BACOLOD-ILOILO-GUIMARAS: 5-Day Travel Guide, Budget + Itinerary (Updated)

Bacolod, Iloilo, and Guimaras are often referred by the Philippine travel community as BIG. Visiting all three nails down 3 provinces in an instant. But hey, who’s counting. After all, these three destinations have so much to offer. There’s Bacolod and the lovely smiles of its people and their sumptuous chicken inasal. Iloilo is rich in cultural and architectural landmarks. And there’s Guimaras and its mangoes, recognized as the sweetest in the world. When you only have five days and you are somewhere so promising, instinct would say to make the most out of it and that’s exactly what we did.

I know some people like taking things slow, savoring every moment without the need to rush. Others like doing things in a blur, covering a lot of stuff in just one go. It’s the same with traveling. Some people like visiting so many places within a span of 24 hours and there are those who spend a week or even a month in just one city. It’s just a matter of preference and a lot of times, circumstance. We cannot say that one is better than the other. If you would ask me, I tend to be both. If I have all the time in the world, I’d like to stay longer than a day or two in one place to learn and understand their culture better. Otherwise, I prefer being able to see everything I could with what so little time I have and this is what this 5-Day BIG Adventure is all about.

Day 1 – Garin Farm & Church Hopping In Iloilo

As a child, I heard so much about Iloilo from my stepmom who is a Hiligaynon. Stories of her running away from an aswang (man-eating monster) when she was a young girl in their beautiful little village with an old church and enchanting white sand beach situated in the outskirts of Iloilo City filled most of my childhood. I got over the aswang part as I was growing up but the curiosity and fondness I have for their little village never fade away. So when I got my hands on a discounted airplane seat to Iloilo, I told myself I’m finally gonna see it and I’m not stopping whatever the odds were.

And there I was. Setting foot in Iloilo Airport, smiles all over my face. My excitement was growing by the minute although our first day started a bit slow with the rain stalling us from getting started with our tour. The plan was to visit Garin Farm in San Joachin and church hop from there all the way back to Jaro in Iloilo City. However, for this tour, it was unfortunate that we were only able to cover the gems of San Joachin. We had enough time even though our tour started late but the rain was everywhere that day. And it wasn’t just a drizzle but a downpour. As much as I love the rain, sadly, it always has its way of washing our plans away.

Related Read: GARIN FARM: DIY Travel Guide To The Heaven On Earth

We stayed in Iloilo City for the night, chilling over beers, sisig and some great stand up comedy show. Although we were bound to Islas De Gigantes the next morning, we weren’t at all in a hurry. After all, vans going to Carles are available as early as 4AM and tours don’t start until 8AM. If you plan to do the same, below are some of the options where you can stay.

Day 2 – The Wonders Of Islas De Gigantes

Early the following morning, we were on our way to Carles. We rode a van at 4AM and arrived in Bancal Port in Carles at 7AM. We had an hour before the tour finally starts so after registering at the Tourism Office, off we went to find us some place to eat breakfast. Our tour was already arranged with Gigantes Island Travel and Tours for our 2 days and a night stay for P1600/person that covers everything from tour, food, fees and accommodation so there was nothing more for us to worry about. Our only hope was Gigantes Islands would live up to our expectations.

At 8AM, we were directed to our boats along with the other travelers whom we were sharing the tour with. Our first stop was Pupandan Island. It was a small island of white sand and rough coral stones with a lone coconut tree that stood in the middle. I wouldn’t say that it was one of the best islands I’ve visited but it was charming and that was really enough. Next was Cabugao Gamay Island. This island embodies the whole of Gigantes Islands. It is its very face and I must say it live up to what I expected it to be. I didn’t expect for a powdery white sand beach as every well-traveled person would. We know that powdery white sands are rare and are hard to find so I, finding the beach of Cabugao Gamay with its sugary sand against my feet, was still so satisfying. And the scene at the view deck, it was similar to what we see in photos yet better.

After Cabugao Gamay, we went to Gigantes Sur where we rested a bit in our homestay. We had lunch shortly after and at 1PM, we resumed with our tour. The next stop was Puting Baybay Beach. It reminded me so much of El Nido and Coron due to the massive limestone walls against the fine white sands and clear turquoise water of its beach. Following that was Antonia Beach which caught me by surprise due to the abundance of life living under its waters. Our 2nd to the last stop was Bantigue Island that boasts of about a kilometer long of the sandbar which is just as great as the other sandbar islands I’ve visited. Everything was amazing that day. The only let down was Tangke Lagoon since the pool was dried up and was not suitable for dipping and cliff jumping. It was still perfect for snapping some photos though. Nevertheless, this day was never short of perfect.

Related Read: GIGANTES ISLANDS: 2D1N Budget Travel Guide + Itinerary To The Northern Jewel Of Iloilo

Other than Gigantes Islands, there are other islands worth paying a visit near Carles. Concepcion has a lot of beautiful beaches and Sicogon Island is slowly gaining traction in the web so you might wanna consider visiting them. If you feel like staying longer in Carles after your visit in Islas De Gigantes, here are some places where you can stay.

Day 3 – Chicken Inasal & Relaxing Hotspring

Our third day was supposed to be spent discovering the other treasures of Gigantes but since our two companions were not up to exploring a cave and the northern islands where the lighthouse is were not accessible due to rough seas, we decided to head to Bacolod instead. At 7AM, after having eaten breakfast, we boarded the boat back to Bancal Port. There, our van awaited and quickly we were already on the road to Iloilo City. The trip lasted 3 hours and at exactly 12NN, we’re inside a ferry bound for Bacolod.

Finally arriving in Bacolod at 2PM, thirsty and starving amidst the scorching sun, our first stop was the famous Inasal Republic. It was such a relief that it is just about 10 minutes away from the port on a tricycle. The driver dropped us off in his go-to Inasal spot. Okay. I feel the need to tell you what or how exactly Inasal Republic looks like. It is a block of several Inasal Restaurants. Probably about 10 different restos all serving chicken inasal that you pretty much  don’t have any other choice other than Andok’s situated just across the road.

After a sumptuous lunch, off we went to Mambukal Resort where we will be spending the night. The plan was to just check in the resort, settle our stuff, get a quick shower and head back to the city to visit The Ruins which is best seen at night and the other landmarks Bacolod is known for. But then the rain came pouring down until the rest of the evening that we didn’t have a choice but to stay in Mambukal Resort and content ourselves with a relaxing dip at its hotspring pool before finally dozing off for the night.

Related Read: MAMBUKAL RESORT & THE 7 FALLS: Nature Tripping Beyond Bacolod City

***Notice that I haven’t included the cost of transfer from Iloilo to Bacolod as it varies from one shipping line to another. It also varies whether you are taking the cargo ferry or the fast craft but definitely the latter is more expensive but with so little difference when it comes to travel time.

If you plan to spend the night in the city instead of Mambukal Resort so you could explore the city more then here are some of your choices.

Day 4 – Exploring The 7 Falls & Lakawon Island

I didn’t come to appreciate Mambukal Resort until the morning. The cold breeze engulfing the lush forest of the resort and the serenity of the entire place was true heaven. I got to explore the resort on my own tracing my way from our villa to the river down to the boating area. The resort has a stench of sulfur but the natural beauty it possesses is unmatched. The chirping of the birds and the sound of crickets could be heard from everywhere. The continuous flow of the river was music to my ears. The towering trees were a promise of comfort and protection. The resort for me that morning was very calming and it made me to not wanna leave.

The plan was so unclear for this day. We couldn’t decide where to head next. Our choices were Campuestohan and Lakawon Island but we still have the 7 Falls on our plate. We decided to go see the 7 falls first then worry about our next stop later but after the first waterfall, the two companions we had decided trekking was not for them. As much as we wanna see the IG-worthy Campuestohan Resort, we knew to ourselves that we were more of island lifers hence the clear winner between the remaining two choices was Lakawon Island.

We headed to Lakawon Island despite the threat of oncoming rain. The boat ride going to the island was probably the most nerve-wracking during this entire trip. We were caught within heavy rain and gust in the middle of the sea that our boat almost capsized. We were greatly relieved to have reached the port unscathed. It could have ended tragically for four wandering souls who were just looking for adventure. The resort was not much to our taste though. It was overpriced even. Nevertheless, we still had us a wonderful time despite  the here and there drizzle.

Related Read: LAKAWON ISLAND: DIY Budget Travel Guide & Everything Else You Need To Know

It’s nice to stay in Lakawon Island but if you find the prices too much for your budget then here are other places you can stay at nearby.

Day 5 – Quick Visit To The Ruins & A Day Tour In Guimaras

Our flight back to Manila was at 10PM on our fifth day and we were flying from Roxas City. I know it’s too far out. If we had it our way, we would have a different itinerary and we would be visiting Islas De Gigantes last. But we adjusted so we could spend this trip with our friends who will be flying to Manila from Iloilo. So early morning, we departed Lakawon Island to pay The Ruins a quick visit.  After that, we quickly road a fastcraft going back to Iloilo and another boat to Guimaras. We really wanna see what this little island has in store for us. The islands around it look so promising but we had to pass on them for next time as we barely have the time.

Arriving at Guimaras, we headed right away to The Pitstop to grab a bite. We wanted so bad to get our hands on that mango pizza and I gotta say it didn’t disappoint. I’m no picky eater but I definitely know the difference between what’s good and not. Mango pizza tastes just as good as any other pizza except it has this creamy and cheesy taste to it. I could not remember the other dishes we ordered. All I could remember was that my palate was satisfied by just a slice of that mango pizza and the rest is history.

We have seen most of Guimaras but not all. I think there are still plenty to discover in that little island but it was what our limited time could only allow and that was good enough. I would certainly be back in this side of the country for more adventure but checking the time as it hit the hour of 5PM, we knew two crazy adventurers have to get their butts on the fastest bus to Roxas City if they wanna make it back to Manila on time, not missing their flight nor their jobs in the morning.

Related Read: GUIMARAS: A Travel Guide To 5 Must See Places |  Things To Do

If you have more time in your hands, I would reco for you to give this charming island another day. If you need a place to spend the night, here are some of your best choices.

KEY TAKEAWAYS OF THIS BACOLOD ILOILO GUIMARAS TRIP

• • All the destinations we’ve visited were amazing. I think my least favorite is Lakawon Island. It’s not the kind of place made for people on a tight budget and has limited time. If you would be doing your own BIG Adventure and you’d like to include some island lovin’ then stick to Islas De Gigantes and Guimaras.

• • I highly recommend that you utilize Bacolod and Roxas Airports as your start and endpoints. This would allow you to be more spontaneous and will save you some hours from getting from one spot to the other.

• • Western Visayas which include Bacolod, Iloilo, and Guimaras has equally distributed rain throughout the year but the best months to visit would still be from November to June. Avoid the rainy months to make the most out of your travel.

• • Hiligaynon is widely spoken in these parts of the country but people do also understand and speak English and Tagalog.
  • Transportation is easy. You could utilize passenger jeeps to get to places within the city and beyond. Cabs are available too. No TNVS i.e. GRAB car available yet.
  • Bacolod, Iloilo, and Guimaras are generally peaceful and safe even in the late hours of the evening. Of course, caution still has to be observed especially against pickpockets and snatchers.
  • If you are starting your BIG Adventure in Iloilo City, from Iloilo Airport, you can ride a van to downtown Iloilo for P50. They are usually parked just outside the airport and is really not hard to find.

FERRY & BOAT SCHEDULES + FARES

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 BUDGET & SAMPLE ITINERARY FOR BACOLOD ILOILO GUIMARAS

There you have it lovelies. Hope our 5-DAY BIG Adventure Guide  could help you in planning your own trip. Feel free to leave you questions, comments, suggestions and anything goes below. For more travel updates from me, follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Until next time. Ciao!