Concepcion’s Islands - 16 hidden gems in Iloilo

The town of Concepcion is blessed with one of the most scenic seascapes in the whole province. Forming a safe natural harbor for Concepcion Bay are 16 islands connected by azure waters and rich marine life.


On the way to Pan de Azucar Island

The islands of Concepcion are highland masses except Baliguian. They appear as half-drowned mountains jutting out from the sea and manifested by sedimentary rocks. The mountains and hill systems are so close to the sea that only very narrow strips of level land are available for farming. It is in these narrow strips of land bordering shores where the islanders build their clustered homes.

Most of the island in Concepcion are bordered by scenic white sand beaches

Nearest to the mainland is Tago Island whose southern promontory is not more than 200 meters away from the mainland. Northeast of Tago Island is Pan de Azucar, the biggest and most popular among them because of the enchantingly tall and steep mountain, called Mt. Manaphag, standing like a sentinel in its lands. It is in Pan de Azucar Island where the annual Tampisaw Festival is held every third week of April.

Pan de Azucar is the largest island in Concepcion and has plains for farming

Mt. Pan de Azucar, also called as Mt. Manaphag, is one of the tallest peaks in Panay and the steepest mountains in the Country.

Northeast Pan de Azucar is Bag-o Isi Island, which has a shifting snake-like sandbar that points towards Pan de Azucar. During hightide, it seems that you can cross from island to island because of the newly formed sand bridge. The smallest (not considering the islets, some of which are submerged during high tide) is Bocot Island located northeast of Bag-o Isi. The northernmost frontier of Concepcion is Colebra or Bago-alas Island at 10.7 nautical miles from the Poblacion (mainland).

Snake-like sandbars in Bag-o Isi Island seemingly forming bridges during high tide

Meanwhile, Southeast of Pan de Azucar is Sombrero Island, which appears like a natural citadel of high rise, rocky, protective outreach of Pan de Azucar. Further east from here are 2 uninhabited islands namely: Bag-o Sipol or Chico Island, measuring 4 hectares and Agho Island, a 8 hectare island with extensive white sand beach area, a sprawling coral garden, and a magnificent view of the sunrise and sunset.

Agho Island with the mountains of Concepcion in the distance

White sand beach at the Sandbar of Agho Island

Nearby is the Malangabang Island, the most poulated island in Concepcion and Igbon Island, known for the beautiful diving sites in its vicinity.

Rock formations in Pan de Azucar pointing to Malangabang Island

In the waters between Igbon and Pan de Azucar is Botlog Island, which has the whimsical shape of an egg sliced in half, or an “eggnog”. Southwest of Igbon Island is a 2.8 hectare islet perfect for people who love the underwater world called Bag-o Abo Island.

egg-shaped botlog island in the distace

The islands of Bulubadiangan and Danao-Danao also located south of Igbon Island are frequently visited by tourist. Bulubadiangan, is known for its shifting white sandbar while Danao-danao is known for its interesting natural stone formations like tables and other figures.

Located in Bulubadiangan Island is Sanbar Island Beach Resort

White sand beach at Sandbar Island Beach Resort

Danao-danao island located nearby Bulubadiangan

At the mainland’s southeastern coast crossing the Apitong Pass is Tagubanhan Island, which shares the border with the adjacent town of Ajuy and is the most populous island. The farthest island, with a distance of 25 kilometers from the poblacion is Baliguian Island - the only coral atol in Concepcion.

Apitong Pass as seen from Bulubadiangan Island

Concepcion’s mountain-islands viewed from a distance

From a distance, the islands of Concepcion appear as gigantic natural protective outreach of the mainland with the tallest Mt. Manaphag (Pan de Azucar) commanding the view rising 573 feet above sea level making it the landmark of the municipality.

Transport and Accessibility to the Island of Concepcion: From the Tagbak Terminal in Jaro District, Iloilo City, ride a bus bound for Concepcion (2.5 to 3 hours). Embark at the Public Plaza of Concepcion and look for the tourism office found near the gym. There, you can make inquiries and arrangements for your tour around the islands. When planning to go to Concepcion, make sure to contact the toursim office of Concepcion first through the following contact details:

Concepcion Tourism Office
Contact Person: Mario Lazarito, Tourism Officer
Contact No.: (+63)(033)3920309
Contact No.: (+63)183119523

View more Pictures of the Islands of Concepcion, Iloilo.

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Marcos C. posted this article on April 6, 2007; 8:07 pm. This article has had 2,785 views and 20 comments.
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• Category: General
• Tags: beaches, corals, Iloilo Beach Destinations, Iloilo Mountain Destinations, mountains, nature, sand, sea, shore, summer, tourism, tourist, water
  

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