The time has come to explore Western Visayas and since it is love ♥ month, we decided to pull off a “Feb-iBIG” adventure. Three lovely couples in three beautiful places, Bacolod, Iloilo, and Guimaras. It is really something BIG and exciting trip.
Please continue to read about the prep guide and itinerary of our 4D/3N trip in BIG budgeted for 6 pax.
Airfare: Here’s to another BIG, we chose to fly with AirAsia to earn BIG points. This is the AirAsia loyalty program for frequent and savvy travelers to go further. Learn more about this perks through here. Our roundtrip tickets to Iloilo were booked during the Travel Sale Fair Year 3 which was held on October 13-15, 2017 at the World Trade Center. It is not the cheapest flight I knew but still a good deal at P2,995.83.
Accommodation: Since we wandered to three different islands, we chose to book rooms in Iloilo and in Bacolod. We stayed 2 nights at Iloilo Budget Inn Valeria which is located in Iloilo city proper near to top-visited places of the city. The rooms are decent and totally affordable. It is best for travelers who do not clamor to any standards and under budget constraints. Special thanks to Ms. Jane, who is very accommodating and approachable. She assisted us throughout our short stay from room reservations, taxi bookings and, directions to and from the hotel and attractions.
In Bacolod, we booked a beautiful two-story house through Airbnb. It is perfect for family, friends and, groupies since the rooms are spacious, has a great value for money, and accessible to city malls and attractions. This is hosted by Mr. Frank who is very hospitable and willingly gives travel tips. Their house is highly recommended.
Transfers: Here’s the detailed list and options to get to and from the islands of BIG.
Basically, we commute using Grab, van, tricycle, and jeepney to explore the cities and ferry or boat to cross the islands.
From Iloilo Airport to Iloilo City Proper, we took a van ride going to SM Iloilo for only P50 per head then booked a Grab car going to the hotel which costs P150 good for 6 pax. Other option: There are cabs available that offer ride straight to the hotel for P500.
From Iloilo City Proper to Isla de Gigantes via Carles Port, we rented a cab from the hotel going to Tagbak terminal that costs P200 for 6 pax. In Tagbak terminal, there are buses and vans plying straight to Carles Port. It will take 2-3 hours ride from Tagbak to Carles port. Riding a van is much faster than taking a bus ride going to the port.
From Iloilo City Proper to Bacolod port, the fastest option is by cruising via fastcraft ferry. We took a metered taxi going to Fastcraft terminal from the hotel valued at P80 per ride and chose OceanJet ferry which took only 45 minutes going to Bacolod port. OceanJet one-way fare costs P280 in air-conditioned seating plus P30 terminal fee per head. Other option: GrabTaxi is available if land transfer is preferred. It will take approx 4 hours ride at fare ranging P1420 to P2480 per way.
Getting around Bacolod city, we booked Grab 6-seater from Bacolod port to Airbnb house for only P140 and hired a 7-seater SUV to take us to Campuestohan Highland Resort and the Ruins amounting P1800 for the half-day trip.
From Bacolod to San Lorenzo, Guimaras via Pulupandan, we reached to Pulupandan wharf from Airbnb house at 7am through Grab 6-seater that costs P600. However, we failed to catch the first trip at 8am since it was fully booked as early as 6am. We spent 5 hours at the wharf and waited for the second trip. The 65-seater pump boat ride has only two schedules per day and that is 8am and 12nn. One-way fare is P90 per head.
Getting around Guimaras city, we availed a private half-day city tour inclusive of van transport and tour guide/photographer which costs P2500 good for 6 pax.
From Guimaras Jordan Port to Iloilo Ortiz wharf to Iloilo Airport, we took another 15-min boat ride that costs P20 per head. Then, rode in a jeep heading to SM Iloilo at the base fare of P7 and from the mall, there are cabs contracting P500 to the airport.
Activities: This is a quick overview of places we visited and budget tips. Separate pages are created for a more detailed itinerary.
Day 1: Foodtrip and Photowalk
Nothing much to this day but food trip and relaxation. After arriving at Iloilo airport around 4pm, we straight ahead to Plazuela de Iloilo, for early dinner in Joel’s Chicken Inato, the famous chicken recipe likely similar to chicken inasal. At late night, we explored Ayala’s Atria Park District and spent time in the must-visit Madge Cafe for its cool ambiance complemented with the best-tasting brewed coffee in Iloilo city. I spent P109 for the chicken meal and P40 for Madge Media regular coffee.
Tip: Madge Cafe brewed coffee is best paired with their offered cakes, some cakes are from Calea.
Day 2: A day in Isla de Gigantes
Our day tour, island hopping activity, was booked with Las Islas Travel and Tours which costs P1799 per head. It is inclusive of a private boat, tour guide, and lunch with unli scallops plus we did some kind of fear factor challenge – Sea Urchin tasting. The islands that we stopped by, in order, are Pulupandan Islet, Bantigue Sandbar, Antonia Beach, Cabugao Gamay or Selfie Island and, Tangke Lagoon. Fell in love with this island chain.
Day 3: A day in City of Smiles – Bacolod
The first thing we looked for is the authentic Bacolod’s Chicken Inasal, a smoked flavor grilled chicken that is the mainstream dish in Bacolod, then, we finished up our late lunch with yummy desserts in Calea. It costs P110 for Chicken Inasal meal and a slice of cake at P100 plus cafe latte P105.
Next, we witnessed the breathtakingly beautiful view of Campuestohan Highland Resort and moved our adventurous spirit by riding the Skybike. Entrance Fee per person is P150 and the Sky bicycle one-way ride is P100.
After the 3 hours stay in Campuestohan, we rushed back to Bacolod City to catch the sunset in The Ruins. This ancestral home mansion built back in the 19th century becomes more amazing and stunning in yellow or gold as the late afternoon sunlight struck its facade. Entrance fee is P100 per head.
For dinner, we tried the one of the finest dishes in Bacolod city – Cansi. It is a steaming bowl of beef bone marrow and vegetable soup that tastes like a cross of Bulalo and Sinigang. The famous cansi house is Sharyn’s Cansi which is tagged as the World-class beef soup. It costs P350 per bowl good for 2-3 persons.
Day 4: A day in the Mango Capital of the Philippines – Guimaras
This was just a quick tour but we definitely enjoyed its beauty. It was a totally worth it trip after the dizzy experience in the pump boat ride. We arranged a half-day city tour with Mr. Joel Guileño, who is very accommodating. His marketing strategy “city tour inclusive of van transport with handsome driver and tour guide/photographer” and true enough we had good group shots. Many thanks! Our tour should cover 13 spots but due to the limited time, we visited only 7 places which are San Lorenzo Windmill, lunch in Pitstop for mango pizza, Guimaras Signage, Mango Plantation, Trappist Monastery, Guizi lighthouse, and Pasalubong center. The tour costs P2500 for 6 pax.
Tip: Never leave Guimaras city without tasting the export quality mangoes. It is expensive during off-peak season.
The total cost of this trip is around P10,000 per head. This price is not so BIG to wander and experience the natural beauty of the cities and islands in Visayas. It is just another proof that #itsmorefuninthePhilippines.