Wednesday, September 7, 2016

An Epic Island Beach Escapade in Concepcion

AGHO Islet, photo by Bombette G. Marin


Concepcion, Iloilo is known as one of the best-kept secrets of the region with a diverse and unique island beaches that you have to see to believe. This is a town located in the northern district of the province which is known for being an excellent place to island hop. Visitors will find an exclusive place where your only worry will be how much sun you decide to take in during the day. What makes its scenic island beaches even more desirable is the fact that getting there requires some serious planning. But once you arrive, you will understand why the long commute is way worth it.


high tide in Tambaliza island, photo by Bombette G. Marin

Visitors can enjoy the beautiful beach of Tambaliza during high tide, surrounded by green areas with its centrepiece, Mt. Manaphag popularly known as Pan de Azucar rising 1,706 feet. It is ranked 127th highest mountain in the country according to Peakery Data. Presently there are three accommodation establishments in the island. The sunrise and sunsets you will find in this island are incomparable to anything you will see elsewhere in Concepcion.

Lumpatan, photo by Bombette G. Marin

The beautiful small beach of Lumpatan is known for its scenic cliff that looks like a cave that serves as a rest area for visitors. Walled by granite rock formations, Lumpatan has a 300-meter walking trail leading to the populated area of the island. The swimming area though quite rocky is good for a gentle swim.

BAGO SIPOL, photo by Bombette G. Marin

A must-see is the white-sand beach and calm waters of Bago Sipol make this the perfect oasis for anyone who is looking for complete isolation and relaxation. One of the least-visited island beaches in Concepcion, its gorgeous white-sand and crystal clear water make it impossible for visitors not to feel relaxed in a place filled with so much serenity.

AGHO, photo by Bombette G. Marin

Agho is considered one of the most exotic and unique island beaches of Concepcion. This eight hectare privately-owned island is famed for its beautiful multi shades of aqua water with patches of coconut trees, and creamy white sand making it look like a real-life postcard.
There are no accommodation establishments in this island, no electricity and no sari-sari stores available either that is why it is considered as one of the most beautiful and untouched island locations in Concepcion surrounded by spectacular scenery. Quite a distance from the beach is an extensive coral garden accessible by motorized boat. Snorkelling is good for all levels of snorkelling experience.

BULUBADIANGAN Island, photo by Bombette G. Marin

Known to be one of the most-visited and photographed island beaches in the province, Bulubadiangan’s beautiful panoramic view is incomparable. Here you will find the perfect balance of nature and relaxation. The spectacular island beach is a mix of creamy sand, crystal clear waters and the longest sandbar in Concepcion. It is a place you cannot miss if you travel to Iloilo. There is an available accommodation establishment in the island.

BAGO SIPOL Islet, photo by Bombette G. Marin

Visitors has 16 satellite islands to choose for a real sense of escape but the island beaches of Bulubadiangan, Agho, Bagabo, Danao, Bali-gui-an, Tambaliza, Botlog, Igbon, Bago Sipol, Mangalabang, Sombrera are its finest escapes. To those who would like to go island-hopping, there is only 1 regular motorized boat good for 40 persons at P35 boat fare and leaves the mainland for Tambaliza Island every day at 11 in the morning and goes back to the mainland the following day with pick-up time at 7 in the morning in Tambaliza. Private motorized boats are readily available every day for 1 (one) island adventure only at P1500 for small boats with a maximum of 15 passengers: P2,000 for medium boats with maximum of 20 passengers: and P2,500 for big boats with maximum of 25 passengers. An additional P500 is charged for every island stop. For overnight stay P300 additional is charged for every motorized boat. Entrance fee in every island is P25 and Ecological fee is another P25.

a view of Mt. Manaphag of Tambaliza from Agho Island, photo by Bombette G. Marin

Concepcion is 111.4 kilometers or at least a 2 hour and 20 minute drive north from Iloilo City. It has a land area of 9,702 hectares comprised of 25 barangays, 16 of which are satellite islands. To get there, visitors can take can take the bus at the new Ceres Terminal, Barangay Camalig, Jaro Iloilo City. For more information, please contact Engr. John Rey Asturias – Municipal Tourism Officer, Concepcion at 09982168581.

AGHO Island, photo by Bombette G. Marin

Know more about these islands on the 12th TUMANDOK, a Tourism Month celebration on September 22-25 at the fountain area of Robinsons Place Iloilo organized by the Provincial Culture, Arts, History and Tourism Office of the Iloilo Provincial Government, the Department of Tourism Region VI, the Iloilo Tourism Officers Association, Inc. and Robinsons Place Iloilo in cooperation with Central Philippine University, Tinukib, Department of Trade and Industry and The Daily Guardian.






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