Overview of Western Visayas
Embarking on a solo backpacking adventure across Capiz, Antique, Guimaras, and Iloilo is a journey through Western Visayas’ rich blend of heritage, natural wonders, and island life. In Capiz, experience its coastal charm and reputation as the “Seafood Capital of the Philippines.” Head to Antique for adrenaline-pumping activities like river tubing, kawa hot baths, and exploring unspoiled mountains and beaches. Take a short boat ride to Guimaras, where sweet mangoes and island-hopping escapades await. Finally, immerse yourself in the cultural heart of Iloilo, with its centuries-old churches, vibrant festivals, and bustling food scene. Perfect for solo travelers, this route offers a balance of adventure, history, and authentic local experiences in one unforgettable trip.
Day 1: Day Tour in Roxas City
I rode in a tricycle from Roxas Airport to my first destination - Panay Church. Travel Time: 23 minutes. Fare: 200 pesos. ETA: 7:30 AM. Upon arrival, I easily felt the cool and fresh air blowing. I also noticed an event banner hanging by the side of the church; thus, with respect, I did not check the entire part of the Panay Church, including the largest bell on top. However, I stayed in the area for an hour and thirty minutes. Had my breakfast at 7-11, in front of the church, while staring at its gorgeous facade.
I had no idea what to do next, but according to my itinerary, the next part will be a heritage walk in Roxas City's historical sites. Sabi nga sa commercial, "wag mahiyang magtanong." Since I had no idea about the mode of transportation to the city, I asked the residents, and they provided the answers I needed in a super-friendly tone. How to go to the City: I rode in a tricycle and alighted at the boundary with the Welcome arch. Then, another tricycle ride to my next destination - the Museum or Ang Panublion.
The Ang Panublion has a collection of memorabilia from politics, culture, heritage, and other artworks. A separate space is allocated for the memory and the life of the late President Manuel A. Roxas. On the other side is the collection of antiques, artworks, earthenware from the sunken Chinese ship, and many more. Entrance is FREE.
After the museum, I also visited The Bandstand, Roxas Cathedral, Roxas City Fountain, Jose Rizal Monument, and Capiz Provincial Capitol. Walking in the city at 12 noon was tiring, and I forgot to apply my SPF85 sunblock. As a result, my skin became roasted. With Google Maps, my plan is to take a long walk to City Mall, but, I chose to ride in a tricycle because of the harmful UV rays. Had my lunch break at City Mall and dessert at Grand Gaisano Mall - an yaman ko no???
From Gaisano, I rode in a tricycle to Washington Street to check in at Pete's Inn, one of the cheapest hotels in Roxas City. I booked an overnight stay here via Expedia.com.ph for only 368 pesos for a fan room, and it's not bad! I rested for a few hours and had my dinner in Baybay, which had a golden sunset. In Baybay, there are fresh seafood and other ihaw-ihaw products. I went back to the pension house, and this was the end of my first day!
Day 2: A Trip to Mararison Island, Antique
I checked out at Pete's Inn at 7 AM - this is the start of my DAY 2. At the Capitol, I rode a tricycle to Pueblo, a central terminal in the City, to the other provinces of Panay. Travel Time: 20 minutes. Fare: 10 pesos. I had pieces of bread and a cup of coffee for breakfast. Since there is no direct route to Culasi, Antique, I rode in a van to the Ceres Bus Terminal in Kalibo. Travel Time: 2 hours. Van Fare: 120 pesos. I had my early lunch. ETD Kalibo - 11:45 AM, ETA Culasi - 2:30 PM. Bus Fare: 129 pesos. I asked the residents about the port's location and the tourism office. They provided useful instructions and finally reached the Tourism Office. Paid 30 pesos for environmental and a terminal fee.
Instead of paying a special trip for 750 pesos to get to Mararison Island, Kuya Rey arranged everything. He advised the people in the Tourism Office to let me join the last boat trip to the island with the locals. Paid 100 pesos for one way. Travel Time: 15-20 minutes. Met Kuya Rey at his house. Wala pa kaming napapag-usapang kahit anu, itinulak nya agad ako to join a group for the trekking before the sunset. Para daw mas maka-mura ako, which is very true. I gave Ate Shirley 100 pesos.
On top of the mountain are 360 views of the entire Mararison Island. I didn't sweat because the wind was cold, and the air was still fresh. From afar, the white sand beach of Mararison is visible, surrounded by crystal clear waters, and Mt. Madjaas adds a perfect backdrop. FYI, the island only has electricity from 5 PM to 10 PM. Thus, an NGO is building a Solar System facility that will harness power from the sun and generate enough electricity needed by the residents.
After trekking, I had time for a tsimisan with the locals. According to them, the white sand shoreline became narrow after being hit by Typhoon Haiyan or Yolanda, and the sea level is rising. Instead of eating at the nearby carinderia, my dinner and breakfast were included in Kuya Rey's menu (of course, there's a fee). Eating at a table with this family was nice - there's a homey feeling. Kuya Rey is famous on the island and offers a Homestay in Mararison.
Day 3: Experienced Kawa Hot Bath
I woke up at 3 AM because my body normally wakes at this hour and sleep again. Nanay was already preparing for our breakfast when I woke up at around 5 AM. She greeted me with a smile and a Good Morning Sir!!! Ang sweet nya no?? Kunting hilamos and proceeded to the sandbar to take morning photos. Medyo nanibugho ang puso ko noong masasihan kong medyo makulimlim ang langit. Kaya agad akong naglakad pabalik sa bahay. Di nag-tagal, napansin ko na may pumatak sa gilid ng mga mata ko - at mas binilisan ko pa ang paglalakad dahil mas lalong bumabaha sa pisngi ko ang mga patak ng ulan. Akala nyo luha no???? Mali kayo......
Pag-karating ko ng bahay, naka-handa na ang aming agahan. Habang malakas ang ulan kami nama'y nag-kukwentuhan ng buhay ni Nanay. Dahil sa likas na makwento itong si Nanay, nadaanan namin ang experience nila sa Bagyong Yolanda hanggang di nagtagal may tumulo naring mga luha sa mga mata nya habang malakas din ang ulan sa labas. Infairness to the residents of Mararison, they are really strong because after the devastation they were able rise again. Walang bahay na naiwang may bubong, lahat nasira, yung fish cages, mga bangka nila walang napakinabangan. But now, looking at the island - there is no trace of the typhoon.
Matapos ang breakfast, habang umuulan parin, agad na lumabas si Nanay para asikasuhin ang kanyang mga isdang itatawid sa Culasi para ibenta. Habang sya ay nagpaplastik ng mga banye-banyerang mga isda, ako nama'y ibinabalot ang bag sa isang malaking plastik para hindi mabasa sa byahe patungong Tibiao, Antique - para sa Kawa Hot Bath experience.
After getting off the boat at Culasi Port, Kuya Rey got his motorcycle and drove me to Tibiao. We were challenged by the weather, but we were undefeated. I was wearing my waterproof jacket, my backpack was enclosed in a huge plastic bag, and my electronics were in a dry bag. Upon entering the Municipality of Tibiao, the rain stopped, and everything in the area became dry. Galing no???? Kuya Rey brought me to La Escapo Mountain Resort, one of the mountain resorts in Tuno, Tibiao. The receptionist was kind and had a good smile, so I decided to stay there.
After settling everything with Kuya Rey, I placed my backpack in the cottage room and proceeded to my next destination - a trekking experience to Bugtong Bato Waterfalls. Kuya Rey had already left, and I was turned over to Ate Marilyn, my trekking guide. Registered at the Baranggay outpost and proceeded. Bugtong Bato has different levels; visitors can only visit until the third. The trail has a combination of concrete, rocky, and muddy soil. Passing by the residents' houses and farmlands. We were fast-paced, so our trek to the waterfalls was within 20 to 30 minutes. A total of an hour, including our descent.
Bugtong Bato Waterfalls is one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Antiques. It is surrounded by the luscious greens of trees, shrubs, and other plants. The ambiance in the area is cool, and the wind is blowing fresh. The sound of the waterfalls is very relaxing, and the water is very cold - kaya hindi talaga ako naligo. The trail to the higher level is much steeper, though the trail has concrete stairs and ropes going up. After taking several photos, our descent was on the other side - a traverse with the same jump-off. Settled the guide fee and a motorcycle ride to La Escapo - my cottage room.
At the cottage, rested for few minutes and tidy up. Wala akong magawa kundi ang makinig ng musika gamit ang premium account ko sa Spotify at genuine JBL speaker ko. hahaha. Yabang ko no?? At patingin-tingin din ako sa agos ng ilog at nagbabakasakaling may mga naliligo sa ilog, na nasa gilid lang ng cottage. Pag-napagod, Ayun, nood ng KDrama files ko: Devilish Joy, 100 days my Prince, Terius, at marami pang ibang mga videos, pero walang X-Rated. Hindi rin ako maka-pag-alter at Grinder dahil walang 3G signal. Hahahaha. 11:30 AM - had my lunch. Ang slept for 2 hours.
4 PM - I had my Kawa Hot Bath experience. While the Kuya were preparing, I was a bit excited because it was my first time. Preparation wasn't easy because they needed to ensure that the water temperature was okay - dahil kung hindi, sinigang ang labas ko. The warm water with flower petals, while the fresh cool wind blows, the tranquility of the sound of the running water by the river mixed with reggae music?? WOW! It was such a relaxing moment in this backpacking experience. It only lasted 30 minutes, yun lang kinaya ng budget. Then, another 30-minute body massage. Then, your dinner is served on the table. AN SYEREPP TALAGA!!!! Kaso andami at anlalaki ng lamok. Thanks for the OFF repellent lotion and for protecting me that night. No worries, there's no dengue case in Tibiao. At ako'y naka tulog dahil sa lamig. Alam nyo na ........ 3 AM gising ko ulit.
Day 4: Overnight in Iloilo City
In the morning, I prepared my backpack for my next destination - Iloilo City. Settled my bills and rode in a tricycle to Crossing, where buses and vans were passing by. I rode in a van with a San Jose signboard and alighted at San Jose Terminal. Travel Time: 2 hours. Fare: 100. At the terminal, I rode again into a van bound for Ilo-Ilo City. Travel Time: 2 hours. Fare: 120 pesos. I had a taxi ride to SM City for 120 pesos. Had my lunch at KFC. Rode a jeepney to Robinson's Iloilo and walked to Ong Bun Pension House. Checked In and rested. At 6 PM, I had dinner at Robinsons. Had a mocha frappuccino in Starbucks. Went back to Ong Bun. Browsed the internet. Rested. Syempre, at 3:01 AM, I woke up! Prepared my backpack. Tidy up at 6 AM. Breakfast at the cafeteria.
Day 5: A Day Tour in Guimaras
Since I do not know the route to Parola Port in Iloilo City, I asked the Ong Bun Pension House guard. He said, "Just walk straight for about two blocks away; you can ride a jeepney with an ARU/GPU signboard." And he is correct! Alighted at Parola Port. Bought a ferry ticket for 15 pesos. Got on the Ferry. Selfie, Selfie, and after 15 minutes - it's Guimaras Island.
Guimaras, a small island province in Western Visayas, is best known as the Mango Capital of the Philippines, producing the sweetest mangoes recognized worldwide. Beyond its famed fruit, the island boasts pristine beaches, island-hopping adventures, historical landmarks, and eco-tourism spots perfect for nature lovers and laid-back travelers. Below are the top tourist spots we visited:
Smallest Plaza
At the port, I met Kuya Ken with his stunning new motorcycle. Our first destination was the Smallest Plaza in the Philippines and the former Guinness Book of World Records holder of the same title, 15-20 minutes from the port. The plaza is around 200 to 300 square meters in area, with the Philippine National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, in the middle and the highway and residents' houses on the side. According to Kuya Ken, all attendees fit into this small plaza during their annual fiesta. This means that this tiny plaza witnessed most of the gigantic historical events in the province.
Guimaras Signboard
Next is the signboard by the Capitol grounds. This is where I had a glimpse of the province's history. According to what is written: “In as early as 1581, this island was already known and called by several names. The earliest records of its name were given by a Portuguese mariner in honor of his country and birthplace, Guimaras. Others say that a Spanish missionary named the island after a peninsula in Portugal called Guimaras, or from the names of places in Spain.” I can barely read the details below this paragraph.
The Mango Plantation.
As mentioned above, the province is always associated with “the sweetest mangoes” in the Philippines, so visiting one of the mango plantations is a must. According to studies, the province has a volcanic soil that is very good for cultivating mangoes; as a result, their mangoes are the sweetest in the country. The colorful Manggahan Festival is celebrated annually to thank their bountiful mango harvest. Their local government invested in infrastructure that will help the mango farmers harvest more.
Trappist Monastery.
My fourth destination was Our Lady of the Philippines Monastery, or the Trappist Monastery. It is the home of the Christian Monks in the Philippines, founded in 1972. For Catholic believers, it’s the perfect spot for retreat, but for those looking for something to eat or pasalubong, it is also the perfect spot for you. The monastery has a gift shop with many products, from souvenirs (like shirts, key chains, fridge magnets, and other local products) to sumptuous biscuits, piaya, and other local food products made from mango.
A Stunning View of Lawi Bay.
Alubihod Beach
We were in a hurry because we felt raindrops on our skin, and the cumulus clouds formed in the sky. At 10 AM, we reached Raymen Beach Resort in Nueva Valencia. Paid 25 pesos for the day tour entrance fee. Alubihod Beach has fine white sand, emerald, crystal clear waters, and gigantic rock formations. Less than 20 people were on the beach during my visit, so the ambiance was relaxing. Stayed here for an hour. Activities that are very interesting in Alubihod are swimming, island hopping, jet skiing, and many more. Usually, these services are offered by the beach resort owners. It is also the best place to stay.
Guisi Lighthouse
The next was the most exciting part – touching the walls of Guisi Lighthouse or Faro de Punta Luzaran. It is the second-oldest lighthouse in the Philippines, lit up for the first time in 1894. This structure was erected in the 18th century to guide the mariners passing by. Its structure is made of metal from France, tisa from Portugal, and cement from England. Today, the thick walls are covered with mosses and plants, and the rusty metal lighthouse remains erected.
Lunch at The Pitstop Restaurant
The Pitstop Restaurant is one of the Best places to eat in Guimaras. It's almost lunchtime, so Kuya Ken brought me here – they have the best flavors. Had my super light lunch – double-sized pizza and cucumber lemonade. Inside, I saw familiar faces, those faces that I’d been seeing in the spots I also visited.
Guimaras Windmills
The next and last destination was the Guimaras Windmills. It’s a wide area with 27 gigantic wind turbines that harness electricity from the wind. The island is surrounded by the sea, so it’s a perfect location for renewable energy because of its sea breeze. According to Kuya Ken, the harnessed energy is transported to Iloilo City via cables submerged in the water. There’s a registration, but no entrance fee. Also, we talked about the proposed bridge that will supposedly connect the province to Iloilo; however, it was declined because it could damage living underwater creatures. Then, my tour guide brought me to the Port. Settled the fee, and at 3 PM, I boarded the ferry and left the island.
My flight was at 7:45 PM, so I still had a lot of free time. Wearing the same outfit, not sure about my smell, upon arrival in Parola Port, Iloilo, I asked one of the guards for my route to SM City Iloilo via jeepney, and he responded with a smile. I was mesmerized by his smile, so I followed his instructions. I rode in a jeepney by the port with a “Super” signboard. Alighted at the plaza near the city hall. Crossed the street and took another ride on a jeepney with the “SM or Robinsons” signboard. I had a coffee break at Starbucks for over an hour, then rode in a taxi to the airport.
As someone who has visited all 82 provinces in the Philippines, I’ve created a complete guide to help you explore each one. Check out my Philippines 82 Provinces Travel Guide here.
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