If you are a certified backpacker, or you do not mind long hours of bus ride and you don’t want large crowds, I highly recommend going to Concepcion Islands. This quaint paradise is not yet commercialized and you can enjoy mother nature at its finest.
Concepcion is located at the northernmost part of Iloilo and has 16 picturesque islands to boot, most have white sand beaches, others are rich in marine life
These islands are Pan de Azucar – the biggest and most popular among the islands because of Mt. Manaphag which is one of the tallest peaks in Panay. Agho – known for its white sand beach area with the magnificent view of the sunrise and sunset. Tago – nearest to the mainland, Bag-o Isi – has a shifting snake-like sandbar that points to Pan de Azucar. Bocot – located at NE of Bag-o Isi. Colebra – located at the northernmost frontier of Concepcion. Sombrero – from the term itself, it looks like a hat if you view it from above. Bag-o Sipol and Chico Island – 2 uninhibited islands found on the further east. Malangabang – the most populated island in Concepcion. Igbon – the best diving spot within the area. Botlog – island which has an eggnog shape. Bag-O Abo – which is perfect for snorkeling. Bulubadiangan – known for its shifting white sandbar. Danao-danao – known for its interesting natural stone formations. Tagubanhan – which shares the border with the adjacent town of Ajuy and Baliguian – the only coral atol in Concepcion and also the farthest island from the mainland.
How to go to Concepcion???
– From the airport you can ride a taxi or shuttle to Tagbak Terminal in Jaro District, Iloilo. Standard fare is Php 500.00 so it is better to opt this route if you are in a group.
– Once in Tagbak Terminal, ride the HPQ bus to Concepcion. Fare is Php 120.00 but beware of the lengthy bus ride (it takes approximately 3 hours)
– The bus would drop you off at the Concepcion Plaza, if you are staying at the mainland then you can either walk or ride a tricycle towards your hotel but if you want to stay in Sandbar Island Resort, then you have to rent a small boat which is usually Php 800.00, you can make the necessary arrangements from the Municipal Tourism Office also located in the Plaza . (see below for details)
Where to stay???
-If you are as adventurous as you say you are, then I recommend Sandbar Island Beach Resort located in Bulubadiangan Island. Room rates usually cost around Php 800.00/night or you can rent out their tents for around Php 300.00/night. But heads up, there is electricity but it only powers the light bulbs so make sure all your gadgets are fully charged. Also, make sure that you buy all your stuff (food, condiments, utensils etc)at the town proper as there no stores or restaurants in the Island. You can also buy fresh seafoods and just have them cooked in the resort.
-If you still want the comforts of a real bed, an airconditioned room, a restroom and you want electricity! 😛 then I suggest Hotel Junbee situated at the town proper. It is only a 5 minute tricycle from Concepcion Plaza and room rates ranges from Php 800-1,500/night. It is the only DOT accredited place in the area and the hotel owners (Mr. Jun Garavilla) is really really nice and accommodating. You can just arrange boat rentals directly form them so you can have a tour of the islands.
What to do and where to go???
There are 16 islands to choose from for your Island Hopping but it is impossible to visit all in one day. Boat rentals also cost Php 1,500.00/island and you’ll just have to add Php 500.00 per additional island. I highly recommend visiting the following:
Agho – We just fell in love with this place and I wished that we could have spend more time lounging at the beach. You have a great view of Mt. Manaphag and this is a great place to have picnics with your family or friends. There are nipa huts situated throughout the island and you can bring your snorkeling gears since there are nearby corals and reefs. This place is perfect for your photo ops.
Pan de Azucar – This is the largest island in Concepcion although the shoreline is not recommended for swimming since this is where the fishermen park their boats. You can ask a local to give you a tour around the area. Although Mt. Manaphag is only a 3-4 hr climb, it is not advisable for beginners since it is one of the steepest mountain in the Philippines and the locals would only allow you to climb it if you are a professional. Aside from the tour around town, you can ask the local to bring you to Hampangan rock. Once you are on top, you’ll have a 360 degree view of the neighboring islands and you’d be as near as you can be to Mt. Manphag
Bulubadiangan – If you are staying at the town proper, then you’d definitely have to visit Sandbar Beach resort and just like in Agho, you can also lounge at the sprawling white sands and the water is not too deep so you can definitely go for a swim. A lot of locals go here to offer freshly caught sea foods to tourist.
Malangabang Island – If you are staying at Sandbar and missed to buy some stuff, there are a few sari-sari stores and fish vendors on this island.
You can contact Concepcion Municipal Tourism Office for more information.
Contact Person: Mario Lazarito, Municipal Tourism Officer
Mobile: (+63)9194588451, (+63)918311923
And if you want to stay in Hotel Junbee, you can email them at garilvajunbee@gmail.com
Hope this article help you guys. This was based on my recent trip to Concepcion and also from these two websites that helped me a lot in planning my trip 🙂
www.ambot-ah.com
www.exploreiloilo.com
little miss travel bug 