc. Considered as an agricultural municipality, its major crops are coconut, rice and banana. Aside from fishing, an alternative source of livelihood are vegetable gardening, swine and poultry raising.
POWER SUPPLY
The majority of the households of Looc enjoy the supply of electricity from Tablas Island Electric Cooperative (TIELCO) with power supplied by NAPOCOR.
WATER SUPPLY
Potable water is supplied to households by the LGU through its municipal waterworks system from wells, jet pumps and natural springs. A water purification center in town grants the option of bottled H2O.
COMMUNICATION
RCPI/BAYANTEL, ROMBLONTEL, LIBERTY PHONES, Bureau of Telecommunication, Smart Satellite Receiver Stations are available.
TRANSPORTATION
Regular trips are available catering passengers to and from neighboring towns as well as motorboats to and from the Island provinces of Boracay, Aklan and Mindoro. Vessels ferrying to and from Batangas and Manila are available in Odiongan and San Agustin as ports of call.
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Agri Business
Mariculture
Inland Fisheries Development
Small and Medium Cottage Industries
Tourism Related Facilities
High Value Crops
Fish Processing
Eucheuma Farming and Processing
Banking and other Environment Friendly Industries
HOW TO GET THERE
PLANE TRIP FROM MANILA TO TABLAS AIRPORT
Effective February 2nd 2004, Flight DG605 of South East Asian Airlines will depart Manila Domestic Airport at exactly 1045 and ETA is 1145 in Tugdan airport in Alcantara, Tablas Island. The plane Flight DG606 flies back to Manila at exactly 1205 and ETA is 1305 in Manila Domestic Airport in Pasay City, in the afternoon of the same day. Normal fare is P2,790 while promo fare is P1,990. For online booking, visit SEAir website at: http://www.flyseair.com/ourservices/eticket/eticket.htm
MANILA-ODIONGAN
For those who want to take the leisurely 10 hour sea trip of MV Virgin Mary of MBRS Lines from Manila's pier 8 to Odiongan port, which regularly departs every Monday and Friday at 5:00 PM, a 45 minute jeepney ride through lush farmland brings you to Looc.
BATANGAS-ODIONGAN
Take Montenegro Lines every Sunday and Tuesday at 5:00 PM. Public Utility jeep stationed in the Harbor terminal will bring you to Looc for 45 minutes drive or take Princess Colleen every Monday, Thursday and Saturday at 5:00 PM. An 8 hours travel will take you directly to the port of Odiongan. A public utility vehicle will bring you to Looc for 45 minutes.
BORACAY-LOOC
Take pumpboat from Caticlan at 9 AM for 2 hours; travel to Looc is daily.
MINDORO-LOOC
Take pumpboat from Dangay, Roxas, Oriental Mindoro at 10 AM from 3½ to 4 hours; travel to Looc is every Tuesday and Friday.
GETTING AROUND
It is advisable to have a substantial amount of cash at hand for a pleasurable trip to the town of Looc since there is no available banking institution in the area. Wear light clothing and maybe a pair of shades during summer.
WHERE TO STAY
Marduke Hotel
Roda Beach
Gishelles Beach House
Plaza Inn
Roberto's Lodging Inn
INFORMATION ASSISTANCE
Tourist Information Center
Looc, Romblon
Hon. LEILA MEDINA-ARBOLEDA, MD, MPH
Municipal Mayor
Satellite Phone No.: 0981-992016