WESTERN VISAYAS
AKLAN
Local Cuisines
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Lechon: A popular dish of roasted pig, often served during special occasions.
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Aklan’s Miki: A local noodle dish, usually served with meat and vegetables.
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Bodbod: A traditional sticky rice cake wrapped in banana leaves.
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Binakol: A chicken dish cooked in coconut water and spices.
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Seafood: Freshly caught seafood is abundant, including crabs, shrimp, and fish, often prepared in various local styles.
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Sinigang: A sour soup made with tamarind, typically featuring pork or shrimp.
Water Sports
Caving & Waterfalls
Island Hopping
Wellness Retreat
Beach Hopping
Fishing and River Cruising
Best time to Travel
Dry Season (November to April): This is the ideal time to visit, with pleasant weather and lower chances of rain. The peak tourist season is typically around December to February.
Shoulder Seasons (May and October): These months can also be good for travel, offering fewer crowds and more affordable accommodations, though occasional rain may occur.
Transportation
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Air Travel: The nearest airport is Kalibo International Airport, which has domestic and international flights. Caticlan Airport is closer to Boracay but has limited flights.
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Public Transport: Jeepneys, tricycles, and vans are commonly used for getting around towns and to tourist destinations.
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Boat Transfers: For travel to and from Boracay, boat transfers are available from Caticlan or Malay.
Festivals
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Ati-atihan Festival: Held in January, this is Aklan’s most famous festival, celebrated with colorful parades, street dancing, and vibrant costumes to honor the Santo Niño.
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Kalibo Ati-atihan Festival: A cultural and religious event featuring street dancing, music, and a grand procession.
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Pawikan Festival: Celebrated in November in Lezo, focusing on the conservation of sea turtles with activities and educational programs.
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Banig Festival: Held in March in the town of Makato, showcasing the traditional craft of mat weaving.
ANTIQUE
Local Cuisines
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Kinalas: A noodle dish topped with beef and a rich broth, often enjoyed as a snack.
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Sinigang na Baboy: A sour pork soup made with tamarind and various vegetables.
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Bodbor: A traditional dish made with pork or chicken, flavored with herbs and spices.
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Local Seafood: Fresh catches from the nearby sea, often grilled or served in various Filipino dishes.
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Biko: A sweet rice cake made with coconut milk, often enjoyed as a dessert
Explore the Beaches
Water Sports
Hiking
Antique Shopping
Cultural Tours
Heritage Tours
Best time to Travel
Dry Season (November to May): This period is ideal for outdoor activities and beach visits, with less rainfall.
Transportation
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Public Transportation: Jeepneys and tricycles are common for getting around towns.
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Buses: Long-distance travel to Antique from other regions can be done via buses.
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Motorbike Rentals: A great option for exploring the province at your own pace.
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Car Rentals: Useful for more flexibility when visiting remote areas.
Festivals
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Binirayan Festival: Celebrated in April, showcasing the rich history and culture of Antique through street dancing, food fairs, and cultural presentations.
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Sungkaan Festival: A local festival celebrating traditional Filipino games, usually held in February.
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Tobacco Festival: Celebrated in May, highlighting the province’s tobacco industry with various events and activities.
CAPIZ
Local Cuisines
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Diwal (Angel Wing Clam): A rare and highly sought-after delicacy.
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Talaba (Oysters): Often grilled or served fresh with vinegar and spices.
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Alimango (Crabs): Locally caught and often cooked in various styles, from steamed to spicy.
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Binakol: A local chicken dish cooked in coconut water, creating a light and flavorful soup.
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Seafood Kare-Kare: A twist on the traditional peanut stew using seafood instead of meat.
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Suman sa Ibus: Sticky rice wrapped in coconut leaves, a popular dessert or snack.
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Crocodile Meat: Some restaurants offer dishes made from crocodile meat, reflecting the region’s diversity in food offerings.
Island-hopping and Beaches
Eco-Tourism
Historical Tours
Capiz Shell Handicrafts
Religious Sites
Mangrove Parks and Wildlife
Best time to Travel
The best time to visit Capiz is during the dry season, from November to May. The weather is more pleasant, especially for beach outings, island hopping, and attending festivals.
Transportation
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Air Travel: The Roxas City Airport (Capiz's capital) has flights from Manila and other major cities.
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Land Transportation:
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Tricycles are the primary mode of transport within towns and cities.
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Jeepneys and buses connect nearby provinces and towns.
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Vans and taxis offer more comfortable travel between towns.
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Boat/Ferry: For island hopping, local outrigger boats called bancas are common.
Festivals
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Sinadya sa Halaran Festival (December): A vibrant mix of religious and cultural festivities held in Roxas City, celebrating Capiz's culture and history with parades, street dancing, and food fairs.
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Aswang Festival (October): A unique festival that delves into the local folklore of the "aswang" (a mythical creature in Philippine folklore), promoting local beliefs and showcasing cultural performances.
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Capiztahan Festival (April): Celebrates the province's foundation and highlights its cultural heritage with a seafood festival, cultural shows, and boat races.
ILO-ILO
Local Cuisines
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La Paz Batchoy: A hearty noodle soup made with pork offal, liver, crushed pork cracklings, and a flavorful broth, often served with egg noodles.
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Pancit Molo: A wonton soup from the district of Molo, made with ground pork or chicken, and soft dumplings in a savory broth.
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Kansi: A sour soup similar to sinigang but made with beef shank, often flavored with batwan, a local fruit.
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Butterscotch: A popular pasalubong (gift), these sweet treats are made of butter, brown sugar, and cashews or other nuts.
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Biscocho: Crunchy, buttered bread slices toasted to perfection, a favorite snack or souvenir.
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Laswa: A traditional Ilonggo vegetable soup made with a mix of local vegetables like squash, okra, and eggplant.
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Chicken Inasal: Grilled chicken marinated in a mixture of vinegar, garlic, and local spices, popular in nearby Bacolod but also beloved in Iloilo.
Historical Sites
Iloilo River Esplanade
Isla De Gigantes
Museum of Philippine Economic History
Miagao Church
Beaches
Best time to Travel
The best time to visit Iloilo is from November to May (dry season), with cooler and pleasant weather, especially during the festival season in January.
Transportation
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Air Travel: Iloilo International Airport offers flights to and from major cities like Manila, Cebu, and international destinations like Hong Kong and Singapore.
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Jeepneys: The primary mode of transportation around the city and nearby towns.
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Taxis and Vans: Readily available in the city for more comfortable travel. You can also use ride-hailing apps like Grab.
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Buses: These connect Iloilo City to neighboring provinces and towns.
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Ferry/Boat: Iloilo has regular ferry services to nearby provinces such as Bacolod and Guimaras Island for island hopping.
Festivals
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Dinagyang Festival (January): Iloilo’s most famous festival, celebrating the Santo Niño (Holy Child). The festival features elaborate street dances, colorful costumes, and a lively street party.
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Paraw Regatta Festival (February): The oldest sailing event in Asia, featuring traditional sailboats called "paraws" racing off the coast of Iloilo. There are also cultural performances and exhibits.
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Jaro Fiesta (February 2): A religious celebration in honor of the Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria (Our Lady of Candles), which includes processions, food fairs, and traditional games.
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Pintados de Pasi Festival (March): A colorful festival in Passi City, celebrating the body-painting traditions of the region’s early settlers, with cultural performances, parades, and dances.
GUIMARAS
Local Cuisines
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Mango Pizza: A unique and flavorful twist on pizza, topped with Guimaras’ signature sweet mangoes.
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Mango Jam and Mango-based Products: Widely available as souvenirs, Guimaras mangoes are turned into jams, dried mangoes, and even mango ketchup.
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Inasal na Manok: A popular grilled chicken dish marinated in local spices, similar to the Chicken Inasal from nearby Iloilo.
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Seafood: Fresh seafood such as grilled fish, squid, crabs, and shrimps are abundant and served in many local restaurants.
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Binakol: A local chicken soup cooked with coconut water, similar to the version in Iloilo but with a Guimaras twist.
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Pancit Molo: A wonton soup dish, influenced by Iloilo's cuisine, but also a common comfort food on the island.
Island Hopping and Beaches
Wind Farm Tour
Visit the Guisi Lighthouse
Nature Trekking
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Trappist Monastery
Best time to Travel
The best time to visit Guimaras is from November to May, during the dry season when the weather is ideal for beach activities, island hopping, and sightseeing.
Transportation
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Ferry/Boat: The primary way to reach Guimaras is by ferry from Iloilo City. Ferries run regularly from the Ortiz Wharf or Parola Wharf to Jordan Wharf and Buenavista Wharf in Guimaras.
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Motorbikes and Bicycles: Renting a motorbike or bicycle is a popular way to explore the island, offering flexibility to visit its various attractions.
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Jeepneys and Tricycles: These are the main forms of public transportation within Guimaras for traveling between towns and tourist spots.
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Van or Private Transport: For more comfortable travel, private vans or cars can be rented.
Festivals
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Manggahan Festival (May): The most popular festival in Guimaras, celebrating the island’s world-renowned mangoes. The festival features street dancing, mango-eating contests, food fairs, and cultural performances.
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Pagtaltal sa Guimaras (Holy Week): A religious event similar to the Passion Play, reenacting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It draws thousands of visitors and is held in Jordan every Holy Friday.
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Asinan Festival: Celebrated in Buenavista, this festival honors the salt-making industry of Guimaras with cultural events, sports, and parades.
NEGROS OCCIDENTAL
Local Cuisines
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Chicken Inasal: The most famous dish in Bacolod, this grilled chicken is marinated in a mix of vinegar, calamansi, and local spices, often served with rice and a dipping sauce.
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Piaya: A popular snack, this is a flatbread filled with sweet muscovado sugar and sometimes sesame seeds.
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Napoleones: A sweet, flaky pastry filled with custard and topped with sugar glaze, commonly found in local bakeries.
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Kansi: A soup dish made with beef shank, batwan (a local souring agent), and langka (jackfruit), combining the flavors of sinigang and bulalo.
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Sinigang na Baboy sa Batwan: A sour pork soup, but instead of the usual tamarind, batwan fruit is used to create the tangy flavor.
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Siquijor Crab: Fresh, locally caught crabs often served steamed or cooked in coconut milk.
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Inasal na Manok: A regional variation of chicken inasal, unique to different towns in Negros Occidental.
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Bacolod’s Cakes and Pastries: Negros Occidental is home to many dessert shops offering delicious cakes and pastries, such as Calea Pastries.
Historical and Cultural Sites
Water Activities
Nature and Outdoor Adventures
Sugar Industry Tours
Food Tour
Best time to Travel
The best time to visit Negros Occidental is during the dry season, from November to May. This period is perfect for outdoor activities, festivals, and sightseeing. October is also a great time to visit for the MassKara Festival.
Transportation
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Air Travel: The Bacolod-Silay International Airport serves flights to and from Manila, Cebu, and other major cities.
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Jeepneys: The most common mode of public transportation within cities and towns, especially in Bacolod.
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Tricycles and Pedicabs: Used for short distances in local towns and villages.
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Buses and Vans: These are common for traveling between towns and cities in Negros Occidental.
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Ferry/Boat: Ferries connect Bacolod to nearby islands like Iloilo and Cebu, offering easy access to neighboring provinces.
Festivals
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MassKara Festival (October): One of the most famous festivals in the Philippines, held in Bacolod City. Known as the “Festival of Smiles,” it features colorful masks, street dancing, and lively parades.
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Panaad sa Negros Festival (April): A province-wide celebration showcasing the best of each town and city in Negros Occidental. It includes cultural shows, food fairs, sports competitions, and exhibits.
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Kansilay Festival (June): Held in Silay City, this festival celebrates local folklore, honoring the legendary hero Princess Kansilay with performances, street dances, and cultural displays.
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Bailes de Luces Festival (December): A vibrant festival in La Castellana, featuring street dancing and performers adorned with colorful lights, celebrating the town’s rich history and traditions.