Panay Island Roundtrip

Short Description

This trip brings you around the whole island of Panay. We start in Kalibo and drive north. In Nabas we cross over the island to Pandan. Now let's go south: Sebaste, Culasi, Tibiao, San Jose de Buenavista. It is preferable to continue down to Iloilo City.
The second day is reserved to visit Iloilo City.
On the third day we leave Iloilo City and head up north. Visiting old spanish churches on the left and on the right of the road we arrive at Passi. There we have to decide whether we will go back to Kalibo on the shortest way or if we either would visit Roxas or the Suhoton cave.

CAUTION: Since fall 2007 the direct road from Iloilo to Kalibo is in a very poor state. We strongly recommend to drive either by Roxas or take the same route back.

Time and Distance

One can do this trip in two days, but this means a stressy journey. We recommend at least 3 days with 2 nights in Iloilo. The distance is about 400km. Most of the roads are concrete or asphalt. (see exception above). The hill road around San Joaquin has big holes which were being repaired in spring 2008.

Equipment

You can do this trip with your own or a rented car. You may also hire a aircon L300. If none of above meets your ideas, you may do the trip with public busses (Ceres Liner) and jeepneys. In this later case add another day for not to be stressed.

You bring your small overnight pack with you, water and some snacks. Swimgear, sunscreen and a hat complete your equipment,

What to see

First of all you encounter beautyful landscapes, islands just off-shore of Panay, waterfalls and mountains. There are caves and spanish countryhouses and churches. In Iloilo City you should visit the Museo Iloilo, the harbour and the residential neighbourhoods.

What to do

Try the different beaches. They may be sandy or gravelly. Visit the villages even when they are a bit off-road. If you wish to hike up to the mountains make sure to have a local guide with you. You won't find the paths yourselves and there seem to be mountain villages that you must not visit. The guide will explain why ...

Where to eat and where to sleep

On the road you find snackbars and eateries in every (even some McDo's) in most villages and towns. In Iloilo City we recommend the Amigo Terrace Hotel.
In the evening go to the Marinas for an openair-dinner on the banks of Iloilo-River. A taxi from Amigo Terrace to Marinas costs PHP 50. Marina serves very fine Filipino menus. An alternative (when it rains) is the Filipino restaurant just around the block of the Amigo Terrace Hotel.

The Amigo Terrace Hotel normally costs PHP 1900 per room per night. But sometimes they have special rates when you arrive after 6pm and leave before 9am. Then you only pay PHP 990 per room.

Your Feedback