The Great Summer Escape 11:

A brief travel guide to 

Concepcion, Iloilo

The Sandbar (Photo credit to Lakas.com.ph)

By Pepin

One day is not enough to experience Concepcion, Iloilo, so better take two!

When you find yourself in this remarkable municipality, don’t ever forget to visit the Sandbar! This amazing spot will let you feel that you are literally "walking above sea". Leaving your footprints on the white sand path and enjoying a sight of the pristine blue waters on both sides contribute to a unique summer experience.

Pan de Azucar 

Most of your time will be spent on island hopping, so get ready for this. You will be mesmerized by the three islands: Agho, Malangabang, and Pan de Azucar. Agho island showcases a unique coral attraction for its visitors, while the Malangabang Island is a perfect picnic spot. Pan de Azucar island is dubbed by many as “a place of exceptional beauty” because of the cone-shaped mountain that will provide you with a picture-perfect backdrop.

At the end of your visit to Concepcion, you will realize that you have done so much for summer, but the experiences and the scenery will linger on your mind for quite a long time. In fact, these stored images on your head will tell you to keep coming back for more. 

The Great Summer Escape 10:

Experience freshness at 

Igpasugaw Falls

By Pepin

Photo Credit to Panoramio.com

Water relief! 

The Municipality of Sebaste in the Province of Antique takes pride on a famous tourist destination, the Igpasugaw Falls, which is located approximately three kilometers from the national highway. 

During rainy season, the water flows down a massive rock formation creating a heavy bubbling sound as it reaches the bottom. The uninterrupted rhythm is so relaxing and calming that it refreshes the mind and body. 

A perfect spot to hang out during summer, Igpasugw falls offers worthwhile experience for anyone who visits the place.

The Great Summer Escape 9:

Oh, The Sweet Beach Life!

By Pepin

The beach of Alubihod in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras allows you to enjoy summer on a budget. You do not have to be a hangdog over uneconomical rooms or take undue risk on your expenditures. You can just simply spend the rest of the day playing sand and sea without worrying on how much to spend next.

More savings means more fun, simply because you can bring more family members and friends with you. That is exactly what Alubihod Beach is all about – more pleasures for more people. Isn’t it that summer getaways would be more worthwhile if you get to spend more waggishness with your loved ones and friends?

Aside from taking up quality family time, you can also go snorkeling or scuba diving and spot florid underwater life forms. The waves lapping the shores are also ideal for some skim boarding games. If you want to explore nearby isles, you can go island-hopping or sunset sailing. 

But if you are really tight on your budget, you can always just laze the day away listening to the cooling breeze that whispers the coming of the night fall. Or you can simply view the nostalgic sunset with a glass of your favorite drink.

Everything you will experience in Alubihod Beach will give you all the reasons to fancy summer without feeling the guilt on your pocket. 

For more information, contact Raymen’s Beach Resort, Alubihod, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras: (63) 9185207271

The Great Summer Escape 8:

"Chilax" at Malumpati Cold Spring

By Pepin

The long and winding road from Iloilo to Antique can make you wobbly and purge. But be thankful enough because there are many beautiful sceneries that can relieve your queasiness easily. Just like Malumpati Cold Spring. Its nippy waters and abundant flora around will take you to a different level of respite that you surely wouldn’t like to miss.

Located in the hushed town of Pandan at the northern part of the province, Malumpati Cold Spring is a perfect retreat to experience less-demanding moments with family and friends. Its crystal clear water set at a suitable temperature is just right to give anyone a rejuvenating sensation and to relieve those heavy pressure points. That is why many people regard it as a health spring.

But what excites anyone who visits this site is its natural landscape. Although there are evidences of human interventions, like the concrete bridge and footpaths, the works of Mother Nature remains well-preserved. From the pebbles and fishes underwater to the huge trees around, the wonders of creation continues to prevail. Plus, the gushing of wind, the rushing of the water, and the chirping of birds flatter more the serene sanctuary.

For a noteworthy piece of information, the water that pour to the spring is part of the Bugang River, which was adjudged as the cleanest river in the Philippines last 2003 by the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran National Award – River Category. Now, that’s something to be proud of about this place.

Malumpati Cold Spring is three hours bus ride from San Jose, the central town of the province of Antique, and five hours away from Iloilo City. The entrance fee is only for ten pesos, and small cottages only cost Php 25.00. Overnight stay is available at the following rates: Php 1500.00/room (no electricity) and Php 2500.00/room (with generator; fan room). Special facilities include an improvised diving board, barbeque grills, and bamboo rafts.

   

The Great Summer Escape 7:

Dip ‘n Tickle

Experience awesome treats at Tibiao Fish Spa

By Pepin

There is an array of refreshing treats that awaits anyone who visits the Municipality of Tibiao, Antique. What’s the main course? Of course, it’s the Fish Spa. Founded by Mr. Flord Nicson Calawag and two of his friends, this ultimately soothing treat can definitely free anyone from stress.

A fish spa is considered as a natural form of exfoliation. A lot of these can be found in countries, like Japan and Thailand. It is a recommended treatment for those who are suffering from psoriasis and other skin diseases.

Here in the Philippines, Tibiao Fish Spa is considered as one of the pioneers. At first, it was just a hobby, but now this business is one of the prime movers of the tourism industry of the province of Antique.

It is an extraordinary tourist attraction in the town, and it catches a lot of attention of travellers and sightseers from all over Panay and even from other provinces and foreign countries. What is exciting about this is that it can be enjoyed by people of different ages. It is a bit tickling but it will make anyone feel relieved from his or her stresses.

In early 2010, Mr. Caluwag and his team established the business in Iloilo City, and he occupied a small space at the lower ground floor of SM City Iloilo. This move helped him to promote more his business, as well as the tourist destinations and activities of Tibiao.  They also organized more special treats for the visitors of Tibiao. In his so-called “Katahum Tours (http://katahum.com/)”, anyone will surely enjoy a lot of activities in this awesome town Aside from the fish spa, other activities included in the tour package are kawa hot bath, white water kayaking, lambaklad fishing, pottery making, a visit to Bugtong Bato waterfalls and a thrilling sunset moment at Tiguis Beach.

For more information about Tibiao Fish Spa, you can contact the following:

+639198139893, +639264151424

Email at flord@tibiaofishspa.com

Or visit their website at http://tibiaofishspa.com/

The Great Summer Escape 6:

Basangbasa Coral Beach Resort

San Joaquin, Iloilo

By Pepin

The glamorous you won’t find here, but the true “serene run off” in this once a simple beach lot will definitely complete your day. Basangbasa Coral Beach Resort is an hour and a half away from the city of Iloilo and it can be reached via bus, passenger jeepney or rented van. This place spells “exceptional” in any way you like it.

Located at the end part of the Municipality of San Joaquin, Iloilo, this spot welcomes every visitor into the sublimity of beach living. The cottages are arranged in such a way that you will be able to feel the beach breeze anywhere you stand. It’s a “user-friendly” beach resort, as many  say, because of the well-planned and well-maintained amenities.

But this summer escape flaunts more its beach because of the treasures hidden underwater that are only revealed when the tide sets low. Corals of different hues and fishes of various sizes present themselves to you even as you stand in any of the big rocks at the middle of the waters, but the local government prohibited fishing in this area to preserve marine life. However, you can feed the fishes with bread crumbs, or better yet, go snorkeling.

Room rates:

Beach Front Cottages with toilet and bath

Aircon – Php 2000.00

Non-aircon – Php 1500.00

Hilltop Cottages with toilet and bath

Aircon – Php 1500.00

Non-aircon – Php 1000.00

Picnic Sheds – Php 200.00

Disclaimer: Panay Mud Pie (PMP/pmp500.blogspot.com) is not affiliated with any resort, hotel, or any other places featured in PMP’s “The Great Summer Escape” This blog site only provides blog readers with information and/or reviews on tourists’ destinations around Panay Island and Guimaras Island.

The Great Summer Escape 5:

SIRAAN HOT SPRING

Anini-y, Antique

The serene ambiance of Siraan Hot Spring, one of Panay’s spectacles, is the reason why albeit the abundance of shopping malls and themed parks in cities, people come and spend more of their time in this resort located at Anini-y, Antique.

The road to Siraan is quite bumpy and you will get to travel on fragmented and dusty roads, making the travel time a little bit longer. But the hard time on the path is fittingly compensated by the spectacular sights of rock formations and the long stretch of a black sand beach along the way. Not to mention, you will also be mesmerized with unique-looking landforms at the other side of the road.

The exhaustion will prepare your body for a grand surprise once you already reached the hot spring. The warm water rising from the bottom of the spring is a perfect treat for you and your family. Plus, you will take more pleasure from the picturesque view of volcanic stone formations and the cobalt blue waters of the big sea behind you.

How to get there:

Siraan Hot Spring is located in the town of Anini-y, Antique and it is two hours away from Iloilo City by road. You can take a bus or you can rent a public utility jeepney or van if you will be traveling in a large group.

What to expect:

• A large swimming pool, which is six-feet deep that hold water from the hot spring.

• Four small tubs of hot spring

• Another small tub on top of a rock formation

• A dinning hall that is overlooking the blue sea

• A deck, where you can view the Nogas Island

• Large cottages that can accommodate up to ten persons

• Marine creatures and colorful corals can be seen when low tide sets in

Rates:

Entrance Fee – Php 20.00

Pavillon (for parties and group activities) – Php 600.00 per day

Cottages

• Bamboo cottage (small) – Php 150.00

• Bamboo cottage (large) – Php 300.00

Table and concrete shed – Php 100.00

Lodging House with toilet and bath

• Fan Room (good for 4 persons) – Php 600.00 per day

• Aircon Room (good for 4 persons) – Php 1000.00 per day

• Excess occupant – Php 100.00 per day

P.S.: If you are planning to cook or have a barbecue party, you should bring your own cooking utensils.

Contact details:

09182691099

09265310773

09306564834

Rock formations and the blue sea

A view of the Nogas Island from the deck

  

The low tide gives you a chance to see these live corals

Disclaimer: Panay Mud Pie (PMP/pmp500.blogspot.com) is not affiliated with any resort, hotel, or any other places featured in PMP’s “The Great Summer Escape” This blog site only provides blog readers with information and/or reviews on tourists’ destinations around Panay Island and Guimaras Island.

The Great Summer Escape 4:

GUISI BEACH

Sitio Dolores, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, Philippines

by Pepin

The 8.8 magnitude of Chile’s earthquake shocked the whole world, and the three-meter high tsunami that hit Japan scared many people across the pacific. But these two natural calamities are hardly-felt when you have stood at a huge rock at Guisi beach last February 27, 2010. The unruffled waters of the sea and the spectacular rock formations found in this arresting summer escape hidden at one end of the island of Guimaras cannot displace your thoughts of worrying much about the news in spite of the terrible mishaps that already beat the globe.

Guisi beach is a paradise found for many who have already conquered its sand and waters. Though it remains a mystery for many who are planning to have their trip there, one thing is for sure, the place will be a genuine delight once you get there. Its clear tortoise water is invigorating and its yellow shores are indeed  beyond exceptional. The massive natural rock formations are like a sculpture’s life-size abstract masterpieces.

But what this silent beach sanctuary is really proud of is its century-old lighthouse that ranks second as the oldest in the Philippines. Located at the edge of a cliff, this wrecked tower stands as the island’s most valuable antique. At its base are ruins of arches that were built during the Spanish era.

 

Unlike the beaches of Martinique, Cayman Islands, or Barbados, Guisi beach is hushed. There are no twenty-four hour tequila parties, no ear-splitting DJ mixes, and no souvenir shops. The entire space is filled with the sounds of rushing waves and blowing wind. But this doesn’t mean that the place is a dead-beat. You can still enjoy some of these activities:

                  

• Swim. The water is cool and soothing, but don’t expect to swim on a sandy beach because the seabed is mainly composed of pebbles, sea rocks, and corals. But if you are looking for some fine sand, you can walk farther right where there are huge rock formations. Below these rocks are small spaces of white sand.

• Snorkel. Because the beach has an extensive coral bed, snorkeling is the most pleasurable thing to do. You will find colorful corals and  saltwater creatures, like sea snakes, small octopus, squids, hermit crabs, and different kinds of fishes. But if you want it simple, you can explore some underwater wonders  by just standing on a rock and staring directly at the bottom of the sea in early morning, between 5 am to 7 am, when the tide is low and the water is clear.

• Boat ride. For as low as Php 350.00 per hour (and an additional of Php 150.00 for every succeeding hour), you can go boating with friends and discover other nearby islands.

• Stroll. You can have a leisure walk and explore the shore, the lighthouse, and the imposing rock formations as much as you want. You can also witness a romantic view of the sunset by the beach.

• Dine. For a memorable dining by the beach experience, you  can bring and cook your own food there. But if you want it easy, you can order food and beverage at the resort.

• A simple beer cheer. There is a local store that sells liquors. Enjoy some merrymaking at night and drink ‘till you drop.

How to get there:

Guisi Beach is only 45 minutes from Jordan Wharf. You can take a jeepney bound to Nueva Valencia, or you can hire a multi-cab if you will be travelling with a large group.

If you are from Manila, you can take a plane to Iloilo and a pump boat from Ortiz Wharf (Iloilo City) to Jordan, Guimaras.

Where to stay:

You don’t have to worry much of the accommodation at Guisi. There are at least three resorts there where you can spend the night, and one of these is the Guisi Clearwater Resort. It has spacious rooms and open picnic cottages. It also has a sari-sari store, and sing-along bar.

Guisi Clearwater Resort Room Rates

Air-conditioned Rooms (with toilet and bath)

Good for 4 (Php 1,600.00)

Good for 2 (Php 1,200.00)

Fan Rooms (common toilet and bath)

Good for 4 (Php 1,000.00)

Good for 2 (Php 600.00)

Big Rooms

For group of 10 (Php 1,300.00)

Dorm for 10 (Php 1,500.00 and additional of Php 50.00 for every excess person)

Special Room Package (Php 2,000.00)

- Good for 4 persons

- air-condition

- with toilet and bath

- with colored television

- with free breakfast

Contact Details:

Ms. Josie Gaitan

(+63) 0919-5636-688

(+63) 0932-4905-818

guisi.beach@yahoo.com

Sunset at Guisi

Awesome rock formations

Underwater splendours

Disclaimer: Panay Mud Pie (PMP/pmp500.blogspot.com) is not affiliated with any resort, hotel, or any other places featured in PMP’s “The Great Summer Escape” This blog site only provides blog readers with information and/or reviews on tourists’ destinations around Panay Island and Guimaras Island.

The Great Summer Escape 3:

VILLA ALIANZA RESORT
Dumarao, Capiz

by Pepin

Some of the greatest tourist’s site on earth might just be found right at your backyard, or they might be just there positioned in one hushed baranggay, where a unique kind of serene awaits you.

Villa Alianza Resort in Dumarao Capiz rests in a spot where you and your family can truly take pleasure from a great summer escape. The 15-minute ride from the center of the town to this imposing resort will give you a chance to mull over with the simple scenery and unscathed culture and lifestyle of the locals. The coarse road is perfect to rouse more your excitement, especially if you are hunting for one sweet breathing space on blazing summer days.

The swaying of lofty trees and distinct reverberations of insects compliments well a huge swimming pool located at the center. A stroll around the resort will make one appreciate the wonders of the natural world.

Rates:

Entrance fee and swimming fee (Php 50.00)

Rooms good for 6 persons (Php 1,500.00)

Rooms good for 8 persons (Php 900.00)

Medium Picnic Shed (Php 200.00)

Small Picnic Shed (Php 100.00)

Contact Details:

Kindly coordinate with Dumarao Marketing located at the town proper.

Swimming Pool

Walk Way

Garden Shed

Small Bridge

Disclaimer: Panay Mud Pie (PMP/pmp500.blogspot.com) is not affiliated with any resort, hotel, or any other places featured in PMP’s “The Great Summer Escape” This blog site only provides blog readers with information and/or reviews on tourists’ destinations around Panay Island and Guimaras Island.