How to Get to Concepcion Iloilo Beaches

 

 

 

Thanks for reading our family trip to Concepcion’s Bulobadiangan and Agho Islands. As promised, I’m sharing here how to get to the islands of Concepcion. If you haven’t read it, here it is:

“Visiting the Island of Concepcion, Iloilo wit Kids“

 

There are many entry points going to Concepcion but Iloilo City ( via boat or plane from Manila and othe major cities) is the most common route. For Roll-On Roll-Off points, check out the port of Culasi ( Ajuy), Roxas City, and Aklan’s Caticlan port.

 

Iloilo City to Concepcion, Iloilo

 

  Photo courtesy of Google Maps

 

Distance from Iloilo City to Concepcion is at least 98 kilometres. Set aside at least 2 hours of road travel, depending on driving speed and road condition. For those taking public transportation from Iloilo City, get the bus from Ceres terminal or van in Tagbak terminal.

I will be sharing more on how to get to Concepcion from Iloilo via private vehicle. It’s quite easy though even for first-time visitors – just drive along the National Highway, passing the northern towns of Barotac Viejo until Ajuy. Once you pass by Poblacion Ajuy, look for the road that separates Concepcion and Sara.

The side and the entry road is narrow, it can be tricky. We almost got lost because the signage was covered with election posters  even though we went after elections. Going right is Concepcion and left is Sara.

Once you turn right to Concepcion, just go straight. You know you are on the right track once you see the peak of Mt. Manaphag. Go to the plaza and look for the Tourism Office.

 

 

Concepcion Tourism Office

 

 

Most local visitors have direct contacts of boat transfers going to the islands of Concepcion. I’m glad that the local tourism office of Concepcion are readily available to assist walk-in visitors.  Personally, I feel more secure if I arrange it with the tourism office.

They gave us a nice boat – safe with life jackets- and helped me haggle the price. Pay Php25 ( per adult) as environmental fee and you are helping the municipality of Concepcion in tracking their number of tourists. They will ask you where you’re going and if you want to go island hopping.

Feel free to ask for their recommendations and suggestions. Here’s their contact number in case you want to get in touch with them before your trip:

Concepcion Tourism Office – +63 998 216 8581 / (033) 396-7731

 

 

Boat Going to Bulobadiangan Island

 

 

Boat rides going to the beaches of Concepcion is at Php1,500 ( small boats, pictured above) and Php2,000 (for bigger boats).  I suggest, you take the big boats, these are the boats from Sandbar Beach Resort. Aside from having a bigger capacity, they are safer and more stable.

 

” Why are the boat rides expensive?”

Im glad I went and talked with the lovely tourism officer of Concepcion.  I find it ridiculously expensive at first, especially the Php1,000 per island rate for island hopping. Turns out, you will be renting the boat for your whole trip and it will be chartered. I thought the boats will leave you and come back on your desired time. The arrangement is very safe for tourists – you know you will not be left alone in an island.

On top of that, we had a tour guide and assistants ( our boatmen helped  the boys jumping from the boat into the water) . The big boats served as our beach base. As I kept mentioning, we didn’t take a cottage during our trip.

 

 

Unlike other beach destinations like Guimaras, travelers are not on a steady schedule. They only serve when there are demands from passengers since the islands of Concepcion are uninhabited. Most of the boats are for fishing and not for transporting beach trippers like us.

There you have it. My super mini travel guide to Concepcion, Iloilo on how to get there. If I missed something or if you have some questions, feel free to leave a comment.

 

Thanks for reading!