Iloilo Tourism Panay Island By Mariejoy Marababol and Genelyn Osano-Paquibot
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AKLAN…located in the Northwestern tip of the island of Panay.
Aklan’s Capital : Kalibo
Area : 1,853 sq Km.
Population : 441,000
Business : Pina for fabric , cotage weaving , rattan furniture and known for Rambutan fruit in all Asia.
Currency : Philippine Peso
BORACAY…THE BEACH CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES!!!
The island of Boracay has transformed into more than a dozen of world class resorts. Famous for its 4 kilometers long white beach, tagged several times as one of the best beaches globally. Boracay boasts of its sugary white sand beaches which captivate the hearts of beach loving individuals. The magnificence of its sea water and rock formations which enchantingly shaped by nature capture the hearts of the many. Boracay offers a splendid nightlife, muscle stretching outdoor activities and a various of healthy exotic foods to choose from. Have fun and discover this island paradise!
Special Attractions :
A. Modern man-made attractions and convenient classy hotels and resorts.
B. Participate in a variety of activities and sports ranging from hiking, island trekking, scuba diving, beach hopping, volleyball, golf, sailing, cliff jumping, skimboarding, windsurfing, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing and kite boarding.
C. Explore nature’s bests :
Mount Luho - This is the most impressive viewpoint and the highest elevation (100 meters above the sea) on Boracay Island. it’s not an easy climb but the view above Mount Luho is worth it.
Boracay Rock - This is a fascinating natural formation and It is located just off the east coast beach. The small island is completely undercut by the sea and the top overhangs the recessed base. Between Boracay Rock and Little Boracay Rocks, shells, corals and starfish abound, making it favorite fossicking spot for the local resident.
Beaches and Naked Rock - At the northern end of White Beach, a walk on the path around the rocky point towards the beach of Diniwid will give you a magnificent view of Boracay from another perspective. For a view of the volcanic origins of the Island, have a drink at Balinghai Beach Resort on the cliff above the lovely, small cove. A short walk to Punta Bunga Beach and you will reach the Naked Rock and you can see Mindoro Island on the northwest while resting on the Naked Rock.
Willy’s Rock - Situated one hundred meters off shore, in the shallow water near Boat Station 1, Willy’s Rock is a castle-like volcanic formation that dominates the seascape along White Beach. Facing the beach are stairs leading to a chapel at the top, which contains a statue of the Virgin Mary. Willy’s Rock is the most photographed landmark on Boracay and offers a commanding view of the island. On the distant horizon, Naasog Point on Panay Island can be seen.
Caves - There are number of caves on Boracay Island. The Kalikugan Cave is located between Baling-Hai and Punta Bunga Beaches. You will find the Crystal Cave, Cave of Buslugan and the Bat Cave on the rocky coasteast of Yapak. The Bat Cave is home to many cave bats with wingspans up to four feet. Flying foxes hang in nearby trees during the day. For small amount, local guide can lead you to the Bat Caves, Buslugan Caves and other caves on the island.
Dead Forest and Wooded Area - is located at the southern end of Bulabog. It is an abandoned fishpond with branches of dead mangroves reaching strangely out of the water. The mangroves are said to have died when the fishpond dam broke and seawater flooded the pond. The wooded area is at the south end of White Beach.
Gateway Arc - This large arc at the tip of Bulaboc Point is the gateway to Boracay’s exclusive development, Fairways and bluewater Leisure resort. The small, concrete quay, just beyond the rock arch, affords spectacular views of the island’s scenic east coast from Lapuz-Lapuz Point to Boracay Island’s southeastern tip, a distance of six kilometers. The Gateway Arc is easily accessible by trycicle of motor scooter.
KAR-TIR Seashell Museum - Located at the village of Ilig-iligan, Kar-tir Seashell Museum features an interesting collection of seashells, woodcarvings, pottery, hand-woven articles, and traditional costumes from all over the Philippines.
Boracay Butterfly Garden | Butterfly Farm - Walk amongs rare and beautiful butterflies in a tropical garden, by the Beach. It’s fun and educational with conducted tours of the life cycles, with eggs, caterpillars, pupae and the butterflies. Boracay Buttefly Garden is located at Bolabog Beach and five minutes away from D’Mall. You’ll also find handicrafts and plants for sale at the Butterfly Farm.
D. Fun Filled Ati-Atihan Festival, celebrated every 3rd week of January
Iloilo Attractions
HistoricalAttractions
Plaza Libertad, Iloilo City. Where the flag of the First Philippine Republic was raised in triumph after Spain surrendered Iloilo on December 25, 1898.La Villa De Arevalo, 6 kms. southwest of Iloilo city proper. 2nd capital of the Alcaldia of Panay; flower village of Iloilo City.
Jaro, 3 kms. from city proper. Old colonial houses of sugar barons and Hispano-Filipino houses of the elite still stand; seat of Catholicism in Western Visayas.
At Plaza Libertad is just a walking distance to the port. Serving the comuters to Bacolod are Weesam fastcraft , Jet and others. Its a one hour travel from the port of Iloilo to the port of Bacolod.
San Jose Church lies at Plaza libertad. This Church is very memorable to us. My hushband Domark Paquibot prayed to the Patron Saint to gave us a child. With the grace of the lord we got a very energetic baby girl,Trishia. My hushband Travel from Kabankalan to Bacolod and to Bacolod to Iloilo just to see our baby every month when he construct Gaisano Kabankalan. After a long travel he dropped at the San Jose Church to gave thanks to the Patron Saint.
Jaro Belfry, Jaro. Ruined by 1948 earthquake ,but now restored. One of the few belfries in the country that stands apart from the church.
Miagao Church, Miag-ao, 40 kms. southwest of Iloilo city proper. Built in 1786; declared as national landmark in 1973; in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Tigbauan Church, Tigbauan, 22 kms southwest of Iloilo city proper. Baroque facade; site of first Jesuit school for boys in the Philippines established in 1592.
Panay Liberation Marker, Tigbauan, 23 kms. Southwest of Iloilo city proper. Commemorates American liberation of Panay from the Japanese in 1945.
Iloilo City downtown area - Has buildings that date back during the Spanish and American colonial periods.
Muelle Loney, Iloilo City’s waterfront named after Nicholas Loney, father of the Phil. Sugar Industry; opened to foreign trade in 1855.
Molo District, Iloilo City. Known as Chinese quarters of Iloilo during Spanish times.
Japanese Fortification, Cabatuan. Built by Japanese as a lookout for enemies.
Guimbal Church, Guimbal. Yellow sandstone church built by Fr. Campos.
Janiuay Church, Janiuay. Ruins of the beautiful church with bells made in 1871 and 1898.
Concrete Pillboxes, Janiuay, Iloilo. Pillboxes built by Japanese during World War II.
Siwaragan River, San Joaquin, Iloilo. Where according to legend the barter of Panay took place.
Cabatuan Church, Cabatuan. Neo-classical church built in 1880s.
Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City. Built by the Spaniards in the early 1600s and was attacked by the British, American and Japanese troops.
Molo Church, 3 kms. from Iloilo city proper. Gothic Rennaissance church made of coral rocks.
Jaro Cathedral, 3 kms. from Iloilo city proper. Seat of Jaro Archbisphoric embracing Western Visayas.
Janiuay Cemetery, Janiuay, 32 kms. from Iloilo City. Hispano-Filipino cemetery built in 1875.
Pavia Church, Pavia, 13 kms. northwest of Iloilo City. Red brick church of Byzantine style built by Spanish Agustinians during the middle of the Spanish era in the Philippines.
San Joaquin Cemetery, San Joaquin. 53 kms. Southwest of Iloilo City; built in 1892 of coral rock.
CulturalAttractions Museo Iloilo and antique collections, Iloilo City. Repository of Iloilo’s cultural heritage.
NaturalAttractions Sicogon Island - A 1,104 hectare white sand palm-fringed island located 5 kms from the town proper of Estancia.Isla De Gigantes, Estancia, 12 kms. east of Estancia townproper. Where 15th century burial caves are still found.
Nadsadjan Falls, Igbaras, 39 kms. southwest of Iloilo cityproper; a 50-foot high falls.
Tinagong Dagat, Lambunao, 73 kms. north of Iloilo city proper. A lake situated on a plateau.
Cataan Cove, San Joaquin, 60 kms. southwest of IloiloCity. Ideal for scuba diving.
Darangkulan Waterfall, Ajuy. 8 kms. from Ajuy town situated at the foot of Mt. Manyakiya.
Nagpana Falls, Barotac Viejo, swimming hideaway. Where Aetas (cultural minority) live.
Mt. Napulac, Miag-ao, 60 kms. from Iloilo city proper. Has virginal forest, and abundant wildlife.
San Juan Falls, Sara, 6.2 kms. from Sara town proper. Aseries of falls and pools located in a valley of lush vegetation.
SpecialInterests Sinamay Dealer, Osmena St, Arevalo, Iloilo City. Where jusi (banana fiber) and pia (pineapple fiber) cloths are loomwoven.Flower Gardens, At Arevalo, Iloilo City. Supplies of leis, corsages,bouquets and potted plants.
Asilo de Molo, Orphanage where church vestments, barong,hankies, etc. are hand embroidered.
NativeDelicacies Panaderia de Molo, Assorted biscuits.Pancit Molo, famous flat noodle soup originally made by Chineseculinary artists in the late 18th century.
Lapaz Batchoy, Famous noodle dish originally made in the district of Lapaz.
BEAUTY AND TREASURES OF OTHER WESTERN REGIONS!!!
ANTIQUE…a Gemstone Country. Located at the Western part of Panay. A two and a half hour bus ride from Iloilo. Mt. Madia-as, the highest mountain on the island , a dormant volcano adorned with several lakes and more than a dozen waterfalls and hot spring. And one can discover its mile of sandy beaches. Antique is rich in mineral deposits. Semi-precious stones such as turquoise , amethyst , opal , jade ,agate , and jasper are scattered along the Sibalom and Tipuloan Rivers. A place of natural beauty and treasures.
CAPIZ…is on the fertile valley of Panay Island , North of Iloilo. Its Capital and only city , ROXAS , the birthplace of Manuel Roxas first President of the Independent Republic of the Philippines. This is the 2nd oldest Spanish town in the country. Its considerable amount of coastlines making Capiz a Seafood Capital of the Philippines. Local and foreign tourists can find a numerous caves and an abundant wildlife. Everyone has all the opportunities for water sports , fishing and spelunking.
GUIMARAS…a Mango Country, the youngest among the six regions of the Western Visayas. An 8,000 Hectares of Mango Orchards will surely fit your tastes. The unspoiled beauty of this island is yet to unfold. Guimaras offers a number of irresistable vacation hideaway :
ISLA Naburot A fantastic water world sits upon a coral jewels amidst an emerald water. Located in Sinapsapan , Jordan , Guimaras. It has 8 native style cottages made of nipa , wood and stones. The absence of electric wires , televisions and telephones make this place an island for settling spirits.
Isla Nagarao is a small tropical islet surrounded by fine sand and corals, with an area of about 100,000 square meters. It is located at the southern tip of Guimaras between Panay and Negros Occidental. It offers a very unique Visayas setting, a relaxing private atmosphere with a natural and personal touch in holiday making. There are 20 native cottages, with modern facilities restaurant and a bar with cold drinks.
Facilities:
- 20 cottages, single, double or triple occupancy, all with private facilities
- fresh water swimming pool
- restaurants with lounge, bar, library, small boutique and billiard room
Guimaras an island to watch! A 10-15mins pump boat ride from Iloilo.
cebu architect on April 8th 2009