Our list of fun things to do for the summer highlights fun things to do at the best places to be during the height of the season, from the inviting waters of Iloilo’s many beaches, to the refreshing retreats at Iloilo’s cool highland attractions, even to the eco-adventure attractions of nearby Guimaras Island.
Browse though Explore Iloilo’s list of fun things to do for the summer
Summer, it’s the time of the year where you’re supposed to turn off your air conditioning and start having fun outdoors. If you’re a home buddy, better start thinking about getting the most out of the sunny weather. Not convinced yet? then read further to find out what you’re missing out on.
There’s so much fun things to do in the many summer destinations of Iloilo and Guimaras
You don’t need to be in Boracay or Baguio to experience a summer travel paradise. Iloilo and nearby Guimaras also offers a lot of island and highland attractions too but without thousands of tourists swarming around and too much commercialism.
Here is ExploreIloilo.com‘s list of top picks of places to go for the summer when in Iloilo and fun things to do there:
Concepcion‘s 16 Hidden Gems
Islands appearing as half-drowned mountains in Concepcion
Concepcion is endowed with a picturesque seascape of 16 islands that appear as half-drowned mountains jutting out from the sea. At its thin coastline are white-sand beaches and its characteristic shifting sandbar, which changes shape depending on the direction of the wind. This unique seascape sets Concepcion apart from the rest.
Take an island hopping session and feast your eyes on the unique seascapes of Concepcion. Concepcion has 16 tropical islands just waiting to be explored. Make arrangements for your island hopping adventure through the Municipal Tourism Office of Concepcion or through Hotel Junbee, if you wish to spend a comfortable night in town.
Agho Island’s shifting white sandbar with the steep Pan de Azucar in the background
Have a picnic in Agho Island‘s shifting white sandbar. Disembark at Agho Island’s shifting sandbar, take out your packed meals, and have a picnic at one of the native huts in Agho while you take in all the island view goodness.
A tasty plate of Concepcion’s specialty squid rings
Eat a variety of fresh Seafoods. Concepcion enjoys an abundance of seafoods like fish, crabs, squid and oysters because of its rich fishing grounds. Better try their specialty squid rings when in town.
On the way to Mt. Manaphag and its foothills in Pan de Azucar Island
Hike your way to a great view in Hampangan Rock. Hampangan Rock is found at the foot of the tallest mountain in Concepcion, Mt. Manaphag in Pan de Azucar Island. Though, if you can spare a whole day of hiking you can get a much better view at the peak of Mt. Manaphag.
Coral gardens teeming with marine life in Concepcion
Make air bubbles in Pulupiña’s coral gardens. Bring your snorkel or goggles and get to a good view of the rich marine life in the coral gardens of Pulupiña Point in Igbon Island.
Shifting sandbar of Sandbar Island Beach Resort
Make a bonfire to cap your overnight in Sandbar Island Beach Resort. Sandbar Island Beach Resort, located in Bulubadiangan Island, is known for its shifting sandbar. It is the right place for you if you opt to stay in the islands. When in Sandbar Island Beach Resort, you have to rough it out because there’s no restaurants there and the electricity lasts only until 10pm. You bring your own food and cook it yourself or have it cooked by the people in the resort. You can request them to help you make a nice bonfire by providing firewood, for a fee of course.
A cozy bonfire is a great way to cap your night in Sandbar Island Beach Resort
View more pictures of Concepcion
Concepcion Municipal Tourism Office
Contact Person: Mario Lazarito, Municipal Tourism Officer
Mobile: (+63)9194588451, (+63)918311923
Telefax: (033)
Email: mla65[at]my.smart.com.ph
Contact Person: Geraldine, Municipal Tourism Officer
Mobile: (+63)9208213184
Enchanted Islands of Carles
Estancia Port is the point of entry to the islands of Carles
Carles town is dotted with many beach resorts and tourist attractions, which cater to sea lovers during summer vacations. Visitors to Carles are easily charmed by the beauty of its islets blessed with white sand beaches, inviting blue-green waters, unique rock formations, and rich marine ecosystem. Carles is truly a haven to fun-loving people.
Catch some rays in Sicogon Island. Get a lounge chair or just simply lie on the white powdery sand. Feel the sun’s rays warm your skin and pleasant breeze as the sounds of the waves take all your stresses away. This palm fringed island used to be a favorite destination of tourists because of its long stretch of white sand beach and magnificent coral gardens. Its fame slowly faded as decades past but tourists can still go to Sicogon Island and spend a day in paradise. Before Boracay, there was Sicogon
Swimming at the natural pools in Gigantes Island. The island of Gigantes is famous for its natural salt water pool known as “Tangke” to the locals. Climb on the steep rocky wall that serves as the lagoon’s fortress and have a refreshing dip at the pool.
Visit enchanted islets and listen to local folk stories about Gigantes Island. Found in Gigantes is a 15th century burial grounds and interesting rock formations that look like over-sized objects such as tables, chairs, cup. Ask a knowledgeable local about them and listen to stories of how Carles and its islets got its name, the legends of Gigantes Islands, Langub Cave, the golden ship and many other stories about Gigantes Islands
ExploreIloilo.com hasn’t yet been able to visit Carles but in the meantime you can view pictures of Carles and its islands here.
I don’t have a lot of contacts in Carles but it’s always quite easy to go to Tourism Offices in Iloilo and inquire about Carles if ever you’re interested in visiting.
Sharngri-la Family Resort
Mobile: (+63)9196219676
Landline: (+63)(33)3291360
Website: http://www.carles-shangrila.com/
Island Resorts of Ajuy
Just like Concepcion and Carles, nearby Ajuy also offers many delightful island attractions and fun things to do.
Celebrate that special day in Marbuena Island Resort. Located in Binonga-an Diutay Island, Marbuena Island Resort has adequate facilities such as a function hall and recreational facilities for weddings, seminars, and other similar events. There’s also more fun things to do in the white-sand laden island resort like skin dipping, snorkeling, boating under the mangroves, and bird watching.
Spend a fun family gathering or outing with friends in Salog Dako Resort. Situated at Brgy. Punta Buri, this privately-owned resort has complete amenities and a long stretch of cream powdery sand to boot.
Visit a colonial lighthouse in Calabasa Island. Get to see the the remains of a colonial lighthouse build in 1900. More commonly known as “Parola” to the locales, Calabasa Island is also a great place for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, boating and strolling along the coral rubbles-laden shore.
Fishing with the locals in Nasidman Island. Experience first-hand the typical life in a fishing village in the northern tip of the island. Get to know the locals and learn how they do their livelihood. Nasidman Island has a cottage for overnight stay and several umbrella-type cottages for excursionists.
You can view photos of Ajuy here.
Ajuy Municipal Tourism Office
Contact Person: Jocelyn Maalat, Municipal Tourism Officer
Phone No: (033)3920444
Lush Forests of Lambunao
Lambunao cradles the last ecological frontier in the Island of Panay. It is endowed with lush forest cover that creates an enchanting view of verdant landscapes and provides refuge to a diverse ecosystem of flora and faunas. Largely undeveloped, Lambunao is not for the faint hearted as visitors must be physically and mentally prepared to conquer the long hike upland.
Find your way through hundreds of waterfalls and cascades. Have your pick of hundreds of waterfalls in Lambunao of various shapes and size. Some waterfalls could be readily accessed in an hour or two from the town proper but some like the Mahangin Falls, Lambunao’s tallest at 140ft., will take a day’s hike at the least.
Take the ultimate adventure to a mountain lake 2,240 ft above sea level. Tinagong Dagat, which is a local term for “hidden sea” is a 7 hectare mountain lake at 2,240 ft above sea level. While locals could allegedly reach Tinagong Dagat in just six hours, outsiders usually take a 2-day hike.
Get close to forest creatures endemic to Lambunao. Lambunao is host to the largest Hornbill Breeding Facility in the world in its Mariit Conservation Park with two critically endangered hornbill species in its care. The conservation also provides breeding of white spotted deer, raquet tail parrow, and wild boar among other endangered species.
View pictures of Lambunao here.
Lambunao Tourism Office
Contact Person: Jennifer Osorio, Municipal Tourism Officer
Contact No.: (+63)(033)5337243, 3492164
Email: lgu_lambunao{ at } yahoo . com
Lambunao Municipal Tourism Office
Baguio-like atmosphere Brgy. Bucari in Leon
On the way to Bucari, Leon
The spectacular view in Bucari
Lambunao seems like a destination for the more adventurous type. If you’re looking for a highland destination that is more relaxing but offers an equally enjoyable experience, then Bucari in the town of Leon is the place for you. Considered as Iloilo’s mini Baguio, Bucari offers similar attractions to the popular summer capital.
Natural Pools of Imoy Falls in Sitio Camandag, Brgy. Bucari
Take a refreshing dip at Imoy Falls. Located in Sitio Camandag, Imoy falls has natural pools that is an excellent place to relax and let the cool waters get rid of all your stresses.
Picnic tables near the campsite in Sitio Tabionan, Brgy. Bucari
Go camping and pretend that you’re in Baguio or Benguet. The campsite in Bucari is located in Sitio Tabionan, where a picturesque view of tall pine trees, wild flowers, and rice terraces could be found. At night, the temperature in Tabionan further drops and an exciting scene of fireflies can been seen as they dance and give light to the darkness. There are no hotels or resorts in Bucari, one can opt to bring a tent and cook their own food or arrange for accommodations through the municipal tourism officers in charge.
Leon Tourism Office:
Contact Person: Ma. Annaliza Camago, Municipal Tourism Officer
Landline No.: (+63)(033)3310036.
Nearby Beaches in Iloilo’s Southern Coast
A beautiful sunset view from Iloilo’s Southern Coasts
If you can’t spare to spend a night or the whole day just to be in white sand beaches, there are also nice grey sand beaches in Iloilo’s Southern coast that are within 30 minutes to a few hours from Iloilo City.
Smkimboarding during the Paraw Regatta Festival
Go skimboarding in Villa Beach. Take your skimboard with you, go to Villa Beach and skimboard away on its small curls perfect for the sport. Villa is a district of Iloilo City and is 15-25 minutes away from the city center.
Lounging on the raft with friends during the perfect sunset
Watch the sunset in Anhawan Beach Resort. Take a break from the busy city life and visit Anhawan Beach Resort, located in Oton, approximately 30 minutes from Iloilo City. The resort has adequate facilities for many other fun activities such as rafting, swimming in the pool or at the beach, camping, jet skiing, kayaking, playing beach ball games, speed boating and horseback riding.
An interesting looking bird in RACSOS Woodland Resort
Kalesa ride at Garin Farm
Go to the beach, visit the zoo, take an educational tour at a farm resort all in one day. Guimbal town, approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour from Iloilo City, hosts some beach resorts that will ensure a fun time in town. Visit Bantayan Beach Resort and have a leisurely day at the beach, just next door is RACSOS Wildlife Resort and Mini-Hotel, where you can interact with animals in their mini-zoo or sip your favorite drink at the poolside. Arrange for transportation to Garin Farm and get a taste of its farm-processed dairy, ice cream made from buffalo’s milk, juice from its fruit trees. You could also enjoy riding onboard the caromata, a cattle-pulled sled that could carry 20 people, a goat-cart and horseback riding for the children.
Go scuba diving in Cataan. In San Joaquin town, approx. 2 hours from Iloilo City, Cataan has beautiful marine garden ideal for scuba diving. If you don’t fancy scuba diving, you could also spend your day its pebbled shores and crystal clear waters.
RACSOS Wildlife Resort and Mini-Hotel
Phone numbers: (+63)(033) 315-5504 / 337-0033 or 512-0014 (Iloilo City Office)
Fax number: (+63)(033) 315-5345
Bantayan Beach Resort
Contact Person: Christine Garin, Manager
Contact Number: (6333)3155009/5120013
Garin Farm
Guimbal Branch
Phone No.:(63-920)9012203, (63-33)5120129/5120338
Fax no.:(63-33) 5120339
Iloilo City Branch
Phone No.:(63-33) 3370033/3371335
Iloilo City Branch
Phone No.:(63-33) 3370033/3371335
San Joaquin Municipal Tourism Office
Contact Person: Erlyn Alunan, Municipal Tourism Officer
Landline No.:(63)(033)3147240/3147001
Eco-Adventure Island of Guimaras
Guimaras is a 15 minute pumpboat ride away from Downtown Iloilo
The Island of Guimaras, 15 minutes off the coast of Iloilo City, offers a plethora of activities that will ensure a fun day outdoors. Guimaras is a perfect place for people seeking adventure since its tourism drive is focused on developing eco-adventure attractions.
White sand beach of Guisi in Brgy. Dolores, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras
Guisi Lighthouse
Take an adventure quest in Guisi. Located in the southwestern part of Guimaras Island, Guisi offers an opportunity to explore the trail of adventure in the Island’s heritage site. Learn about its history and people as you navigate through different attractions of the place. Start trekking, boating, snorkeling, pedaling, and even rappelling your way through the tour and enjoy the local cuisine as you laze along the shore after.
Alubihod Bay in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras
Take a day off with friends and family at the white sand beaches of Nueva Valencia. Most of the beach resorts in Guimaras are concentrated in the town of Nueva Valencia. These resorts have adequate facilities and access to Guimaras’ famed white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, which are perfect for any type of water-based activities. A popular place to go to is Raymen Beach Resort but if you want a place less crowded then Baras Beach Resort is recommended. If you have money to burn then consider going to Isla Naburot.
Win a paintball match in Guimaras Adventue Park. Guimaras Adventure Park is located in Jordan, the Capital town of Guimaras. After your exhilarating paintball match you could also do horseback riding, shooting, or just plain nature tripping
Guimaras Tourism Office
Landline No.: (+63)(033)237-11-34
Guisi Discover Quest
Contact Person: Ms. Amparo Buncad
Mobile No.:(+63)9177305874
Contact Person: Ms. Henrietta Dulla
Mobile No.:(+63)9205470288
Raymen Beach Resort
Contact Person: Mrs. Salvacion Gentizon
Mobile No.:(+63)9185207271
Baras Beach Resort
Contact Person: Mr. Mike
Mobile No.: (+63)9102101768
Isla Naburot
Contact Person: Dr. Teresa Araneta/Ms. Luisa Jalandoni
Mobile No.: (+63)3211654/(+63)9209275372/(+63)9189098500/(+63)9189018072
Guimaras Adventure Park
Contact Person: Mr. Vince Corpus
Mobile No.:(+63)09068731535
Wow! I like this post chym. Well written and very informative. Nice photos too. Thanks also for including Anhawan of Oton.
Thanks glady. I like Anhawan of today, they have nice landscaping and facilities.
I haven’t yet explored the present Anhawan. But the Anhawan of my childhood used to be very popular in Iloilo. Even Oton for that matter. Old people used to say that the glory days of Oton was during the time of Nene Zulueta. I’m too young to remember but I guess there’s some truth in that.
how about mountain climbing?
Oh yeah. Thanks for the tip
I’m going to add Igbaras and Dingle later for Mountain Climbing and Cave Exploring.
glad you mentioned mountain climbing. there’s a lot to see here in iloilo. aside to Bucari Leon, we have here also the mountain called “napulak” which can be found in Igbaras. not only for mountain climbing but different falls and caves ready to be explored in igbaras. we have the guiritsan falls, the igcabugao cave and also the tarugan falls which maybe the highest falls in the philippines.
Yes! Very interesting. I can see Napulak from our place. I would like to go there someday. I didn’t know that there’s falls and caves there. I’ve been to Buenavista when I was young. Do you have any pictures? The whole Panay Island is beautiful(including Guimaras, of course). I’ll be going for a 3 months vacation starting Dec. I intend to go around the island and see some of the these natural beauty. Way to go Iloilo!
[re=58085]crust[/re]: i bet the highest fall in the philip***es is the maria cristina falls in mindanao. anyway thanks for the infos, i havent been to the places you mentioned i only heard about napulak.
hello! great site!…i hope you could help me plan a 3day trip to iloilo…really hoping we could make the most out of our stay there in a reasonable budget. what hotel can you suggest? i was checking out century 21, do you recommend it? im based in manila and some of the numbers here are long distance (landline) already, i hope you could help me with contacts that could help me plan our barkada’s trip to iloilo…it’s gonna be on 10may-12. thanks so much! i’ll share some tips and pics if our trip goes well ..hopefully it does. hehe… thanks so much and more power!
Yes Century21 is a good hotel. I’ve been reading good reviews of it on the net. Good luck on your trip Joey.
the name of the “interesting-looking bird” is Victoria crowned-pigeon.
when i went home last march for vacation, i visited the Mariit Conservation Park in
Lambunao after reading your previous entry about it here in exploreiloilo. we also
visited the towns of Cabatuan, Sta. Barbara and Lambunao. it was one of my best
vacations so far. thank you, marcos!
by the way, could you feature Samponong Bolo in Sara? I read somewhere that
it has been proposed as a bird sanctuary.
[re=58338]romel[/re]: Thanks gd romel. At last, I know the name of the the interesting-looking bird.
[re=58341]romel[/re]: Just doing my job ^_^ I’ve heard about that bird Sanctuary in Sara too. I was there last year and was able to ask aroud. I was told that the bird sanctuary was not in good shape already and it wasn’t advisable to go there because of that.
gudpm!question naman for guimaras. which is better, get a Php900 cottage at raymen beach resort in guimaras for a whole day or hire a multi-cab for php900 to tour guimaras? im just worried that we wont be able to get a place to change clothes or keep our things safe or eat when we don’t rent the cottage..magastos naman if we get both…hehe 1800 for a day? mahal yata un! hehe..what can you suggest? thanks!
wow! very good feature on iloilo… keep up the wonderful work. i miss iloilo na guid….
[re=58625]JOey Panlilio[/re]: i suggest that if ur from iloilo rent a van and bring ur cam***g gear. u can sleep on the van f u want 2 and load 8 w/ bottled water.
I really needed a list like this. I’ll be visiting Philippines for one month this summer and hopefully I can do some of the things you have mentioned.
I thank you so much for making this website. It is so helpful!!!
[re=64079]Nikki[/re]: my friend try to call 1 the #s there but wasnt answered probably the owner dont have a load or fictitious.
Iloilo has so much to offer for the worldl!
its a nice website.
while i’m viewing this web looks like i’m in iloilo, to eased my boredom and homesick ,,,,, hala bira, teh wala ta gid da? i like to go in northen part, i’m in southern part ehhh, oton,
nice site and photos… very informative. there’s no place like home, no place like iloilo and guimaras. more power to you…
hi, thanks for the referral! Please check out our blog for our updates and promos (http://www.carlesshangrila.wordpress.com)
For any inquiries, our current numbers are:
Resort : +63 33 3962081
Iloilo : +63 33 5096589
Mobile: +63 09279339155
You can also inquire about our island hopping services if you would like to explore more of the Carles islands.
Cheers!
theres still a lot of places to visit the next time i go to iloilo,nice posts and information.I thought theres no other place to visit since we just always go to guimaras,but still a lot hidden treasure.guimaras is the best place to unwind and relax better than boracay which is much expensive.
did you try to visit punta buri island? that place is so cool. Though it is surrounded by houses still the beauty of the island is preserved.
Hi. Am going to Bacolod for 4 days. Is it advisable to squeeze in Iloilo & Guimaras? Thanks.
Wow very informative!
I am getting excited, yesterday me and my boyfriend was left by a plane going to Bacolod, this coming weekend I’ll make sure that we’ll be spending our weekend in Concepcion‘s 16 Hidden Gems.
:)
hi. Im planning for a vacation this summer at iloilo. Can u recommend a greatguide? Ill be with my parents and friends. Thanks.