The province got its name from a simple misunderstanding between some Spanish explorers and a couple making chocolate. When the visitors asked them the name of the place, the couple thought the former wanted to know what they were doing and answered "Mas bati" meaning "mixing vigorously", so the Spaniards recorded it as "Masbate".

But it is no mistake to take time and see the wonders of this province. It is blessed with unspoiled natural beaches, falls, and rich flora and fauna. Communing with nature is a rewarding experience for any visitor. Also, one can experience the unique ‘cowboy life’ in Masbate by witnessing the Rodeo Masbateño Festival. It celebrates the cattle raising industry as its main source of livelihood through different competitions and activities.

Demographics

1. Population – 768, 939 (as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area – 4,151.8 sq. km
3. Capital – Masbate City
4. Language/Dialect – Masbateño, Bikol, English, and Filipino
5. Divisions

Cities (1)

• Masbate City

Municipalities (20)

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

Rodeo Masbateño Festival
Like rodeo event held in other countries, the festival is highlighted with activities such as bull riding, calf wrestling, and other fun-filled events.

Limestone Hills
The hill served as the settlement area of the first inhabitants of Masbate – the Kalanays. Remains were found on the hill during an excavation mission.

Catandayagan Falls
This is said to be one of the most beautiful falls in the province. Its base serves as the habitat of numerous marine species.

Underwater Cave
The cave served as a burial site for the early settlers in the province. Some of the remains found dates back 500 years ago.

Cultural

Limestone Hills
Location: Brgy. Kalanay, Aroroy, Masbate
It is believed to have been inhabited by the Kalanay tribe. To prove this, excavation in the area revealed human bones. It is said that the Kalanay tribe practiced jar burials.

Underwater Cave
Location: Brgy. Boca Engañio, Claveria, Masbate
Inside the cave are will-sealed human caskets carved out of solid wood believed to be 500 years old that still contain human remains. Each caskets measures 24 inches in length and 12 inches in width. To get inside, one has to take a short dive.

Man-Made

Bugui Point Lighthouse
Location: Brgy. Gumahaang, Aroroy, Masbate
This lighthouse was constructed during the Spanish era. It remains operational to this day.

Jintolo Lighthouse
Location: Jintolo Island, Balud, Masbate
This structure is picturesque in its 19th century architecture.

Colorado Lighthouse
Location: Aroroy, Masbate
It is believed to have been built during the Spanish era but was renovated during the American Regime

Natural

Catandayagan Falls
Location: Tical Island, Masbate City, Masbate
It is branded as one of the most beautiful falls in the province. It cascades from 60 feet to its base where multi-colored fishes thrive.

Kalanay Falls
Location: Brgy. Nabingig, Palanas, Masbate
It is famous for its theatrical structure, a family haven for horseback riding and exotic entertainment of the barangay folks.

Alta Vista Falls
Location: Brgy. San Fernando, Ticao Island, Masbate City, Masbate
It is one of the most unique falls in the country. It is a zigzag cascade from 45 feet to its base. Like Catandayagan Falls, several colorful fishes live in the area.

Aroroy Beach
Location: Aroroy, Masbate
Blessed with unspoiled natural beauty, the white sand beach of Aroroy has started to attract beach lovers from the Philippines and abroad. Cambatang and Cangcayat beaches in Aroroy are also gaining popularity.

Ki-Albay River and Beach
Location: Claveria, Masbate
This beach extends east-southeast from the town proper with an approximate length of one and a half kilometers of sandy and well-polished pebbles ending on Ki-albay River, a place believed to have been inhabited first by people from Albay.

San Isidro Island
Location: Claveria, Masbate
This paradise is endowed with fine and silvery white sand. The bottom of the sea is clear and sandy extending some one hundred meters from the shoreline with a gradual depth of 5 to 7 feet during high tide. Extending further from the shoreline are beautiful and colorful coral reefs which are inhabited by a wide variety of fishes.

Pawa Mangrove System and Wildlife Park
Location: Brgy. Pawa, Masbate Cit, Masbate
It offers beautiful sight for bird watching, fishing and family picnic. It has also a 1.3 kilometer wooden bridge connecting Barangay Pawa and Sitio Daang Lungsod of Barangay Usab.

Rodeo Masbateño Festival
Place: Masbate City, Masbate
Date: March 18
The festival is the highlight of the Masbate Livestock Week. It showcases ten competitive events for cowboys with their calves. Events include the "figure of eight" competition where the cowboy criss-cross around a group of barrels. Women participate as well in heart stopping event like calf wrestling, bull riding, calf lassoing and carambola.

Bantigue Festival
Place: Brgy. Bantigue, Masbate City, Masbate
Date: August 10
Residents from Barangay Bantigue celebrate the feast in honor of Saint Felomina. Highlight of the event is the Lapay-Bantigue Dance which originated from the graceful movements of the lapay (seagull) and the harmonious relationship it has created to the lives of the fisher folks.