The Enchanting Islands of Concepcion

Bulobadiangan Island

The Concepcion group of islands is located east of Panay Island in the Visayan Sea. These 17 islands are part of the Municipality of Concepcion in the province of Iloilo.

The sandbar on Bulobadiangan Island stretches across the sea toward Igbon Island. These islands have so far escaped the throng of sun worshippers. It was our only stop during our visit because Agho Island which is known for its white sand beach, was closed to visitors at the time and no one at the Tourism office knew when it would reopen. There is a P25 entrance fee per person to get off at Bulobadiangan and we had to bring our own food which one of the residents prepared for us for a P150 cooking fee. Cold drinks are available on the island.

Danao Island

Danao Island with its white sand beach looks inviting from the shores of Bulobadiangan.

Pan de Azucar

The peak of Mount Manaphag or Sugarloaf Mountain towers over Pan de Azucar Island and can be seen from the mainland. Pan de Azucar is the largest island in the group. Mountain climbing enthusiasts will find the steep slopes of one of the tallest mountains in Panay both challenging and exhilarating.

Map of Concepcion Islands

How to get there:

From Roxas City to Sara, Iloilo

Take a Ceres bus or Public Utility Van (PUV) from the Punta Dulog Terminal to Sara then transfer to a jeepney bound for Concepcion port. This is a 2-hour trip. You can also hire a private van from Roxas City for the entire day. Call or send text message to Butterfly Tours at 0910-006-2742.

From Iloilo City to Sara: Take the Ceres bus from Tagbak Terminal in Jaro for the 2-hour trip to Concepcion. At Sara, take a jeepney to the port of Concepcion.

Hiring a boat for island hopping:

The Tourism office can assist you in hiring a boat for island hopping. There is a P30 tourism ecological fee per person. The pumpboat costs approximately P2,500.00 for one island stop. Additional stops costs P500.00 each. Contact Concepcion Tourism office at 0917-590-0499.

We hired a boat from Pan de Azucar Hotel located on the port. Our spacious boat waited for us at the island until we were ready to go back to port. We paid P2,500.00 for four passengers in March 2018. Check with the hotel for current prices at 0917-100-5871.

Cottage rental fee: P400.00

Always check with providers for current rates.

*****

Images by TravelswithCharie

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