Western Visayas: Pulsating to the beat of life

Details

Category: Destination

Published on Sunday, 22 January 2012 16:29

Aklan • Antique • Capiz • Iloilo • Guimaras • Negros Occidental

About the region

Western Visayas is comprised of six provinces each with unique attractions to offer. Four of the provinces are in Panay - Aklan, Antique, Capiz and Iloilo, while not far from the island of Panay are the provinces of Guimaras and Negros Occidental.

The region boasts some of the best natural and historical attractions in the country. The Atiatihan and Dinagyang festivals held annually in January are the major festivals that attract tourists to the region.

How to get there and go around

By Air. Iloilo is the major gateway to Western Visayas. The Iloilo International Airport services flights from Manila, Cebu, Palawan, and Davao. There are four domestic airports in the region found in the towns of Caticlan and Malay in Aklan, Roxas in Capiz and Silay in Negros Occidental. Airlines that are served by these airports are Air Philippines, Cebu Pacific Air, and Philippine Airlines.

By sea. The region has links to Manila, Cebu, Palawan and Davao. The major shipping lines servicing the region are Moreta Shipping Lines, Negros Navigation and WG&A Shipping Lines.

The primary transportation vehicles used within the provinces are jeepneys and tricycles while buses, jeepneys and air-conditioned vans are the major transportation vehicles between provinces. Major cities in Capiz, Iloilo and Negros Occidental have taxis.

Where to stay

The region has a wide range of accommodations to choose from. There are first class hotels and budget accommodations.

To learn more, click the links below:
Accommodations in Aklan | Accommodations in Antique | Accommodations in Capiz
Accommodations in Guimaras | Accommodations in Iloilo
Accommodations in Negros Occidental

What to eat

Must-try local favorites are Pansit Molo, La Paz batchoy, chicken binakol and chicken inasal.

• Pansit Molo. This specialty of a famous town in Iloilo is an adaptation of the Chinese wonton soup.

• La Paz Batchoy. This noodle soup is garnished with pork innards, pork cracklings and vegetables.

• Chicken Binakol. This chicken delicacy uses young coconut juice as broth.

• Chicken Inasal: This is grilled chicken, marinated in local herbs and spices. The region is also known for its snacks and sweets. Biscocho, piaya and pinasugbo are local favorites.

• Biscocho: This toasted bread covered with buttermilk delicacy is the Filipino version of the Spanish bizcocho.

• Piaya: This flat unleavened bread filled with mozcovado sugar is a native delicacy of the region.

• Pinasugbo: This crunchy treat is made from thinly sliced unripe bananas deep-fried in brown sugar.

What to buy

Textiles are unique souvenirs from the region. Patadyong and sinamay are indigenous fabrics. Patadyong is a pre-Spanish fabric characterized by plaid designs. Sinamay is primarily woven from the finest abaca fiber.

What to see and do

Aklan and Antique are famous for their natural attractions. Boracay in Aklan is reputed to have the best venue for beach-based activities while Tibiao in Antique is famed for its excellent kayaking spots.

Iloilo and Negros Occidental are known for their historical attractions. Iloilo is home to the baroque church of San Agustin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Calle Real, the historic commercial center of the province. Negros Occidental, once the Sugar Capital of the country, boasts of some of the best well-preserved colonial structures in the country.

Capiz and Guimaras are centers of agricultural tourism. Capiz is the Seafood Capital of the Philippines while Guimaras produces the best mangoes in the country. Guimaras mangoes are reputed to be one of the sweetest in the world.

For heritage tour itineraries, one can see Paranubliun, which has an extensive listing of heritage sites in Western Visayas.

Relevant Contacts

Aklan Provincial Tourism Office
Gov. Corazon L. Cabagnot Tourism & Training Center
Kalibo, Aklan
Telephone No.: (+6336) 268-8033
Fax No.: (+6336)262-4692

Antique Tourism Office
Provincial Capitol, San Jose, Antique

Capiz Provincial Tourism Office
City Hall, Roxas City

Guimaras Provincial Tourism Office
Provincial Capitol, Jordan, Guimaras

Iloilo City Tourism Office
2nd Floor COA (Elizalde) Building, J.M. Basa St.,
City Proper, Iloilo City (near Plaza Libertad)
Telephone No.: (+6333) 337-2172, 336-7572

Negros Occidental Tourism Center
Fax No.: (034) 433-2515, 476-2018
E-mail : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Download this brochure.

• < Prev
• Next >