iloilo Archives | Meghy Was Here

Lanawan Rocks: A New Trekking Spot To Try In Concepcion, Iloilo

Meghy — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 10:27:16 +0000

Hiking seems to be popular to the young and old ones nowadays. Not only within Luzon but I noticed that even in the province of Iloilo, it is starting to be a hobby for many. But if your heart is not into a whole day hike, you can try visiting Lanawan Rocks that offers a spectacular view after a merely 15-to-20-minute trek to the top. Lanawan rocks is located in Sitio Tagbak, Brgy. Placido, Concepcion, Iloilo and a good side trip when you are visiting the beaches of the Northern Iloilo. Just located around 3 hours away from the City of Iloilo this could be your next weekend trip with your friends and family.

Knowing Lanawan Rocks:

As per our tour guide, Lanawan Rocks is a tourist attraction that features few rock formations and was recently discovered and opened at the mid of this covid pandemic. The place was posted by a tourist on social media that people on the internet became curious about this beauty hidden at the outskirts of Concepcion, Iloilo. People on the area is actually not into social media and didn’t even realize that posts on these platforms can make their place known to many. The rock formations were kept on themselves for so many years but now, they are ready for the world to finally see it. Thanks to the viral post of Lanawan Rocks that many locals were given a chance to earn an extra as a guide (like how our guide, who is a working student, was able to get extra money for his school allowance).

The trail going to the jump off is a dirt road composed of few ascents making it famous to bicycle riders looking for adventure trail. Many group of riders are visiting the place especially during the weekend. The Lanawan Rocks are being managed by Ate Anabelle who is the owner also of Anna’s Kitchenette located at the jump off of the trail.

How to get there?

From Iloilo City, make your way to Ceres Terminal located in Tagbak, Iloilo. Ride a bus bound to Concepcion (travel is roughly 3 hours). From Concepcion town proper, ride a habal-habal or tricycle that will take you directly to Lanawan Rocks. Travel time may take another 30 minutes and fare would be 100 Php each. Tricycle on Brgy. Placido is not pretty much available for commuters so we opt to ask our driver to just wait for us at the jump off and paid him additional fee.

Trekking going to Lanawan Rocks:

We reached Brgy. Placido at around 11 AM and met Ate Ana where we paid for a registration fee of 25 Php each and tour guide fee of 100 Php (for 5 pax). After paying, we left our things at Anna’s kitchen and started the trek right away. The trek is pretty easy but the heat of the sun makes it exhausting from time to time. It’s almost noon when we started the trail so I advise anyone planning to go there to start the trek early morning or late afternoon. There are couple of peaks or rock formations you could take pictures with. Just be extra careful as it could be heart trembling experience especially for those who have a fear of heights. From above you’ll be seeing the beauty of the blue waters of Concepcion and its nearby town of Ajuy.

Take another 15-minute descent and you’ll reach the jump off.

Anna’s Kitchenette:

After you get tired of trekking, you can reward yourself with a sumptuous mean from Ana’s Kitchenette owned by Ate Anabelle. The food house serves silog dishes and beverages. Our personal favorite is their Buko Shake! You’ll definitely ask for more.

The food place is beautifully decorated. From empty bottles up to sea shells are all recycled and used to make the place feel homey while enjoying good food with a view.

The town of Concepcion in Iloilo is actually famous for its white sand island beaches but it is refreshing to know that aside from its beautiful waters, they have this vantage point from above that you could trek and appreciate the allure high up.

For additional inquiries, you can directly contact Lanawan Rocks on their official Facebook page here.

Have you been to Lanawan Rocks before? Share your experiences below!

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Balboa’s Adventure Park Travel Guide: Iloilo’s Newest Outdoor Playground

Meghy — Fri, 24 Dec 2021 03:21:26 +0000

Another outdoor park in the province of Iloilo started to make a craze online when it officially opened to the public early this year. Balboa’s Adventure Park is located in the town of Barotac Viejo that will definitely load you with different adventure activities once you visit. I honestly been to this place way before it was developed to the adventure park that it is today and I was amazed how this farm eventually turned into a park full of exciting activities. It serves as a camping ground too so one can savor and take pleasure in the tranquility of our nature.

How to get there?

Ride a Barotac Viejo bound bus from the Ceres Terminal located in Tagbak, Jaro, Iloilo. Fare will be 89 Php each and travel time may take about 1.5 hours. Drop off at Barotac Viejo Public Market and then ride a tricycle that will take you directly to Balboa’s Adventure Park (Fare is 50 Php each).

Activities to try:

Zipline (30 Php/ride) – a recreational activity with inclined cable armed with pulley. Wearing a harness is a must for safety measures.

Archery (50 Php/6 arrows) – bring out your Katniss Everdeen persona by trying this bow and arrows sport.

Airsoft (P50/magazine) – players will use airsoft guns and hit targets on their very own shooting range.

Monkey Bridge (Free) – an obstacle bridge made of rope.

Wall Bridge (Free) – a wall made of heavy ropes that one needs to cross to finish the obstacle.

Cliff Swing (Free) – two parallel swings that stands beside a small cliff.

Jungle Swing (Free) – one would hold on a single rope and have to swing going on the other side of the course.

Spider Net (Free) – a web-like structure made also of ropes.

The Tower (Free) – also called “Wifi Station” located at the top most area of the park where you can reward yourself with the beautiful overlooking view of mountains surrounding the park.

Stairway to Heaven (Free) – a staircase made out of bamboo perfect for your instagram photos with sky as your backdrop.

Other Amenities:

Obstacle course
Adult Seesaw
Bike Trail
Nature’s Trail
Dipping Pool

You can also do overnight camping by pitching a tent or rent one of their cottages with a dipping pool. For overnight camp and cottage rental, you can directly send inquiries on their official Facebook page here.

The park also serves meals and beverages perfect for your snacks and lunches after a tiring time of activities.

Other things to know before going:

Entrance fee is 30 Php each
The park is located in Vista Alegre, 5011 Barotac Viejo, Iloilo
Network signal is roughly not available on the park. You’ll be needing to trek up to the “Data Center shed” or to “The Tower” to get a good reception.
Park opens at 8:00 AM Monday to Sunday. For further details and inquiries, kindly message their Facebook page here.

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Bucari Pine Forest and Campsite: Visiting The Summer Capital of Iloilo

Meghy — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 02:24:25 +0000

Bucari is an upland region situated on the highlands of Leon, Iloilo. Due to its geographic location, the place has a cool climate all year round that’s being compared to the climate in Tagaytay and Baguio. Bucari is being tagged now as “Iloilo’s Little Baguio” or “The Summer Capital of Iloilo” and a popular destination for anyone looking for an easy day trek or overnight camping.

Bucari Pine Forest and Campsite

Bucari Pine Forest and Campsite is located in Sitio Tabionan, Bucari, Leon, Iloilo. This is where the famous Mansiga view deck and pine trees are situated that resembles those pine trees that can be found all around Baguio City. You can enjoy here by having family picnics, trekking to Mansiga View Deck or an overnight camp to clinch an adventure trip.

How to get there?

Ride a jeepney bound to Leon, Iloilo (jeepney terminal can be found on Jaro Market or on Robinson’s Place Pavia Transport Terminal). Fare is P40 (from Rob Pavia) and travel time is about an hour. From Leon town proper, you can either ride a jeepney bound to Bucari for P50 or charter a motorcycle that will take you directly to Bucari for P250 good for 2 pax or P200 for 1 pax. Take note that as of now, the Bucari bound jeepneys doesn’t have a fix schedule of departure. On our case, we opt to rent a motorcycle for faster trip.

Leon Tourism and Information Center

With the recent re-opening of the Bucari Campsite after a series of restrictions, I learned through Leon Tourism and Information Center official Facebook page that tourists are encouraged to book prior to their visit in accordance to the guidelines set by the Department of Tourism. You can book your visit by messaging their official Facebook page here. On the date of your visit, please drop by on their office at Leon Tourism and Information Center across Leon Municipal Hall for the payment of fees and confirmation slips.

Environment Fee:

P50 (non-residents of Leon)

P30 (residents of Leon)

Entrance Fee:

P30 (Campsite and Mansiga)

P30 (Imoy and Kataw Falls)

*Guidelines may change from time to time so it will be better to check Leon Tourism and Information Center Fb page for recent announcements.

*If you opt to ride a motorcycle to Bucari, the tourism officer might ask you to drop off again on their office after getting a rider so they could record the details of your driver to ensure your safety.

Arrival at Bucari Pine Forest

It took as around 45 minutes from Leon Town Plaza to reach Bucari Pine Forest. You would know that you’re already in Bucari with the sudden change of climate. You’ll feel the cool breeze of air as an indication that you’ll already stepping foot to Iloilo’s Little Baguio. Upon arrival they just checked our slips, registered our visit and immediately started our trek to Mansiga View Deck.

They managed to have a hiking trail stairs also known as “The Mansiga Steps” so trekking could be easier even for non-hikers. You’ll pass through stations of the cross while being charmed by the different Flora and Faunas along the way to the top. After 30-45 minutes (depends on your pace), you’ll be greeted by the foremost scenery from the view deck. There are three distinct crest the view deck can offer. The first one has a flat land overlooking the mountains of Iloilo Province.

Take a few meters ascent and you’ll reach another view deck where the famous inclining pine tree resides. The leaning pine tree was caused by the calamitous Typhoon Frank way back 2008. They put a support so you could walk up to the edge of the tree. Carrying capacity is 2-3 persons and it is now a famous photo spot on Bucari.

Just beside the view deck is a garden and a sari-sari store where you can eat snacks and take a rest after a tiring trek. We followed the trail after the second view deck that leads us to the rock formation of Bucari Pine Forest. Please be mindful of your steps as the path could be slippery and muddy during the rainy days. Also, one misstep could make you stumble on the pointy rock formations and no one wants that to happen.

Reaching the rock formation is my favorite part of this trip. You’ll be served by the splendor of the view from this high point. You’ll feel reaching the top of the world by just staring on the stunner that surrounds you. It was really worth the hike and sweat!

Going down from Mansiga View Deck

Going down from the view deck could take you another 30-45 minutes but before going home, don’t forget to drop by on the vegetable stalls settled by the locals. Just go straight from the entrance of the Bucari Pine Forest and on your right, you’ll see the locals selling fresh vegetables on a very cheap price. Bucari, like Baguio, is also known for their fresh and cheap vegetables as the crops grow suitably due to the cool climate of the highland.

If you wish to do picnics, sheds and chairs are pretty much available on the area. There are also stores where you can buy foods and stuffs. If you wish to camp overnight, you can coordinate with the tourism office first so they could offer you their available setups.

There are also nearby waterfalls (Imoy and Kataw Falls) that would require additional slog that we didn’t able to visit (maybe on my next visit).

Have you been to Bucari? Share your experience below!

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Mapols Farm Guide: More Than Just A Farm In Pototan, Iloilo

Meghy — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 14:50:02 +0000

Mapols Farm is a recreational and Instagram worthy place for those who wants to experience what it feels like to have a farm life. Situated few kilometers away from Pototan proper and 30-40 minutes away from Iloilo City, it started to invite tourists who wants to relax and have a quick getaway from the city.

How To Get There?

From Iloilo City, ride a jeepney going to Tagbak Terminal then ride another jeepney bound to Pototan. Upon arriving in Pototan town proper, charter a tricycle that would take you to Mapols Farm.

Getting Around Mapols Farm:

Upon entering the farm you have to pay for a P20 entrance fee on the entrance point that serves as well as their café. On their café, they offer organic foods and beverages that’s made of ingredients fresh from their own farm goods which is a good way of supporting their “local farmers”. Getting around the vicinity is quite easy. There would be lot of places for your photos that you can choose. There are bamboo cottages, tables, farmhouse and gazebo that you can rent.

But what tourists are lining up now on the farm is the chance of getting up on what they called “Pugad” or giants nests and take pictures on it. There are four giant nests which they call accordingly; Pugad Uno, Pugad Dos, Pugad Tres and Pugad Cuatro. Each nests requires additional ticket that would cost you P10 each.

Another attraction is their giant swing that would cost another fee of P50. They also have Century-old Mango tree that has a tree house at the top, a “papag” that can be rented, a man-made kiddie pool, a fish pond, a sari-sari store and a lot of playing area perfect for the kids!

Additional Information To Know:

· The farm is located in Brgy. Bagacay, Pototan, Iloilo.

· Mapols Farm is open from 9am-6pm during weekdays and 9am-7pm during weekends.

· Entrance fee for sightseeing is P20 and additional fees can be charged for other attractions.

· For other questions you can directly contact them through their Facebook page here.

Have you been to Mapols Farm before? Share your thoughts below!

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What To Do In Iloilo, Philippines: Things To Do And Places To Visit

Meghy — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 12:39:48 +0000

Iloilo may still not be as known as Cebu or Palawan but it is a place that will excite and leave you in awe because of its uniqueness. Dubbed as the “City of Love” situated in the Panay Island and serves as a passageway to nearby provinces such as Guimaras, Antique and Capiz.

I am not saying this because it is my hometown but I know it has something any tourist would love to see and feel. It is a place where old times meet the modern era much like having a country side feeling meeting the busy metropolitan life.

So here are the list of the things to do when you’re in Iloilo:

Tour Iloilo Downtown

It is one of my favorite spot in Iloilo becuse it gives so much idea of our beloved heritage. This is where you can see century old commercial establishments that has been beautifully restored. One of this old commercial building is Calle Real which serves as the central attraction of the downtown.

Have a taste of the authentic Lapaz Batchoy

Lapaz Batchoy is a dish originated in Iloilo that serves as a signature dish of Ilonggos. Honestly, I never tasted a good Lapaz Batchoy unless it is in Iloilo. Once you tasted the authentic Iloilo Lapaz Batchoy, you will always know the difference.

Ted’s Old Timers Lapaz Batchoy, Deco’s and Netong’s Lapaz Batchoy in Lapaz Market are among the famous food places that offers this signature dish. You can see a lot of branches of Ted’s and Deco’s in Iloilo so it will not be hard for you to get the chance tasting this good food.

Visit Old Churches and Mansions

Iloilo is a good place for church hopping since there are many beautiful churches within its vicinity. You can always start with Jaro Cathedral which is the home of “The Lady of Candles” encased on a glass and said to be continuously growing.

Other must visit churches are Molo Church, Sta. Barbara Church that was declared by NHCP as National Landmark and Miagao Chruch that was part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

Iloilo has a lot of ancient mansions as well owned by prominent families of the province long time back. Nelly’s Garden, Casa Mariquit, Lizares Mansion and Molo Mansion are some of the City’s treasured mansions.

Have a Glimpse of Europe

With the fast growing pace of Iloilo City, there’s a lot of ongoing constructions of establishments and business parks. Striking buildings found in Europe inspire some of its new establishments. You can visit Plazuela De Iloilo that has been considered as one of the favorite recreation spot of Ilonggos. Walking on the area will make you feel walking on the streets of Spain. You can find restaurants, shops and night markets during holidays.

Another place to visit in Iloilo is Festive Walk. It has European inspired buildings painted with pastel colors making you feel walking again on a foreign land. It offers a line of restaurants to choose from and becomes more beautiful at night. It turned to be a busy food park with live band at night. Who does not want to have a good food with fresh air backed with a live band? It is really a good place for chill out nights!

Experience Iloilo night out

If partying and chilling is your thing, Smallville Complex located in Iloilo Diversion Road is the perfect place for you. Others might think that partying and bar hopping is happening only on big cities such as Manila and Cebu but Iloilo have it as well. Smallville Complex serves as the heart of the night out life in the province where bars and restobars flock on the area.

Go North and Visit Beautiful Islands and Beaches

As per locals, the most picture perfect beaches can be found in Carles, Concepcion and Ajuy. Most famous of it as of now is Isla de Gigantes in Carles that offers white sands and rock formations that can be compared on those found in Palawan. Other popular beaches are Balubadingan Island in Concepcion, Sicogon Island in Carles and Marbuena Island in Ajuy.

Join Dinagyang Festival

Dinagyang Festival is an annual cultural event held in Iloilo City every fourth weekend of January. It is a thanksgiving festival in honor of Señor Santo Niño. This highlights the rich culture, history and talent of Ilonggos where exciting activities are being organized.

Most of the streets on the downtown area are close to give way to the parade of the competing tribes. Since roads are close on most areas, people have to walk while enjoying the celebrations. Come to create your own festival story, dance with the beating of the drums, take pictures with the Ati warriors, eat delicious dishes on food stalls and meet friendly Ilonggos. Join and make your own Dinagyang story.

These are some of the things I recommend you to do in Iloilo but there are still a lot of stuffs to do once you got there. You can simply ask the locals for any possible spot you can go. Illongos won’t hesitate to help you. They’re the most loving persons I’ve known. It won’t be called “City of Love” for no reason.

What is you favorite travel experience in Iloilo? Share your thoughts below!

The post What To Do In Iloilo, Philippines: Things To Do And Places To Visit appeared first on Meghy Was Here.

iloilo Archives | Meghy Was Here

Lanawan Rocks: A New Trekking Spot To Try In Concepcion, Iloilo

Knowing Lanawan Rocks:

How to get there?

Trekking going to Lanawan Rocks:

Anna’s Kitchenette:

Balboa’s Adventure Park Travel Guide: Iloilo’s Newest Outdoor Playground

How to get there?

Activities to try:

Other Amenities:

Other things to know before going:

Bucari Pine Forest and Campsite: Visiting The Summer Capital of Iloilo

Bucari Pine Forest and Campsite

How to get there?

Leon Tourism and Information Center

Arrival at Bucari Pine Forest

Going down from Mansiga View Deck

Mapols Farm Guide: More Than Just A Farm In Pototan, Iloilo

How To Get There?

Getting Around Mapols Farm:

Additional Information To Know:

What To Do In Iloilo, Philippines: Things To Do And Places To Visit

Tour Iloilo Downtown

Have a taste of the authentic Lapaz Batchoy

Visit Old Churches and Mansions

Have a Glimpse of Europe

Experience Iloilo night out

Go North and Visit Beautiful Islands and Beaches

Join Dinagyang Festival