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:

  1. 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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    1. hi miss kai, sorry for this very much delayed reply. been so exhausted doing a lot of community tourism awareness lectures in many of our barangays. THANK YOU for your comment. Please let me know when you have dcided to visit Iloilo, i would gladly love to take you around. my mobile number is 09205603018. At the moment Ayala is constructing the airport in the area. Though the rest of the sites are also undergoing preparations. I hope you get to visit us here soon. Thank you and Godbless!

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  2. hi. i just want to ask what to ride from iloilo city to sicogon?

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    1. hi jemark, it's 30 minutes by motorized boat from the Feeder Port of Estancia. Estancia is around 2 hours and 40 minutes away from Iloilo City. Take the estancia bus at the new Ceres Terminal in Balantang Street, Jaro, Iloilo City

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    2. Is it possible to have a private boat going to sicogon at around 7-8pm? and how much? thanks

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    3. Hmmm, it's advisable not to travel around that time, getting there is open sea so prepare for bigger waves at that time. Private boat from the port depends on the size but Ayala has their own boat where u can hire

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  3. 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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  4. 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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  5. Hello po. is it advisable to tour the island on August?

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    1. It' okay. Sicogon is only around 40 minute motorized boat ride from Estancia Wharf

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  6. 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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    Replies
    1. From Sicogon you can go back to Estancia Feeder Port they have daily trips to Gigantes the fare is around P150 or lesser

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  7. hi. aside from ayala, what resort or hotel may you suggest we stay in?

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    1. You mean when you are in Iloilo City? try SEDA within Ayala Complex rate is somewhere P3500 and up for overnight or there is GO Hotel in Robinsons for a budget rate. Please let me know what are you preferences, you may text me at 09205603018. Thank You!

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  8. 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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  9. 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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  10. Is October a good month to visit Sicogon island?

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