Visayas

52 Give: Week 2 (Visayas Travel Tips)

JosheneLeave a comment

This Tuesday, a former churchmate asked me for tourist spot recommendations in the Visayas because he plans to vacation hop this month. I gave him a list, and threw in some tips as well. Here’s what I told him:

  1. If you’re into beautiful beaches + island hopping, Gigantes Islands and Guimaras are a must. If you’re planning to visit Gigantes, it’s better if you come from Roxas City (Capiz) and head for Carles, Iloilo since it’s nearer. And while you’re in Roxas, you may want to do the Cadimahan River Tour, too. Or at least get a relaxing massage or foot spa in one of its floating cottages.
  2. Foodies should definitely do a food crawl in Iloilo before heading off to Guimaras. Make sure to try the city’s famous La Paz batchoy (I recommend Netong’s and Deco’s) and Roberto’s siopao. Then drop by Margec’s in Jaro for your pasalubong needs. Their cream horns are famous, and for good reason! For other food recommendations in Iloilo, check out my post Top 5 Foods You Need to Try in Iloilo.
  3. Bacolod also has loads of delicious food, such as chicken inato and kansi. Make sure to visit Calea’s and try one of their cakes. You can head out of the actual city for other tourist spots (there’s a hot spring in Mambukal), plus the famous The Ruins in Talisay City. If you plan to visit The Ruins, make sure to do it close to sunset (4 p.m. should be safe) because the structure changes color as the sun goes down (spoiler: it’s eggwhites).
  4. For a more relaxing city crawl, spend a day in Dumaguete City, the City of Gentle People (check out my post Top 3 Things I Discovered on my Dumaguete Trip). Then hop on a ferry to Siquijor and do a day tour: The beaches there are lovely, plus there’s a super high diving spot that dared not try.
  5. Chocolate Hills in not the only tourist spot in Bohol. There’s an underground cave, a sand bar, clear waters on a beach, and other exciting places you can visit. (I’m adding this to my list because my churchmate said he wasn’t interested in Bohol because it’s only known for Chocolate Hills. I had to prove him wrong.)

Got anything to add to my list? What’s your favorite Visayas travel destination? I want to hear from you! Who knows, I might be able to use your tips for my next trip!