The growing popularity in social media of Isla de Gigantes in Carles, Iloilo have caught the attention of local and foreign tourists since 2018 due to the closure of Boracay Island for rehabilitation.
However, aside from the now popular Gigantes group of islands, another group of islands in Iloilo is slowly making a name for itself to local and foreign tourists alike. This group of islands is dotted with scenic island beaches and striking sandbars scattered in the blue waters of the Visayan Sea. Quite unconventional yet equally delightful and pleasing. This is the group of islands off the coast of Concepcion in Northern Iloilo.
Approximately three hours away from Iloilo City, Concepcion is a third class municipality in the province of Iloilo. It is located on the north-eastern part of Panay Island, together with some 16 other smaller islands. It is blessed with one of the most scenic seascapes in the whole province of Iloilo.
Concepcion is an excellent place for island hopping. You will find picturesque white sand beaches, visually vivid sandbars, and picture-perfect landscapes and seascapes. A scene so perfect that you might double check your camera if its real.
Among the 16 islands are some that I have visited during my summer escapades :
1. Bulubadiangan Island. It is a privately owned island that features a long sandbar exposed during lowtide. Its long stretch of white sand is composed of pulverized corals and seashells. The view is incomparable and the accomodation is good. The caretakers of the island were friendly and willingfully assisted us. They've even lent us their kitchen utensils and dinnerwares. Among all the other islands I have visited this is only where we spent overnight.
2. Agho Island. This island has one of the most beautiful panoramic view I have ever seen. Perhaps it is the view of Pan de Azucar, the torquoise waters and the creamy white sand that makes it picture-perfect. It is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and boating.
3. Badiango Island Resort. This island is part of Sitio Danao-Danao in Barangay Polopina. The resort is developed with comfortable amenities. Here, the sound of the waves is relaxing and the beauty of the place is just strikingly pleasing.
4. Pan de Azucar. Perhaps this is the most popular of all the 16 islands since it is the biggest and it features the second highest peak in Panay, the Mount Manaphag. We dropped by to this island but we didn't had the enthusiasm to swim because its beach is not really that inviting. This place is rather best for hiking or to stay overnight.
5. Lumpatan Island. It is a small beach found in the coast of Pan de Azucar. This one has a cliff wall of granite rocks. The beach is pebbled and quite rocky but good for a cool swim. It has been called "lumpatan" by the locals because this is where you can jump over from one of the cliffs to the deep and cool waters.
Concepcion still has a lot of beautiful islands that I have not visited. But these exciting places are in my travel list just waiting for a time to be able to be part of my summer stories.
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