mybeautifulILOILO: SICOGON Island: A Glorious Tropical Experience in Iloilo

Monday, December 3, 2012

SICOGON Island: A Glorious Tropical Experience in Iloilo

Buaya Beach, Barangay Buaya, Sicogon Island, Carles, Iloilo

Many towns in north of Iloilo boast an enviable location on the sea. Some visitors head to southern part for the ancient culture and striking architecture. But after exploring it, there is still plenty of relaxing, island-hopping, snorkeling and scuba-diving to be experienced at the northern area’s exotic beaches. It is essential to check out Iloilo's delights along the northern coast.

The best beaches in Iloilo are scattered in the northernmost part from Ajuy, Concepcion to Carles. Their common denominator is its crystal clear waters and white powdery sands. For family vacations and outing with friends, any of the beaches in the area is ideal. But you would not find anything better than in Carles.

seaweed gatherer at Buaya Beach, Sicogon, Carles, Iloilo

The scenic town of Carles is among the most beautiful in the province. There are many stunningly sandy-white shores in its island barangays, the right place to unwind and spend a relaxing vacation full of sea and sand pleasures. And who can argue with the fact that the exotic island barangays of Carles had remained the best place to find the most idyllic beaches in Iloilo that offers a great assortment of activities to please the most demanding travelers.

The municipality of Carles is 146 kilometers away from the city. It is the last town north of the province with a land area of 11, 204.68 hectares. It is made up of 33 barangays where 18 barangays are scattered in its islands. The most popular is the beautiful and serene island of Sicogon. The island brings together classic charm and modern touches for a unique seaside experience. One will surely enjoy this hideaway with dazzling white sands and clear turquoise sea.

Molopolo Island overlooking Sicogon,Carles, Iloilo

Overlooking Tomaguin Island and Molopolo, the Island of Sicogon measures 489.0514 hectares and is composed of the barangays of San Fernando, Alipata and Buaya. It has a population of 2,154 residents comprising 417 households. The beach of barangay Buaya is reason enough to go to the island. There is enough space and so few visitors that you will probably find a spot just for yourself. The sugary sands of Buaya extend into deep waters far offshore. It is a heaven for snorkelers.

Sicogon has long been a popular spot with foreigners on holiday and had made its mark as a hot spot for travelers from around the globe. The island was once famous among celebrities and royalties all over the world. It was known as one of Asia’s as a top tourist destination prior to its closure in the 1980s. It has tourist-friendly facilities such as its famous cottages and resort clubhouse, swimming pools, sports facilities, a wharf and an airstrip.

powdery white sand beach of Buaya, Sicogon Island, Carles, Iloilo

The beach of barangay Buaya in Sicogon Island remains among the most beautiful even up now. It is for those who are dreaming of a quiet vacation under a warm sun and a constant breeze. The island is still a big potential to welcome many of tourists looking for the best beach in Iloilo. Presently, Sicogon is undergoing rehabilitation and construction for its future 5-star resort and hotel.

Witness the waves break out in the ocean from two of Barangay Buaya’s cottages. For the budget-conscious traveler, the cottage, maximum of four persons would cost as low as P150.00 overnight per person. Experience an authentic island atmosphere and a genuinely gracious staff, Barangay Captain Winifred Gonzales and Merlinda Andrade (09109243074) are dedicated to helping you have a great time in Sicogon.

So, if you are looking for the ultimate tropical paradise, set your sights on Sicogon in Carles. With lesser-known neighboring islands interspersed with picturesque fishing villages where the people live a simple way of life, virtually unchanged in centuries, Sicogon boasts all the white sand beaches without all the crowds, the perfect spot to relax, slow down and get into the groove of the real tropical paradise.

Sicogon Island can be reached through a 25-30 minuter motorized boat ride from Estanca Feeder Port. To get to Estancia, one must take an air-conditioned bus at Tagbak Terminal in Jaro, Iloilo City. Public passenger motorized boats ply from and to the island only once a day, normally at around 1 p.m. Motorized boat good for 54 and 80 persons can be privately arranged. For more information, please contact Joel Decano – Municipal Tourism Officer of Carles at 09184685006 or Joseph Decano – tourguide at 09081796579.

18 comments:

AnonymousApril 9, 2013 at 5:46 AM
Hi, I'm Ericka.
I've been looking for information about Sicogon island and its neighboring islands, and so far this is the most recent and detailed one. I'm planning to have a vacation in this place this coming May since it was recommended by a friend.Can you help me with my next assignment? I am interested on what women of Sicogon wear way back in the 80s or 90s. Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks!
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UnknownApril 22, 2016 at 1:24 PM
hi. i just want to ask what to ride from iloilo city to sicogon?
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JanzyApril 28, 2016 at 12:29 PM
Hi. We're planning on booking a flight to Roxas this June and we're planning to see Sicogon and its neighboring islands! Are there ongoing constructions in the area? What islands would we not be able to visit?
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bombetteApril 29, 2016 at 9:51 AM
From Roxas your exit town is Pilar, Capiz then entry point to Iloilo Province is via Balasan, a town 15 minutes drive away from Carles, the last town north of Iloilo. Carles thru Bancal Port is your nearest entry point to the Gigante Group of Islands (an hour and a half motorized boat ride) but if you wish to experience Sicogon, your entry point must be at the Feeder Port of Estancia (30 minuter motorized boat ride). You can see all the islands. Sicogon is in Carles but not part of the Gigante Group. Thanks for the view, best regards.
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HanaMishaMay 25, 2016 at 2:28 AM
Hello po. is it advisable to tour the island on August?
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KarenJune 23, 2016 at 6:49 PM
Hi. Thank you for the very informative post. I just like to ask if we are to stay in Sicogon, how can we visit the Gigante Group? Would you know the boat rates? Thank you!
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UnknownMay 7, 2017 at 1:42 AM
hi. aside from ayala, what resort or hotel may you suggest we stay in?
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SunlightMay 29, 2017 at 11:00 PM
hi there I am planning to visit Iloilo in October is it a good time to visit gigantes and sicogon? what are the other nearby cities (roxas,guimaras?) that I can visit?I want to make most of my time. :-)
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UnknownJune 13, 2017 at 10:27 PM
Hello
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UnknownJune 13, 2017 at 10:33 PM
Hello! I hope you can help me in experiencing sicogon on its best. They said brgy buaya island is nice. I just want to ask if were already at sicogon are we still going to take a boat for us to go at brgy. Buaya? Also we would like to ask about the price of the cotagges a walk away from the island, coattages good for 5-8 person( the cheapest one pls)and also the price of the boat for to get there.thanks a lot
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UnknownMarch 20, 2018 at 1:39 AM
Is October a good month to visit Sicogon island?
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ILOILO: the Heart of the Philippines

Known as the heart of the Philippines, Iloilo stands at the crossroads of the orient and the developed Western world. Iloilo prides itself as the center of education, trade, commerce and tourism in the region. It occupies the southern and northeastern portion of Panay Island; to the north of it is the bountiful province of Capiz and the Jintotolo Channel; Guimaras Strait washes its southern shores; to the eastern side are the calm waters of Panay Gulf and Iloilo Strait; and the progressive province of Antique is its western neighbor. It lies in the midst of both; air and sea traffic.

Stretching 4,663 square kilometers, Iloilo is composed of 42 municipalities and a component city. It is sub-divided into five (5) congressional districts with topography varying from flat lands and rolling hills to mountain peaks and ranges, and roll down into flat plains towards the coastal towns. Iloilo City; the vibrant provincial capital, is a booming financial center.

It has a population of 2,110,588 Ilonggos (2007 NSO survey) for both province and city combined.

Hiligaynon is its local dialect. Filipino is the national language. English, the business language, is spoken widely.

Buses, jeepneys, public utility vans (PUV’s) ply the province while taxis and jeepneys ply the city’s well-developed system of road network. Fares are fixed except for taxicabs which have metered fare.

HISTORY

Iloilo is a junction over which Malay, Spanish, Chinese, American cultures met in the course of centuries. It has a colorful history that stretches back to a rich pre-colonial culture. According to oral tradition, 10 Datus from the kingdom of Bornay (now Borneo), escaped from the wrath of an oppressive regime of Sultan Makatunao in 1225 A.D. Finding a place where they can live in peace and harmony, the 10 Datus or chieftains namely Datu Puti (the leader), Datu Bangkaya, Datu Dumalugdog, Datu Sumakwel, Datu Lubay, Datu Paiburong, Datu Dumangsil, Datu Balensusa, Datu Paduhinog and Datu Dumangsol, along with their followers boarded on their balangays (vintas or boats) without knowing where to go, sailed across the Sulu Sea on their quest for the Promise Land. The group skirted to the southern tip of the island of Panay, towards the Siwaragan River in San Joaquin and proceeded to navigate inward to Andona creek just within the settlement of Sinugbuhan.

It was said that when Datu Puti along with his men landed in Sinugbuhan, they met an aeta who at that time was fishing along the riverbank. Through him the datus learned about Marikudo, his people and his territory. And through this fisherman, they sought an audience with the aeta chieftain. They sat down with the natives, negotiated and agreed to purchase the lowlands of Panay for their abode. According to the folk legend, they purchased the island from the Negritos led by their chieftain Marikudo and his wife Maniwantiwan, for a golden sadok or salakot (hat) and a manangyad (long golden necklace) that was said to have touched the ground. The datus then settled in the coastal areas of the island, while the natives agreed to live in the mountains and hinterlands.

Modern history of Iloilo began in 1566 when the Spaniards under Legaspi, established their first settlement in Oton. Christian doctrine was propagated, with the church as their house of worship and where Ilonggos acquired their first education. Spaniards under Miguel Lopez de Legaspi came to Panay and established a settlement in Ogtong (Oton) and later moved to La Villa de Arevalo (Arevalo) as the seat of Spanish power in 1581 with Gonzalo Ronquillo as deputy encomiendero. Because of rampant Moro attacks, the Spaniards moved to a village close to the mouth of the river. Irong-Irong or Ilong-Ilong, the name shortened to “Iloilo” later became the capital of the province.

With its rapid economic growth, the port of Iloilo opened to world trade in 1855 and soon became the center of commerce and trade in the whole Visayas and Mindanao. It was in 1890 under Becera Law of 1899, the Ayuntamiento of Iloilo (City Government) was established by virtue of a Royal Decree of 1896 and was given the honor of having a Coat of Arms with the Inscription: “La Muy Leal Y Noble Ciudad de Iloilo.”

Iloilo City is made up of many small neighborhoods, full of old-world character, linked by narrow, winding streets. Students, foreigners and artists thrive in this area, attracted by its sense of history and cosmopolitan feel along with its trendy bars and good restaurants.

Peaceful climate, dynamism of the local economy, a better quality of life, rich pool of skilled workforce, and excellent accessibility and linkages are factors that help maintained Iloilo’s competitive position among other provinces in attracting investments and penetrating new markets for its products.

Iloilo is place of perfect balance. It is fast-paced yet relaxed. It offers more than the usual; culture and arts, destinations, cuisine, people. Wherever you go, whatever you do, you will always enjoy the warmest and friendliest welcome in the heart of the Philippines.

HOW TO GET TO ILOILO

One can travel from other parts of the country in style through NAIA in Manila as its premier gateway. Major airlines have roundtrip flights that take about an hour. The new Iloilo Airport located in Cabatuan is built in a wider and panoramic place with state-of-the-art computerized facilities. It is 18 kilometers from the city and is accessible by van, jeepney and taxi. The city is the province’s port of entry for sea transport. Considered the third largest port in the country after Manila and Cebu, it is just five (5) minutes away from the city’s main commercial district. Shipping lines have regular trips taking about 20 hours, 12 times weekly; 14 hours boat trip from Zamboanga or Cagayan twice a week; daily 12- hour trip to Cebu. Fastcrafts from Bacolod City take 50 minutes. A relatively short trip and you are magically transported to a totally different environment. If ever a place could truly be called a melting pot of people and cultures, Iloilo is it.

Iloilo's FIRSTS

Perhaps, no other province in the Philippines has a record of so many FIRSTS as the province of Iloilo. The following list is by no means complete:

According to Maragtas Legend, Iloilo is site of the Malayan landing in the Philippines;

The first school for boys in the Philippines was founded in Tigbauan by Jesuit priest and historian, Pedro Chirino in 1592;

The first place to put up a Christian church in the Philippines was Jalaud (Dumangas) in what is now the barangay of Ermita, in 1566;

Iloilo is the first city outside Manila to have a foreign business house, the Loney & Co. and the first foreign vice-consul;

The first province to export sugar to Australia;

The only province to have two cities during the Spanish time: Iloilo City, chartered in 1890, and Jaro in 1891;

The biggest province in the Philippines in population, income and economic production during the 19^th century;

The best and biggest producer of textile during the Spanish era;

The FIRST golf course in the Philippines, Sta. Barbara Golf and Country Club in Sta. Barbara, 1907;

The FIRST department store in the country, Hoskyn & Co., established in 1877;

The FIRST commercial airline in the country was the Iloilo Negros Air Express Co. (INAEC);

The FIRST Philippine airline established after World War II was organized by Ilonggos, the FEATI;

The FIRST Provincial High School in the Philippines, the Iloilo National High School;

The FIRST Elementary School established under the Americans, Baluarte Elemenetary School in Molo;

The FIRST protestant barrio in the country, Calvario in Janiuay;

The FIRST Baptist Church in the Philippines, Jaro Evangelical Church;

The FIRST luxury liner in the Philippines, S/S Don Esteban of the De la Rama Line;

The FIRST city to have double-decked buses in the country;

The FIRST concrete road in the country, from Forbes Bridge to Jaro Plaza;

The FIRST city to have a car assembly plant, Taller Visayas de Strachan & McMurray. The car assembled was the “Deiler” in the 1920’s;

The FIRST province to produce many millionaires and the first city to have a millionaire’s row;

The FIRST Filipino to launch the propaganda movement in Spain, Graciano Lopez Jaena of Jaro also known as the greatest orator the Philippines’ ever produced;

The ONLY Filipino nominated to the Supreme Court of Cuba, Raymundo Melliza;

The FIRST Filipino to fly a passenger airplane, Jose Tinsay in 1925;

The FIRST doctor of laws from Oxford University, Melquiades Gamboa;

The FIRST doctor of philosophy in Political Science, Victorino Diamonon;

The FIRST Filipino doctor of Education, Pedro E. Y Rio;

The FIRST Filipino woman doctor of Philosophy in Engineering, Josette Garcia Portigo;

The FIRST Filipino doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology F. Landa Jocano;

The FIRST Filipino to win the Congressional Medal of Honor during the WWII, Captain Jose Calugas of Leon;

The FIRST Filipino soldier in the American Army to win medals of Heroism and Courage from the governments of United States, Belgium and France during the WWII, Sgt. Ramon Subejano of New Lucena;

The FIRST Filipino girl to be called the fastest woman in Asia, Inocencia Solis of New Lucena;

The FIRST most-be-medaled Filipino girl swimmer, Nancy Deano of Dingle;

The FIRST Filipino International Chess Grandmaster, Eugene Torre of Lapaz;

The FIRST guerilla unit to contact Gen. Douglas MacArthur and President Quezon by radio during World War II;

The FIRST Filipino lady to win a cultural heritage award, Magdalena Jalandoni of Jaro;

The FIRST Filipino feminist, Pura Villanueva Kalaw;

The FIRST modern custom house in the country;

The FIRST government constructed museum building in the Philippines, Museo Iloilo;

The FIRST successful compact farm in the country, Tagsing Buyo, Sta. Barbara;

The ONLY province to have an anti-biotic drug named after it, Ilozone and Ilotycin which are brands of erythromycin, a wonder drug developed from a soil sample from Iloilo;

The FIRST province to be declared a model in development planning by NEC/ USAID;

The number one food-producing province of the Philippines today;

The FIRST and ONLY town in the Philippines to produce four justices of the Supreme Court, seven senators, seven governors, and seven Cabinet Members;

The site of the FIRST International Research Center in the fishing industry in the country, SEAFDEC in Tigbauan;

The BIGGEST public school division in the country is the Division of Iloilo;

The FIRST city that initiated a free education program is the elementary schools by eliminating the matriculation fees and providing free school supplies and the elimination of tuition fees in public secondary schools.

REFERENCES

IIoilo’s FIRST, The Visayan Tribune, January 31, 1977;

Iloilo’s Artistic Cemeteries, Sumagaysay, Joy R., Iloilo Preview, Vol. 4, 2008;

Pasana-aw: Vignettes on Bisayan History and Culture, Funtecha, Henry F., Vol. 1, 2004;

mybeautifulILOILO

Monday, December 3, 2012

SICOGON Island: A Glorious Tropical Experience in Iloilo

18 comments:

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