When we hear about the province of Aklan, probably Boracay Island would first bulge out on our minds. Indeed, the island of Boracay is one of the famous and pristine beaches of our country that we could showcase all over the world. With its white powdery sand, it is a must visit for the local and international travelers all-year round but if you are looking for solace that somehow Boracay can’t give due to its crowd, you might opt to visit Hinugtan Beach. Just around 30-to-40-minute ride from Caticlan Jetty Port, discover this hidden gem at the heart of Buruanga, Aklan. A secret we are ready to share to everyone!
Knowing Hinugtan Beach
Hinugtan Beach is located in Buruanga, Aklan that started to make craze online as an alternate beach getaway for those who wants to skip the crowd of Boracay. For me, Hinugtan is not just an alternate option because it has its own beauty that she can stand on its own allure. It has white powdery sand, though not as white as those found in Boracay, crystal blue waters and also have water activities that visitors can enjoy.
How to get there?
From Iloilo
Ride a Catical bound bus from Ceres Terminal in Tagbak, Iloilo. Fare is 500 Php and travel time may take around 5 hours. From Caticlan, charter a tricycle that will take you to Buruanga (fare is 100 php each). Upon reaching Buruanga, you have to take another habal-habal that will take you to Hinugtan. Take note that the driver will drop you off first on the area where you have to pay for an environmental fee and on the Hinugtan area, you still have to walk a bit on a downhill to reach the main beach.
From Manila
If you will be riding a plane from Manila, upon reaching Caticlan airport look for a transport that will take you to Caticlan port or probably they can take you directly to Buruanga. There are tricycles outside Caticlan airport and just negotiate with them. From Buruanga, ride a habal-habal that will take you to Hinugtan area.
Where to stay in Hinugtan Beach?
There are few beach resorts located in the shoreline of Hinugtan such as:
- Hinugtan Beach – Facebook link here
- White Beach Front and Cottages – Facebook link here
- Emen’s Paradise Resort – Facebook link here
We had our stay in Emen’s Paradise Resort. The rooms are maintained, staffs are accommodating, Comfort Rooms are not crowded, rooms and cottages are cheap in prices and overnight stay includes breakfast meal. Here are the rooms available in the resort with its prices:
DAYNITS (1st room) Beach Front (GOOD FOR 7 PAX) fan room shared Cr
7 persons: 4,000 (with free breakfast)
- two kids is free (add 200 each for additional kids)
SHINE (2nd room) Aircon room (GOOD FOR 1-3PAX) Shared Cr
1-2 person/s: 2,200 (with free breakfast)
3 persons: 2,800 (with free breakfast)
- one kid is free (add 200 each for additional kids)
SHIELA (3rd room) Aircon Room (GOOD FOR 1-4 PAX) Shared Cr
1-2 person/s: 2,200 (with free breakfast)
3 persons: 2,800 (with free breakfast)
4 persons: 3,500 (with free breakfast)
- one kid is free (add 200 each for additional kids)
EM EM (4th Room) Aircon Room (GOOD FOR 1-4 PAX) Private Cr
1-2 person/s: 2,200 (with free breakfast)
3 persons: 2,800 (with free breakfast)
4 persons: 3,500 (with free breakfast)
- one kid is free (add 200 each for additional kids)
AURING (5th Room) Fan room (GOOD FOR 7PAX) Private Cr Kitchen (gas stove, utensils) add 300 pesos per night
7 persons: 4,000 (with free breakfast)
- two kids is free (add 200 each for additional kids)
MEMIE (6th Room) Aircon Family Room (GOOD FOR 15PAX) Private Cr Kitchen (gas stove, utensils) add 300 pesos per night
7 persons: 5,300 (with free breakfast)
8 persons: 5,500 (with free breakfast)
9 persons: 7,400 (with free breakfast)
10 persons: 8,000 (with free breakfast)
11 persons: 8,500 (with free breakfast)
12 persons: 9,000 (with free breakfast)
13 persons: 9,500 (with free breakfast)
14 persons: 10,000 (with free breakfast)
15 persons: 10,500 (with free breakfast)
- two kids is free (add 200 each for additional kids)
LORNA (7th room) Aircon Room (GOOD FOR 7 PAX) Private Cr Kitchen (gas stove, ref, utensils) add 300 pesos per night
7 persons: 5,000 (with free breakfast)
- one kid is free (add 200 each for additional kids)
EM EM KUBO (8th room) Fan Room (GOOD FOR 2) kubo kubo Shared Cr
1-2 person/s: 1,700 (with free breakfast)
MARILOU (9th room) Family Room (GOOD FOR 10PAX) Fan room Private Cr Kitchen (gas stove, ref, utensils) add 300 pesos per night
8 persons: 4,300 (with free breakfast)
9 persons: 4,600 (with free breakfast)
10 persons: 5,000 (with free breakfast)
- two kids is free (add 200 each for additional kids)
Note: Prices may change without prior notice, please check their official facebook pages for recent updates. Click here.
There are still other resorts and cottages located around the area that I am not familiar with so you could search it online for more options.
Hinugtan Beach
We arrived at Hinugtan at around 2:00 PM, after a bit trek downhill to reach the main beach, you will be greeted by this secret gem that you didn’t imagine ever existed. We just walk around the place looking for Emen’s resort and one of their staff saw us along the way and asked where we are heading to. Maybe she seems to think that we are a bit lost and can’t find our way (lol). She assisted us on our way to our room. We originally reserved the Auring room which is good for 7 pax but unfortunately, only three of us pushed through the trip. Luckily, the staffs are kind enough to transfer us on a smaller room so we would pay less than the original reservation. We settled our things and went around the beach the same afternoon. We had a two-night stay and our first day was Sunday so there are more people than usual but I can say it’s still not that crowded.
There is no mobile signal on the whole Hinugtan area but there’s a lot of pisonet wifi that pretty much works especially during the night. If you want to have a quick update on your social media feed, this is a pretty good option.
Second day
I woke up early in the morning and saw the beach during low tide. A peaceful scene to ponder first thing in the morning. We took a lot more photos and explore nearby shores and points of Hinugtan Beach. There are rock formations that can be seen at the end of the Hinugtan area but better be careful when taking photos as the pointy rocks can cause you harm.
During lowtide in the morning, visitors also enjoy water activities such as kayaking and boating as the waves are still calm and water level is still a bit shallow. Also, in front of Emen’s Paradise Resort is where the swings can be found. When I searched online of Hinugtan Beach, a lot of photos show this big swing and the other two swings in front of the blue waters. But regardless where you are staying, I do believe you can still take photos in here.
Monday afternoon during our second day of stay in this beach, only few tourists are left including ourselves. It was that afternoon when we just sat down on the white sands, stare on the azure waters and was calmed by the waves while talking about our lives. This is one of the perfect place and time to relax and share stories of wonderful times with our friends and family. It will give you serenity while wondering “what’s happening on the island on the other side?” I wonder how this secluded beach can be this beautiful and was not able to pay a visit all these years.
Last day
It was Tuesday morning when we checked out of the resort and it was the same habal-habal drivers who fetched us but by this time they’ll take us directly to the Caticlan Port. From Caticlan Port, we made our way to the bus terminal and ride a bus bound back to Iloilo.
Things to know before going:
- Mobile Signal is not available on the Hinugtan area, only pisonet wifi for internet connection. If you will be needing to have some work done online or you need to work remotely, wifi is not reliable so better plan your visit.
- Arrange a pick-up of the same habal-habal driver who take you in Hinugtan. Set a time and day as you will not be able to communicate with him once you are there.
- Contact the resort via facebook messenger earlier as they might not be able to get back to you as soon as possible due to limited internet and mobile signal. They might not be able to pick up a call due to lacking phone signal.
- There are sari-sari stores on the resorts and you can order cooked food if you didn’t bring any with you, just tell the staffs ahead of time.
Have you been to Hinugtan Beach before? Share your experiences below!
