BOHOL Tour Packages! - Panglao Beach Resorts, Chocolate Hills, River Cruise, Island Hopping from low P4500+ only from www.Bohol-Philippines.com
Excursions from Boracay
Boracay island is near enough to Panay Island for short excursions. There are several other islands in the vicinity that you can visit.
Laurel Island
Laurel Island is a small island some few hundred meters southeast of Boracay. At the island there is a small beach, a restaurant, various sculptures and a viewing point. There is a small cave to explore as well. Its a nice snorkling destination when there is no current, together with diving.
Buruanga Island
This trip is a full day boat trip from Boracay, which can be arranged together with diving or just as a hide away trip. Buruanga features its own Town Fiesta on May 8 and on June 12 is the Atiatihan Festival. Boracay, the world reknowned for its beautiful white beaches, is about 30 minutes away from Buruanga through the port of Caticlan. Buruanga is the former mother town of Boracay, Malay in Aklan. See Buruanga's for its beautiful mangroves as well as beautiful rock formations which makes it one of the Off the beaten path destinations.
Kalibo
Kalibo is the capital-town of the province of Aklan, Philippines. You can see the Kalibo Mangrove (Bakhawan) Ecotourism Park- one of the most successful mangrove reforestation project in the country is one of the places that must not be missed as well as the Piņa-weaving industry. Museo it Akean, the town's museum is a repository of the province's rich cultural heritage. During the Ati-atihan festival, don't forget to visit the Kalibo Cathedral and witness the Catholic faithful get a brief respite with the "paeapak" or the massaging of a small Sto. Niņo (Christ Child) statuette onto the devotees.
Capiz
The island-province of Capiz, on the northeastern part of Panay Island, is the birthplace of the fifth president of the Philippine Republic, Manuel Roxas. It is known as a Seafood Basket with its bountiful harvest of milkfish, lobster and other shellfish.
Among its attractions are the centuries-old coral churches of Panay and Dumalag. The islands of Napti and Olutaya are ideal for both snorkeling and diving. Spelunking is also favored as an activity for the adventure-driven, with a choice of caves to explore in the different towns: Quipot in Mambusao, Igang in Maayon, Suhot in Dumalag and Badiang in Dumarao.
The capital city of Roxas hosts the Halaran Festival every first weekend of October. The festival re-enacts the purchase of Panay by the 10 Bornean chieftains from the aboriginal Atis. It is highlighted by streetdancing to the beat of drums and a gift-giving ritual to the spirit gods as performed by the babaylanes, or "witch doctors."
Iloilo
Iloilo province on the southeastern part of Panay Island is known for its gentry living as showcased by its many colonial churches and mansions scattered throughout its landscape.
Iloilo City alone is a living testimonial to the province's rich cultural heritage. At the city proper, the landmarks include: Museo Iloilo, Muelle Loney at the city port, Fort San Pedro, a popular evening promenade at the waterfront, and Plaza Libertad. Arevalo has fine 19th century mansions, looms that weave jusi and piña, and flower nurseries. Jaro is the residential center of the elite who, to this day, maintain their grand ancestral homes in tip-top condition.
Each town along the coast west of the city has its own centuries-old church.
Tigbauan has a Baroque facade, Guimbal's is made of yellow sandstone, and
San Joaquin's, of white coral. But the most impressive is the grand Miag-ao
Church which is inscribed in the World Heritage List.
The towns east of the city lead to Estancia, the gateway to the cluster
of islands off northeast Panay.
Iloilo hosts a number of festivals throughout the year, the most popular of which are: Dinagyang, Iloilo's version of Aklan's Ati-Atihan, celebrated on the third weekend of January; the Feast of Our Lady of Candles every February 2 in Jaro; the Paraw Regatta held every third Sunday of February in the strait between Iloilo City and Guimaras Island; Pasungay, or the Festival of Bulls, in San Joaquin every second Saturday off January; and the Carabao Race in Pavia every May 3.
Romblon
The island-province of Romblon is a cluster of 20 islands lying practically at the center of the Philippine archipelago. Its three main islands are: Romblon, Tablas and Sibuyan.
In the capital town of Romblon is found the 16th century St. Joseph's Cathedral which was built by the Recollect Fathers and features a Byzantine altar, stained-glass windows, and an extensive collection of religious antiquities. Perched on top of a hill is the old Spanish Fort San Andres which is now used as a weather station.
In Tablas is found the main pier and airport. It boasts many fine beaches and magnificent waterfalls spread out in several towns. In the town of Calatrava is the massive Oregon Rock, two black boulders that stand guard at the entrance of Romblon Pass.
Sibuyan Island is dominated by Mount Guiting-Guiting, the highest peak in the province at 2,057 meters. Its rugged terrain is a challenge to trekkers.
At the southernmost part of the province is Carabao Island, also known as the town of San Jose, said to have the most beautiful beaches in all of Romblon.
