[1][3] The island, part of the Municipality of Loon, has five barangays (Cabacongan, Cambaquiz, Looc, Pantudlan, and Talisay), and has a total population of 4,636 people,[2] who primarily depend on fishing and agriculture, as well as tourism.

[4] Notable indigenous products are handcrafted mats and bayongs, weaved from romblon (pandanus) leaves by a cooperation of weavers using a shared service facility in Pantudlan.

But since only a small area around Cabilao Island Lake actually has any mangroves worthy of being protected, House Bill No.

1801, signed in November 1978, declared the entire island a tourist zone and marine reserve under the administration and control of the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA).

[4][8] The museum is housed in the former ruins of the Spanish-era lighthouse building with 1-metre-thick coral stone walls, that was restored in 2011.