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Western Visayas is a vibrant region offering a diverse range of attractions, including the world-famous island of Boracay, beautiful natural landscapes, historical landmarks, and colorful festivals, making it a diverse and culturally rich travel destination.
| Boracay Island, as seen from the view deck at Mount Luho |
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Photography: Alexey Komarov Source: Wikimedia Commons
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Officially known as Region VI, it is located in the western section of the Visayas and consists of five provinces: Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo, with Iloilo City serving as the regional center.
Due to the characteristics of the region’s lands, it is blessed with plenty of food sources, including the mangoes of Guimaras and the seafood of Capiz, as well as a rich culture which locals and tourists alike can appreciate.
The following lists the key highlights by province.
Aklan
- Boracay Island is definitely the most visited destination in the province, featuring stretches of fine, powdery white sand and turquoise waters, water sports like kiteboarding and windsurfing, with many restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops.
While most come for the lively atmosphere and vibrant night life, many parts of the island offer a laid-back atmosphere offering a quieter experience. Other popular activities include cliff diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and island hopping.
Attractions on mainland Aklan include:
- Bakhawan Ecopark: A 220-hectare mangrove forest, featuring a long bamboo boardwalk and provides a sanctuary for various species of birds and marine life.
- Jawili Falls: A seven-tiered waterfall system with natural pools where visitors can swim and relax.
- Hacienda Maria: A newly discovered eco-tourism destination with a cave system, natural falls, and hot kawa baths.
- Museo It Akean: A museum showcasing the rich heritage and traditions of the region.
- Tigayon Hill: A historic hill believed to have been the location of the first town of Kalibo.
Antique
- Bugtong Bato Falls: A multi-tiered waterfall nestled within a lush forest. A short, guided trek leads to refreshing natural pools. For more adventurous hikers, the higher tiers offer a greater challenge.
- Malumpati Cold Spring: A natural spring and resort area known for its pristine and exceptionally clear water. It is popular for swimming and river tubing activities.
- Igpasungaw falls: A multi-tiered waterfall that requires a more adventurous hike to reach, including crossing a fast-flowing river. The reward is a majestic, stair-like waterfall.
- Kipot Falls: A waterfall nestled in the highlands of San Remigio.
- Nogas Island: A 24-hectare marine sanctuary with a lighthouse and a picturesque white sand beach. It is a good spot for snorkeling and diving
- Malalison Island: Known for its unique sandbar, rolling hills, and clear waters. The island offers hiking, swimming, and snorkeling.
- Batbatan Island: An island known for bird watching and its white sand beaches.
- Seco Island: A long sandbar ideal for kiteboarding and swimming.
- Tibiao Eco-Adventure Park: This area is famous for its unique hot kawa baths, where you can soak in a giant wok with flowers and herbs. You can also enjoy whitewater river tubing along the Tibiao River.
- Bugang River: Considered one of the cleanest inland bodies of water in the Philippines. Visitors can take a relaxing bamboo raft cruise or go kayaking while enjoying the surrounding lush forest.
- Siraan Hot Spring and Health Resort: A hot spring resort located on the coast, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.
- Mount Madiac: The highest peak on Panay Island and a challenging destination for experienced mountaineers. The mountain is known for its mossy forests and rich biodiversity.
- Antique Rice Terraces: A cultural site featuring stunning rice terraces surrounded by mountains, rivers, and waterfalls.
- Aningalans Highland Strawberry Garden: A high-altitude farm offering fresh strawberries for picking, depending on the season.
Capiz
- Santa Monica Parish: Located in the town of Panay, this coral-stone church is a National Landmark built in 1774. It is most famous for its 10. 4-ton bell, known as the “Panay Bell” which is the largest Catholic church bell in Asia.
- Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral: This historic cathedral in Roxas City has been rebuilt multiple times following damage from natural disasters. It features a modern interior and was administered by Augustinian missionaries in 1707.
- Shrine Of The Sacred Heart Of Jesus: This towering, 132-foot statue in Roxas City is said to be the tallest of its kind in the Philippines and is a popular pilgrimage site.
- Roxas City Heritage Zone: Located in the city’s historic district, this area features several significant landmarks, including the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral, the Capiz Provincial Capitol, and the Panublion Museum.
- Baybay Beach: This beach in Roxas City is famous for its fine, dark-colored sand and is the ultimate destination for enjoying fresh seafood. The shoreline is lined with restaurants offering paluto, where you can choose fresh seafood to be cooked to your liking.
- Palina Greenbelt Ecopark: Here, you can enjoy a seafood feast while cruising on a floating cottage along the river. The ecopark is known for its mangrove ecosystem.
- Culajao Mangrove Eco Park: Located in Roxas City, this park offers a relaxing and educational experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the mangroves and the coastal environment.
- Suhot Cave and Spring: Located in Dumalag, this natural spring and cave system offers a unique opportunity for adventure and relaxation.
- Olotayan Island: Often referred to as the little Boracay of Roxas, this is an ideal destination for those seeking a more secluded beach experience away from the city crowds.
- Capiz Ecology Park and Cultural Village: This park features lush vegetation and a vermicomposting site. It also functions as a cultural hub where visitors can learn about the heritage of the Capiznons.
- Hortus Botanicus: This botanical garden in Roxas City is home to a variety of plant species.
Guimaras
- Alubihod Beach: A popular and accessible beach destination with resorts, known for its mix of aquamarine and seafoam waters and picturesque rock formations. It is often used as a jump-off point for island-hopping tours.
- Tatlong Pulo Beach: A secluded cove with white sand, clear blue water, and a laid-back atmosphere, often included in island-hopping tours.
- Natago Beach: A privately owned resort featuring a secluded beach with cream-colored sand and clear water, often visited during island-hopping tours.
- Taklong Island National Marine Reserve: Known for its rich marine life and mangrove forest, this area is ideal for ecotourism activities like snorkeling and enjoying its white sand beaches.
- Ave Maria Island: This small islet with a cave is a popular stop on island-hopping tours.
- Guisi Lighthouse: The ruins of a Spanish-era lighthouse dating back to 1894, offering a historic setting and stunning views of the sea and nearby Guisi Beach.
- San Lorenzo Wind Farm: A field of 27 wind turbines, providing a scenic backdrop and a glimpse into the province’s commitment to renewable energy.
- Trappist Monastery: A peaceful retreat where monks produce popular Guimaras delicacies and mango-based products, which are available for purchase.
- Smallest Plaza: Claimed to be the world’s smallest plaza, it is a quirky, small circular park that is often a brief stop on tricycle tours.
- Balaan Bukid: A popular Holy Week pilgrimage site where visitors can hike to a hilltop shrine with religious markers and a scenic view.
- The Pitstop Restaurant: Famous for its unique take on local cuisine, particularly the Mango Pizza.
- National Mango Research and Development Center: A research facility focused on the province’s star export, with a mango plantation and information on mango production.
- Manggahan Festival (Held annually in May): A month-long festival celebrating the island’s mango harvest, featuring a parade, cultural events, and a popular “eat-all-you-can” mango buffet.
Iloilo
- Miagao Church: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Miagao, this church is known for its intricate Baroque-Romanesque facade depicting St. Christopher.
- Molo Mansion: A beautifully restored heritage house in the Molo district, now serving as a souvenir and cultural center.
- Camiña Balay nga Bato: An ancestral home in Arevalo that offers a taste of Ilonggo heritage, complete with a traditional hot chocolate experience.
- Calle Real: Stroll along this historic downtown street, lined with well-preserved colonial-era buildings.
- Iloilo River Esplanade: A landscaped promenade along the Iloilo River, perfect for jogging, walking, and enjoying the sunset.
- Festive Walk Iloilo: Located in Iloilo Business Park, this is a hub for dining, shopping, and entertainment.
- La Paz Market: Home of the original and authentic La Paz Batchoy, a famous Ilonggo noodle soup.
- Tatoy's Manokan and Seafoods: A local institution famous for its native roasted chicken and fresh seafood served by the beach.
- Islas de Gigantes: A must-visit destination for its island-hopping tours, featuring dramatic limestone cliffs, white-sand beaches, and delicious, affordable scallops. Key stops include:
- Cabugao Gamay Island: A scenic island known for its iconic postcard view.
- Tangke Saltwater Lagoon: A hidden emerald pool tucked within limestone cliffs.
- Antonia Beach: A relaxing beach with powdery white sand.
- Sicogon Island: An upscale alternative to Gigantes with serene beachfront resorts and mountain views.
- Concepcion Islands: An island group with calm waters and rich marine life, ideal for a more secluded island experience.
- Garin Farm: A unique pilgrimage and leisure farm, known for its “Stairway to Heaven” pilgrimage site, which leads to a dazzling white cross on a hill.
- San Joaquin Parish Church: Features a unique church facade with military scenes from the Spanish-Moorish wars.
- Bucari Pine Forest: Dubbed the “Little Baguio of Iloilo”, this is a cool, mountainous area featuring pine trees and refreshing landscapes.
Western Visayas truly offers a blend of natural beauty, adventure, culture, and relaxation, appealing to tourists seeking both bustling city life and tranquil island escapes.
Destinations in Western Visayas
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